I hope everyone had a great Christmas and holiday season, and that you’re staying healthy and happy through this especially snowy winter. We’ve already surpassed our annual season snowfall average, and it’s not even February yet. Whatever happened to the nice cold, dry snowfalls we used to enjoy, or at least tolerate? It might be hard to see the light at the end of this gray and snowy tunnel, but rest assured that warmth, sun, and some very exciting things are waiting for us on the other side.

Mann Valley Corporate Park

Like every year at the City, 2023 will be a busy one. Construction will finally begin on Mann Valley Corporate Park, a massive project that has been years in the making. The corporate park will include 200 acres for office and light industrial/manufacturing spaces. Final design for the park’s infrastructure is currently underway and will be completed early this year, with construction expected to begin in the spring. Mann Valley Corporate Park will provide even more dedicated space in our city for creative and innovative ideas to be born.

Infrastructure improvements

In addition to bringing the ambitious vision of Mann Valley to life, several major infrastructure projects are on our to-do list for 2023, including the North Water Tower, North Loop utility extension project, and rehabilitation of Powell Avenue Bridge. I know they aren’t necessarily flashy and fun things to spend money on, but these investments in our infrastructure are critical to ensuring that you receive reliable and high-quality utility services, that roads and pathways are in good condition for your travel and recreation needs, and so much more. Great infrastructure also helps convince businesses and people to move to our community, bringing new ideas and opportunities with them. We’re excited to move forward with these projects to keep our community in top shape for our current residents and for those we haven’t met yet.

Focus River Falls plan adoption

In March, over a year of dedicated work by our Community Development department will reach an exciting juncture as three long-range plans come before Council for an adoption vote: the comprehensive plan, bicycle and pedestrian plan, and outdoor recreation plan. Staff is already at work identifying funding options, like capital budgeting and grants, to accomplish the action items recommended in the outdoor recreation and bike/ped plans. Implementation of the comprehensive plan will mainly involve examining and updating policies, which staff will begin working on later this year.

Kinni Corridor Plan implementation

Speaking of planning for the future, the City is gearing up to make major strides on implementation of the Kinni Corridor Plan. (Read on in the next section for an in-depth look at what’s in store.) After securing a federal partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2022, we’re excited to begin this year with the funding and technical expertise we need to move further toward the community’s vision of breathing new life into the Kinnickinnic River Corridor.

River Falls 101

Engaging the community will continue to be a central focus in 2023, and in February, we’re looking forward to welcoming our first cohort of community members to our brand-new local government citizen’s academy, River Falls 101. Through seven interactive sessions, City staff will provide program participants an in-depth look at City programs and services. The program will not only allow community members to learn more about city government, but it will also equip them to be active participants in the processes that shape our community. We’re thrilled to have received great interest in the program and will be welcoming 24 class members at our first session on Feb. 2.

Staying connected

Don’t forget to stay connected virtually with us in 2023! Aside from checking out each issue of the River Falls Reader, make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to receive the latest City news and updates. We love seeing the city through your eyes, so please continue to engage with us! Share your photos and videos of our beautiful, vibrant community. Give a shout when you have a great experience with a City staff member. Help us show off what makes River Falls great!

As always, if you have a question or comment about City services or operations, please call our excellent Customer Service staff at 715-425-0900. Later this year, we’ll also be sending out the City’s community survey, which we do every two years. Your responses provide critical information that helps us identify our strengths and weaknesses, set strategic goals, and improve service delivery to ensure your needs are met, so please use this opportunity to tell us what you think! Keep an eye out for more information this spring.

Stay safe and take care.