One topic at the meeting was the successful launch of the Gold Line on March 22nd, which has already spurred development activity in Oakdale. The Helmo station transit-oriented development district has seen approvals for over 600 multifamily units, a new coffee shop, and a park. This influx of development interest was a focal point of the meeting, with special council workshops previously organized to evaluate these projects. Commissioners were urged to keep abreast of further developments via the city’s development map and planning commission packets.

Notably, the Gold Line’s debut has been met with enthusiasm, as evidenced by a commissioner’s personal account of using the service. This commissioner highlighted the convenience and affordability of the Gold Line, particularly for accessing local attractions like the Saints games and the St. Paul Farmers Market. The line offers a fare of $2 each way, and its double-decker buses run every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes during evenings and weekends. Despite some concerns about long-term ridership sustainability, the service is already seen as a community asset, facilitating easy access to and from Oakdale.

In conjunction with the transportation updates, the commission’s 2025 work plan was presented, outlining ongoing and new initiatives aimed at bolstering economic development. The plan includes continuing the Business Retention and Expansion (BRIA) program, which has conducted 12 visits to local businesses over the past year. These visits aimed to express appreciation to businesses, connect them with growth resources, and evaluate how city policies impact them. A diverse representation of elected officials, city staff, and commission members participated in these visits.

This year, the BRIA program focused on visiting a diverse range of businesses, including those owned by BIPOC and women, as well as legacy employers. The visits revealed that most businesses plan facility improvements, with expansions and remodels on the horizon for many. Workforce challenges remain a concern, with businesses reporting difficulties in filling both lower-skill and higher-skill roles. Geographically, many employees commute from nearby cities like St. Paul and Woodbury, attracted by Oakdale’s accessible highway connections and favorable business climate.

The report from the BRIA visits also highlighted a need for enhanced business support and better branding efforts. Businesses expressed a desire for more accessible support programs and suggested partnerships with organizations to achieve this. Commissioners discussed potential steps to address this feedback, such as providing financial guidance to startups and aiding in business planning.

In a procedural event, the commission elected Jeff Bates as the new chair and Tony Jenkins as the vice chair. The election process involved nominations and voting, with motions passing unanimously to confirm the new leadership. This change in leadership is expected to guide future commission initiatives and foster continued dialogue on Oakdale’s economic strategy.

The meeting also touched on several community-focused activities. Updates included a zoning code revision currently under legal review and plans for a two-day workshop on the 12th and Geneva redevelopment study, in collaboration with the Urban Land Institute. Additionally, upcoming events such as the Oakdale Chamber lunch and the EcoFare were discussed, alongside the highly anticipated Arbor Day tree giveaway, which filled its registration in just two hours.