Corcoran to run seven public engagements and mailed survey as first step on civic campus plan; bonding and lobbyist options discussed

City staff presented a public engagement plan for Corcoran’s civic campus and space-needs work that includes seven engagement opportunities between January and June, mailed surveys to every household (planned for April 1 with one-time user codes), and a proposed 90-second video to explain facility needs and options.

The engagement program’s stated goals are to: promote awareness of current facility conditions and needs; enable constructive dialogue and collect preferences and concerns; educate residents about existing services and solicit input on desired additional services; and collaboratively develop solutions.

On financing, staff said they are exploring multiple avenues: traditional bonding, congressional or state-level project funding, and pursuing a construction sales tax exemption that one nearby city (Chanhassen) recently secured. Staff noted pursuing a sales tax exemption would likely require hiring a lobbyist at an estimated $30,000–$40,000 but could save the city "one to $2,000,000" on construction materials if successful. The council discussed timing given the legislative session starts Feb. 17 and asked staff to return options and estimated costs.

Staff emphasized the project is in a planning year (2026) with execution projected later; no formal council action or vote on funding was taken during the work session.