This focus on connectivity reflects a larger trend shaping modern city development. Trails, walkable districts, and connected amenities encourage residents to engage more with their community and allow visitors to experience downtown as a destination rather than a stopover. In a growing city, that matters. It preserves identity while strengthening the quality of life. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS THAT ENABLE GROWTH Lakeville’s economic momentum is supported by major infrastructure investment, particularly around transportation and access. Mayor Hellier identifies Interstate 35 as the city’s primary regional corridor and notes that several key county roads crossing over and under I-35 require significant upgrades as traffic volumes increase. One major project involves improving the interchange at I-35 and County Road 50, a change expected to relieve congestion and support continued business growth. A previously completed project, County Road 70, has already proven transformational. By converting an older county road into a higher-capacity connection between I-35 and Lakeville’s industrial park, the city created new opportunities for industrial development and improved logistics access—one of the key reasons major employers continue to choose Lakeville. Public safety infrastructure is also a priority. Hellier points to the completion of a regional public safety training facility known as the FiRST Center, supported by both city investment and state participation. The facility is designed to serve multiple agencies 128 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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