2026 State of the City Address

The City of Owatonna’s 2026 State of the City video is available to view at owatonna.gov and on Owatonna’s Public Access, Education & Government Cable TV Channel. In the video, City Administrator Jenna Tuma and directors from each department present highlights of the work being done across the organization as it supports the five priorities adopted by the City Council in the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. For additional information and ongoing updates, please visit owatonna.gov, follow City of Owatonna on Facebook, call 507.444.4300 or email info@owatonna.gov.

Captain Josh Sorensen answers questions from community members at the February 3 open house regarding building a new police station.

Open House on Proposed Police & Fire Facilities

February 26 4-6 p.m. at City Hall

The City of Owatonna invites community members to attend the second of two open houses to learn more about plans to build new police and fire facilities. More than 50 people attended the first open house on February 3 to speak with City officials, see project plans and get questions answered.

After serving the community well for many years, Owatonna’s current police and fire stations no longer meet modern public safety standards. Aging infrastructure, limited space and outdated systems affect safety, efficiency and emergency response — making it increasingly difficult for first responders to deliver the level of service residents deserve. The facilities being considered will meet the needs of the community and first responders into the foreseeable future.

Over the past two years, the City has carefully evaluated public safety needs and developed a long‑term plan to address existing challenges by building a new fire station on the site of the current Law Enforcement Center and a new police station on the West Hills Campus. These locations were selected to support efficient operations, fast emergency response and responsible use of taxpayer dollars by building on properties already owned by the City.

To learn more about the proposed facilities, visit Owatonna.gov/psf.

Library Events

Black History Month: family-friendly movie and discussions

The Alliance for Greater Equity and the Owatonna Public Library present, in partnership for Black History Month, movies for the month in the Gainey Room. A discussion will follow the movies.

February 14 at 9:30 a.m. Black Panther
February 26 at 5:30 p.m. Do the Right Thing

Register NOW for Spring Recreation Programs

Soccer, T-Ball, Coach Pitch Baseball, Adaptive Baseball, Senior Softball, Bag Toss

Upcoming programs offered through the Parks & Recreation Department include something for everyone! Check out the Spring/Summer Activity Guide mailed recently to all Owatonna addresses or view it online at www.owatonna.gov.

Registration for most spring and summer programs, classes and camps began January 27. Additional details for all programs and facilities can be found online at owatonna.gov or on the Parks and Recreation online registration page at owatonna.gov/prcatalog. Registrations are also accepted by phone at 507.444.4321 or in person at the Parks & Recreation Office, 500 Dunnell Drive.

Ask about scholarships or serving as a volunteer coach for youth sports programs.

Youth Scholarships

The Youth Scholarship Fund helps support programs for all youth in the Owatonna School District and Adult Adaptive Recreation programs. Applications are available at the Parks & Recreation Office or online. Scholarships cover 75 percent of the activity fee. Participants pay the remaining 25 percent and any late fees. Applicants must show verification of one of the following qualifications:

School District Educational Benefits
Current recipients of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or Social Security Benefits
Current recipients of Medical Assistance Program
Other circumstances will be considered

Now Hiring!

Seasonal jobs with Parks & Recreation

The time is here for the Parks & Recreation team to hire the summer crew for jobs offering fun, adventure and opportunity! Whether this is a first job, an extra summer position or a job following retirement, there are several opportunities available. Around 150 seasonal staff ages 15 and older are needed to help provide and maintain the fun summer activities for community members. Openings are available at Brooktree Golf Course, River Springs Water Park, supporting recreation programs and for maintaining parks and the golf course. Take a look at the openings and apply online by visiting owatonna.gov.

Winter Parking Restrictions

Winter parking restrictions are in place until March 31, regardless of weather conditions, with odd/even parking in areas that are not otherwise signed. These restrictions facilitate effective snow removal and other street maintenance. A simple way to confirm where parking is allowed is by viewing the Winter Parking Map web app. Scan the QR code to load the app.

City Information

Visit owatonna.gov
Send an email to info@owatonna.gov
Watch the Public Access Cable Channel 181 on Charter/Spectrum
Follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook

Sign up to receive notifications when the latest City Newsletters, News Releases or City Spotlight Videos are posted at Owatonna.gov. Click on “Notification Sign-up” on the home page and look for “Communications”.

Helpful Links

Licenses & Permits

Registration

Employment

Stay Informed

Events: Access calendars to view upcoming events.
City News Releases: View news releases published by the City of Owatonna.
Newsletters: The City of Owatonna publishes a weekly newsletter called Owatonna Update. Current and past newsletters are available here.
Social Media: Stay connected with the City of Owatonna by following these social media sites.
Spotlight Videos: Videos produced by the City of Owatonna.

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February 11, 2026

City Meetings

Saving You a Seat!

February 17: