News Flash

Private data center developers have shown interest in Monticello. The City has collected information on the Data Centers webpage for the community to learn more about the proposed projects and the City's role in land use.

Find information for upcoming public hearings and special meetings. A calendar of regular City meetings is also available. Official notices are published in the Monticello Times.

Help Monticello bloom! Sponsor a Planter and help keep our community colorful -- no gardening required! For $100, your sponsorship covers the cost of flowers and maintenance. Sponsorships receive a "thank you" sign in the planter.

The City of Monticello’s Spring Tree Sale is back, offering discounted trees to help replace trees lost to infectious diseases in our community. Quantities are limited and orders are filled first come first served. Order by April 20!

A digital copy of our latest newsletter is available on our website. City newsletters are published twice a year and mailed to city residents.

Downtown Monticello is full of charm. Our goal is to keep building on that. Learn how the Monticello Economic Development Authority is encouraging investment in Downtown.

Check out the brand new Monticello Resident Guide! This guide is your all-in-one resource for City services, events, and local information, keeping the community connected to everything Monticello has to offer.

Leah Gardner, owner of Queen Bee’s Gardens & Floral at 200 W Broadway Street, Suite 101, received Wright County Economic Development Partnership’s 2024 Outstanding Start Up Entrepreneur Award.

Leah Gardner, owner of Queen Bee’s Gardens & Floral, received Wright County Economic Development Partnership’s 2024 Outstanding Start Up Entrepreneur Award.

When we stopped by to congratulate Leah, she reflected on the past 3 years of being part of the Monticello Business Community. She shared that she still can’t believe all the support she has received from the community and the success she’s experienced. She trusted her gut and knew that Monticello was the place to be and pursue her new career. Queen Bee’s is Leah’s first business venture. Prior to Queen Bee’s, Leah was an Occupational Therapist Assistant – she loves working with people. And now, she gets to work with people in a different way, one that she finds very rewarding.

Leah is very involved in the community, taking part in the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Industry and community events. In addition to the shop, she offers porch pot classes where you’ll learn to create your own arrangements and personalize planters to beautify your space. The classes have been very popular, with more coming this spring to celebrate the season and Mother’s Day in May.

We want to congratulate Leah on this outstanding achievement and recognize all the great work she has been doing in and for Monticello’s community.

Stay up to date with Queen Bee’s online at queenbeesgardens.com or follow the shop on Facebook. Don’t forget to stop in for your Valentine’s Day flowers too – they’re located at 200 W Broadway Street, Suite 101, in Monticello.

Learn how the Monticello Economic Development Authority assisted the expansion with the Greater Monticello Enterprise Fund loan program.

Congratulations to Hair Obsession Salon on their new space! Owned by Lori and Joel Obia, the salon recently moved to its new location at 213 Pine St.  

The new space, formerly home to Rustech Microbrewery, is a larger, 2,040 square-foot facility just a few blocks from their previous location. This expansion allows the salon to better serve their clients and accommodate the growing demand for their services. With the move, Hair Obsession is expected to add new full-time positions and welcome more independent stylist contractors to their team.  

The Monticello Economic Development Authority is committed to supporting local businesses by providing critical funding assistance and other tools for their growth and success. Through the Greater Monticello Enterprise Fund (GMEF) Loan, the EDA helped cover a portion of the property purchase and renovations. This loan program reflects the EDA’s dedication to local economic growth and job creation in the community. 

We’re excited to see this local business thrive in their new space! #LifeIsGoodBusinessIsGreat ✂️💇 

Visit Hair Obsession Salon's website. For more information about how the City supports new and existing businesses, visit our Economic Development webpage.

Curious about how the City develops and grows? The Community Development Department plays a vital role. Check out the Department's 2024 Annual Update to learn more.

Have you ever wondered about the City’s role in development? The Community Development Department provided an overview in their 2024 Annual Department Update. Whether it’s guiding developers through the application process or working on projects that enhance our community, the department is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth while engaging and supporting the community.

The Community Development Department plays a vital role in navigating land use, zoning regulations, economic development, and building safety. They work closely with several City boards, including the Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, and the Industrial and Economic Development Committee.

In the 2024 update, Angela Schumann, Community Development Director, provided an overview of the general development process in Monticello:

• Initial Developer Contact: Developers reach out to discuss their proposals and understand zoning requirements. Community Development staff provide relevant information on the City Code, zoning districts, and what Monticello offers businesses and residents. A Concept Review meeting may be held for initial Planning Commission and City Council feedback to the developer.
• Review Process: Land use applications are submitted and thoroughly reviewed by the appropriate city departments to ensure they align with the City Code and zoning regulations.
• Public Meetings: Community Development staff guide developers and community leaders through the formal decision-making process for land use application approvals.
• Post-Process Measures: Once a project is approved, there are key steps that are followed to ensure ongoing compliance with City regulations and building codes, as well as continued engagement with land use applicants to assess the City’s effectiveness throughout the process.

Looking ahead to 2025, Schumann highlights the department’s commitment to supporting the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan. Key initiatives include:

• Navigating increased development projects
• Promoting residential housing opportunities
• Collaborating with the Parks, Arts, and Recreation department on a Park Dedication Study and Tree Ordinance

View the 2024 Annual Community Development Department Update:

• Presentation (PDF)
• Stream Online