WILLMAR
— Willmar Mayor Doug Reese during his State of the City address Monday highlighted the growth of the city of Willmar, including new housing, employees and initiatives, while also stating the need for more housing and for the council to make a decision regarding a location for a new city hall.
“With its growing economy, diverse range of industries and cultural scene, the city is a hub of innovation and opportunity,” Reese stated. “Thanks to strategic investments in infrastructure and development, alongside a commitment to sustainability and community engagement in 2024, we can expect to see continued growth and progress in business and housing. With its welcoming and inclusive community, Willmar is poised to continue to be a leader in the region and a shining example of what a city can achieve when it comes together to build a better future.”
Willmar saw only nine single-family houses built in 2023, according to Reese. However, multi-family housing continues to grow with the construction of new apartment complexes.
One of the biggest needs for housing is for seniors, with
615 senior housing units needed by 2030,
Reese added.
Bethesda will begin the construction
of a 200-unit senior apartment complex this year and
another proposed senior living development
is currently working its way through the approval process with the city.
“The city is in a position to help reduce the need for senior housing by selling 5.5 acres of parkland property south of Willmar Avenue known as Swansson Field,” Reese said. “I am confident we can see this project through as we work together with our organizational partners.”
In 2023, Willmar received 979 building permit applications with a value of $52 million, according to Reese.
“Willmar’s rise as a regional center is a testament to the city’s resilience and commitment to progress,” Reese said, noting its strategic location and booming economy draws people in to create an inviting and dynamic community with a diverse range of industries.
“Willmar is a beacon for innovation and opportunity, providing a platform for growth and success,” he continued. “Through hard work and determination, Willmar continues to be a thriving hub of commerce and culture, inspiring others to follow in its footsteps.”
Reese noted the city employs 120 full-time staff and about 100 seasonal employees. New employees with the city include Planning and Development Director Christopher Corbett, City Planner Chris Frank and planning and development administrative assistant Robin Raasch; new City Clerk Vernae Larsen and Willmar Police Department permit technician Lynn Shuldes; Finance Director Tom Odens; and parks and recreation coordinators Anita Nelson and Devin Hatch. The Public Works Department hired three new operators and one new mechanic.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune file photo
Reese highlighted the
creation of the Department of Community Growth
and hiring of Director Pablo Obregon, which was made possible by a $450,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield.
“This work is anchored in enhancing access, promoting equity and inclusion and broadening the participation of all Willmar residents from all backgrounds,” Reese said. “We have experienced many events that have brought many of our neighbors together to celebrate the diversity of our community, and we are actively seeking and providing opportunities so our city continues to be a welcoming and inclusive community for all.”
The Willmar Fire Department started a first responder unit consisting of 17 firefighters, which is dedicated to responding to car crashes to offer first aid and comfort until an ambulance arrives and providing lift assistance on ambulance calls. This reduces the number of firefighters responding to non-fire calls.
Several employees in the city received promotions, including Justin DeLeeuw to public works director, Kyle Radunz to public works superintendent and Ryan Scheffler to parks and recreation facilities coordinator.
While the Willmar Police Department is six officers short and enrollment in law enforcement programs remains low, Reese praised the department for its efforts in recruiting new officers.
“Willmar Police Department has been resourceful and forward-thinking by attending college recruitment days and trying to entice graduates to come and work in one of the best communities in mid-Minnesota,” Reese said.
The city of Willmar underwent a
major rebranding initiative in 2023
to “better reflect our unique identity and values,” Reese commented.
It includes a new logo and the tagline “Minnesota’s Crossroads,” which he said captures the city’s essence and people. He explained that the heart over the “W” carries many meanings — Wilmar is the heart of Kandiyohi County, Willmar’s heart is the culture and the people of the community, and Willmar loves growing new innovative businesses while embracing all businesses that make the community the best.
Contributed / City of Willmar
“The new branding emphasizes Willmar’s natural beauty, community spirit and forward-thinking approach to growth and development,” Reese said, noting that it is a positive step and that he looks forward to seeing it implemented.
The
Connect Willmar Initiative,
a proposed open-access fiber network, is one of the city’s largest infrastructure projects. The goal is to bring fiber-optic internet access to every resident and business in Willmar, which Reese said would provide a major boost to the local economy.
The network will be city-owned infrastructure on which private industries will operate to provide internet service to residents and businesses.
“This high-speed, symmetrical internet access would enable businesses to thrive and attract new investment to the area, while residents would have access to the latest technology and online resources,” Reese said. “The Connect Willmar Initiative has the potential to be a game changer for the city.”
“Last year at this time, I urged the City Council to decide on the location for the city hall and community center,” Reese stated, noting it is crucial the council makes a decision as soon as possible. “Delaying the decision-making process will only prolong the uncertainty and anxiety felt by residents and stakeholders alike.”
He noted that waiting is only making the project more expensive and complicated and the city leadership risks “losing the trust and confidence of our community.”
“ … It is vital that we demonstrate our commitment to progress and show that we are capable of making decisions that benefit the greater good,” Reese added. “By deciding on the location for a new city hall, we can move forward with the next steps of the project, ensuring that we meet the needs of our growing community and provide them with the best possible services and facilities.”
He noted that making a decision regarding city hall will allow the council to focus on other needs that are equally important, including the location of a new community center and a decision regarding the Willmar Auditorium.
