About

In today's world, community members are more connected and educated on issues that affect their lives. As a result, they expect opportunities to have a say on the decisions within their communities. Owatonna belongs to all who live here so when community members are consulted in a meaningful way and all perspectives are considered, decisions are better informed, trusted and supported.

Effective community engagement provides business leaders and elected officials an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the people of Owatonna, and provides for sound investment in decision making - by ensuring decision makers are informed of community needs and aspirations.

To be effective, community engagement must meet people where they are. Today, more than ever, "where they are" is online. The Engage Owatonna Taskforce has formed to bring a powerful online engagement platform to Owatonna - a 12 month PILOT endeavor - to test its potential and viability among the community.

This tool is meant to complement other forms of public consultations - open houses, focus groups, coffee chats, workshops, etc. All public consultations will be guided by the Community Engagement Framework.

GET REGISTERED to stay in touch with community efforts that interest you.(External link)


In today's world, community members are more connected and educated on issues that affect their lives. As a result, they expect opportunities to have a say on the decisions within their communities. Owatonna belongs to all who live here so when community members are consulted in a meaningful way and all perspectives are considered, decisions are better informed, trusted and supported.

Effective community engagement provides business leaders and elected officials an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the people of Owatonna, and provides for sound investment in decision making - by ensuring decision makers are informed of community needs and aspirations.

To be effective, community engagement must meet people where they are. Today, more than ever, "where they are" is online. The Engage Owatonna Taskforce has formed to bring a powerful online engagement platform to Owatonna - a 12 month PILOT endeavor - to test its potential and viability among the community.

This tool is meant to complement other forms of public consultations - open houses, focus groups, coffee chats, workshops, etc. All public consultations will be guided by the Community Engagement Framework.

GET REGISTERED to stay in touch with community efforts that interest you.(External link)


Q&A

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  • New roundabout coming on 26th and State Ave: Have you thought about how closing 26th St for two months is going to effect the families that have medically compromised children that live on the NE side of Owatonna? My child requires emergency medication to be given to him within three minutes of having a seizure and then has to be driven quickly to the nearest hospital for heart and breathing monitoring. This road being closed for two months is going to cause us to have to drive 15 mins through town just to get back on 26th to get to the hospital. This could be a matter of life or death for our child.

    Concernedmama asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your comment.  We can certainly appreciate your concern.  We believe the county did indeed consider the effect on families needing to get to the hospital.  In the video on their virtual town meeting  (Link), they state that by closing the intersection completely, they are able to shorten the overall duration of the project; sort of a “short term pain, for long term gain” situation.  The video also shows the shortest detour options.  We will relay your concern to county officials and let you know what additional information we receive back.  Thank you for finding and using Engage Owatonna!

Page published: 13 Apr 2021, 03:05 PM