Community Resources

Cook County:

The county is the level of government that most directly affects the majority of Cook County residents, outside of Grand Marais, the county's only incorporated town, and the self-governing reservation of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Want to learn more? Click here!

Visit Cook County Information Center:

The Visit Cook County Information Center and Visit Cook County are key resources for both Cook County, MN, residents and visitors. We offer a comprehensive and current collection of maps, guides, and essential local information about the county and surrounding areas. Our friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist with questions about local services and points of interest. Conveniently located, the center also provides vital public amenities, including a clean public restroom with a baby changing table. For your safety, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is readily available on-site.

Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA):

The mission of the CC/GM EDA is to diversify the economy, create employment through retention and expansion of existing businesses and development of new businesses, support the development of housing, and increase the tax base. Want to learn more? Click here!

Cook County Higher Education (CCHE):

The mission of CCHE is "to provide local access to college education and training on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The education you need where you live." CCHE offers extensive access to post-secondary coursework via distance learning and at its North Shore Campus in Grand Marais. Want to learn more? Click here!

Cook County Go Team documents:

The Cook County Go Team was a group of 22 county residents representing all sectors of the county economy and all geographic areas. It was formed at the same time and by the same people as the Cook County Chamber. The goal defined for the Go Team was to consider ways the county economy might be encouraged to grow at a more sustained rate and in keeping with county values. With funding from Cook County, the City of Grand Marais, the EDA, and Arrowhead Cooperative, the group hired The Northspan Group of Duluth, a non-profit economic development consulting group. Over a period of about two years, the Go Team did research into the county economy, surveyed county business folk and residents, and developed a set of priorities for future action. The documents listed below reflect the outcomes of the Go Team's work.
An Economic Analysis of Cook County
Cook County's Prosperity Agenda
Go Team Business Survey
Go Team Community Survey

Small Business Development Center (SBDC):

Cook County celebrates and supports business. The Small Business Development Center, sponsored by the Center for Economic Development at the University of MN Duluth and the Cook County Grand Marais EDA, provides confidential, professional consulting to new and established businesses.

Consultants have real-world experience, having worked as bankers, corporate finance specialists, national sales team leaders, manufacturing engineers, IT specialists, accountants, business owners, strategic planners, non-profit managers, and more. Register as a new client to get help with: starting a business, feasibility analysis & studies, market research, advertising/sales, financial analysis, loan packaging, record keeping systems, business expansion, exit planning, e-commerce, website development/analysis, social media marketing, software search, and export assistance. Want to learn more? Click here! Financial support from committed funding partners allows the SBDC to provide its services at no cost to its clients. Training seminars are also offered for free or for a nominal fee.

International Workforce in Cook County:

This resource provides a roadmap for local businesses interested in international recruitment. It answers frequently asked questions about visa types, lengths of stay, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and much more! Click here to access the International Workforce FAQ. Click here to access the 2024 International Workforce Survey Results. Disclaimer: This FAQ provides general information and is not intended as legal or financial advice. Employers should consult with the appropriate professionals for guidance on speific cases.

2026 Voting Information

This document highlights new Minnesota laws expanding voter access for the 2026 elections, including restored voter rights for formerly incarcerated individuals, automatic registration, and pre-registration for 16 and 17-year-olds. It also details new permanent vote-from-home lists and expanded multilingual support at polling places. Click here to access the informational handout to see key 2026 election dates and eligibility details.

The Minnesota Secretary of State offers a variety of resources to support voter engagement, including registration forms for all eligible voters and absentee ballot applications with a permanent mail-in option. Their toolkit provides ready-made social media graphics, factsheets in 11 languages, and expert-led "Voter 101" sessions to educate your community. Click here to access the informational handout to explore these outreach materials and learn how to order free resources for your organization.

This guide helps college students navigate the 2026 election, explaining how to choose between registering at a school address or a parent's home. It covers basic eligibility—like being a U.S. citizen and a resident for at least 20 days—and explains how to register at the polls on Election Day. Click here to access the informational handout to see the full 2026 calendar and learn how to request an absentee ballot.

ICE/Immigration Laws:

What to Do If Immigration Comes to Your Workplace-- Click here to access the informational handout
Federal Enforcement Interactions & Immigration Laws: Risk Mitigation for Hospitals-- Click here to access the informational handout
Know Your Rights With ICE, The Office of the Minnesota Attorney General--Click here to access the informational handout
Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement: Know Your Rights, Know Your Patients' Rights--Click here to access the informational handout