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REGIONAL ROUNDUP
Develop. Protect. Connect. These priorities and more were outlined at regional State of the City addresses earlier this year. By Emily Bertram
Left: Sauk Rapids Leadership: Community Development Director Todd Schultz (L), Mayor Jason Ellering and City Adminstrator Ross Olson ———————
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ayors and city leaders from St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park reflected on 2025 and looked ahead for what’s next in their cities. St. Cloud
Public safety, infrastructure, quality of life and customer service are St. Cloud Mayor Jake Anderson’s vision for his city. “Our goal is to provide exceptional customer service,” Anderson said. “Not just being a shop that says no, but a shop that says, ‘No, but we could do this.’” In 2025, completed projects included Lincoln Avenue reconstruction, Pantown neighborhood improvements, 10 miles of street resurfacing, new pickleball courts, and investments in parks such as Whitney Park and Centennial Park. There were also several major community developments, including the opening of the University of Minnesota Medical School campus, the expansion of the CentraCare Plaza, the
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continued success of the Great River Children's Museum and construction of Avivo Village. Downtown improvements were another focus, including simplified parking policies and the Downtown Alliance’s block-byblock ambassador program. “We can’t just keep talking about redevelopment,” Anderson said. “We definitely need to be making more progress.” St. Cloud entered the 2026 budget cycle facing a $3.3 million deficit driven by inflation, rising labor and equipment costs, and the loss of some grant funding. City leaders ultimately approved a tax increase, which Anderson said was necessary to maintain operations, address deferred maintenance and replace aging equipment. Looking ahead, Anderson said the city will continue prioritizing infrastructure improvements, public safety investments, neighborhood revitalization and customer service initiatives while
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evaluating organizational efficiencies and long-term budgeting strategies. He encouraged residents to take an active role in improving the community. “I challenge all of you,” Anderson said. “What can you do to make a better community?” Sauk Rapids
“People, partnerships, progress and purpose” are the themes Sauk Rapids Mayor Jason Ellering believes are shaping Sauk Rapids. Ellering, along with City Administrator Ross Olson and Community Development Director Todd Schultz emphasized Sauk Rapids’ strong financial position. The city has reduced debt from nearly $45 million to roughly $14 million over the past 10 to 15 years while continuing to invest in parks, facilities and infrastructure. Investments in public safety, including the recent purchase of a new fire truck, will help the Sauk
Above: Waite Park Mayor Ken Schmitt at the podium ———————
Rapids Fire Department. The fully staffed department responded to more than 200 calls in 2025. The police department is also fully staffed with 19 sworn officers and two administrative specialists. Police Chief Perry Beise will retire in January 2027 after more than 40 years in law enforcement. A partnership between the city and Sauk Rapids-Rice School District continues to drive development at Mayhew Creek Park and the new athletic and recreation campus. Ellering described the project as a “campus-style” vision centered on education, recreation and community gathering spaces while preserving trails and natural areas. Since 2020, approximately $61.5 million has been invested in projects including: Multi-purpose athletic fields A regional baseball complex, which is expected to bring visitors and economic activity to the area Expanded trail connections A new early childhood and