Focus on Small Cities

Nov-Dec 2023

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.

Sep-Oct 2023

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.

July-August 2023

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.

May-June 2023

Small Cities Tackle Large Projects With Grants

Cromwell’s success illustrates the importance of grants to small cities.

Mar-Apr 2023

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…

Jan-Feb 2023

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.

Nov-Dec 2022

City of Gary Reimagines 160 Acres of Forest

The City of Gary turned 160 acres of donated land into a multi-use recreational area.

Sep-Oct 2022

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…

Jul-Aug 2022

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…

May-Jun 2022

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…