Focus on Small Cities

July-August-2025

Comprehensive Plan Helps Le Sueur Transform, Update Downtown

In 2017 Le Sueur updated its comprehensive plan and reopened Main Street to vehicle traffic, reestablish a right of way,…

May-June-2025

Food Pantry in Bricelyn Fills Need With City’s Help

Clients of the Bricelyn Food Pantry venture from all over, from Albert Lea and even Mankato. Some drive 20 to…

Mar-Apr 2025

Pine City Honors Businesses and Residents for Voluntary Property Improvements

In Pine City, an ongoing commitment to community is taking shape as local businesses and residents invest in improvements and…

Jan-Feb 2025

Battle Lake Hatchery Row: Before and After

The redevelopment in the heart of Battle Lake is part of “an explosion of business” that includes about a dozen…

Nov-Dec 2024

Grow Perham Fills Housing Needs

Grow Perham, formed by business leaders, the city, and other stakeholders sets out to address the housing issue.

Sep-Oct 2024

Staying Social: Tracy Creates More Ways for Residents to Mingle

The City of Tracy wanted to encourage people to socialize after COVID-19 so the community arranged activities where everyone could…

Jul-Aug 2024

Silver Bay Sees Multiple Redevelopment Projects Happening All at Once

The City of Silver Bay is in the process of a variety of redevelopment projects.

May-Jun 2024

Lonsdale’s New Skate Park Exceeds Expectations in Its First Year

Lonsdale’s skate park, in its first season, is already a popular spot.

Mar-Apr 2024

Progress Slow, but Present in Appleton

The City of Appleton is rebounding since the 1,640-bed Prairie Correctional Facility closed in 2010.

Jan-Feb 2024

Howard Lake Set to Open State’s First Net-Zero Library

Howard Lake is set to open a new, net-zero library building that counterbalances the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced…