St. Francis, Minnesota

Urban Meets Natural Beauty

A city that expertly balances growth with an unparalleled lifestyle

Where urban landscapes blend seamlessly with natural beauty, St. Francis, Minnesota, uniquely balances its metropolitan and rural characteristics. With a population just reaching the 8,500 mark, the lively community has been on a path of rapid growth while maintaining its charming small-town feel. Kate Thunstrom, City Administrator, offers a detailed look at the city’s past, present, and future, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and unique aspects that make St. Francis a noteworthy destination.

City meets nature

“We have a very urban core with commercial areas alongside some beautiful natural features,” Thunstrom notes. St. Francis boasts a scenic river designated by the state and extensive wetlands, significant natural assets. These features add to the city’s aesthetic appeal and present unique challenges for development.

Despite these challenges, St. Francis has embraced the opportunities posed by its natural landscapes, such as the wetlands and rivers, in the context of land use and development. Thunstrom explains that the city has proactively addressed these challenges by fostering creative developer partnerships. These collaborations aim to find solutions that respect and preserve the environment while meeting the community’s needs.

The scenic Rum River, flowing through the heart of St. Francis, is a focal point for residents and visitors alike. It offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The river is also surrounded by beautiful wetlands and parks, providing a serene and picturesque setting that significantly enhances the quality of life in the city.

“We value our natural environment and work hard to protect it,” Thunstrom proudly states. This commitment is evident in the city’s approach to development, where environmental considerations are seamlessly integrated into planning and decision-making processes.

Building for the future

St. Francis is not resting on its laurels. The city is actively engaged in several infrastructure projects to accommodate its growing population and enhance its services. A new city hall and fire station are under construction, serving as the anchor for the downtown area known as Bridge Street.

In addition, a significant senior housing project is about to break ground, adding 125 units to the community. This is part of a broader shift from predominantly residential developments to a mix that includes more commercial and retail spaces. “We have a lot of conversations for future commercial and then a couple of multifamily housing developments as well,” Thunstrom says.

Thriving through change

The city’s proactive approach to development has been necessary in overcoming the challenges posed by its natural features and regulatory constraints. “The city has made itself flexible when working with the developers,” Thunstrom emphasizes.

For example, the city staff works closely with developers to navigate state highway regulations and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) protections. By creating open communication and innovative problem-solving, St. Francis ensures that development projects can progress without compromising the city’s natural beauty or historical integrity. The approach has resulted in a win-win situation for all parties involved.

The city’s ability to adapt and find solutions is exemplified in several recent projects. One such project involves the development of a new commercial center near the wetlands. Initially, there were concerns about the construction’s environmental impact. However, through careful planning and collaboration with environmental experts, the city and developers were able to design a project that minimized the impact on the wetlands while still meeting the community’s needs.

Strength and stability

St. Francis benefits from a strong family-owned business base that provides stability and continuity. “A lot of our longest-standing commercial and manufacturing seats are by family-owned business,” Thunstrom highlights. The deep-rooted business community has been instrumental in the city’s economic stability and growth.

Financially, the city leverages tools like Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and tax abatement to support new developments. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) also plays a vital role, acquiring and preparing land for future partnerships. This has helped offset upfront costs for potential commercial or restaurant ventures, making St. Francis an attractive location for new businesses.

“Village Bank is strong with commercial partners,” Thunstrom notes. The bank’s commitment to the community and its local businesses has been a driving force behind many successful ventures in the city.

Partnerships and success stories

St. Francis has recently welcomed several new businesses, including a new auto parts store and a general retail outlet. Long-standing businesses such as Northland Screw and Temperature Specialists continue to thrive and are even considering expansion, which demonstrates the city’s supportive business environment.

Key partnerships with organizations like the St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Anoka County Regional Economic Development Group further bolster the city’s economic development efforts. These collaborations facilitate events, support local businesses, and drive regional economic growth.

“The St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce is our biggest business partner locally,” Thunstrom says. “They manage our smaller events within the city as well as one of the city’s largest events.” These events, organized in partnership with the city, foster a sense of community and support local businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce also plays a crucial role in advocating for local businesses and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. This partnership has been instrumental in creating a thriving business environment in St. Francis.

Events and community

Community events are vital for bringing residents together and attracting visitors. The city hosts a variety of activities that enhance the sense of community and promote local businesses. One of the most popular events is the weekly farmers market held every Wednesday during the summer. This market, which offers fresh produce, homemade goods, and artisanal crafts, has doubled participation since last year, attracting vendors and visitors from surrounding areas.

Pioneer Days, another signature event, organized by the St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrates St. Francis’s rich history and heritage. This celebration features a parade, live music, food vendors, and various activities for all ages. It offers a wonderful opportunity for residents to come together and celebrate their community. “We support the chamber in organizing these events, which are crucial for our community’s social fabric,” Thunstrom explains.

Other events, like the annual tree-lighting ceremony in December, provide entertainment and strengthen residents’ bonds.

Visionary growth

A significant focus is developing a business park along the state highway to attract commercial and industrial enterprises. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide local employment opportunities and reduce the need for residents to commute.

Additionally, the city is working on a large subdivision project that will add over 300 homes and a multifamily apartment building with 110 units. These developments are expected to meet the housing needs of the growing population and add diversity to the housing market.

“We’re pushing towards more commercial and business park-type projects,” Thunstrom says. “The single-family housing kind of comes naturally here, but it does take more work for us to get in the commercial.”

The city is also capitalizing on its proximity to educational institutions. “We’ve got a technical college just south of us in the city of Anoka that offers excellent high-skill training opportunities,” Thunstrom points out. This enables local manufacturers to access a skilled workforce, enhancing the city’s business appeal.

Committed to growth

St. Francis, Minnesota, is rising, blending its rich history and natural beauty with dynamic growth and development. Under the leadership of City Administrator Kate Thunstrom, the city is poised to continue its trajectory of thoughtful expansion, ensuring it remains a great place to live, work, and visit.

Exemplifying the best of small-town America while embracing the future with open arms, the city adopts a flexible and creative approach to development. Strong local businesses and active community engagement further contribute to its appeal.

More than just a place to live, St. Francis is a community that values its past while actively shaping its future. Whether you are a resident, a business owner, or a visitor, the city’s vibrant spirit and commitment to progress make it a truly exceptional destination.

AT A GLANCE

St. Francis, Minnesota

What: A small city in Anoka County featuring a mix of residential areas, agriculture, and small businesses, with the Rum River providing scenic recreational opportunities.

Where: Along the northern edge of Anoka County, blending rural and suburban living near the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

Website: https://www.stfrancismn.org/