While there are many capital park, street and wastewater projects happening in the city this year that were highlighted in my monthly column a couple of months ago, there are also a number of administrative priorities and work that also will make up a big part of city’s year ahead.

While certainly not all, below are some of the work priorities that Administration and our city leadership are working on:

Finish the completion of a master park plan. This year the city hopes to complete a master park plan. A master park plan is a road map for planning and completing park improvements and guiding capital investments to ensure the park system serves the needs of the community today and in the future. The Plan incorporates:

• Local and state recreation trends

• Community demographics

• Facility needs

• Current and future programming needs

• Maintenance

• Long term sustainability

• Information gathered from the community

 A Master Park Plan is the foundation for future decision-making, program planning, budgeting and park system investments.

Cannabis Licensing — The state of Minnesota enacted a new law, effective Aug. 1, 2023, that makes cannabis legal for adults 21 and older to possess and consume. Minnesota is the 23rd state in the nation to legalize cannabis (also known as weed, marijuana, pot, etc.). 

The city of Marshall requires cannabis retailer license holders and lower potency hemp edible (LPHE) retailer license holders to register their licenses with the city.

The city will allow up to two retailer registrations for cannabis retail operations. Currently, two retailers have been assigned registrations by the city, however they are still awaiting licensure by the state of Minnesota.

All other cannabis related businesses (including retail, there are a total of 10 cannabis license categories) must comply with city of Marshall zoning regulations. Before applying for registration please contact the city for additional information.

Legalization of cannabis was enacted by the state legislature. Residents may voice any concerns to the state legislature.

One other registration category for the city is a lower potency hemp edible (LPHE) retailer registration. Currently the city has a total of two registered LPHE retailers in the city. However, last November, President Trump signed a spending bill containing a provision that will ban hemp-derived products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC in November 2026, which could have a devastating effect on the LPHE market, including the THC beverage industry in Minnesota.  As such, the city and the industry are watching this closely as to what will become of selling this product in the future.

Elections — Conducting elections represents one of the most important tasks of local officials, particularly city clerks. As a subdivision of state government, the city must administer elections for federal, state, county, and special-district offices and questions, as well as for city offices and questions. This year the election calendar and terms are as follows:

• Aug. 11 primary election (Ward 1 – Red Baron Arena, Ward 2 – Marshall Middle School, Ward 3 – Marshall Area YMCA)

• Nov. 3 general election (Ward 1 – Red Baron Arena, Ward 2 – Marshall Middle School, Ward 3 – Marshall Area YMCA)

• Terms are up for the following offices:

• Three Councilmembers

• Three County Commissioners

• County Sheriff

• County Attorney

• Three School Board members

Updating Strategic Plan — While a continual process, updating a city’s strategic plan is one of the most important tools a community has to stay relevant, responsive, and forward-thinking. A strong, current plan acts as both a roadmap and a reality check. It also ensures the city is aligned with current community needs and updating the plan allows leaders to re-engage residents and make sure decisions reflect real, current priorities.

Reviewing City Agreements — Cities provide a wide range of services — parks, utilities, public safety, streets, events. Many of these require agreements with contractors, nonprofits, or other governments to get the work done effectively and affordably. For example, many cities contract for the following:

Service Agreements — Hiring a company to provide a service (snow removal, mowing, IT support-in addition to city staff doing this work)

Construction Contracts — Building or repairing streets, parks, utilities, facilities.

Professional services agreements — Working with consultants (engineers, attorneys, planners)

Intergovernmental agreements — Partnering with other cities, counties, or schools.

Development agreements — Working with developers on housing or commercial projects.

Grant agreements — Accepting and managing state or federal funding.

Lease agreements — Renting city property or leasing space from others

Purchase agreements – Buying equipment, vehicles, or materials

Franchise agreements – Allowing utilities (electric, cable, gas) to operate in the city

This upcoming year the city has numerous agreements that need to be reviewed, negotiated, renewed or bid out for a new provider of services or contract. While not completely inclusive, some specific examples of city agreements that need to be reviewed this year: lease agreements for land that the city owns, franchise agreements for cable and gas, airport lease agreements for use of airport space, lease agreements for use of city space the city owns, Block 100 development agreement, housing development agreement, city attorney services, computer service and related information technology agreements, ambulance agreements, public safety agreements with other entities, agreements with the state for shared services or contracted funds and more.

The administrative priorities mentioned are just a few of the many areas of focus in 2026. While city administration can feel behind-the-scenes, the work keeps a city functioning smoothly, efficiently, and responsibly. We look forward to the important work ahead and will continue to serve the community with dedication and purpose.

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