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Photo Credit: Michelle Anderson, City Resident
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Welcome to Pine City

The City of Pine City offers attractive, livable neighborhoods and great retail and industrial development opportunities. Situated just north of the Twin Cities metropolitan area and just south of Duluth, the community of nearly 10,000 people (city population around 3,100) has growth potential in many areas - tourism, industry, health care and technology. As part of the community the Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce is available to provide general information about Pine City, business-related amenities, and events in the area throughout the year. 
 
Pine City is also an excellent place to enjoy Minnesota.  It is a woodsy getaway just north of the Minneapolis-St.Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area.  Nestled near the forests on the banks of the meandering Snake River and the 938-acre Cross Lake, Pine City is a recreational haven appealing to virtually all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Water lovers will also find activities on the 1,536-acre Pokegama Lake to the west or the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway to the east. Area residents and visitors also enjoy hiking, biking, camping, cross country skiing, four-wheeling, snowmobiling and other outdoor activities because of the nearness of the Chengwatana State Forest and the St. Croix State Park.
 
The basis of the economy is manufacturing, service-oriented work and agriculture.  A vibrant downtown business district, three shopping centers (Pine Plaza,  Evergreen Square and Northridge Center) provide consumers with all types of goods and services. Interested in moving your family or business to the area? Contact our helpful staff in the Community Development Department!
 
Pine City is a wonderful place to visit and call home! Here are some examples of awards and recognition the City has received over the years:
 

GreenStep City

Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a challenge, assistance, and recognition program.  As one of the participating cities, Pine City is helping to lead the way in sustainability across the state of Minnesota.  The City has worked hard to implement best practices in order to fulfill sustainability goals.  Actions that are taken within the program focus on cost savings, energy use reduction, and the encouragement of civic innovation.  Details on the best practices the city has completed can be seen by visiting www.MnGreenStep.org, clicking on “See all cities” next to the map, and then clicking on the city’s name.

Horizons

In 2010, Pine City successfully completed the Northwest Area Foundation's Horizons Program, an 18-month leadership development program for rural towns with populations of 5,000 or fewer and with poverty rates of at least 10 percent.  The program aimed to help the community understand and alleviate symptoms of poverty, and build social capital and prosperity.

Initiative Foundation "Outstanding Community"

In 2009, the Initiative Foundation chose Pine City to receive its Outstanding Community Award, because of an uncommon spirit of citizen volunteerism and significant progress toward business, technology, environmental and early childhood issues.  The award highlighted efforts to revitalize downtown, attract high-tech companies, preserve local lakes, promote early childhood education and restore community pride.

Job Opportunity Building Zones (JOBZ)

JOBZ was used as an effective tool to promote economic development in Pine City.  Three Pine City businesses utilized the program, one relocating from Wisconsin.  Under JOBZ, businesses that create new jobs and make a capital investment in a new building may qualify for exemption from state taxes and can result in significant savings to qualifying businesses. The City of Pine City participated in JOBZ until the program finished in 2015.

Star City

As a Minnesota Star City, the city was recognized in the 1980s for its leadership in working with local businesses to ensure continued growth.  Though there hasn't been any funding for the program in years, the designation carries on and there is a statewide discussion about reviving the program.

Women in City Government Leadership Award | (Former) Mayor Jane Robbins

Mayor Jane Robbins was awarded the Minnesota Women in City Government Leadership Award in 2010 for her unique, individual achievements in Pine City, as well as her leadership and mentoring roles both inside and outside of the community.

Yellow Ribbon Community

In 2011, the City was officially proclaimed a Yellow Ribbon Community.  To earn the status, Pine City developed a sustainable action plan demonstrating its commitment to service members and military families.  In the plan, the community identified and connected leaders in key areas across the community, leveraging existing support activities, building awareness throughout the community and identifying ways of taking action.