Woodbury City Council approves major developments and initiatives for economic growth

During the recent Woodbury City Council meeting held on March 7, 2025, city officials highlighted significant developments in economic growth, housing initiatives, and community projects that are shaping the future of Woodbury, Minnesota.

The meeting began with a focus on Woodbury's robust economic landscape, noting that the city is home to over 26,000 employees and nearly 1,900 businesses. This positions Woodbury as one of the leading cities in the East Metro area, alongside Maplewood. The cumulative commercial space in the city has reached approximately 13.5 million square feet, with only 37% designated for retail, a shift from previous years when retail dominated the commercial landscape. This diversification is seen as a strategic move to enhance the city's economic base.

A key highlight was the upcoming opening of the Gold Line development, set for March 22, 2025. This project includes new attractions such as Topgolf and Main Event, along with a completed parking ramp and service center. The Gold Line is expected to improve transportation options and stimulate local business, with free rides offered during its inaugural week.

The council also reported on the success of the Destination Woodbury marketing organization, which has completed its first year of revenue collection. The organization aims to promote local tourism and will launch a new website at the Woodbury Expo on April 5, alongside a refreshed park and trail map.

In terms of housing, the council discussed the implementation of a rental licensing program that issued nearly 8,000 licenses in its inaugural year, achieving a compliance rate of about 90%. This program is part of broader efforts to ensure quality housing in the community. Additionally, two major affordable workforce housing projects were approved, which will add nearly 500 long-term affordable units to the city.

The meeting also touched on the redevelopment of City Place, which has seen a significant increase in taxable market value from $12.5 million in 2014 to $250 million today. This transformation has been achieved without financial subsidies, relying instead on zoning flexibility to attract diverse businesses.

Lastly, the Northeast Business Park continues to grow, with over 2 million square feet of commercial space developed in the last five years. The council emphasized ongoing opportunities for new businesses, highlighting the strategic planning that has facilitated this growth.

In conclusion, the Woodbury City Council meeting underscored the city's commitment to economic development, housing initiatives, and community engagement. As these projects progress, they are expected to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract further investment in the region. The council plans to continue monitoring these developments and will provide updates to the community as they unfold.