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City of Luverne Honored With 2026 LMC City of Excellence Award

June 26, 2026

 

The City of Luverne received the League of Minnesota Cities 2026 City of Excellence Award in the under 5,000 population category Thursday at the League’s Annual Conference in Rochester. Luverne was honored for its “Kids Rock! Child Care Center” project.

Facing a long-standing childcare shortage that limited workforce participation and economic growth, the City of Luverne transformed a vacant 31,000-square-foot office building into the Kids Rock! Child Care Center. Operated by the nonprofit Kids Rock!, the center provides space for up to 186 children from six weeks to 12 years old and includes 11 classrooms, a gymnasium, commercial kitchen, and outdoor playgrounds.

The project was the result of a collaborative effort among the City of Luverne, the Kids Rock! nonprofit board, local employers, residents, childcare providers, and other community partners. City and community leaders worked together to identify childcare as a critical community need and develop a sustainable solution that would support both families and the local workforce.

Rather than constructing a new facility, the city repurposed an existing vacant building, demonstrating a creative and cost-effective use of community resources. The city purchased the building and invested in renovations while maintaining ownership of the facility and leasing it to the nonprofit operator for $1 per year. Project funding combined local investment with a $2.6 million USDA Community Facilities grant, a $250,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and more than $1 million raised locally.

The center opened in June 2025 and is already producing measurable benefits for families and employers. A family impact survey found that 89% of parents reported reduced childcare-related stress and 81% reported having more reliable and consistent care. In addition, 37% of surveyed families said the availability of childcare influenced their decision to accept or remain in a job in Luverne, and the center has created 27 new jobs since opening.

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.