In small cities, progress rarely comes from one big decision or a single moment. More often, it’s shaped by many small, thoughtful actions—by staff, council members, and community partners—working together over time. As we look back on 2025, we asked a simple question: What helped projects move forward or made the process easier for everyone involved? The answers were about clarity, communication, preparation, and people supporting one another.
Clear Roles Make Projects Less Stressful
When city staff understand their roles at the start of a construction project, everything tends to run more smoothly. Knowing what to expect—who is responsible for what, when decisions are needed, and how information flows—reduces uncertainty and helps staff feel more confident navigating an unfamiliar process. For many small cities doing infrastructure projects, especially those that haven’t been through recent construction, this clarity can make a significant difference. Even basic guidance for clerks or public works staff can help projects feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
Informed Clerks Support the Whole Community
In small cities, clerks are often the first point of contact when residents have questions. When clerks are up to speed on project updates, they can confidently share accurate information with residents who call or stop by city hall. That day-to-day communication builds trust and reduces frustration—for residents, staff, and the project team alike. It’s a reminder that internal communication often has a direct impact on public confidence during construction.
When Communities Step up for One Another 
Staff turnover is common in small cities, and stepping into a new role while a project is underway can be especially challenging. One moment that stood out in 2025 was seeing a clerk from a neighboring community step in to help a newly hired clerk get oriented during an active project. Those kinds of informal support systems don’t show up in schedules or budgets, but they matter. They reflect the strength of small-city networks and the willingness of people to help each other succeed—something we see time and again in the communities we serve.
Committees Work Best When Perspectives Are Balanced
Successful committees are made up of people who are focused on outcomes, not agendas. We see the most progress when cities bring together a mix of viewpoints—dreamers and realists alike—who were willing to listen, ask questions, and consider tradeoffs. That balance leads to better decisions and helps projects move forward with broader understanding and support.
Defining “Minimum Success” Can Keep Projects Moving
When budgets are tight or construction costs rise, projects can feel out of reach. Cities that made steady progress were often those that paused to define what success truly meant for their community. By focusing on minimum success criteria (what absolutely needs to be accomplished) cities were able to deliver real value to residents while keeping projects viable and moving forward with small steps.
Front-End Planning Creates Opportunity
Investing time in needs evaluations and Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs) continues to pay off. Funding opportunities don’t always align with long planning timelines, and cities that were prepared could act quickly when opportunities arose. That early work may not be visible to residents, but it plays a critical role in positioning projects for success. That same preparation supports funding coordination during a project. Cities that kept documentation organized were better positioned to respond quickly when funding opportunities opened and often experienced fewer delays with reimbursements once projects were underway.
Open Communication Keeps Projects on Track
Across every phase of a project, open and timely communication between the city and the engineer proved essential. Clear conversations helped keep funding, design, and construction moving—especially when questions or challenges surfaced. When communication is consistent and collaborative, small issues are easier to address before they become bigger ones.
Looking Ahead
As we head into the next year, these observations reinforce what small cities already know: progress is built through preparation, clear communication, and people working together. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside the communities we serve and to support the steady, meaningful work that strengthens small cities—one project at a time.
Looking ahead to 2026? If your community is beginning to think about planning, funding, or preparing for an upcoming project, we’re always happy to be a resource or a sounding board as you explore next steps. Contact us online or reach out to us at 320-235-2555.
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