Deanna Kuennen, Community and Economic Development Director, states, “It’s not just a city. We value our neighborhoods, our people, our businesses, and we’re interested in attracting others that fit within that overall community vibe.” She continues, “We have heard multiple businesses say, ‘This community will not let me fail.’ So, our focus has been on how we can preserve that environment while positioning ourselves for the future.” Noting that Farmington is a very family-oriented city, Steve Wilson, City Councilor and Chair of the Farmington Economic Development Authority adds, “We’re a really friendly community. The businesses take care of each other, the neighborhoods are all unique and connected, and people know one another. You’re in a place when you’re in Farmington, it’s not just a suburb that you’re passing through.” A POSITIVE HOUSING OUTLOOK Kuennen highlights the significant strides Farmington is making in addressing housing needs. “We are turning a corner,” she shares. “Our singlefamily home development this year is on track to outpace the last number of years.What’s great about this is there’s a variety and a diversity of housing being built. We’re hitting the different price points, and we’re addressing the various needs.” A noteworthy development is the first market-rate, multifamily apartment building Farmington has seen in over 30 years. This project, The Emery, set to open in late September, has already sparked interest from additional multifamily housing developers. Another project with 168 market-rate units just completed the entitlement process. Kuennen recounts,“We are making sure that as we’re pursuing and working with these multifamily housing developers, we’re working with people who want to be here, and developers who appreciate what this community has to offer, because we are different from our neighbors.” INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT Planning Manager, Tony Wippler talks about Farmington’s infrastructure projects, including a joint venture with Hiawatha Broadband (HBC) to build out a community-wide fiber network. “We are putting fiber into most of our parks, providing free Wi-Fi for park visitors. This is a huge benefit, both for residents and people visiting,” he maintains Farmington is also undertaking a mid-cycle update of its comprehensive plan, with a focus on rezoning and planning for a recently annexed 570 acres, as well as guiding the agricultural land throughout Farmington.“We’re being proactive and not reactive, to determine our future. The comprehensive plan 123 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 FARMINGTON, MN
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx