The City of Newport is Creating Economic Growth With Land Development and Housing Initiatives

The  City of Newport is taking a proactive approach to economic development. The City commissioned multiple studies to better understand how to bring more opportunities to their community and are developing actionable plans based on this information. Namely, Newport completed a 2023 study that identified 24 initiatives to bring more development to the community, 12 are driven by the City, and the other 12 are market-driven.

“It feels like we have a path forward,” says Joe Hatch, City Administrator for the City of Newport. “Is it perfect? No. Is it a working draft? Absolutely. But we have a plan.”

Residents of Newport will see changes in the coming years to improve zoning, housing opportunities, and quality of life investments like trail development and park improvements. Learn why now is a wonderful time to invest in Newport and call this community home.  

The City of Newport is Preparing for Growth

Newport is strategically located for anyone who needs to easily reach Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP). It is built alongside I-494 and is bisected by U.S. Highway 10. Residents can enjoy small-town life along the Mississippi River while still driving to downtown MSP within 20 minutes.

“People move to East Metro MSP because they want to live in quieter communities while maintaining access to city amenities,” says Chris Eng, Economic Development Director for the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA). “Newport is an ideal option whether you commute downtown daily or visit the city for fun on the weekends.”  

Newport's city employees aren’t waiting for people and businesses to discover their community. They are actively developing plans to harness opportunities to improve the region.

In recent years, Newport has updated its website, developed better communication plans, and invested in economic development opportunities. By taking the initiative to create paths toward growth, Newport can make itself more attractive to investors.

“Our door is open and we want to talk,” says Hatch. “We are getting involved and planning for the future.”

The City’s Land Purchase Will Create Development Opportunities

One leading example of Newport taking control of its fate is the city’s purchase of a closed tire company. The part of town where the tire company was located has not seen a lot of development. This purchase will allow the city to improve the lot and make it more desirable.  

This land purchase came from the 7th Avenue and Hastings Avenue Area Study. The city will invest in petroleum remediation to eliminate environmental issues that would otherwise deter investors. Actively creating a build-ready site can help the lot sell faster and prevent the area where the tire company closed from further neglect.

“We are using money in our economic development fund for this project,” says Hatch. “We know we’re not going to see an immediate return on our investment, but we’ll pay ourselves back eventually and then reinvest in the community.”

The city wants to create a space that provides value to residents and provides residential options that the City is currently lacking. 

Newport is Focused on Mindful Housing Expansion

Another study that the City of Newport is working toward focuses on housing. Commissioning this study is the next step for the economic development team and may occur in 2026. Newport’s housing is older in some parts of town. This study could help the City consider options to improve the housing stock and explore opportunities that fulfill different needs.

Hatch explains that the city wants to provide high-quality life cycle housing for all of Newport’s residents.

“East Metro MSP is growing more diverse by the day,” says Eng. “The housing opportunities need to reflect different income levels, family structures, and personal preferences. That way everyone can feel like they are welcomed home.”  

One option a housing program could provide for Newport is to create a revolving loan fund to help homeowners repair aging properties. This would make maintenance more affordable while also making the properties more desirable and help to keep folks in their homes longer.  

Improved Parks and Trails Are on the Horizon

Newport also plans to invest in a parks survey to identify opportunities to create more green spaces and improve the current trails along the river. This is in direct response to residents' comments that they want more activities and recreation space.

“We keep asking, ‘Are we building a community that people will want to live in five or ten years from now?’” says Hatch. “Just because we’re not a big city doesn’t mean we can’t have nice things and have community pride. And we’re doing it! People are starting to notice what we’re doing.”

Newport is a shining example of the multifaceted nature of economic development. Having available land to build on is not enough. Communities need to invest in growth that will improve the lives of residents today and in generations to come. 

Learn More About the Communities of East Metro MSP

Newport is just one of many thriving towns in Washington County, located just east of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Learn about other communities like Hugo and Forest Lake that contribute significantly to the region. Discover why more people are moving to MSP and choosing the East Metro area to call home.