Door Knocking and the Future of Bemidji

“I’d like it to stay the way it is.” Bemidji, that is. That was the sentiment I heard while door knocking this week. It’s a sentiment that is shared by many citizens in Bemidji. The reality is that Bemidji is a regional center whether we want it to be or not. Wishing it could stay like it is today won’t help us keep what’s best about Bemidji. What we should be doing is looking to the future and taking action to best meet it.

Bemidji is changing and the changes are inevitable. Here are six reasons why.

We have an orderly annexation agreement. In 2005 the city signed the orderly annexation agreement with Northern and Bemidji Townships. The agreement means that the three local governments agree that the city will be able to annex portions of both townships over the next 15 years. The city council delayed annexing the first tier into the city until 2012, but the agreement makes growth of the city (nearly) inevitable. Here’s my question: Have we identified the right areas for annexation? My answer: Maybe not.

 Our population is growing. Unlike some other rural communities, Bemidji has been experiencing an increase in population. According to the state demographer’s estimate, Bemidji’s population has increased by about 580 in the last five years and by about 1,625 since the 2000 Census. And the developing fringe has likely increased at a greater rate than the city. An increasing population will mean increased demand for housing, streets, water and sewer infrastructure, police and fire protection. With a property base that includes nearly 50% non-taxable property, how will we afford the infrastructure improvements we will need?

The population is aging. The “silver tsunami” of aging Baby Boomers will put pressure on the amenities and services that retirees expect: “continuum of care” living options for aging in place, recreational options for reduced and/or slower mobility seniors, clinical, hospital, and home health options; activities, entertainment and community events geared to them and their interests, etc. Seniors will be looking for employment options for those who are not ready (or able) to retire. Is our community ready to meet the needs of this population?

The way we do business is changing. Manufacturing jobs are decreasing. Retail is transitioning from storefronts to online. Attracting development and jobs is more about creating a quality community than about filling space in the industrial park. Bemidji will need to have the support and infrastructure needed to serve entrepreneurs and 21st Century jobs. In addition to a top-rate airport and global networking technologies, amenities like our parks, the university, and the event center are part of the mix that helps us attract jobs and development. But what else can we do to keep our brightest graduates in Bemidji attract cutting edge entrepreneurs?

Energy consumption is (or will be) changing. Increasing energy costs will force changes in construction, heating and cooling, transportation, and public transit. An increased emphasis on green energy solutions and a sustainable community will require new ways of delivering service. We should be preparing for the inevitable residential and commercial alternative energy requests that will come (think windmills, solar panels and outside wood burners). Do our city code and land use Ordinances need updating to promote sustainability?

Downtown Draft Master Plan

 Where we want to live is changing. Reducing energy means changes not only in how we move around, but where people want to live. Both aging Boomers and young professionals are looking for housing choices that allow them to access jobs, entertainment, and other necessities in a compact, walk able community. New mixed-use developments that meet those expectations and reduce transportation costs will be needed. What can the city and the joint planning organization do to promote mixed-use development?

This is a just a glimpse at the multitude of changes that I see coming at our community. What changes do you think the future holds for Bemidji? What are the best things about our community that we should keep or protect?