NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS Eden Valley’s identity is deeply rooted in its residents’ hard work and dedication. Mayor Brent Bengtson describes the town as “a small, quiet community with a high drive for growth — not just in housing but business. It’s a friendly town where neighbors help neighbors.” The culture of mutual support is a cornerstone of Eden Valley’s success. Steve Schmitt, Meeker County Commissioner, underscores the entrepreneurial energy within the community.“A lot is happening in the workshops and small businesses around town,” he says.“People here use their talents and resources to build something meaningful. It’s a small town, but there’s a quiet, underlying energy where everyone’s doing their part to move forward.” Everyone, from local business owners to civic leaders, works together to maximize the town’s potential. “In Eden Valley, people are resilient and resourceful,” Schmitt adds. We foster public-private partnerships that keep the town moving forward, ensuring that growth is driven by the community, for the community.” LAYING THE GROUNDWORK Updating infrastructure for a town like Eden Valley is about improving and laying the foundation for future growth. Over the past decade, the town has steadily upgraded its streets and utilities to ensure the community’s long-term sustainability. “We’ve been on a ten-year journey to update our aging street infrastructure,” Mayor Bengtson explains. “There are a few more areas to finish, but within five to ten years, most of our infrastructure will be under 30 years old.” Beyond roads and utilities, Eden Valley has also welcomed new commercial ventures, including the arrival of a Dollar General store — a significant addition for a community that previously lacked a general goods retailer. “It was a creative process to make this happen,” Mayor Bengtson notes. “We partnered with a developer from Louisiana and found a way to bring water and sewer to the property, even when it seemed like it might not be feasible.” 65 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 EDEN VALLEY, MN
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