Willmar schedules May 1 comprehensive-plan joint work session; city highlights Heritage Festival and other community events

Christopher Corbin, director of planning and development for Willmar, told the City Council the final joint work session on the city’s comprehensive plan will be held May 1 at the Willmar Community Center to review the remaining chapters and focus on implementation.

Corbin said the session will cover the housing chapter, parks and open space, arts and culture, natural resources and resiliency, and that department directors will attend to discuss planning needs and strategies. "We will review the remaining chapter…with a strong focus on implementation," Corbin said. Members of the public were invited to attend.

Separately, the council heard community-pride announcements. Pablo Obergon (staff member) described three events happening Friday: the International Heritage Festival at 5:30 p.m. at Willmar Senior High, which will include a flag parade representing participating countries, samples of food while supplies last, and a program representing several heritages; the Healthy Earth Healthy Kids event at the Civic Center the following day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a kids run; and a Braver Angels workshop on Monday. The transcript also records Mayor Reese mentioning a mayor’s breakfast on May 1 at 6 a.m. and distributing tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

No formal council action was taken on the comprehensive plan item during this meeting; staff set the joint work session date and invited public participation. The packet materials for the meeting, Corbin said, identify the items to be covered and were provided to council members in advance.