Faribault Mayor Reports State of the City, Unveils Community Vision 2040

Faribault Mayor John Jasinski reported on the state of the city on Tuesday, June 9, and the overall tone was positive.

In a quick overview, he said the city retains its A1 credit rating, has seen a significant reduction in the crime rate since 2012 and is prepared for major road and bridge improvements to Second Avenue over Division Street (2016-18) and Trunk Highway 60/Fourth Street (2019).

Other news of note receiving mentions include the expansion of Faribault Foods, RC SuperStore's relocation and expansion in Faribault from Medford, the 150th anniversaries of the Faribault Woolen Mills and Bethlehem Academy, and IFP's expansion of the Innovation Center.

Jasinski said the city has plans to make downtown more appealing with the aim of attracting more growth. "People always want a vibrant downtown, and that's something we're going to work on," he said. Items under consideration include the return of benches along storefronts, as well as repainting and the possibility of assistance for businesses needing help to get their buildings in top shape.

After his State of the City report, Jasinski turned the mic over to City Administrator Brian Anderson for a report on the Community Vision 2040 project.

Anderson said the project is taking information garnered from surveys, focus groups and community forums to set goals and create a long-term vision for Faribault. The steering committee has set six strategic priorities:

• thriving economic development
• excellent schools and high-quality education
• pride in our community
• public safety
• a vibrant downtown
• access to nature, leisure and the arts

And while a plan is in place, Anderson said it will remain fluid. "It's a plan we're going to continually come back to and discuss," he said.

Shattuck-Saint Mary's President Nick Stoneman said, "Turning a shared vision into a realized vision is not easy," and encouraged those in attendance to imagine what they wanted Faribault to be like in 25 years, and to continue to work to help the city attain its goals.