DRIVING INNOVATION
The City of Isanti continues to flourish as “ A Community For Generations ,” with a strong business community , thriving residential neighborhoods , and growing amenities while keeping the small community feel . Isanti ’ s population has grown at higher than anticipated rates , now at approximately 7,600 . The positive atmosphere and community feel is a sign that Isanti is where people not only want to live but also work and play .
Housing options include single-family homes , senior-living facilities , memory care , town homes , apartments and condominiums . From 2020 to 2023 there have been 281 single family housing starts . In that same time period , median housing sales have increased from $ 285,000 to $ 302,500 . In 2023 , over 200 market rate apartment units were platted and the first phases are currently under construction . The Isanti housing market is very strong .
Commercial and industrial businesses provide services , shopping opportunities , dining options , and manufacture , supply , and distribute products worldwide . Isanti is home to over 180 businesses that employ over 1,980 people . The city has been active selling their commercial / industrial lots , with 4 industrial buildings currently under construction . Isanti also added 4 more larger industrial lots last year one of which will be home to Midcontinent .
CITY OF ISANTI
DRIVING INNOVATION
Community Strong since 1967 TEAM Industries Cambridge
CITY OF ISANTI
110 1st Ave . NW PO Box 428 Isanti , MN 55040 763-444-5512 Web : cityofisanti . us
HOURS : Monday - Friday
8 a . m . -4:30 p . m .
Over the past few years Dairy Queen , BP Metals , Serenity Circle , and Little North Boutique have constructed buildings in Isanti . Many others are currently expanding or planning to expand . Isanti has become known as a destination for the boutique shopping experience . With places such as Little North Boutique , Four 13 Boutique , Rockstad and Co ., Revival and BKV Décor there is something for everyone .
Isanti ’ s economic development team , tasked with encouraging business growth , expansion , and retention , works in collaboration with regional networking groups and statewide programs to not only help businesses establish roots in Isanti but also to give them resources for a solid foundation to help their business succeed .
Visitors and residents enjoy many recreational activities including biking / walking trails , natural and play parks , free admission to Redbirds baseball games , the excitement of hockey with Isanti Outlaws and the Isanti Soccer Complex with nine full-size fields where state and regional tournaments are played . The 74,000-square-foot Isanti Indoor Arena is home to the Rum River BMX Association , and has attracted attention as the nation ’ s # 1 track again in 2023 . The community is always invited to come out and watch the track in action – spectator admission is free .
Many events bring neighbors and the community together and offer opportunities for fun , such as the Fire District ’ s Isanti Rodeo , the Isanti parade , Jubilee Days , Isanti Street and Amp it up Dances , Bluebird Park Family Fun Series , Fireworks , Splish Splash and not to mention Illuminate Isanti with over 250,000 lights on display .
The book “ Preserving a Sense of Heritage : Isanti , Minnesota Centennial 1899-1999 ” by Marlys Wickstrom and R . W . Dutch Schoenecker , outlines much of the city ’ s history . It states Isanti ’ s name originates from the Native Indian culture [ SS1 ] , specifically the Dakota-Sioux tribes who lived in the Mille Lacs Lake area and along the Rum River . They are sometimes referred to as the Santees , and Isanti is a derivative of that name .
The site of old Isanti is located about three miles north of the present-day city . It was established as early as the 1860s at a busy crossroads , although no traces of the older settlement remain . In 1899 , Edward and Albert Norelius moved their first store building into Isanti , and Wilfred D . Oleson also arrived to build a new shop , staying with the Norelius ’ until his building was finished .
A five-member city council includes the mayor and meets at 7 p . m . the first and third Tuesday of each month . City departments include Administration , Community Development ( which encompasses Planning / Zoning , Economic Development , Building Inspections , and MS4 ), Parks and Recreation , Police which opened in their new facility early this year , Public Services and a Municipal Liquor Store . Residents can visit the city ’ s website , www . cityofisanti . us , for a city information , events and meeting agenda packets .
Isanti County Community Guide • March 2024 Page 19