Jenn Melby-Kelley Serves Ward 4 jmelby-kelley@mankatomn.gov 116 East Pleasant Street Mobile: 507-720-2502
Jessica Hatanpa Serves Ward 5
jhatanpa@mankatomn.gov
40 Trail Drive
VISION
Leading
PUBLIC SERVICE PRINCIPLES
Prompt to respond and serve.
Highest performance at greatest economy.
Serve for the good of the community and region.
Embracing
Dear City of Mankato Residents,
As your City Manager, it is my privilege to present the State of the City, a reflection of the remarkable progress we’ve made together over the past year. It’s been a year of meaningful accomplishments, driven by the strong partnership we share with you—our residents.
By prioritizing fiscal responsibility, we’ve ensured that every dollar is spent with care, enhancing the quality of life in our community. Together, we have celebrated many infrastructure improvements, expanded housing options, and enhanced transportation systems, all while maintaining our City’s financial health. These achievements reflect our shared commitment to making Mankato a better place for all.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Strategic Plan, developed with your input through a yearslong engagement process. This 5-year plan includes tangible goals, organized into six key areas:
1. Housing
2. Sustainable Infrastructure
3. Community Connection and Livability
4. Community Safety
5. Economy
6. Adaptive Organization
This plan is more than a roadmap. It is a commitment to our community and our staff. Together, we will build on the momentum of the past year to shape the future.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to working alongside you in the coming years to make these aspirations a reality.
Sincerely,
Susan MH Arntz, Mankato City Manager
507-387-8695 sarntz@mankatomn.gov
In the summer of 2024, the Mankato area faced some of the most severe flooding in recent history. Working with our partners, the coordinated response, guided by the flood mitigation plan, was both efficient and effective. With waters rising for several days, the flood control system designed to protect the area held strong.
Susan MH Arntz Mankato City Manager
Dancer, Adleigh Nelson, Mankato
Guiding the Future of Mankato
Public Service Philosophy: The Foundation for Serving Mankato
Our organization is dedicated to serving Mankato and creating a community where everyone belongs. We care about making a positive difference in the lives of others through responsive and efficient City services.
We embrace innovation to address community and organizational challenges. We listen and engage with each other and our community. We are empowered and trusted to make decisions that align with our vision and values and serve the greater good of the Mankato community.
Vision: Our Desired Future State
Leading the way as a vibrant, diverse, regional community
Goal 1: Housing
Preserve the existing affordable housing stock
End homelessness in Mankato
Provide better and safer rental housing options
Create diverse types of housing
Goal 2: Sustainable Infrastructure
Well-maintained transportation assets
Increase ridership of the transit system
Mankato’s infrastructure investment and Community enhancements are solid
Clear vision on the city’s work to protect the climate
Better and safer multi-modal systems for all users to improve connectivity across the community
Goal 3: Community Connection and Livability
A community where all people are connected, heard, and informed
Access to safe, well- maintained park and recreation assets for all
Comprehensive parks and recreation services for all
Goal 4: Community Safety
Decrease fire injury, death, and property loss
Increase community safety and security using data and community engagement
Reduce crashes and injuries
Goal 5: Economy
Mankato’s business community is thriving and can grow
Shared goals with community partners to advance economic development for Mankato
Goal 6: Adaptive Organization
Mankato staff are supported in serving the community with opportunities for training and career development
Employees are recognized, appreciated, and retained
Mankato has a culture that supports a diverse workforce
Continuous innovation of city processes to deliver efficient and effective city services
Investing in Community
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Established
In response to the community’s prioritization of affordable housing, the Mankato City Council, together with Blue Earth County, established the local Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). This fund is a consistent, renewable, and flexible resource aimed at addressing local housing needs and supporting innovative affordable housing projects. It leverages both public and private resources to kickstart projects that draw local investments and create jobs in the community.
The fund focuses on four key community gaps:
Preserving existing affordable housing stock
Supporting the development of new affordable housing
Preventing and ending homelessness
Expanding communication and education efforts to connect residents with affordable housing opportunities
Working Together to End Homelessness
Recently approved funding for a 40-unit supportive housing project marks a pivotal development in Mankato. The project is a key goal of Mankato’s newly adopted strategic plan aimed at reducing and ending homelessness by offering affordable, stable housing with wraparound support.
The development at 750 Linder Avenue includes 14 studios, 22 one-bedrooms, and 4 two-bedrooms that offer a safe and stable environment for those transitioning from shelters and unhoused situations. Partners for Housing will provide supportive services, which include health care, mental health, employment, transportation, and case management. Listening to voices from local housing and shelter providers, as well as individuals who have relied on these essential services, have been crucial to the development of this project. Their insights and experiences have played a vital role in shaping our approach.
Minnesota Housing awarded Trellis Company $7.25 million in development deferred financing and 4% tax credits in support of the project. Additional support came from the American Rescue Plan administered through Blue Earth County. The Community Development Block Grant offered $100,000 of support and the project will be built on City owned land. Additional support came from the Mankato Economic Development Agency.
The Alma apartment building
Community Development Block Grant Projects Having Impact
The City of Mankato proudly announces the successful completion of several Community Development Block Grant funded projects in 2024.
Preserving and Improving Affordable Housing
The City focused on preserving its affordable housing stock through various rehabilitation projects. A major highlight was the renovation of the Alma
Mark Konz named Director of
Community Development
Mark Konz was named Director of Community Development in June of 2024.
Konz moved into the role following the retirement of Paul Vogel.
Konz has a long career with the City of Mankato, starting in 2001 as a Planning Intern. He has been promoted several times, with his previous position being the Associate Director of Planning and Development Services. Konz earned his undergraduate degree in Geography and his Master of Urban Planning degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Konz has lived in Mankato with his family for the past 23 years.
(formerly Walnut Towers), which updated and preserved 86 units of affordable housing, benefiting low to moderate income households. Additionally, the City completed four owner-occupied housing rehabilitation projects and one rental housing rehabilitation project, improving eight rental units.
Supporting Community Well-being
Funds supported numerous public service organizations, providing essential services to vulnerable populations. VINE Faith in Action offers various services to seniors, including Meals on Wheels and transportation, while Tapestry provides transportation, interpretation, and childcare support for refugees and immigrants. The ECHO food shelf, Open Door Health Center, and MSU Public Dental Clinic also received funding to address food insecurity and provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Other notable beneficiaries included Lutheran Social Service crisis nursery and subsistence payment assistance for rent and utilities.
Have Your Say: Get Involved with Every Voice Mankato
Make your voice heard! The City’s Every Voice Mankato website is the perfect platform to get involved in shaping the future of our community. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are new to the area, this is your opportunity to influence the decisions that affect you and your neighbors.
Every Voice Mankato makes it easy to share thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics—everything from local parks and recreation to transportation, public safety, and City planning. Through interactive surveys, polls, and open discussions, provide direct feedback that will help guide the City’s growth and improve the quality of life for everyone.
.mankatomn .gov
Lions Park
Connecting Community
Improving Bus Stop Accessibility
The City’s new strategic plan includes goals of having a wellmaintained transit system and increasing ridership. To this end, improvements were made at 34 bus stops as part of a multiyear improvement project aimed at enhancing accessibility. Improvements included bench removal, new concrete, erosion control, sloping, bank stabilization,
and bench or shelter installation.
Bus shelters were added at five locations. Additionally, new benches were installed at six locations.
All 86 transit stops were inspected and rated for aesthetics, surface, and structure. The 34 bus stops improved in 2024 had a total estimated cost of $262,961.
Riverfront Drive Reconstruction Project Completed
The final phase of the $9 million Riverfront Drive reconstruction project was completed in October. The reconstruction project, spanning two-thirds of a mile, involved years of planning and engagement with business owners and the community.
The construction created wider sidewalks, improved pedestrian safety, and created more attractive streetscapes. The project also replaced storm sewers and water mains.
Previously, many bus stops were not accessible for our mobility-challenged community. However, after the 2024 Bus Stop Improvement Project, the system now has a much higher compliance rate. Future projects will continue to enhance system access, reduce walking time to stops, and further improve ADA compliance.
Community Weighs in on Veteran’s Bridge Design Features
The Mankato community had the opportunity to provide input on specific design features of the updated Veteran’s Memorial Bridge as part of a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) project. This MnDOT led project which includes the bridge and ramp interchange at Hwy. 169 and Belgrade Ave., affects both North Mankato and Mankato. It involves repairing the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, replacing interchange
signals, improving ramp pavement, and updating bicycle/pedestrian accommodations. Construction on the bridge is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2026.
The community provided online input on the railing shape and metal emblem shape that will be featured at set intervals along the bridge. The railing will feature six double-sided metal emblems made from stainless steel, honoring veterans. These designs were reviewed and approved by local veterans, with one side featuring an image and word representing military service. The other side displays a star and laurel wreath.
Rethinking Community Recreation
Parks Pilot Projects
One of the goals of the City’s new strategic plan surrounds Community Connection and Livability. Staff have been looking for ways to attract more people to area parks. The program involves installing items that may not be seen everyday in a park. A cement ping pong table, posts for hammocking and a gaga ball pit are among the items meant to create a buzz in the community. Cornhole is coming in 2025.
Where we go from here will be decided through user feedback, participation, and overall satisfaction. Input on the new park features can still be submitted to everyvoicemankato.gov and is valuable for guiding future improvements and features in the City parks.
Ping pong table - Stoltzman Park (521 W. Pleasant Street)
Hammock posts - Tourtellotte Park (310 E. Mabel Street)
Hammock posts - Lion’s Lake Park (491 Homestead Drive)
Gaga ball pit - Wings Over White Oak Park (660 Tanager Road)
Tourtellotte Park and Pool
Tourtellotte Park made a major splash in Mankato with the debut of two new swimming pools and an extensive renovation that had been in the works for decades. The park now boasts an Olympic-sized pool with eight lanes for lap swimming, as well as a zero-depth-entry family pool. The historic bathhouse has been fully renovated, offering updated bathrooms, changing rooms, and a new lifeguard locker room. The park’s 30-year-old playground has been replaced with a new play structure featuring a threelevel tower, swings, bridges, and additional equipment.
Buscher and Erlandson Parks Upgraded
Due to the age and condition of the equipment, as well as the challenges of replacing parts, the playgrounds at two of Mankato’s parks—F.A. Buscher Park and Erlandson Park—have been upgraded.
Buscher Park, located at 409 Ledlie Lane, and Erlandson Park, at 101 N. Belmont Drive, now offer exciting new play options, including a zipline, multi-user swing, musical chimes, spinners, and interconnected geometric play pods, along with panels and climbing structures.
The updated equipment was selected largely based on feedback from over 900 children at Kennedy, Washington, and Mt. Olive schools.
Ping Pong Table
Hammock Posts
Gaga Ball Pit
Buscher Park
Tourtellotte Pool
Community Safety
Department of Public Safety Welcomes New Fire Truck
The Department of Public Safety is excited to introduce a new fire truck, designated as number 906. After 15 years of dedicated service, the department’s previous truck has officially retired, making way for this new addition to the fleet.
Fire trucks typically have a service life of about 15 years. This is due to factors such as age-related wear and tear, along with the need for more advanced safety features and technological updates that emerge over time.
Multi-Agency Training Exercise
Mankato’s Department of Public Safety participated in a crucial emergency response training exercise alongside Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, Mankato Ambulance and several area first responders and law enforcement agencies. The event simulated a mass casualty incident on the Minnesota State Mankato campus, offering a hands-on opportunity to refine coordination and response skills.
“This exercise is essential for enhancing our preparedness and ensuring that our community is ready to respond effectively to any emergencies that may arise,” said Justin Neumann, Commander of the Mankato Department of Public Safety. “By practicing together, we strengthen our coordination and communication, which is vital in real-world scenarios.”
New Director of Public Safety Selected
Following a national search that included several rounds of interviews with a number of internal and external interview panels, Jeremy Clifton was selected as the City of Mankato’s new Director of Public Safety. Clifton has 26 years of service with the Department. His roles include: Police Officer; Instructor; Detective; Commander.
Awards for Excellence
Mankato Building Department Recognized for Exceptional Work
The Mankato Building Department has been honored with the 2024 Building Department of the Year award by the Association of Minnesota Building Officials (AMBO). This recognition is given to a community that has shown exceptional dedication to code development and education, ensuring safe and sustainable building practices.
‘Bring It Home’ Award Comes Home
City of Mankato Receives Finance Awards
The City of Mankato has been honored with two distinguished awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The City earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its exemplary budgeting practices, as well as the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive and transparent financial report. These awards highlight Mankato’s commitment to financial responsibility and transparency in government operations.
Award-Winning Thomas Park Renovation Project
The City was honored with the MRPA Award of Excellence from the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association, as well as the Creative Involvement of City Residents Award from the League of Minnesota Cities. Mayor Najwa Massad and City Council Member Mike Laven are pictured here receiving the award on behalf of the City.
The Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center received the Bring It Home award for their outstanding contribution to Mankato’s growth and visibility as the premier destination for major events. Presented by the Greater Mankato Growth (GMG) organization, the award acknowledges those who work in collaboration with Visit Mankato to bring significant events to the region.
10 Civic Center Place by Terri Michels, Mankato
City of Mankato Finances
The City’s budget strategy is to keep taxes stable while ensuring sufficient funding for reliable infrastructure, high-level service delivery and investment into our quality of life assets. This is accomplished through a lean and high-performance employment culture, fiscally responsible budget decisions and policy development that positively affects the City’s financial picture.
Affordability for all remains a priority and is achieved through a solid financial foundation that is healthy, strong and flexible.
CITY OF MANKATO BALANCE SHEET
STATEMENT OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES
HOW DOES MANKATO’S
HOW DOES MANKATO’S TAX COMPARE?
Mankato’s Tax Base
A solid tax base needs to be sustained to fund city services including planning, zoning, building inspections, streets and park maintenance, public safety services, to name a few. As Mankato grows so will its population. Additional facilities, such as roads, utilities and parks, will be needed while sustaining operational services and ongoing capital maintenance. The local property tax levy and state Local Government Aid (LGA) are the primary revenue sources that support city services. Mankato’s tax base is determined by property type: residential, apartment, commercial, industrial, seasonal and agricultural. Most of the increase in the 2025 capacity is absorbed by growth in values for existing property, particularly in residential and commercial properties value growth.
NET TAX CAPACITY BY PROPERTY TYPE FOR FIVE YEARS
Glossary
Net Tax Capacity: maximum amount a city can assess for property taxes. It is calculated based on market value of properties and classification rates set by state legislature.
Average City Tax Rate: percentage of the Net Tax Capacity the City Council elects to collect (authorized up to 100%).
Certified 2024 Local Government Aid (LGA): the amount received annually from the State of Minnesota to assist local governments.
City Net Levy: the amount assessed and collected from property taxes for the City to use toward general fund expenditures (public safety, planning and zoning, streets, engineering, parks and recreation, for example).
Mankato Fast Facts
*Numbers based on permits issued.
Major Projects Planned for 2025
Surface Transportation
Plum Street $878,300
The project will evaluate lane configurations and explore whether street parking can be added to this block.
A watermain connection will also be made between Riverfront Drive and Second Street
Germania Park Phase 5 $1,440,600
Most infrastructure is original and dates 50-75 years in age
Project started in 2019 and has 7 phases
Mass Transit
Automated Passenger Counter $80,000
Automatically counts number of people
Data used to understand ridership patterns and determine service changes
Mankato Housing
Housing unit turnover renovations $450,000
Upgrades and remodeling to housing units
Units will be identified as tenants move out
Information Technology
Customer Service System Replacement $350,000
Implement more flexible system that integrates with existing software
Learning Management System $20,000
Provide a centralized platform for efficient course administration
Insights through data analytics
Parks
Bike Racks $5,000
Based on resident feedback
“Angles of Mankato”
Facilities
Emergency Generator $100,000
Existing generator estimated to be from 1960’s
Public Works Center
Master Planning Design $100,000
Identify areas of need for Public Works Department
Additional heated storage for snowplows and specialized equipment
Public Safety Equipment
Air Truck Replacement $100,000
Vehicle to transport air packs and emergency scene support
Current vehicle is a donated ambulance
Wastewater Collections
Mulberry Lift Station Upgrade $150,000
Improve pumping efficiency
Generator is currently not big enough to handle electrical load of the station
Stormwater
Cree Court Outfall $225,000
Installation of storm water pipe from Cree Court to Thompson Creek
Civic Center
Arena Lobby- Roof Replacement $995,000
Current roof was installed in 1995 and is significantly past life expectancy
Will be replaced with a 30 year fully adhered roof
Parking
Civic Center Ramp $1,250,000
Paint to upgrade appearance and protect from weather degradation
Allow for easier graffiti clean-up
Swirls of Light on Riverfront by Adam Sageng
The Golden Hours of Sibley Park by Terri Michels The Arch by Barb Lindsay
Silo Sunrise by Parie Buffington
The Painter by Adleigh Nelson
Mural by Adam Sageng
Entries from the 2024 Photo Contest showing unique perspectives of our City.
