In 2024, Willmar, Minnesota saw significant growth, driven by new construction projects and expanding businesses. The Willmar Planning and Development Department played a key role in attracting new businesses and assisting local ones. One notable project was the construction of a Popeyes restaurant on Willmar Avenue Southeast and First Street South, with an excavator seen operating at the site on July 8, 2024.

Willmar experienced various developments in housing and commercial sectors, highlighting its economic strength. "Development takes time. A lot of these projects that are closing out or started in 2024 probably started as early as 2021 and 2022. There are a lot of moving parts. We just want to make sure that we are building relationships to ensure the process is streamlined," said Willmar Planning and Development Director Christopher Corbett.

Housing was a major focus in 2024, with the city working to meet the needs of its senior population. Trident Development began work on a 75-unit senior housing facility at 2001 Ninth St. S.E., funded by a tax increment financing agreement. This effort was complemented by Bethesda's multi-million dollar expansion of their senior living community, which began construction at 1205 Willmar Ave. S.E.

Willmar also made strides in affordable housing, with the United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) receiving a $4.4 million grant for a new affordable housing project. "You need housing options, options for every income, and you need it to be available," Corbett emphasized.

The city also recognized the need for diverse food options and worked to address this by supporting ethnic grocery stores and the development of a new halal meat processing plant called Happy Halal. This facility, which broke ground in September 2024, will provide fresh halal meats to the community and neighboring areas.

The business landscape flourished as well, with the addition of chain restaurants like Popeyes and Subway, alongside the growth of local businesses like Intuition and Rendezvous Axe Throwing. "Local small businesses are making a huge impact," Corbett noted.

Willmar’s development efforts also included infrastructure improvements, such as the groundbreaking of a new middle school gymnasium, funded by a 2023 bond. As the city continues to grow, officials are committed to adapting plans to meet evolving community needs. "Our plans should always be evolving; it is all about scale," said Corbett, highlighting the collaborative nature of the city's development efforts.