Willmar, Minnesota Development News
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Willmar City Council Meeting 7/20/26
Published: Jul 20, 2026
KCED Presents Update and Options for Uptown Mall Revitalization
The Kandu High County Economic Development (KCED) provided an update on the investigation into the Uptown Mall. They have explored grant opportunities, spoken with potential investors and interested agencies, and initiated community comment periods. The plan involves parceling off sections of the mall for private ownership, such as the JC Penney and Kmart boxes, and redeveloping the parking lot with green spaces, boulevards, and controlled traffic flow. Environmental considerations include utilizing rainwater and reducing asphalt runoff. The KCED aims to avoid using taxpayer money and is exploring bonding options. They plan to work with local investors to revitalize the mall, intending to sell it back to them within two years, and will ensure support for existing tenants during any renovation period. The project is not intended to be a traditional retail mall but rather a commercial space with potential for diverse uses like memory care, housing, or industrial space. The current owner's lack of investment and the mall's deterioration are significant concerns, as is the potential loss of property tax revenue if the owner defaults. Demolition costs are estimated in the high double-digit millions. The KCED emphasized they do not wish to be landlords but aim to redevelop an underutilized community asset.
City Council Approves Bond Sale for Infrastructure Projects
The city council approved the sale of General Obligation Improvement Abatement and Utility Bonds Series 2026B for $7,525,000. The bonds were awarded to TD Financial Products at a true interest cost of 3.6818%. The proceeds will finance various street improvement projects, the Lakeland bike path, and wastewater treatment plant capital improvement projects. The bonds include optional call provisions in 10 years. The winning bid was highly competitive, with only nine basis points separating the highest and lowest bids. The city received an affirmed rating of AA3 for its general obligation debt.
City Council Selects Three Candidates for City Administrator Interviews
The city council reviewed the applications for the City Administrator position. After discussion, they decided to move forward with interviewing three candidates: applicants numbered 1, 6, and 10. This decision was made to ensure due diligence in the selection process, allowing the council to hear from a diverse set of candidates. The Human Resources Director confirmed that candidate information is confidential due to Minnesota data privacy laws and requested that discussions refer to applicants by number only until finalists are determined.
City Outlines 2027 Infrastructure Improvement Projects Including Street Reconstruction and Stormwater Management
The city engineer presented plans for the 2027 improvements, which include street reconstruction on 16th Street, milling and overlay on Trot Avenue, 22nd Street, and 15th Avenue Southwest, and stormwater capital improvement projects in Voss Park and at the intersection of Ella and Business 71. The 16th Street project involves full reconstruction of pavement and utilities, with a proposed width of 36 feet to allow for consistent parking. Stormwater improvements include a detention pond at 16th Street, potential pond work at Voss Park, and hydrodynamic separators at Ella and First Street to improve water quality and sediment removal. The total estimated project costs are $3.2 million for 16th Street, $2.35 million for mill and overlay, and nearly $1 million for stormwater improvements. Funding will come from assessments, state aid, municipal utilities, wastewater funds, local option sales tax, and city funds. The preliminary schedule includes an open house on September 3rd and a public hearing on September 8th, with construction beginning in May 2027.
City Accepts In-Kind Donation for Radio Station Building Painting
Shane presented a resolution to accept an 'in-kind' donation for the exterior painting of the back of Rack 8, the city's radio station building. A private contractor accidentally painted the backside of the building while working on an adjacent alley. Realizing the error, the contractor, after consultation with city staff, completed the paint job at no cost to the city, as removing the primer coat would have been more detrimental. The council accepted this as an in-kind donation.
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The Willmar News archive
Willmar City Council Meeting 7/6/26
Willmar City Council Meeting 6/15/26
Willmar City Council Meeting 6/15/26
Willmar City Council Meeting 6/1/26
Willmar City Council Meeting 5/18/26
Willmar City Council Work Session 5/11/2026
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