Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission

Willmar listed as a 2022 top micropolitan community by Site Selection magazine

April 3, 2023

Willmar listed as a 2022 top micropolitan community by Site Selection magazine
Willmar was one of two Minnesota cities to be included on the listing. The city will also be featured in an upcoming edition of Business View magazine focused on American Economic Resiliency. WILLMAR — The city of Willmar has been listed in the March 2023 edition of Site Selection magazine as one of the top 2022 micropolitan communities in the United States, according to Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Executive Director Aaron Backman. “(The

Construction likely to begin this summer on apartment complex along Lakeland Drive Northeast in Willmar

April 3, 2023

Construction likely to begin this summer on apartment complex along Lakeland Drive Northeast in Willmar
A traffic study completed for the 216-unit Unique Opportunities apartment complex along Lakeland Drive Northeast in Willmar shows no roadway changes are needed to accommodate the increased traffic volume. WILLMAR — A completed traffic study for Lakeland Drive Northeast shows that the roadway is capable of handling the predicted increased traffic volumes that a proposed 216-unit apartment complex will create and no roadway changes are needed, which means the Unique Opportunities development

Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announces Community Leadership Award recipients

March 8, 2023

Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announces Community Leadership Award recipients
Recipients will be recognized at the Chamber Community Leadership Celebration breakfast at 7 a.m. Friday, March 31, at the Sibley Auditorium on the MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar. WILLMAR — Three Kandiyohi County leaders will be recognized for contributions to their communities at the end of the month. The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its Community Leadership Award recipients — Hallie Johnson of CentraCare — Rice Memorial Hospital, Aaron Backman of the Kandiyohi

Housing study shows need for various types of properties across Kandiyohi County

February 28, 2023

Housing study shows need for various types of properties across Kandiyohi County
A housing study created for the county and city Economic Development Commission showed a need for nearly 1,000 housing units to be constructed across Kandiyohi County by 2030. WILLMAR — The 2023 Housing Market Analysis for Kandiyohi County identified a significant need for additional housing options across the county. While 48% of the county’s population lives within Willmar, the surrounding rural areas and 11 cities are home to thousands of people and they all need places to live. Read

A new housing report predicts the need for an additional 1,580 housing units in Willmar by 2030

February 28, 2023

A new housing report predicts the need for an additional 1,580 housing units in Willmar by 2030
It is predicted that seniors will see the most population growth and make up a large portion of the additional housing needed in Willmar and Kandiyohi County by 2030. WILLMAR — There is an estimated demand for an additional 1,580 housing units in the city of Willmar between 2022 and 2030, according to an updated housing report completed by Viewpoint Consulting . Aaron Backman, executive director of the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, presented the report

Willmar mayor gives state of the city address

February 25, 2023

Willmar mayor gives state of the city address
WILLMAR—During the state of the city address at Tuesday’s Willmar City Council meeting, Mayor Doug Reese touted the recent accomplishments of the city under former Mayor Marv Calvin, the City Council and city staff. He also set his agenda for the upcoming year. “Tonight’s a night to reflect on our progress and look forward to the future of Willmar,” Reese said. “And, first of all I would like to thank the citizens of Willmar for their overwhelming support in the election. I count it

Kandiyohi County planning to extend broadband to three more townships

February 7, 2023

Kandiyohi County planning to extend broadband to three more townships
WILLMAR — Kandiyohi County is seeking grants to extend broadband service to three more townships. The County Board voted Tuesday morning to use nearly $400,000 of federal funds held by the county and to seek other funding to provide high-speed broadband to addresses in Lake Elizabeth, East Lake Lillian and Harrison townships. Mark Boeschen, broadband chair for the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, described the two projects. Funding would come from the county’s

Kandiyohi County encourages residents with inadequate broadband to apply for Minnesota line extension program

February 3, 2023

Kandiyohi County encourages residents with inadequate broadband to apply for Minnesota line extension program
WILLMAR — The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission Broadband Committee remains committed to working with internet providers to complete broadband construction projects in Kandiyohi County so that all premises have access to high-speed internet, according to a news release from the EDC. The state’s Broadband Line Extension Connection Program is a great opportunity for businesses and residents outside of the recent Border-to-Border Broadband Development

An Economic Development Year in Review

January 5, 2023

<strong>An Economic Development Year in Review</strong>
*second edition with full list of housing study partners 1.4.2023* Financial Wins | Community Projects |Workforce Support | Developments in Development How do we describe 2022 at the EDC? Productive. Progressive. Energetic. Significant. Community-Driven. In this issue, we share the stories of 2022.   Financial Wins $4.9 million Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant – 5 townships will be served through these funds. $900,000 Transportation Economic Development Grant – this grant will

Kandiyohi County awarded $4.9M state broadband grant to help fund project in five townships

December 8, 2022

Kandiyohi County awarded $4.9M state broadband grant to help fund project in five townships
WILLMAR — Kandiyohi County has finally received the news it has been waiting months to hear. The county was awarded a $4.9 million state Border-to-Border broadband grant to help fund a broadband expansion project in Arctander, Dovre, Lake Andrew, Mamre and St. Johns townships. “We are so excited. This is years in the making,” said Sarah Swedburg, business development manager for the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission. Read the full story from the West
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