(Editor’s Note: The following column is a submission from the City of Clearwater due to it not being included in last May’s Bridge Guide.)

Hello! My name is Andrea Lawrence and I am honored to be the mayor of Clearwater.

My highest goal as your mayor is to work together with the city council and city staff to enhance the quality of life for all Clearwater residents. As an elected official, I am a proud public servant who is excited to work here with an excellent, professional team.

Due to the efforts of many, including the city council members, volunteer board and commission members, volunteer firefighters and first responders, community leaders, and most importantly, our residents, Clearwater is a great place to live.  

If you are wondering what is happening in the city, you can go on our website for meeting minutes and announcements, sign up for text alerts, attend a council meeting in person or via zoom or look on our Facebook page.  In the past year, the city and Economic Development Authority worked together to install a digital message board in front of City Hall to share announcements, including city meetings, business spotlights, important reminders, and community events.

We are happy to report that Clearwater continues to thrive and offers an excellent quality of life with a positive, friendly environment for residents and businesses.  New businesses have opened in Clearwater this past year and the city has expanded via the orderly annexation agreement between the City of Clearwater and Clearwater Township.  We work as partners for success to attract new businesses as well as to retain and expand existing ones to provide employment opportunities.  Look at our new Economic Development Authority website for updates, improvements, and programs: www.clearwatereda.com.  Great things are happening in Clearwater!  

Last fall in the Cedar South neighborhood approximately 8 acres of retention ponds as well as the Kelsey Ave Boulevard plantings were transitioned to native plants instead of grass. This change will result in no need to mow these areas and higher biodiversity. The native plants are also drought tolerant.  

I hope while you are here, you take advantage of our many beautiful parks that have continued to see upgrades throughout this year. If disc golf, fishing, canoeing, archery, basketball, baseball, ice skating, tennis, pickle ball, hockey, biking, sitting on the grass, having a picnic, or playing in a playground is not your thing, then stop by an area business for something to eat, a bit of shopping, a haircut, or to complete your errands. 

A giant “thank you” to the city’s Public Works employees who worked hard this year, as well as making ice for the skating rinks in city parks, as weather allowed. As the weather warms up and yards get cleaned, they are busy getting yard compost too with the monthly curbside compost pick up! As the seasons change, and we spend more time outside, feel free to give the crew a wave. 

The largest upcoming change that everyone will notice is the I-94 bridge replacement and Hwy 24 changes, slated to being in 2026. Stay tuned for further information from MnDOT on this project with goals of the necessary replacement of an outdated bridge as well as more efficient and safer travel through Clearwater.

We want to hear from you! Please contact a city council member, a city employee, or me with questions or concerns.  I look forward to seeing you around town!  On behalf of city officials, administration, and staff, I thank you for your continued support as we strive to provide services that will carry us into the future. As always, I am only a phone call or email away and I welcome you to share your ideas and concerns with me.