The State of the City is an annual Chamber event where city officials present information on various topics related to past and current projects within the city and by the community. Recently, Mayor Byrnes presented information on “State of the City Indicators” that support and help answer-what is the “State of the City?”

Common “State of the City indicators can include various aspects like economy, environment, social well-being, infrastructure, safety, and governance. These indicators allow governing bodies and the community to understand areas of strength or areas needing improvement.  Additional indicators might include unemployment rates, crime statistics, access to healthcare, housing affordability, and educational attainment levels. 

Some key categories presented as State of the City indicators for the city of Marshall:

1- Population growth: A city is more likely to thrive when it provides good jobs, schools, streets, and affordable housing among other elements; and more people will move into it. Marshall’s population is growing, the new census numbers, after a Census appeal by the city of Marshall, reveal that our population has grown to 13,906.

2-Education: Southwest Minnesota State University had a 14.9% increase for on campus enrollment from the previous year. This is the highest enrollment in 14 years and means that SMSU is the fastest-growing University in the Minnesota State system.

3-Economic growth: The type of build permits issued can be indicators of growth or stagnation in particular segments of the economy. For the city of Marshall, in 2024, the total valuation of permits was the highest amount in 10 years, with a total valuation of building permits issued at $36,821,250. This was largely due to the amount and value of commercial building permits. An upsurge of commercial building permits often indicates businesses are expanding, or new companies are being established–this was true as it relates to the new businesses and business expansion that started in 2024 and continues to be completed in 2025.

4-Demogrpahics: Demographic data can help provide a basis for understanding communities as they are now, where they’ve been and where they’re headed. Marshall’s median age is 33 years, which is lower than the State and National average. In addition, Marshall population is 21% non-white, helping Marshall residents with various backgrounds bring unique ideas and experiences to the community, making the community stronger and more resilient. 

5- Public transport and road safety: Traffic congestion is a major problem in many cities. The more resilient the public transport and streets of a city, the lower the intensity, scale, and duration of disruption to the lives of citizens, businesses, and the economy. For Marshall two indicators support our positive investment in this area. The mean travel time to work is 11.4 minutes, making Marshall one of the shortest commute times in the State. In addition, Marshall continues to invest in street, utilities and stormwater improvement projects. This past year Whitney Street project, parking lot improvements downtown and near Independence Park, as well as stormwater enhancements in the planning stage for a 2025 mean continued investment in our infrastructure.

6- Public space: Green areas are important to the success of a city, as they have many benefits, including promoting social inclusion and residents’ health. Future projects include enhancement to the Independence Park main shelter and bathroom, and a newly completed 18-hole disc golf course at Independence Park as well as existing and future improvements to the Legion Field Baseball Field. Numerous trail improvements are also slated for this upcoming year: County Road 7 Crossing safety improvements, Boyer to Windstar Trail Extension, safety improvement at the pedestrian crossing at HWY 59 and A Street, and an extension of the trail by the Marshall Middle School and Southview Elementary School.

7- Livability Factors: Access to quality health care, affordable housing, and public safety are also key indicators of a community’s success. Quality health care is provided by Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. This year will mark 75 years of medical care, first started in the community by the Weiner Family. The city continues to strive for additional housing, a new planned apartment complex that once fully complete will mean an additional 108 apartment units, which is currently being constructed near Walmart. In terms of public safety, Marshall’s crime rates fall below the national average, indicating Marshall as a very safe place to live.

Marshall’s strength of growing strong families, neighbors, leaders and ideas will continue to distinguish the way the city works to attract residents, businesses and visitors to the city.  Marshall is committed to cultivating the best in us and the State of the City is strong.

— Sharon Hanson is the city administrator for the city of Marshall