Local officials and business leaders discuss regional priorities with Hauschild, Skraba, and IRRR representative

Nearly 60 people gathered on Thursday, Nov. 6, at Charlie’s Alpine Bistro in Lutsen for a legislative luncheon.

Hosted by the Cook County Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together county and city officials, business owners, nonprofit representatives, school leaders, and other community members for discussions with Senator Grant Hauschild, Representative Roger Skraba of District 3A, and Ryan Malich, executive director of business development at the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR).

The luncheon offered local leaders the opportunity to express their concerns, engage in discussions, and hear directly from legislators about issues affecting Cook County and the broader region.

Following lunch, John Berns, a lobbyist for the Cook County Chamber of Commerce, introduced Hauschild, Skraba, and Malich to the attendees and led a panel discussion. Hauschild, Skraba, and Malich discussed the challenges facing Cook County and northeastern Minnesota, their priorities for 2026, and the ways they aim to support residents and businesses in the region.

Ryan Malich, Sen. Hauschild, Rep. Skraba, and John Berns | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Malich spoke about how 2025 has been a challenging year for the IRRR, given economic uncertainties. “We’re trying to be responsive, but right now a lot of things are up in the air.“

He said 2026 will be a “continuation” of what the IRRR has done well in the past, by supporting housing, public infrastructure, helping existing businesses grow, and providing new opportunities to the northeast region. Malich added, “While keeping an ear to the ground on emerging issues on how we can be impactful in addressing them.”

Hauschild and Skraba spoke about the importance of working across the aisle to accomplish numerous legislative priorities in 2025 and how the two northeastern Minnesota legislators can serve as a model for other state and federal officials. Hauschild discussed working with Skraba throughout the past year to advocate for various pieces of legislation that support Cook County, including the swing-bed legislation and tax changes for seasonal recreational properties, among others.

Looking toward 2026, Hauschild said some priorities will include advocating for funding for public lands, payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT), paid family and medical leave impacts for small businesses, and funding for rural EMS, among other issues. “I think it’s going to be ongoing work on the core issues we focus on while also looking ahead to some reforms that can make the government work a little bit better for our rural communities.”

Skraba and Hauschild discussed the importance of state bonding for public infrastructure, transportation, and other capital improvement projects in their respective districts, including Cook County. Skraba said it is all about demonstrating the need vs. the want. “Defining the need, then I think we have a better chance.”

Ryan Malich, Chris Homyak, Sen. Hauschild, Linda Jurek, Rep. Skraba, John Berns | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

After the panel discussion, Hauschild, Skraba, and Malich moved into nine scheduled listening sessions with local leaders and business owners. Topics discussed during the listening sessions included improvements to public infrastructure, such as the Grand Marais wastewater treatment plant, capital improvements for roads, affordable housing, the importance of public radio, mental health, food assistance, technology, funding for emergency management readiness, coastal erosion, and other related issues.

The nine listening sessions were:

• Cook County Government – Administrator Kristen Trebil-Halbersma & Commissioner Ginny Storlie
• City of Grand Marais – Mayor Tracy Benson and Administrator Mike Roth
• WTIP Community Radio – Development Director Katie Belanger and Board Chair Peter Clissold
• Gitchi Gami Trail Association – Representatives Michelle Pierson, Chris Homyak, Bruce Martinson, and Bob Nesheim
• Lusten Mountains – Charles Skinner, Charlotte Skinner, and Molly Hicken
• Cook County Housing Redevelopment Authority – Director Jeff Brand
• North Shore Health – CEO Kimber Wraalstad
• Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters – John and Mindy Fredrikson
• Odyssey Resorts – Emily Haussner and Howard Anderson

Photos of the Nov. 6 legislative luncheon are below.

Kalli Hawkins November 6, 2025