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City of Saint Peter Honored With 2026 LMC City of Excellence Award

June 26, 2026

 

The City of Saint Peter received the League of Minnesota Cities 2026 City of Excellence Award in the 5,000-29,999 population category Thursday at the League’s Annual Conference in Rochester. Saint Peter was honored for its Central Business District Accessibility Enhancement Grant Program.

Established in 2020 and now in its sixth year, the program helps downtown business and property owners improve accessibility for residents and visitors by providing grants for projects such as ramps, automatic door openers, wheelchair lifts, accessible parking improvements, and doorway modifications. The initiative was created after city leaders recognized that many of the historic buildings in Saint Peter’s downtown district presented accessibility challenges due to their age and design.

The City of Saint Peter developed the program through a collaborative effort involving the Economic Development Authority, Heritage Preservation Commission, Community Development Department, and local business owners. A review committee representing multiple city boards and commissions evaluates applications and recommends projects for funding, ensuring community input and thoughtful investment decisions.

Rather than relying on taxpayer funding, the city uses interest earnings from its revolving loan fund to support the program. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for qualifying projects, allowing businesses to make meaningful accessibility improvements while preserving the character of downtown buildings. Property owners agree to maintain the improvements for 15 years, helping ensure long-term community benefits.

Since its launch, the program has received 62 applications and awarded more than $167,000 to 24 accessibility projects throughout Saint Peter’s downtown district. Improvements have helped businesses better serve customers with mobility challenges, older adults, and individuals with disabilities while making the downtown area more welcoming and accessible for all residents and visitors.

The City of Excellence Awards are given annually by the League of Minnesota Cities in three population categories and one topical category. The awards recognize cities for outstanding programs or projects. Each winning city receives a plaque, a check for $1,000, and recognition in League publications and promotional activities throughout the coming year.

The League of Minnesota Cities is a membership organization dedicated to helping cities throughout Minnesota build quality communities through effective advocacy, expert analysis, trusted guidance, and collective action. The League serves over 830 member cities through advocacy, education and training, policy development, risk management, and other services.