The Willmar Opportunity Zone area by Jared Eischen Cinematography

Development

Healthcare and social assistance are the largest and fastest growing industries in Kandiyohi County and may account for up to 40 percent of the projected growth. Construction, professional services, technical services and agriculture represent areas of expected further growth.

During 2019 several notable construction projects were underway or completed, including, the Ziegler Cat sales and service center (a $15 million project), 15th Street Flats multi-family housing project (a $9.3 million project), the Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Services (an $8.7 million project), and Unique Opportunities’ multi-family housing project (a $4.8 million project). Notably, in 2019, Policom ranked Willmar as the top Micropolitan community in Minnesota and #66 in the country.

The projected growth continues to build the confidence in business owners and community leaders who support expansion.

Willmar’s Opportunity Zone is an ideal location for investors wishing to tap into the city’s future.

Kandiyohi County has experienced sustained growth over the past six years with investments occurring in medical, manufacturing, institutional, retail, and housing.

Private investment in the MinnWest Technology Campus now exceeds $17 million since 2006.

Highway 23 Coalition successfully lobbied for $105 million in Corridors of Commerce funding to expand two-lane gaps to four lanes extending north from Willmar.

From 2016-2018, approximately $63 million has been invested in housing in Kandiyohi County (including Willmar) creating over 300 multi-family and single-family housing units, and over 150 housing units are underway in 2020.

In the last two years, education investments include a newly constructed $27 million Lakeland Elementary School in Willmar and a $25 million Performing Arts Center/Gymnasium addition in the New London-Spicer School District.

Implementation of the Rural Child Care Innovation Program has a total of 210 new spaces in two new childcare centers that are under construction.

 

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