A new Waldorf

Waldorf is known throughout Waseca County as a tight-knit community. 

However, the town’s been declining in population since the 1970s. After peaking at 285 people according to the 1970 census, it’s lost almost 100 people, with the 2020 census setting its population at 201. If Waldorf had dipped below 200, the city would have lost the privilege of qualifying for federal funding.

The town’s decline has residents speculating that their humble village might become a ghost town and be forgotten.

Mayor Rob Wilkening wants to quell those concerns.

Wilkening comes from a different place outside of Waseca County, meaning another point of view. He grew up in Appleton, Minnesota, and has been around the state.

His most significant experience in politics and city administration came from his involvement in Watertown’s planning commission. A town half an hour from the Twin Cities, Watertown was not much bigger than Janesville two decades ago. However, Wilkening was ambitious, as was everyone else on the town’s board, and their work helped the city grow from 3,000 people in 2000 to around 4,500 people as of 2019.

“I helped with planning the city,” he says. “Going there now, it’s different than how it was even ten years ago.”

That was one of his many lessons in government. He also served on the Watertown school board and was part of the private school there. “The public school had a $57 million project, with $30 million alone going into the elementary school. It was an amazing school they built there. They added a brand new theater with 650 seats.”

Watertown went from being a small-town “bedroom” community to an entertainment hub all on its own. Wilkening believes that the same opportunities they had in Watertown could come to Waldorf.

“Mankato is a straight shot from Waldorf on Highway 83,” Wilkening states. “We’re also half an hour from Owatonna and close to other growing communities like Albert Lea and Waseca.”

The town’s mayor since 2020, Wilkening envisions a thriving little community in Waldorf. One of his first steps was the city improvement project involving upgrading utilities and streets and tearing down abandoned buildings. The city will complete the project’s first phase on July 31 and begin Phase II shortly afterward.

Wilkening hopes to get approval for an industrial park with a station. But he doesn’t want to stop there. He’s looking for a Dollar Store to come into town hopes to have a truck stop along Highway 83.

“We have about 900 trucks coming through Waldorf a day, with many of them going to and from Janesville,” he claims. “A truck stop would be perfect for bringing some business into town.”

And he’s all about business. “We have a three-year tax abatement program. People who build will get free taxes for the county and city. It helps improve anything.”

He’s also about incorporating character. “People will drive to places that are unique. That’s what I want to bring to Waldorf.”

At first, some residents were concerned about how much Wilkening’s plans would cost them, but many got on board once they learned the price tag for the city’s street and utility improvement projects.

“We’ve been blessed to do this without raising taxes by much,” Wilkening says. 

What does he credit that success to? Covid-19. 

“It was a perfect storm,” he claims. “When Covid-19 came and shut everything down, the government offered all this free money. It allowed us to take on projects the city had needed for a long time. It also allowed us to look into ways we could grow Waldorf.”

Some businesses are already seeing success in Waldorf, especially small engine and repair businesses. He’s also seen an uptick in volunteerism throughout the community. “I can’t do it all myself. And I think people know that here. They’re coming to help, bringing up ideas and investing in our town.”

Wilkening also credits the members of the  Waldorf City Council for their work ethic. “The biggest thing is that we have a good team here. We have a great city council that works together and respects each other’s opinions. I’ve helped paint a picture, and the council and residents see it. It’s been go, go, go since then.”

Wilkening’s term as mayor ends in 2023. On Tuesday evening he announced via Facebook his intention to run for reelection.

Wilkening is thankful for the opportunity to kickstart Waldorf’s potential regrowth. “I think what’s going to happen in Waldorf is that the average resident won’t be on the lower-income side anymore,” he says. “I think once we get more businesses back, the town will grow in population and wealth.”

He adds, “If anyone wants to invest in Waldorf, let me know. I have several developers already in place, but we could always use investors for our community. I’m excited to see what Waldorf will look like in five years.”