{KXLG – Watertown, SD} The Watertown City Council heard a presentation from the Watertown Development Company (WDC) at Monday night’s meeting, where discussions ranged from land availability for development to strategies for addressing workforce shortages.
Steve Lehner, WDC board chair, and Chris Clifton, executive director, addressed the council…
Clifton clarified the WDC’s role in local development, stating that the organization plays a significant part in both real estate and business development.
In real estate, the WDC has been involved in acquiring and renovating seven retail buildings in the downtown area and investing in residential housing. Clifton reported that the WDC manages a $32 million real estate portfolio. He explained that WDC made the investments to take risks that the private sector would not, such as purchasing underutilized properties, renovating them, and attracting tenants.
Regarding business development, Clifton said the WDC is currently working with nine prospects, 7 of which are expansions of existing Watertown companies. He stressed that the WDC acts as a liaison to bring in new investment and works collaboratively with regional, state, and federal partners…
Councilman Kyle Peters inquired about the WDC’s land holdings. Clifton reported that the WDC has access to 64 acres in several locations. This includes 54 acres at the Calvin site and approximately 10-12 acres at Pheasant Ridge. Clifton noted that the Pheasant Ridge location has a 20-acre site, but some of it has topographical challenges. Clifton also addressed the challenges related to the age of the industrial park and the costs associated with acquiring and developing new land.
Councilman Peters also asked about community support for the WDC. Clifton stated that the organization is in the second phase of its Watertown 2.0 campaign, with a fundraising goal of $4.2 million. So far, they have raised approximately $3.2 million. He indicated that the WDC has 45 private sector investors but aims to increase that number to 90.
Clifton highlighted the ongoing workforce challenges in Watertown. He stated that many companies are trying to hire employees but struggling to find qualified candidates.
Clifton identified a disconnect between the skills companies need and the skills potential employees possess. He said that many companies are willing to hire individuals with aptitude and train them, but there is a need to bridge the gap in initial skill sets…
The WDC is working to address this by helping companies with relocation assistance and advocating for programs that provide necessary skills training. Clifton cited an example of a project where the WDC committed $50,000 in matching funds to help relocate middle managers for a company expanding in Watertown…
Clifton stressed the importance of county involvement in economic development and acknowledged the financial support from the state, particularly ARPA funds, but noted those funds would not be available in the future.
Clifton discussed strategies for attracting new residents to Watertown, addressing the housing shortage, and working collaboratively to achieve the city’s goals…
There was a consensus on the need for clear communication, teamwork, and a shared vision for Watertown’s future, which caused Mayor Ried Holien to speak up, ready to take on a legitimate goal…
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