Page 7 - Aaron Backman News Today

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.

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.

“Tonight’s a night to reflect on our progress and look forward to the future of Willmar,” Willmar Mayor Doug Reese said. "I promise to look at each action, motion, resolution that passes over my desk, determining if the action is good for our city.”

The Kandiyohi County housing market analysis prepared for the Economic Development Committee will be shared at Tuesday's County Board meeting.

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.

The West Central Tribune was witness to many changes in 2022, from elections to education to infrastructure improvements.

While the strong economic growth in the city of Willmar is beneficial, it also strains a labor force already spread thin. The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission is working to relieve that strain.

There are a limited number of BNSF Railway-certified sites throughout the United States. The Willmar site would be the second site in Minnesota.

Successful infrastructure projects are extremely tough to plan, fund and even complete, especially when a project's development and funding spans multiple public and private entities across the country. However, local, county, state and federal officials and staff worked together long and hard to make the Willmar Wye, officially known as the Willmar Connector and Industrial Access Project, a reality that became operational in October.

In 2022, a First Children's Finance report showed a need for 935 additional child care slots in Kandiyohi County. The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission will use a $200,000 state grant to work with and support current providers, and to encourage new providers.