Business View Civil Municipal - July 2023

236 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 to nurture and sustain its ever-growing business landscape. One such initiative involves Ridgewater Community & Technical College, which operates two campuses within the region. Focusing on the workforce’s well-being also forms a cornerstone of the city’s strategy. “Housing for people and child care” are two fundamental areas of concern, shared Walker. The city aims to ensure that the growing population has affordable living options and supportive services, enabling families to effectively balance work and home responsibilities. Augmenting this workforce-centric approach is the Economic Development Commission’s (EDC) active involvement in various initiatives. As Backman described, one such initiative is the virtual job fair: “Businesses will set up their virtual booth, and job seekers can visit the booths virtually.” The goal isn’t merely to circulate people within the county but to draw people from regions like Twin Cities or Saint Cloud, adding to the city’s workforce diversity. In addition to the virtual job fair, the EDC partakes in local events to engage students from Willmar High School and neighboring school districts, educating them about the job opportunities available in the city. They also run an award-winning entrepreneurship program, Elevate, which offers a 12- week training course for aspiring business owners or those looking to expand their operations. A recently completed housing study projects a population increase of around 2,700 people between now and 2030, underscoring the importance of the city’s efforts to address housing and childcare needs, both critical components in the bigger picture of workforce development and sustainability. Residential Development Boom: Crafting a Livable Willmar Since 2018, Willmar has witnessed an collaborative process has reaped substantial benefits for Willmar. Backman shares that the city saw $90 million in construction last year alone, totaling $252 million over the previous four years. This figure stands strong when compared to competitor regional centers around the state of Minnesota. Backman also touches on a significant infrastructure project, a $50 million railroad bypass project. It aims to ease the rail traffic cutting through downtown, reducing disruptions in the city. This project, he explains, “speaks to the persistence of the community.” Despite initial rejections from the US Department of Transportation, the project was eventually approved in 2015. It was one of only 39 projects funded out of 627 nationwide applications. Nurturing the Workforce: Preparing for Growth and Prosperity Amidst nationwide workforce shortages, Willmar is proactively implementing initiatives