The city is on course for significant economic growth
David Knopick
Community Development Director
Economic development in Gardner remained positive throughout 2022. Inflation, increased interest rates, supply chain and labor issues impacted the building industry and various aspects of the planning and development process. Despite these challenges, Gardner continued to grow as private investment in the community exceeded $113 million in valuation. This investment was made through the issuance of 1,163 building permits, 134 of which were for 507 new residential units. With a population of over 23,000 people and the continued residential development in all parts of Gardner, it is anticipated that the new residential growth will continue to diversify and fuel future commercial interest in Gardner moving forward.
Economic development continues to serve as our top priority
in moving Gardner forward as a thriving and prosperous community. With the growing number of housing units and new businesses and expansions, we have made tremendous strides in growing our tax base, preparing for future growth, providing access to more jobs, and offering our residents diverse services. Our ongoing residential and business growth has also positioned Gardner as a destination hub for the workers of surrounding cities experiencing significant commercial development but lacking the amenities. Through our strong regional partnerships, we will continue to seek out new economic opportunities that will strengthen our economy, improve the quality of life for our residents, attract visitors, and secure Gardner’s future as a city of choice.
Issued 1,163 total building and improvement project permits reflecting $113.2 million valuation in private investment
123 new single-family units / $37.5 million valuation
384 new multifamily units / $46.7 million valuation
19 new commercial buildings / $14.6 million valuation
Approved preliminary development plans for residential projects totaling 336 single-family attached housing units and 606 multi-family units
Approved final development plans for residential projects totaling 205 single-family detached housing units; 4 single-family attached housing units, and 678 multi-family units
Approved 15 planning cases associated with 11 commercial projects
Conducted 6,787 building-related inspections
Revised Land Development Code amendments for Food and Beverage – Mobile and Mobile Grouping Uses to create distinction between mobile and permanent/semi-permanent food production to help create a more safe and pleasant food experience in the community.
Did You Know?
In 1990 the City of Gardner population was 3,191 people and the estimated population in 2021 was 23,942 people. The result being an annual average growth rate of almost 700 people per year for the 31 year period and a community that is 6.5 times larger than it was in 1990.
Prairie Trace Development Update
This 262-acre mixed-use development is underway at the southeast corner of 175th Street and I-35. The $200 million project will consist of 792 housing units—424 apartments, 200 standard single-family, and 168 compact single-family homes. The development agreement also includes approximately 455,500 square feet of retail, restaurant, convenience store, office and service space, an anchor retailer, and limited-service hotels.