Breaking Down Barriers to Homeownership in Columbia Heights

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but Columbia Heights is taking steps to make the process clearer and more welcoming for everyone. With support from a 2025 Key Communities Program grant from the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR), the city hosted its first multilingual homeownership workshop in September. Ten people came — some English speakers, some Spanish speakers — and while the group was small, the conversations were big.

Residents had the chance to hear from a bilingual realtor, ask one-on-one questions, and clear up common misconceptions about permits, inspections, and the time-of-sale process. Partners like Habitat for Humanity and Home Energy Squad also shared homeownership resources.

Columbia Heights Community Development Director Mitch Forney said the event was a valuable starting point, not only for the participants but for building stronger connections across the community. Next time, the city hopes to meet residents where they’re at — whether at neighborhood gatherings, faith communities, or local organizations. And thanks to a recorded version of the workshop, the lessons learned won’t stop here: the video will be translated and included in welcome packets for new residents.

As Forney said, “This is a great starting point for us to build off of.”

Forest Lake Launches CHIP-In Program for Small City Projects

Forest Lake has launched a new initiative called “CHIP-In,” short for cheap, high impact, projects, to focus city resources on small but visible improvements, according to the Forest Lake Times. The program targets maintenance tasks such as spot sweeping, graffiti cleanup, pothole filling, weed removal, and repairing crooked signs or streetlights. The guidelines suggest that each project be less than $500 and take two hours or less to complete.

City staff and residents are encouraged to identify issues, with the goal of improving heavily used areas like downtown, school zones, parks, and major corridors. The program reallocates staff time and existing maintenance funds, with less than $10,000 budgeted annually.

While the work overlaps with tasks the city already performs, officials say CHIP-In will streamline priorities and give staff more flexibility to address problems quickly. City leaders view the effort as a low-cost way to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and strengthen economic development by keeping Forest Lake’s public spaces clean and welcoming.

Mayor for a Day Essay Contest Submissions Due Dec. 12

The League of Minnesota Cities’ 13th Annual Mayor for a Day Essay Contest invites fourth, fifth, and sixth graders to answer the question, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” for a chance to win $100 and be featured in Minnesota Cities magazine. Encourage students in your community to apply, and if your city would like to offer local recognition for participants, email [email protected] by Dec. 13.

After the judging process is complete in January, the League will share with participating cities the essays submitted by their local students. Cities can provide recognition to students in a variety of ways like selecting a citywide winner, honoring all participants, or another creative way to inspire future leaders. Details and submission materials are available at lmc.org/mayorforaday.

St. Peter Police Use New Tool To Support Kids With Autism

The St. Peter Police Department is equipping squad cars with “Buddy Bags” to help officers communicate with children on the autism spectrum during emergencies, according to the Mankato Free Press. The bags, developed by the nonprofit Growth Collective, include items such as weighted stuffed animals, white boards, and toys designed to comfort children and help officers interpret their needs, especially if they are nonverbal.

Parents of children with autism have long worried about stressful encounters with law enforcement. The bags are designed to ease those moments and give officers tools to respond more effectively. St. Peter police introduced them at Go Therapy’s sensory-friendly Night to Unite in August, where families and officers connected over how the bags work.

Police Chief Matt Grochow said officers are eager to adopt the program as part of their community-focused approach, while Growth Collective co-owner Jenny Kortuem said they help bring calm and inclusivity to difficult situations.

Virginia Opens Long-Awaited Public Safety Building

After two decades of planning, the City of Virginia has opened its new $32 million public safety building, according to Northern News Now. City leaders and residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early October to celebrate the long-anticipated project.

The facility will house Virginia’s fire, emergency medical, and police departments under one roof for the first time. The new space replaces the city’s historic 1895 fire hall and the police department’s makeshift offices in City Hall.

The building includes modern safety and training features, such as a 60-seat training room, a safe room, and updated HVAC systems designed to improve air quality for staff. Fire and police officials said the new shared space will strengthen coordination among first responders and improve recruitment and retention.