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infographic showing update on ward 3 council seat. 6 residents applied, Mayor interviewing applicants, Mayor to appoint applicant to serve rest of 2026, voters choose a council in Nov. 3 election.

6 residents apply for open council seat

January 30, 2026

Six residents of Ward 3 have applied for the Albert Lea City Council seat recently vacated by Jason Howland: Scott Christensen, David Enser, Nicholas Hanke, Elizabeth Harty, Ted Herman and Todd Utpadel.Mayor Rich Murray is interviewing the candidates before making a selection. Under city ordinance, he may appoint a Ward 3 resident to serve the remainder of 2026. The council seat will be on the Nov. 3 ballot with the winner taking office in January 2027.Learn more about council decisions by watching the meeting recordings on YouTube.

City News

City prepares for street construction season

January 30, 2026

The Albert Lea City Council recently accepted feasibility reports for the following street projects and set public hearings on the project for its Feb. 23 meeting. Reconstruction of part of Valley Avenue, Johnson Street and Marshall Street: Replace pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalks, and the underlying water, sewer, and stormwater pipes. Reconstruction of St. Mary Avenue and 14th Street: Replace pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalks, and the underlying water, sewer, and stormwater pipes. Parts of James, Frank, St. Joseph, Water, Ermina, Oak Lane, Adams, Euclid, William, Bancroft, Michael Place, Green Lea Lane and Lakewood: Asphalt resurfacing along with curb, gutter and sidewalk...

City News

Public invited to share input on Songbird Trail through online survey

January 26, 2026

Freeborn County and the City of Albert Lea are inviting residents and visitors to take a short online survey by Feb. 13 about the proposed Songbird Trail to help guide future planning, improvements, and decision-making related to the trail. Access the survey by going to . The proposed 50-mile regional trail would support walking, biking and rolling by transforming a historic Union Pacific rail corridor into a safe, scenic and accessible route in southern Minnesota. It will extend from Albert Lea through Manchester and Hartland in Freeborn County and eventually connect to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail near Waterville,...

City News

Albert Lea Police Department opens applications for 2026 Citizens Academy

January 23, 2026

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) invites community members to go behind the badge during its upcoming 8-week Citizens Academy. The program, which began in 2001, is designed to provide residents with a transparent, hands-on look at the policies, challenges and daily operations of local law enforcement. Classes will meet Monday evenings March 16 through May 18 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Participants will engage in both lectures and practical exercises covering the following. Criminal investigations: Narcotics, DUI enforcement and crime scene processing. Operational tactics: Use of force, police equipment and field training. Administration: Hiring procedures and the Community Service...

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City Clerk

Albert Lea seeks applicants for Human Rights Commission

February 10, 2025

The City of Albert Lea is seeking 7 members for its Human Right Commission after putting this volunteer board on pause since the pandemic in 2020. City leaders are reactivating the commission in response to residents expressing interest in serving.…

City Clerk

Albert Lea Charter Commission seeks new member

January 31, 2025

The City of Albert Lea seeks candidates for one open seat on its Charter Commission. This volunteer commission reviews the City Charter to ensure its compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. The commission also works to make sure…

City Clerk

Albert Lea holds elections Nov. 5

October 31, 2024

Albert Lea voters head to the polls Nov. 5 to elect three city councilors, all running unopposed in their wards. Candidates Rachel Christensen has filed for reelection for the Ward 1 seat. Voters elected Christensen in 2022 to finish the…

City Council Candidates for Albert Lea: Rachel Christensen (Ward One), Jason Howland (Ward Three), and Keith Van Beek (Ward Five), each shown in individual portrait photos.

City Clerk

2 incumbents, 1 newcomer file for Albert Lea City Council

June 05, 2024

Three candidates – two incumbents and one newcomer – have filed for the three seats up for election on the Albert Lea City Council. All three will run unopposed in their wards. Rachel Christensen has filed for reelection for the…

City Clerk

Serve your community and learn about elections: Become an election judge in Albert Lea

January 22, 2024

Albert Lea is seeking applications for election judges for the upcoming 2024 election. This is a great opportunity for citizens to learn more about the election process and serve their community. The city of Albert Lea is encouraging all eligible…

City Clerk

Filings open May 21 for Albert Lea City Council seats

May 17, 2023

Filings open Tuesday, May 21, at 8 a.m. for three of the seven Albert Lea City Council seats. The following are up for election: Wards 1, 3, and 5, now held by Rachel Christensen, Jason Howland and Robert Rasmussen, respectively.…

City Clerk

Serve your community and learn about elections: Become an election judge in Albert Lea

January 22, 2024

City Clerk

Filings open May 21 for Albert Lea City Council seats

May 17, 2023