As a community, we have seen a tremendous amount of success over the past four years and I believe we are on the path of growing forward. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Minot’s mayor during that time.
We, as a community, have seen significant gains and investment in the quality of life with projects such as the Magic City Discovery Center, a new public high school, a Career & Technical Education Center, recreational businesses opening their doors, and pathways taking shape within our flood control system.
The number of new businesses opening their doors is a sign of success in our community. The downtown revitalization has transformed the atmosphere of the heart of our community, with much more to come. Minot’s intermodal facility on our northeast side is opening up markets to the world not just for our agriculture producers but for the opportunity for manufacturing and processing on a level not seen since the early days of the railroad when it came through in the late 1800s.
Private investment in development and redevelopment is also showing signs of significant prosperity, including the Big M by Epic project that will remake the Big M building into an integral part of downtown. The planned mixed used development called The Tracks by Epic on Minot’s southwest side shows a continued commitment to improving the live, work, and play mentality that exists outside of downtown.
The infill of new businesses along our Broadway corridor is a signal that our infrastructure investment is paying dividends. Minot North High School exemplifies the community’s commitment to exceptional education. By passing the bond proposal last December, Minot will not only have a new high school but an additional middle school downtown as the Magic City Campus will transition to a grades 9-12 education model to meet the demands of the ever-increasing class sizes.
The Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project continues to move forward as we secured federal dollars for Phase 5 along Railway Avenue and Phase 4 (Maple Diversion) with help from multiple partners, notably Sen. John Hoeven. Our relationships with our local, state, and federal partners have been and will continue to be key in getting this project completed by 2035 rather than 2042.
My time spent with the great men and women who serve our country at Minot Air Force Base has been very special to me. The role that MAFB plays not only in our local community but also in the country and world cannot be understated. Working with 5th Bomb Wing Commander Col. Michael Walters and former Commander Brad Cochran through the pandemic was especially important as we each had important missions to accomplish while strategizing the path to emerge stronger on the other side of the ordeal. We did emerge stronger and for that, I am thankful.
I must say thank you to the City of Minot staff that I worked with over these past four years. Their hard work and dedication to the community makes Minot a better place to call home. All of our community partners that came together over this time shows that we are a connected community working in the same direction for the betterment of Minot and the region.
Leading and being a decision-maker is not easy. No matter what decision is made, there will be a person or a group of people that disagrees with it. I balanced my thought process on the premise of “what is best for the community.” I hope what was best for the community is evident by the all the great things that have been moving forward these past four years.
While I may not be mayor after June 28, I will still be active and engaged in the community. I wish all the best for the mayor-elect and the City Council. Their success is the community’s success and that is what’s important.
Sincerely, City Hall
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