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City Departments
Since its inception in 2001, the EDA has been actively involved in retaining, attracting and working with businesses to expand in Lonsdale.
The EDA offers a revolving loan fund that can be used by businesses to purchase land, buildings, new construction, equipment, inventory and working capital. The EDA also works with businesses on tax abatement and tax increment financing, and facilitates meetings with organizations that can also provide assistance. The EDA conducts business retention and expansion visits with businesses throughout the year to meet with businesses and see how the EDA can assist in making the company even stronger.
In addition, the EDA hosts business forums as a way for the business community to come together, network and see how collectively, it can make Lonsdale an even better place to do business.
There are several commercial and light industrial lots available in the new business park. Construction of the Lonsdale Business Park was completed in 2014 and is a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Shovel Ready Certified Site.
It was constructed to meet short construction timelines, increase and diversify the city’s tax base, and provide an opportunity for residents to not only live and work in town. By doing so, it puts the city in control of its destiny.
LONSDALE CITY HALL
415 Central St. W 507-744-2327 www.lonsdale.govoffice.com City Administrator: Joel Erickson
The business operations of the city are carried out at Lonsdale City Hall, which is the hub of all city services. The departments operating in City Hall include: Administration, Finance, Planning & Zoning, Building Inspections, Economic Development, and Utility Billing. Questions regarding any of these departments can be answered by staff.
LONSDALE LIQUORS
751 Ash St. NE 507-744-2392 www.lonsdale.govoffice.com/ liquorstore
Lonsdale Liquors’ current location opened in 2007, and it has the largest product
selection in the area.
Because it is a municipal liquor store, all proceeds stay in the community by providing funds for infrastructure projects, city equipment, park improvements and contributions to various community events. Throughout the year, the staff hosts several tasting events for the public. The Holiday Tasting is the largest of those.
LONSDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
1006 NE Birch St. 507-744-3977 www.lonsdale.lib.mn.us
The Lonsdale Library was established in 2010.
Programming allows the users to be entertained, learn and connect with the broader world. The collection and services include adult fiction and non-fiction, books for children and young people, DVDs including movies and educational programming for young and old, CDs, magazines and newspapers.
With a library card, visitors have access to materials from other libraries around the state as well as their digital collections of magazines and e-books that can be viewed on a computer or mobile device. Computer time is available to the public along with the use of free WiFi.
The library offers story time for preschoolers; its staff is eager to help with research questions.
PARKS AND RECREATION
The Parks and Recreation Board has overseen a vast array of improvements to the city’s parks and trails system. The city’s 11 parks provide a variety of recreational opportunities ranging from watching wildlife, fishing and archery at Rezac Nature Preserve to paying ball “under the lights” at Jaycee Park. Nearly 10 miles of paved trails meander through Lonsdale, connecting neighborhoods, school, businesses and Main Street.
PUBLIC WORKS
Whether it is keeping the grass mowed throughout the city, maintaining the parks, overseeing a street and utility project, or repairing a water main break in -15 degree weather, Public Works’ six full time and seasonal employees can be counted on to get the job done. In addition to maintaining the 25 miles of streets and 11 parks, it is responsible for the water and wastewater treatment plants and systems. The water and sewer treatment plants have been sized to allow for substantial community growth.
