The Joint Town Hall was an opportunity for residents and students to discuss issues and concerns regarding both the city and university.
Wacker and Kleis together answered questions about future plans for the Southside Neighborhood, how to combat absent landlords and the university’s response to the changing higher education landscape in the state, which is producing fewer high school graduates due to smaller class sizes.
Wacker said she is looking forward to continuing the university’s partnership in the Southside Neighborhood and contributing to efforts to make Fifth Avenue corridor a vibrant part of the city. She added that the university is still focused on Central Minnesota, but is working on ways to reach new populations that are pursuing a college degree including veterans, non-traditional students, transfer students and online learners.
Kleis said that the city and university continue to collaborate on efforts to improve both safety and perceptions of the campus area.
