Community Development

2016 Annual Report

“Healthcare’s New Favorite Suburb”

Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, August 2016

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Inside this Report

Submittal Letter from Community Development Director 3

Healthcare’s New Favorite Suburb 4-5

Comprehensive Plan and Economic Development Strategic Plan 6-7

Growth, Development and Demographics 8-9

Commercial New Construction, Additions and Alterations 10-11

Residential Construction and Property Values 12-13

New Businesses and Employment 14-15

Business Outreach 16

Building, Fire and Rental Inspections 17

Code Enforcement and Housing 18-19

Sustainability and Recycling 20-21

Eagle Valley Golf Course 22-23

Commissions and Committees 24-25

Community Development 2016 Annual Report

The staff members within Community Development are committed to upholding Woodbury’s value

statement of Exceeding Expectations: Professional, Responsive, Leaders. The department includes

both long-tenured staff that provide continuity and experience, as well as several new staff that pro-

vide a fresh perspective and ideas.

Community Development Director

Dwight Picha

Planning and Economic Eagle Valley

Code Enforcement Development Inspections Golf Course

Scott Gay Karl Batalden Pam Christiansen Dave Erickson Gina Gore Jennifer McLoughlin Kimberly Coulter Dan Moris Mike Mrosla Janelle Schmitz Rick Current Joe Otto Matt Novak Troy Houn Josh Wendel Eric Searles Rick Hughes Bette Thomas Dan Maroushek Rich Munson Dan Pederson Scott Richardson Gary Trevis Cathy Wiederich

Unless otherwise noted, the data sources for information in this report are from the City of Woodbury.

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January 26, 2017

Dear Council and Commission Members,

I’m pleased to present the 2016 Community Development Annual Report. Looking back

at the many significant developments of the past year, it is clear that Woodbury’s status

as a healthcare destination is secure. Commercial development continues to remain

strong, with healthcare now accounting for one in every five jobs in Woodbury and sur-

passing one million square feet of space.

Woodbury’s location and core amenities also provide a strong foundation for maintain-

ing and expanding a vibrant residential economy. Building off of the development

framework of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, several new residential areas in Phase 2

south of Bailey Road have come on line. Their proximity to the commercial and recrea-

tional amenities of Bielenberg Gardens and Bielenberg Sports Center have added to their

attraction as a place to live.

The Community Development department is committed to achieving the city’s vision as

a leading and growing community where citizens, businesses and government work to-

gether to create a welcoming community where people and businesses thrive. Every

member of the Community Development Department takes pride in knowing that they

have contributed to the success story shared in this year’s report.

Sincerely,

Dwight W. Picha

Community Development Director

A leading community in which to live, work and thrive.

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By all accounts, 2016 was a great year for Woodbury! With 190 healthcare related businesses, and

more than one million square feet of development, Woodbury has certainly become a healthcare des-

tination. As the city continues to attract healthcare, the number of jobs in that sector has increased

as well, to the point that approximately one in five jobs in Woodbury are now in the healthcare field.

The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal dubbed Woodbury as “healthcare’s new favorite suburb”

in their August 18, 2016 issue, a title that we are proud to claim. The following projects are a repre-

sentative sample of the new healthcare development in Woodbury, in addition to many other rein-

vestments and smaller new businesses. These businesses not only helped solidify and strengthen our

position in the healthcare market, they also added significant value to the city’s tax base.

“Healthcare’s New Favorite Suburb”

As part of the aforementioned improvements at

HealthEast, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics needed to

find a new location. Determined to stay in Woodbury,

Children’s worked with MSP Commercial to become

the major tenant in a new 21,500 square-foot medical

office building in the Tamarack Hills II development.

The new location gives Children’s great visibility from

I-494 as well as the convenience that patients demand.

A longtime medical provider in Woodbury, Central Pediatrics had outgrown

its location on Afton Road and needed to expand. Remaining in Woodbury

was a top priority, and working with MSP Commercial, they saw a great op-

portunity for increased visibility and convenience near the Super Target in

the Commerce Hill development. A second tenant, M-Health Pediatric Spe-

cialty Clinic, soon joined them in this space.

Since opening Woodwinds Hospital in 2000, HealthEast has been

expanding its footprint and the services it provides in Woodbury.

Most recently, HealthEast added a linear accelerator, which allows

them to provide full oncology services, including radiation therapy,

at Woodwinds. This led to several ‘domino effect’ developments,

including a new HealthEast Clinic along Woodbury Drive and the

Ways to Wellness center on the Woodwinds campus.

HealthEast Clinics and Cancer Center

Children’s Hospitals and Clinics

Central Pediatrics Clinic and M-Health Pediatric Specialty Clinic

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Located in CityPlace near Radio Drive and I-94, TRIA Ortho-

paedics is the first office to be built in this signature develop-

ment. The three-story, 85,400 square-f00t orthopedic clinic

will also include a same-day surgery center. Its unique archi-

tectural components of glass, stone and dark zinc metal pan-

els will certainly become a focal point of this gateway to

Woodbury. TRIA is expected to open in late 2017.

Also new to Woodbury, Twin Cities Orthopedics will

be located in Bielenberg Gardens near Bailey Road

and Radio Drive. This 50,000 square-foot clinic will

serve as a non-surgical facility to complement their

current space at Woodwinds Hospital, and will in-

clude physical therapy, rehabilitation, hand therapy,

general clinic functions and urgent care. It is ex-

pected to open in late 2017.

Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A. is constructing a

41,000 square-foot ambulatory surgery center near

Tamarack Road and I-494, their fifth location in the

metro. The new medical clinic will provide state-of-the

-art outpatient surgery, various ophthalmic proce-

dures such as cataract surgery, glaucoma procedures,

and corneal transplant procedures, along with laser

vision correction (Lasik) and oculofacial surgeries.

Summit Orthopedics has had a significant presence in Woodbury well over

a decade. In addition to their corporate headquarters, clinic and ambulato-

ry surgery locations, Summit Orthopedics recently opened a satellite clinic

and wellness center in the annex of the Bielenberg Sports Center. The

11,000 square foot facility opened in the summer of 2016, and includes

sports performance specialists providing a wide range of services from

wellness consults to physical therapy, nutrition and fitness classes.

Twin Cities Orthopedics

Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A.

Summit Orthopedics

TRIA Orthopaedics

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The Comprehensive Plan is one of the most important tools for city government. It’s a blueprint for

future growth and development of the community, guiding the use of every piece of land. With one

third of the city still undeveloped, the Comprehensive Plan guides how and when the remaining

portions of the city will be developed. New development will continue to be a focus of the commu-

nity for years to come, but redevelopment and reinvestment are becoming increasingly important.

In 2016, the City Council appointed a task force to update to the Comprehensive Plan, which will

guide the city through the year 2040.

The work of the Community Development department ensures

that the qualities and characteristics expressed in the Compre-

hensive Plan are sustained. Each division within the department

has a unique but interrelated role to play in its implementation.

The Planning and Code Enforcement division reviews

new developments to ensure that they are consistent with all

elements of the Comprehensive Plan and that quality develop-

ment standards are maintained throughout the community.

The Inspections division ensures that buildings are safe, and

that they meet building code standards established by the

State of Minnesota.

The Economic Development division works to retain and

attract businesses, and ensure that the city’s housing needs are

met.

The Eagle Valley Golf Course adds to the city’s quality of

life by providing recreational opportunities and preserving

natural amenities.

Draft Guiding Principles

A. Provide for Planned and Orderly Growth B. Ensure a Safe and Healthy Community C. Encourage Parks and Natural Resources D. Plan for an Effective Transportation System E. Meet Community Housing Needs F. Encourage Business Growth and Retention G. Promote Excellence in Education H. Manage Financial Resources I. Plan for Reinvestment and Redevelopment

2040 Comprehensive Plan

Comprehensive Plan

Task Force Members

Jennifer Santini, Chair

Roger Splinter, Vice-Chair

Anne Burt

James Currell

Andrea Date

Roger Green

Don Place

Paul Rebholz

Al Rudnickas

Mary Giuliani Stephens

Tim Swanson

Jimmy Wong

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Economic Development Strategic Plan

Encouraging business growth and retention is a guiding principal of the Comprehensive Plan. As

such, one of the implementation tools of the Comprehensive Plan is the Economic Development

Strategic Plan which is updated every three-to-five years. The two goals of the 2014 Strategic Plan

are purposefully aligned with the Comprehensive Plan:

1. Promote Woodbury as a community of choice.

2. Maximize development potential.

The Economic Development Commission and its Business Development Committee continued to

implement the Strategic Plan in 2016, with particular focus on these two goals. Through the Busi-

ness Celebration and Business Outreach programs, the city reaches out to new and existing busi-

nesses, welcomes them to the community and gathers feedback on city services. The Business Con-

nect helps the city market development sites directly to brokers, site selectors and developers.

The 2016 Business Connect was held at the city’s newest corporate headquarters, Self-Esteem

Brands, parent company of Anytime Fitness and Waxing The City, which served as an excellent

venue. The event attracted over 100 brokers, developers, property managers and site selectors, with

twelve exhibitors displaying development projects in Woodbury. Chuck Runyon, CEO and Founder

of Anytime Fitness and Self Esteem Brands, delivered an energetic and impactful keynote address,

which was followed by tours of the new headquarters and an optional round of golf at Eagle Valley.

The city has had several economic development strategic plans over the years, each with a three-to-

five year horizon. The Economic Development Commission will be updating the strategic plan in

2017, as the current plan is nearing the end of its implementation phase. The timing of this update

also coincides with the city’s preparation of the new 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

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New development is one of Woodbury’s economic engines. In 2016, the city experienced signifi-

cant growth in both the residential and commercial sectors. The map illustrates that growth in

Woodbury is not centered in one area; instead activity and energy is dispersed throughout the

community. The development review process is managed by the Planning and Code Enforcement

division but the strength of the process is the multi-departmental nature of the review. City staff

within the Engineering

and Parks and Recrea-

tion departments work

collaboratively with

Community Develop-

ment on all applica-

tions to ensure zoning

standards and require-

ments are verified,

stormwater is managed

and the quality of life

that Woodbury is

known for is main-

tained through close

attention to communi-

ty standards.

Because of the city’s

clear and consistent

vision and commit-

ment to long-term

planning, Woodbury

has been able to attract

the type and quality of

development that are

envisioned in our

Comprehensive Plan.

The city’s phased ap-

proach to development has led to measured and planned growth, with logical and incremental ex-

tension of infrastructure to serve the new development.

For an interactive version of the City’s Development Map, please access

https://www.woodburymn.gov/departments/planning/development_map.php.

Growth and Development

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Woodbury is known for its strong demographic profile, both from a quality of life and education perspective, as well as our reputation for a strong business climate.

2016 Population: 68,725

9th largest city in Minnesota

Up 46% from 46,463 in 2000

Median Age: 37.7

Over 65: 7,766 (11.3%)

White alone: 75.0.%

81.7% in Minnesota

Asian: 8.5%

Black/African American: 6.0%

Hispanic or Latino: 4.8%.

Language other than English spoken at

home: 15.8%

December unemployment rate: 2.4%

3.6% in Twin Cities MSA

4.0% in Minnesota

Mean travel time to work: 24.0 minutes

26.4 minutes is U.S. average

Median household income: $101,785

Metro median household income: $86,600

Individuals below the poverty rate: 4.3%

Up locally from 1.7% in 2000

Current U.S. rate is 10.6%

Population with a HS diploma: 97.3%

Population with a bachelor’s degree: 60.5%

40.3% in Twin Cities MSA

30.6% in U.S.

Population with a graduate or

professional degree: 23.5%

13.9% in Twin Cities MSA

11.6% in U.S.

Sources: American Community Survey, Department of Housing and Urban Development and

the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Demographics, Data and More

Population and Projections

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

1990 2000 2010 2016 2020 est. 2030 est. 2040 est.

Unemployment Rate

3.1%

5.1%5.8%

5.0%

4.2%

3.7%

2.9%2.4% 2.4% 2.4%

0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Woodbury unemployment rate, December

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New Construction Projects and Square Footage

Tamarack Hills–494 Corridor CityPlace

The Reserve office (11,800 SF) TRIA Orthopaedics (85,400 SF)

Tamarack Hills II office (19,600 SF) Spire Credit Union (4,965 SF)

Tamarack Hills I—F9-office (45,883 SF) QDOBA/Piada (7,571 SF)

Bielenberg Gardens Sierra Trading Post (20,900 SF)

Twin Cities Orthopedics (50,000 SF) Commerce Hill/Woodbury Plaza

City & County Credit Union (3,835 SF) Everbrook Academy (11,844 SF)

New Commercial Construction Woodbury issued building permits for 10 new commercial buildings in 2016, with an approximate

cumulative permit value of $51 million. This new commercial construction activity includes some

of the healthcare businesses highlighted earlier in this report, including TRIA Orthopaedics and

Twin Cities Orthopedics. Not included in this list are several projects that began working on infra-

structure and site work in late 2016 to get ahead of the winter weather (i.e. Costco, Minnesota Eye

Consultants and Woodbury Plaza Retail). These projects received permits in 2017. In addition to

the commercial projects listed below, construction began on a new elementary school for ISD

#834—Brookview Elementary School—which will open in the fall of 2017.

138118

36

232

526

165186

454

262

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

New Commercial Construction Square Feet ('000s)

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Woodbury’s convenient location, impressive demographics, and commitment to quality develop-

ment, are not only attractive to new development, they also help to promote continued investment

in Woodbury’s existing commercial inventory. Commercial property owners pulled 117 permits

for alterations and additions in 2016 with a cumulative permit value of $26.6 million.

Top 10 Commercial Investments

Whole Foods Nordstrom Rack

Summit Orthopedics at BSC Health Partners Dental and Eye

Woodbury Senior Living Bright Horizons

M Health Pediatrics Rivertown Multi-Tenant

Summit Orthopedics Corp. Woodbury Village Tenants

Commercial Additions and Alterations

The list below highlights the ten largest investments, ranked in order of value, with each of these

projects having a building permit value of $600,000 or more. Many of these projects underscore

Woodbury’s reputation as a healthcare destination. The city is appreciative of these ongoing invest-

ments in our community, and will recognize both these ten businesses, as well as the new construc-

tion projects listed on the previous page, at its Business Celebration on May 4, 2017.

$0

$5,000,000

$10,000,000

$15,000,000

$20,000,000

$25,000,000

$30,000,000

$35,000,000

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

# of Commercial Addition/Alteration Permits Value of Investment

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Residential Construction

Woodbury continues to be na-tionally recognized as one of the best places to live in the United States, and the number of new housing starts certainly sup-ports that claim. Woodbury was among the four fastest growing suburbs in 2016, with 393 new housing units being constructed. The city has long supported a variety of housing types to ac-commodate people of all ages, income levels and family sta-tus. No new affordable housing projects received building per-mits in 2016; however, infor-mation about our HRA loan pro-grams is available on page 19.

225

153 158170 170

253

346

266

221

252

207

53

97109

116

76

4137

36

77

126

243

45

77

160

64

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

# U

nit

s

Single Family Units Multi-Family Units Apartment Units

432

342

255

522

286

374387 380

417393

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

New Housing Units Permitted

New Housing Units

New Housing Units by Type

13

13

13

Residential Values

The median value of Woodbury residential properties is increasing, up $700 from 2015 to an amount of $277,800 in 2016. On the sales side, data from the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors shows that the median sales price in 2016 was up 1.7 percent from 2015, and the Wood-bury housing market continues to be a seller’s market with only two months’ supply of inventory of existing homes for sale. In addition to this moderate property value growth, resi-dential rental properties are continuing to see high lease rates. Several new apartment projects were reviewed and approved in 2016, including a second phase of senior in-dependent living units at St. Therese (64 units), market rate multi-family at Woodbury Flats (305 units), and sen-ior affordable apartments at the Legends of Woodbury (216 units). The charts on page 9 include the St. Therese project, which is under construction. Woodbury Flats as well as the Legends of Woodbury have not finalized their construction timelines at the time of publication of this Annual Report.

Facilitating Development

For St. Therese’s first phase is 2014, as well as its second phase in 2016, the City’s Housing and Re-development Authority issued conduit bonds in an aggregate amount of $69,932,500 to finance the project. Conduit bonds are a mechanism by which a public entity issues bonds making the debt tax-exempt, but the developer both indemnifies the public entity from any risk and pays the debt ser-vice. The advantage of this financing mechanism is that without any financial risk to the City, Woodbury was able to help St. Therese issue tax-exempt debt which in turn allows them to access long-term financing at a significantly lower interest rate than a typical bank-financed project.

Rising Property Values

$-

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Median Residential Assessed Value

Source: Washington County Assessor’s Office

St. Therese Redwoods offers 64 independent senior living units. Construction on this new project began in late 2016.

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Woodbury’s 62 New Businesses

Aloha Art Collective MRL Financial Services

American Income Life Naf Naf Grille

AZ Group New Penn Financial

Bank of America Nordstrom Rack

Big Bowl Parno Family Chiropractic

CenturyLink Paws Unleashed

Chuck and Don's Piada Italian Street Food

City & County Credit Union Pilates Body

Conquer Ninja Warrior Principal Preservation

Cornerstone Chiropractic Pure Barre

Culver's QDOBA Mexican Grill

EAPC Architects Quality Abstract

Everbrook Academy Red's Savoy Pizza

Exeter Financial Schotzko Chiropractic

Fiesta Brava Sencha Tea Bar

First Bank Financial Center Sew With Me

Firstmark/Nelnet Smart Choice MRI

First Option Mortgage Sprint Store

Frenchies Modern Nail Care Summit Orthopedics at BSC

Gaming Goat Super 99

Gigi's Cupcakes Sur la Table

Gymboree Tam's Nails

Hellyer Lewis The Reserve

The Jacob Group The Salon

Johnson/Turner Legal Services Trademark Title

La Quinta Inn and Suites Tu Nails

L'Amour Massage TRIA Orthopaedics

Lice Champs Ultra Nails

Mastec Valley Orthodontics

MN Health Pediatric Specialty Whole Foods

Minnesota Women's Care Young's Taekwondo

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15

NAICS Industry Title 2nd Quar-

ter ‘12

2nd Quarter

'13

2nd Quarter

‘14

2nd Quarter

'15

2nd Quarter

'16

Total, All Industries 20,522 21,079 21,278 21,974 22,775

Education & Health

Services 5,820 5,992 6,117 6,336 6,652

Trade, Transporta-

tion & Utilities 5,145 5,184 5,373 5,491 5,654

Leisure & Hospitality 2,960 3,204 3,074 3,261 3,663

Professional &

Business Services 1,909 2,079 2,138 2,128 2,432

Financial Activities 1,945 2,030 1,921 1,663 1,566

Manufacturing 725 640 719 1,053 676

Other 2,018 1,950 1,936 2,042 2,132

Major Employer # of Employees Major Employer # of Employees

ISD 833 1,209 Sam’s Club 206

HealthEast 895 Cabela's 202

3M 500 Pioneer Power 200

Summit Orthopedics 337 Harvey Vogel Manufacturing 190

Jerry’s/Cub 313 EcoWater 171

Assurant 300 Northern Tier Energy 168

Long Term Care Group 297 Kowalski’s 163

Woodbury Senior Living 296 Home Depot 160

Wal-Mart 282 St. Therese Senior Living 149

Allina 258 Home Depot 148

City of Woodbury 254 New Life Academy 148

Self Esteem Brands 240 Dean Foods 130

Target.com 230 Logistics Planning Services 120

Health Partners 228 S & F Planet 75

Source: MN DEED Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages

Employment

Woodbury

hosts about

27% of the

jobs in

Washington

County.

Source: City of Woodbury Survey of Major Employers

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The city has had an active business retention program since the 1980s. The community’s strong

and consistent leadership has placed high value on the health of the business community and ap-

preciates their continued investment in Woodbury. The business outreach program’s purpose is

multifold:

To build, strengthen and nurture relationships between businesses and the city.

To identify the needs of existing businesses so that we can adapt and respond accordingly.

To maintain a healthy business climate in Woodbury.

To ensure that our current businesses are able to stay, grow and thrive in Woodbury.

Eighteen business outreach meetings were held in 2016. Some common positive themes this year

included the convenience of a Woodbury location, the demographics of the community, a highly

educated workforce, the variety of businesses, and the sense of community. Businesses continued

to stress the importance of trail connectivity within our commercial nodes, access to fiber and elec-

tric reliability. As for concerns, they noted a tight labor market and the need for transportation and

transit improvements.

Corporate HQ Finance/Insurance

Self Esteem Brands Long Term Care Group

Healthcare Manufacturing/

Central Pediatrics Agricultural

HealthEast/Woodwinds 3M

HealthPartners Corporate Bailey Nurseries

Summit Orthopedics Pioneer Power

Property Management Retail

Crossroads Properties Cabela’s

Robert Muir Company Lunds & Byerly’s

Senior Housing Utilities/

Woodbury Senior Living Infrastructure

Century Link

Warehouse/ Comcast

Distribution Xcel Energy

Llewellyn Worldwide

Business Outreach

2016 Business Connect at Self Esteem Brands

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Building a Safe Community

New Leadership and Staff

Three employees were appointed to new leadership positions within the Inspections division. Scott

Richardson was appointed as the new Building Official, and Rick Hughes and Rich Munson were ap-

pointed as Senior Building Inspectors. In addition, several new staff joined the Inspections division,

including two building inspectors, a fire inspector and an administrative assistant.

Exceeding Customer Service Level Expectations

The Inspections division is committed to providing

great service in a timely manner. One of the hall-

marks of the Woodbury Inspections division is the

quality customer service that our inspectors provide.

In particular, the city’s same-day inspections service

is unique to Woodbury. Woodbury is also known for

its performance measurement program. One of the

Inspections division’s primary measurements is the

time it takes to complete a plan review on a new sin-

gle family home. The division’s stated goal is 14 calendar days. Over the past few years, with heavier

workloads and staffing shortages, that number has grown, and in 2015 the median time to review a

new home was 17 days. As such, the Inspections division focused on improving the turn-around time.

Their hard work paid off, and the 2016 median time to review a new home was reduced to 13 days,

well-within the stated goal.

Inspections by the Numbers Other key indicators of workload in 2016 include the number of building permits issued (4,488 per-

mits) and the number of inspections performed (20,326 inspections). Looking ahead to 2017, the

city is beginning to accept electronic plans for commercial permits, which will save time and money

for contractors submitting plans. Since the plans will be delivered in an electronic format, it will also

save time for city staff, as they will not need to scan the plans into the city’s record retention system.

Fire and Rental Inspections Woodbury’s fire inspection program is also housed within the Inspections division. Through educa-

tion, cooperation, and courteous interaction with commercial building owners, managers and occu-

pants, the program helps to identify and resolve fire and safety risks in commercial buildings and

rental housing complexes. Beginning in January 2017, the city will be using Image Trend, a free soft-

ware program created by the State Fire Marshal Office, which allows for better coordination and

communication between the fire inspections staff in Community Development and the Fire division

of Public Safety.

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Maintaining Community Standards and Quality of Life

Woodbury has been a growing, master-planned community since the late 1970s. As the city contin-

ues to grow, with 26,000 households and almost 1,400 businesses, we cannot forget that Woodbury

is also an aging community with aging structures.

As the community ages the need for code enforcement increases in turn. Enforcement of community

standards and property maintenance requirements plays a critical role in maintaining Woodbury’s

commitment to a high quality of life. Such code enforcement efforts encourage reinvestment which

in turn adds value to the community. It also facilitates a safe and healthy environment in which to

live, work and play. Through the enforcement of community

standards, Woodbury will continue to be a thriving community.

Widespread knowledge of community standards assists with en-

forcement efforts. Many violations occur simply because of a lack

of knowledge that regulations exist. Staff continues to focus on

ways to improve communication regarding code enforcement to

increase the knowledge base and awareness within the communi-

ty. Some of these communication efforts include articles within

the City Update, the publication and distribution of brochures on

specific subject matter, and an increase in community outreach

with local businesses and business groups.

Code Enforcement

The number of code enforcement cases in 2016 exceeded the number

of cases in any other previous year, with the exception of 2015.

455

539

624606 569

629

544612

778

643

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Code Enforcement Cases

19

19

19

Long-Term Commitment to Affordable Housing

Much of Woodbury’s affordable housing was developed in the form of market-rate townhomes and

twin homes stemming from the city’s long-term commitment to housing choice. One of the guiding

principles within the city’s Comprehensive Plan is to encourage a broad variety of housing types to

accommodate people of all ages, income levels and family status. Commercial and residential de-

velopment are often intertwined, and as places to work and shop are added to the community, cor-

responding residential options are needed to provide the workforce who serve those business en-

terprises.

Woodbury’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (the HRA’s board is composed of the mayor

and councilmembers) continues to find success with the four loan programs it launched in 2009,

having since issued 180 loans in the amount of $4,122,084 through the end of 2016. The programs

help ensure that Woodbury employers have access to the workforce they require while also provid-

ing access to capital to residents in need of making repairs and updates to their homes.

A goal of the HRA is to use its programs to react specifically to community needs. As seen above,

the need for the Foreclosure Purchase Program has declined as the overall economy has improved.

However, with rising property values and an increasingly tight labor market, the demand for the

First-Time Homeownership Program has also risen. The chart above reflects the number of loan

issuances since 2009.

Housing Programs

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Nu

mb

er

of

Lo

an

Issu

an

ces

First-Time Homeownership Program

Foreclosure Purchase Program

Home Improvement Fund

Woodbury Goes Green

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Sustainability

Woodbury Community Solar Garden Subscription Agreements

The Minnesota Legislature established a Community Solar Garden Program, allowing Minnesota businesses, local government, and residents the opportunity to participate in a shared offsite solar project within Xcel territory. A community solar garden (CSG) is a centrally located solar photovol-taic system that produces electricity for subscribers. A third-party developer owns the garden, and sells subscriptions to commercial and residential customers in Xcel Energy’s territory. Subscribers get a significant credit from Xcel Energy for the electrical production of the solar garden. In 2016, Council approved subscription agreements with Geronimo Energy (Geronimo) for 4.29 megawatts of elec-tricity from twenty-seven CSGs located in Chisago and Dakota counties. Those agreements are expected to result in a 25-year savings of $1,690,781 or roughly $67,000 annually. The city will begin receiving credits from the CSGs once construction is complete. City facilities that will receive the credits include Bielenberg Sports Center, City Hall, Public Works, Public Safety, and a number of the city’s pump stations.

Energy Star Community Partner (ESCP) Program

As participant in the Minnesota ENERGY STAR Challenge, Woodbury was selected as one of two cities in the state—Hutchinson being the other—to work with Minnesota Energy Smart, to educate and assist interested local businesses in energy efficiency, by providing access to free technical assis-tance, including energy benchmarking assistance, on-site energy assessments, and assistance in pursuing ENERGY STAR certification. The partnership aligned with one of the action strategies of the Economic Development Strategic Plan, that the city would become a resource on energy efficien-cy for businesses to improve their economic competitiveness. To promote the program, economic develop-ment staff hosted a kick-off event for business-es, published an article in the city’s Green Times newsletter, and sent a number of person-al emails to local businesses to inform them of the program. As a result, several businesses are working with Minnesota Energy Smart to navi-gate the program.

Woodbury is subscribing to 4.29 megawatts of electricity

provided though community solar gardens. The solar ar-

ray pictured above is one of the gardens currently under

construction in a neighboring county.

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Recycling

Bielenberg Sports Center Recycling and Composting Program

During 2016, Woodbury staff worked with Washington County and Minnesota Waste Wise to com-plete a comprehensive evaluation of the existing recycling program indoors at Bielenberg Sports Center (BSC) including the addition of an organics program in the concession areas. Organic waste, includes compostable material such as food waste, paper towels, tissue paper, napkins, and com-postable serviceware such as spoons, forks, knives, etc. We also began to develop a recycling pro-gram at the outdoor fields of BSC. Prior to the study, a very limited recycling program was in place indoors, and recycling was not available at the outdoor fields. Waste stream analyses (also referred to as a waste sort) were conducted to establish baseline data to determine exactly how much recycling, organics and waste are leaving the facility each week. The indoor waste sort was conducted December 14, 2015, and the outdoor sort was conducted June 13, 2016. During the two waste sorts, Waste Wise staff sorted through over 3,000 pounds of waste.

Results of the waste sort and program evaluation re-vealed significant potential to remove recyclables and compostable materials from the waste stream. With grant assistance from Washington County, the city has purchased equipment to retrofit thirty-three recycling and waste stations indoors at BSC to ac-commodate the new organics recycling program. In addition, the outdoor fields and common areas have been equipped with seventy-seven 2-stream (recycling/trash) bins, and ten 3-stream (trash/recycling/organics) bins. Additional waste analyses and program evaluation will continue through 2017 to ensure a successful program.

BizRecycling

BizRecycling is a program sponsored by Ramsey and Washington Counties to provide free resources and assistance to schools, restaurants, healthcare facilities and other businesses that want to imple-ment or improve a recycling program for paper, bottles, cans, food and organic waste. The program is implemented by the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, a nonprofit affiliate of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

The BizRecycling program was kicked off in Woodbury in 2014. Since then, 23 Woodbury proper-ties have received a total of $92,207.55 in grant funding. Grants have been used for items including recycling and compost bins, dishwashers and reusable tableware, a trash compactor, outdoor recy-cling enclosures, bags for bakery waste, etc. Numerous other businesses received on-site assistance from Minnesota Waste Wise on how to improve existing recycling programs.

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The business climate at Eagle Valley

The city’s municipal golf course, Eagle Valley, is an integral part of the community. As the golf in-

dustry evolves, Eagle Valley has undergone renovations and upgrades to maintain its competitive

edge. This is perhaps best illustrated by the 36,187 rounds played in 2016. Total rounds played sur-

passed the thirty-six thousand mark, something that has not been accomplished since our second

full year of operation in 2000.

In addition to the sustained increase

in rounds played from previous years,

both annual revenue and the gross

margin are up from last year. The

municipal facility surpassed

$1,500,000 in annual revenue for the

first time in its history. Eagle Valley

continues to demonstrate its viability

as an enterprise fund by exceeding

the 20% gross margin goal set by the

citizen’s task force in 2011.

Eagle Valley Golf Course

-

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Annual Rounds Played

$1,136,000

$1,458,000

$1,292,000$1,370,000

$1,465,000

$1,565,000

$55,000(4.8%)

$375,000(25.7%) $275,000

(21.3%)

$340,000(24.8%)

$400,000(27.3%)

$430,000(27.5%)

$0

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

$1,600,000

$1,800,000

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Annual Revenue Gross Margin

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Preserving our natural resources

Woodbury has long been committed to preserving its natural

resources. Operations linked to water quality improvement, wet-

land protection, tree preservation, recycling programs, sustaina-

bility initiatives and environmental education help bolster the

city’s quality of life. While these efforts work hand-in-hand with

the other members of the department’s staff, it is especially

worth recognizing Eagle Valley for their sustainability efforts.

These efforts are best illustrated by recognizing Eagle Valley’s

emphasis on water conservation. Irrigation has decreased over the past decade in general, but most

notably from 2012 to 2016 as the course saw its water consumption decline by more than 70 per-

cent.

Eagle Valley also participated in a unique infrastructure project designed to harvest storm water

for reuse as part of the redesign of Woodbury Drive. Prior to the reuse system, Eagle Valley irrigat-

ed 60 of its 70 acres with well water pumping directly from the aquifer. With the water reuse sys-

tem, water can be redirected via an aesthetically pleasing “babbling brook” feature to a storm water

holding pond. In addition to the reduction in water use, the system will also offer water quality

benefits as the water feature will help reduce phosphorus levels in nearby Colby Lake.

Over the next eighteen months Eagle Valley will be replacing the outdated irrigation system allow-

ing staff to take advantage of new irrigation technology. The new system will not only save water

consumption with a more efficient delivery method but also reduce the amount of electricity it

takes to operate the mechanical systems to distribute the water to where it is needed.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

EVGC Water Usage, (Millions of Gallons)

Economic Development Commission (EDC)

The Economic Development Commission acts as a coordinating body

and resource agency for economic development matters. The general

purpose of the commission is to study, review and prepare

recommendations for the City Council regarding matters of economic

development policy.

2016 EDC Members

Don Place, Chair

Robert Bankers

Lisa Crain

Gina Kazmerski

Inn Hee Lee

Julia Miller

Robert Pounds

Abraham Schwager

Jimmy Wong

Business Development Committee (BDC)

The Woodbury Business Development Committee promotes vitality

and economic growth within the city by providing guidance and

assistance to the Woodbury Economic Development Commission in

the development and implementation of the commission’s Strategic

Plan.

2016 BDC Members

Jimmy Wong, Chair

Troy Blakestad

JoAnn Champagne

Ross Dahlin

Fred Dempsey-Hess

Jim Edberg

Julie Fett

Jennifer Santini

Manali Shah

Nancy Wagner

Larry Walzer

Photos from the 2016

Business Connect, held at

the new corporate headquar-

ters for Self Esteem Brands.

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Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recommends a Comprehensive Plan for

the city and periodically reviews the plan. The commission supports

the City Council by making recommendations regarding subdivision

applications, zoning amendments, rezonings, variances, appeals,

conditional use permits, interim conditional use permits and site

and building plans, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

2016 Planning Commission Members

Al Rudnickas, Chair

Irfan Ali

Anne Burt

John Chikkala

Jerad Ducklow

David Filipiak

Jennifer Nowacki

Maxwell Gates, Student Member

Dasom Ham, Student Member

A new feature was added to

the city’s webpage in 2016.

The Development Map is an

interactive map displaying ac-

tive development applications.

Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)

Economic Development Authority (EDA)

Community Development staffs the HRA and EDA functions of the

city. While technically these are separate bodies of government, the

mayor and councilmembers serve as the commissioners of these au-

thorities. The HRA and EDA operate housing loan programs, pro-

vide economic development assistance and have been issuers of con-

duit debt to facilitate growth and expansion of local businesses.

2016 HRA and EDA Commissioners

Mary Giuliani Stephens

Paul Rebholz

Amy Scoggins

Christopher Burns

Julie Ohs

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Mission

To be a leading community in which to live, work and thrive.

Vision

Woodbury will continue to be a leading community where everyone has

the opportunity to thrive. Through professionalism, responsive service and

leadership, we will strengthen our tradition of public trust and effective

resource management.

Values

Exceeding Expectations: Professional, Responsive, Leaders

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Points of Pride

Woodbury continues to be recognized, not only as a great place to live, but also as a great place to

do business. These accolades and awards didn’t happen by chance; they were a result of years of

focused planning and a commitment to quality and to implementing our community vision.

Continuous Excellence

Recent Accolades

Community Development

2016 Annual Report

Community Development Department

8301 Valley Creek Road

Woodbury, MN 55125

Phone: (651) 714-3533

Email: planning@woodburymn.gov

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