Lake City Port Authority

04/29/2024

Happy ! We are lucky to have so many incredible small businesses in Lake City that make our community a vibrant place to live, work and shop. Make sure you show your favorite small businesses some ❤️ this week!

04/05/2024

Just a handful of the businesses who joined us and the Lake City Chamber of Commerce at the Lincoln High School Career Fair today!

Thank you to all businesses who participated, and the students who showed up to engage with our employers!

Interested in a job in Lake City? Let us know - we’re happy to connect you with the incredible career opportunities available in our community!

04/01/2024

It’s Monday - you deserve a treat 🛍️🥂 Think about supporting a small business today by:

✨ Shopping local
✨ Eating and drinking local
✨ Sharing, commenting and liking their posts
✨ Leaving them a google review
✨ Referring a friend

The only bracket that matters this month ⬇️

03/27/2024

Business grants are now open through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation 🚨 Apply for up to $50,000 for working capital to support your business in Lake City!

Review the program requirements and submit an application at: https://smifoundation.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/promise-act-grants/

⚠️New grant for businesses open now!

SMIF, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is pleased to announce $1.1 million in grants for small businesses in our region (nonprofits earning revenue in a similar fashion to a for profit business may also be eligible). What you need to know:

✨This is a competitive grant - not all eligible businesses will receive a grant.
✨Grants can range from $10,000 to $50,000.
✨Businesses must be located in SMIF's region.
✨Businesses must earn $750,000 or less in gross revenue (based on 2021 taxes).
✨Additional eligibility requirements and the application can be found on our website (link below).
✨Applications are due April 24, 2024.

https://smifoundation.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/promise-act-grants/

03/26/2024

REMINDER: Register to participate in the Lincoln High School Career Fair by Friday, March 29th!

The Career Fair is a great opportunity to advertise part-time and summer job opportunities to students, share information about post-graduate career paths and engage the community in your work.

To register, email Heather Thomas with the Lake City Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].

03/25/2024

Missed the “State of the City Address” event? Don’t worry – we have a video for you!

Watch Mayor Mark Nichols and City Administrator Rob Keehn reflect on accomplishments in 2023, share the City’s goals for the upcoming year and answer questions from community members.

Video Link:

On March 14, 2024, Mayor Mark Nichols and City Administrator Rob Keehn addressed citizens of Lake City, Minnesota. During the presentation, Nichols and Keehn...

03/22/2024

How do I get started building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Lake City? It’s easy – reach out to the City, and we will get you set-up with all of the information you need to begin the process! Feel free to email the City’s Planning & Community Development Department or Port Authority to begin your ADU journey!

Check out our fifth and final set of plans – a three-stall garage with an ADU loft! These plans were designed in collaboration with TRImension Design and the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing.

You can download your own set of plans and learn more about ADUs at https://lakecityportauthority.com/accessory-dwelling-units/.

03/21/2024

Am I allowed to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Lake City? Yes, you are! ADUs are allowed to be built in Lake City with a conditional use permit, per Lake City’s Code of Ordinances (Title XV – Land Use – Chapter 155: Article 9 Residential Districts). ADUs are subject to regulations, including owner-occupancy requirements, impervious coverage guidelines and size restrictions.

Check out our fourth set of plans – a two-stall garage with an ADU loft! These plans were designed in collaboration with TRImension Design and the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing.

You can download your own set of plans and learn more about ADUs at https://lakecityportauthority.com/accessory-dwelling-units/.

03/20/2024

Are there different types of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)? Why yes, yes there are! Internal ADUS are located within the structure of the main house, with a separate entrance (ex: converted attic or basement apartment). Attached ADUs share one or more wall with the primary house (ex: conversion of attached garage). Lastly, detached ADUs are a separate structure completely removed from the primary dwelling (ex: backyard structures, detached garage conversions).

Check out our third set of plans – a 780 sq ft two-bedroom detached cottage! These plans were designed in collaboration with TRImension Design and the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing.

You can download your own set of plans and learn more about ADUs at https://lakecityportauthority.com/accessory-dwelling-units/.

03/19/2024

What are the benefits to having an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)? ADUs expand housing options in neighborhoods that are already built out, generates a stream of income for the homeowner, allows for aging-in-place and downsizing, provides spaces to house friends and families AND reduces the environmental impacts of living.

Check out our second set of plans – a 532 sq ft one-bedroom detached cottage! These plans were designed in collaboration with TRImension Design and the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing.

You can download your own set of plans and learn more about ADUs at https://lakecityportauthority.com/accessory-dwelling-units/.

03/18/2024

Did you know the Lake City Port Authority received a grant from AARP in 2023 to design pre-reviewed ADU plans?! Follow along this week as we share information on ADUs and highlight each of the unit plans!

To start - what is an ADU? An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small, independent housing unit on the same lot as a stand-alone single-family residence with a kitchen, bathroom and areas for living and sleeping.

Check out our first set of plans – a 392 sq ft guest cottage! These plans were designed in collaboration with TRImension Design and the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing.

You can download your own set of plans and learn more about ADUs at https://lakecityportauthority.com/accessory-dwelling-units/.

03/15/2024

Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available for small businesses impacted by the lack of snow this winter!

There are currently 13 active “Disaster Declarations” in the state of Minnesota for droughts this winter. If you are a small business who has adversely affected by the lack of snow, consider applying for an economic disaster loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period and provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses impacted by a disaster survive until normal operations resume.

Loans up to $2 million are available to assist businesses. The first loan payment is deferred for 12 months with no interest accrual, and the interest rate on the loan will not exceed 4%.

To learn more about the program and apply for assistance, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance