Anderson Pushes Action on Downtown Sites, Sets 3-Year Timeline in State of the City Address

(KNSI) – Mayor Jake Anderson used his first State of the City address to push for visible action on long-stalled downtown development sites, calling on city leaders and residents alike to move past years of talk.

Anderson, 15 months into his tenure, told KNSI News after the speech that the city needs to start delivering on catalyst sites that have been discussed for years. “We need to make progress. Whether it’s the lady slipper lot, whether it’s any of these catalyst sites that we have downtown, let’s figure out how to get these moving. The Stearns County property, what can we do to engage so when those buildings are torn down, we’re ready to replace those with whatever may come next.”

The mayor laid out a three-year window for progress, saying success would mean having letters of interest and development plans in place with developers ready to break ground. He pointed to several properties, including The Press Bar site, the Riverboat lot, and the north city hall lot as opportunities for growth.

Anderson also highlighted the 5th Avenue corridor connecting St. Cloud State University to downtown as a priority, saying the city is pursuing state bonding money to help fund improvements. “I’m told it’s between $6 and $7 million. So it’s not a huge ask, but it’s significant dollars for us that we couldn’t afford to do otherwise. And so we think it’s a respectable request.”

Anderson said he is optimistic the request will draw bipartisan support in both chambers at the Capitol.

Looking back on his first 15 months, Anderson identified two major challenges. The first was limited city finances against growing needs. When he took over, St. Cloud was facing a $3.3 million budget shortfall. That gap was closed by the first property tax rate hike in 20 years. He said looking ahead to 2027, more financial adjustments will need to be made.

The second challenge was the impact of federal immigration enforcement operations in the region. “Obviously the federal immigration enforcement operation, which is a different sort of animal, right? It’s more of a socioeconomic type thing that impacts all sorts of individuals. So those are the two things I think that have been the most significant impacts.”

Anderson closed his remarks with a direct appeal to residents, urging them to find ways to contribute rather than criticize from the sidelines.

“The state of our city is whatever folks make it. So if they want to volunteer, if they want to donate, whatever they can do to get involved. Don’t just be social media warriors, keyboard warriors. Try to make a difference. Figure out what it is you’re passionate about, and serve with purpose.”

The mayor pointed to the city’s nonprofit sector and volunteer organizations as essential to filling gaps where government resources fall short, listing neighborhood cleanups, food and housing support and transportation as areas where residents can step in.

Among the accomplishments Anderson cited from his first year were the completion of the Lincoln Avenue construction project, a simplified downtown parking plan and infrastructure improvements in core neighborhoods.

If you missed the address, check it out for yourself by clicking here.

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