The City of Columbus
Situated along the I-35 corridor in Anoka County, Columbus combines the best of rural scenic living with the convenience and vibrancy of metropolitan living. The city has a population of 4,230 and was incorporated in 2006.
Just north of the I-35 split, exit 129 provides easy access to Columbus’ s growing business district, home to many successful retail and service businesses including two gas stations and convenience stores, fast-food and coffee options, recreational equipment dealers, a dog day-care business, health and fitness retail, and a harness racing complex complete with a hotel, restaurant, bar, live entertainment, and gambling.
Along Lake Drive, the city’ s commercial-industrial district boasts a variety of construction, automobile, storage, and contracting businesses, with plenty of opportunity for growth and expansion. Adjacent to City Hall, the Columbus Lions Club offers pancake breakfasts one Sunday each month at the Columbus Senior Center for a portion of the year.
Columbus holds its annual Fall Fest community event in mid-September. The event includes a drive-in movie at Running Aces and a day full of activities, including a petting zoo, car show and beer garden.
Outdoor enthusiasts find an abundance of things to do and see near Columbus. Approximately 10,000 acres of the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area fall within the city limits, providing ample access to nature for residents and visitors alike. Carlos Avery provides great grounds for bird watching, snowshoeing, mountain biking and licensed hunting. Those looking to boat, fish, or swim can also find plenty to do in the northwest corner of the City, on Coon Lake. In addition, Columbus’ two city parks offer space for a family picnic, day of sports, walking, running, or biking.
A five-member City Council( including the Mayor) governs the city. The council meets at 6 p. m. on the second
and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Columbus City Hall. The Mayor serves a two-year term, and council members serve staggered four-year terms. A list of council members currently in office and their term expiration dates are as follows:
Mayor Ron Hanegraaf, 2027; Janet Hegland, 2027; Robert Busch, 2029; Jennifer Lattin, 2029; and Scott Wendell, 2027, who was appointed in January 2025 by Hanegraaf to fill the council seat he vacated for the mayorship. The city employs a staff of 12, led by City Administrator Jack Davis.
Columbus’ five-member Planning Commission meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6 p. m. at the City Hall and virtually. The City Park Board holds quarterly meetings in the Public Works Building, and the Public Works Advisory Board meets as needed. The Columbus Economic Development Authority facilitates growth in commercial districts, and meets quarterly at the City Hall. The polling place for Columbus residents in local, state and national elections is the City Public Works Building at 16345 Kettle River Boulevard.
Columbus residents are serviced by the Anoka County Sheriff’ s Office and, through a joint-powers agreement with Forest Lake, the Forest Lake fire department for public safety services.
SANITATION & RECYCLING Haulers serving residents include Ace Solid Waste( 763-427-3110), LePage & Sons( 763-757-7100), which serves residents west of I-35, and Waste Management( 651-462-5298). All licensed trash haulers for the city of Columbus are required to provide curbside pickup of recyclable materials. Recycling pickups take place every other Wednesday. Free small organics recycling( composting) bins are available at the Columbus City Hall. Participants in the organics recycling program can drop off their organics at the City Hall at no cost. In addition, Columbus hosts recycling and cleanup events each year. Residents can recycle appliances, bikes, mattresses, paper, and other miscellaneous items during these events. Visit the city’ s website for more information.
Page 10 Forest Lake Community Guide • February, 2026