St. Cloud Begins Work on Five Year Capital Improvement Plan

Saint Cloud, MN, USA / KNSI

Jan 14, 2026 | 8:44 AM

City of St. Cloud

(KNSI) — The City of St. Cloud is in the early stages of developing its Capital Improvement Plan, a document city leaders call a crucial guide for development and investment over the next five years.

Community Development Director Matt Glaseman emphasized to KNSI News that the CIP is not simply a collection of desired projects. “One of the most significant ways the city can influence development is by extending roads, utilities, and parks to those spaces that are appropriate for development. We really make them ready for development. It would be wonderful if we had enough dollars to make all of those spaces available, but that simply isn’t the reality.”

Glaseman explained that the CIP “really is a tool that not just government uses, but the private sector can benefit from. When folks call our office and they say**,** ‘when is that park going to be improved behind my house?’ we say, ‘the capital improvements plan says this.’ This is a document that really impacts people’s lives whether it’s their business or their home.”

While specific projects for the 2027-2032 period haven’t been finalized, Glaseman said residents can expect similar initiatives to past plans, including utility extensions, infrastructure and road reconstruction in existing neighborhoods, and park improvements.

Some of the ideas being discussed include neighborhood park improvements, maintenance to the River’s Edge Convention Center, a riverwalk between CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital and Cathedral High School, a seventh fire station in northeast St. Cloud, a water tower, and an expansion of the Whitney Senior Center.

Public hearings will be held in February and March to gather input from residents about priority improvements.

Residents who want to suggest projects or share their priorities can contact the city’s planning department via email or attend upcoming Planning Commission meetings.

___