Focus on Small Cities

Gnome Man’s Land: Mysterious Norwegian Characters Put Peterson on the Map
Peterson, MN, population 234, has become a tourist attraction thanks to a growing population of Norwegian gnomes.
Spring Grove Advances 2023 Plan With Help From Rural Design Cohort Program
The Spring Grove 2030 initiative developed plans that included the idea of creating a new community space in Spring Grove.
Empire — Minnesota’s Newest City — Was Years in the Making
Empire township applied in early 2022 to become Minnesota’s newest city, protecting its borders for future growth.
Small Cities Tackle Large Projects With Grants
Cromwell’s success illustrates the importance of grants to small cities.
Sartell Partners with School District for IT Assistance
The City of Sartell, in partnership with school district technology staff, has developed a successful solution to meet their IT…
Bigfork Steps Up to the Plate for Community
Joe Zimmer and his public works team stepped up to build a new softball complex for the City of Bigfork.
City of Gary Reimagines 160 Acres of Forest
The City of Gary turned 160 acres of donated land into a multi-use recreational area.
City of Warren Adopts Flexible Work Culture
The City of Warren implemented a hybrid work-from-home policy and it led to filling the role with someone who otherwise…
Iron Range Cities Receive Federal Funds for Critical Projects
Hundreds of millions of federal dollars are coming to Minnesota cities from the 2022 CDS program for water and sewer…
City Partnership Shines a Light on Manufacturing Careers
The City of Norwood forged a partnership with Central Public Schools and local businesses to show high school students a…