This summer when Madison Avenue is scheduled for rehabilitation, one-lane traffic will allow continued access to businesses.  View information about the project.  What is "your take" about when is the best timing to begin and end the project, and any other sequencing ideas that would be useful during the project?

Give "your take" about the city of Mankato's 2012 proposed budget, now available online.

What is "your take" about how to make Hiniker Pond a better place?

Plan to attend a Hiniker Pond presentation at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, where Mankato city staff will review ideas and suggestions collected. The Hiniker Pond presentation will be held at the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, in the Minnesota River Room (first floor).
 

Night to Unite is Tuesday, August 30. Give "your take" about activities neighborhoods can do as part of Night to Unite.

The city of Mankato has been allocated grant funding of about $12,500 to enhance public safety through the use of technology. Funds, which will be shared with Blue Earth County, will purchase quality mounting systems for laptop computers in squad cars for safety and ergonomic reasons. These systems secure computers, protects vehicle occupants and places the computer in a location that best reduces back and eye strain. The grant will purchase seven docking stations for squad cars. Others will be added as the budget allows.

Give “your take” about other public safety enhancements that should be considered as grant funding allows.
 

The city of Mankato is committed to green initiatives within its strategic plan for sustainability. One project is experimental street lights. What is “your take” about environmental-friendly projects the city of Mankato should be involved in?

Give us “your take” about whether Cherry and Warren streets (between Riverfront Drive and Fifth Street) should be two-way streets (or continue to be one-way)?

Mankato's "Hot spots" is a two-minute video that features city of Mankato places and spaces, such as the gazebo or CHS Pergola in Sibley Park, the disc golf course and Floyd Roberts Jr. Pavilion at Land of Memories Park, the Elk's Nature Center and Rasmussen Woods, to name a few. Give "your take" on other city service areas that should be featured in a "Hot spot."

The Mankato City Council is holding a work session on Monday, April 25 immediately following its 6 p.m. meeting to reflect on Mankato's snow and ice removal season. Give "your take" about how to enhance Mankato's snow removal service. 

Mankato's Riverfront Park provides a unique location for outdoor entertainment and has hosted no-cost as well as ticketed events. The city is open to ideas and event suggestions. Give "your take" about what entertainment options would you like to see in Mankato's Riverfront Park.

Preview information about the city of Mankato's 2011 budget.  Give us "your take" about Mankato's 2011 budget.

The Mankato City Council recently approved the city’s strategic plan, which will take the city through the next few years. Give us “Your Take” on this latest strategic plan.
 

Review guidelines.  What is "your take" about what properties should be placed on Mankato's historic register?

Give us "your take" about what information and features you would like to be available on Mankato's web pages?

Evaluating systems, the cost to do business compared to results, and reviewing internal processes periodically can improve service and create efficiencies to build capacity.  Learn about proposed utility changes and give us your take.

Since resources are limited, the city strategically plans far in advance for capital improvements. The City Council is committed to preserving the city's infrastructure investment while recognizing the economic stimulus value. As we plan for our upcoming construction season and beyond, what's "your take" about which street projects should be designated as a priority?
 

The City Manager did a merger study in response to a challenging economic climate. Preliminary results were presented at the Mankato City Council’s recent work session. The study revealed if Mankato and North Mankato merged a minimum savings of $2.2 million would be realized and passed directly to taxpayers.

This study was based solely on the 2008 financial and bond statements. It establishes a baseline only and does not make judgments on service delivery or financial stewardship of either city. Initial numbers reveal some basic savings. 

In anticipation of retirements affecting upper level Public Safety staff positions, an independent/outside evaluation was initiated by the City Manager to gauge key items in public safety--departmental internal communication, teamwork, training, diversity, operational issues—deployment and resource allocation and city spending comparisons.  

Partnerships are a priority of the city of Mankato organization.  In addition to current partnerships, give us "your take" about ways to expand the list.

The national and state economic climate is having a profound impact on city government.  The 2010 preliminary budget recognizes these economic pressures by taking responsible steps to reduce spending and adjust revenue streams so we do not place undue hardship on local taxpayers.  The budget offers organizational changes to build future service capacity while meting and exceeding demands for services as the local economy gradually recovers in the future.  Learn more.  See comparables.  An online survey is coming soon.  What is "your take" about Mankato's preliminary 2010 budget?

The City of Mankato is exploring options to further connect citizens to their city government through volunteer opportunities.  Volunteers would provide an effective and efficient means of supporting and enhancing city core services.  As the city faces unprecedented budget challenges within the coming years, volunteers will be essential to sustain a service level that our community and region is proud of.

Local Government Aid (LGA) is a state tax-relief program to help keep tax rates uniform for Minnesota communities and ultimately provide parity in municipal services. Nonprofit think tank-Minnesota 2020 recently released a report about declining state aids to rural cities.

Mankato could lose up to $3.1 million. What is “your take” about declining LGA and how it impacts Greater Minnesota’s quality of life?