Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brookings public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in business jobs
Data Centers in Brookings
A proposed $41 million edge computing center in the research park asked for a sales tax rebate on construction and equipment. Council members worried about power demand (equal to thousands of homes), noise near apartments, e-waste, and whether residents' electric bills could rise — and voted the incentive down 7-0.
Menards store land transfer
The city is selling about 29.5 acres north of Target to make way for a 200,000-square-foot Menards home improvement store — a roughly $5.39 million land sale at appraised value. The city's sales-tax-dependent budget stands to benefit from a new national retailer, and residents will get chances to weigh in during 2027 rezone and possible TIF hearings.
210 Front Street silo radio lease
The old co-op elevator at 210 Front Street will keep hosting a faith-radio transmitter for the University of Northwestern–St. Paul — a small revenue stream ($325/month plus utilities) with annual 3.5% increases that won't block future redevelopment of the site.
Casino 2000 and Kwik Star Alcohol Licenses
The council was scheduled to hear four alcohol license items: malt license transfers for Casino 2000 Suites A and B and a new malt license and wine agreement for Kwik Trip's Kwik Star #1910.
Lease of Research & Technology Center space to RTI, LLC
The city will lease roughly 13,000 square feet at the Research & Technology Center at 801 32nd Avenue to RTI, LLC for about $118,100 a year, on a month-to-month basis ending no later than December 31, 2026.
Target Corporation alcohol licenses
The new Target store cleared its wine operating agreement and malt beverage license, both headed to the state for final issuance.
Downtown visitor center public restrooms
A $100,000 pillow-tax contribution will help fund public restrooms at the Growth Alliance's downtown visitor center at 416 Third Street, with baby changing tables planned and accessibility features under discussion.
Alcohol licensing matters
The city was set to hold a public hearing on a 10-year on-sale liquor operating agreement with Murdo Properties, LLC dba Mac's Eastside Grill LLC, owner Al Kurtenbach.
Downtown projecting signs
Downtown businesses on combined lots can now hang one projecting sign per 25 feet of frontage instead of one per building, helping multi-tenant storefronts.