Local Government

Committee members will help develop a new plan for county parks over the next 18 months. Applications are open until April 10, 2026.

In the past, The Bridge on 7th closed in the summer months. The Brainerd City Council approved a one-year permit for year-round operations April 6, 2026.

The federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds.

A motion to close and consolidate the Bemidji school, dispersing students to other area elementaries serving kindergarten through third grade, failed to pass on a 3-3 vote.

The Bemidji Public Library is cutting its staff and reducing its hours following significant reductions in funding from Beltrami County.

St. Louis County has received three rounds of funding from the class-action opioid settlement and is seeking program ideas that assist people in the criminal justice system.

The Bridge on 7th gained the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Commission for its permit. On April 6, 2026, that permit will go before the Brainerd City Council.

One would prohibit local governments from entering into NDAs with private companies. The other would require two public hearings and disclosures like the company behind the project, size and potential impacts.

Bemidji Public Library will shift from being open six days a week to four, as well as reduce its staff by two employees.

After a dispute with the soon-to-be city over which is best suited to install sewer around Lake Bemidji, the Bemidji Council reaffirmed its policy of "no connection without annexation."