Civil Municipal - May 2024

to its identity as a culinary and cultural exploration destination. GROWTH AND INNOVATION In the heart of Wadena, a deliberate and strategic approach toward urban development and business support illustrates a broader vision for the future. The Wadena Development Authority (WDA) plays a pivotal role in envisioning and actively engineering the city’s economic landscape.Mayor Deiss elucidates the WDA’s instrumental role in shaping the city’s economic trajectory. “Our director has been with the WDA for many years, providing a wealth of experience to our team,” he notes, emphasizing the stability and expertise at the helm. The availability of a revolving loan fund is a cornerstone of Wadena’s strategy to support budding entrepreneurs and ensure the vibrancy of its commercial districts. “We are always looking to aid businesses, whether through loans or other means,” he adds, hinting at the city’s proactive stance in economic development. The conversation shifts towards the city’s efforts in commercial growth and the mechanisms in place to attract new businesses. Mayor Deiss highlights the dual existence of a business park and an industrial park, both critical to Wadena’s economic infrastructure. “We’re contemplating expanding our industrial park due to its current capacity,” he mentions, revealing an active pursuit of growth and expansion. This ambition is further evidenced by the incentives offered to businesses considering making a home in Wadena, demonstrating a clear, strategic intent to diversify and strengthen the city’s economic base. On the occupancy and availability of space within these parks, Mayor Deiss clarifies, “There are still opportunities within the business park, and even our industrial park has a few lots left,” indicating the city’s readiness to welcome new ventures and support their integration into the community. Moreover, Mayor Deiss touches on the essence of Wadena’s appeal to businesses: the blend of well-established cornerstone businesses and the burgeoning presence of new enterprises.“Our utility 72 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05