The City of Stillwater is considering the establishment of a social district in its downtown area, a move authorized by the Minnesota Legislature in 2024. A social district would allow individuals to purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed businesses and consume them while walking within a defined area.
Community Engagement Efforts
To gauge public opinion and gather feedback, the city has initiated several engagement activities:
- Survey: Residents are encouraged to participate in a brief survey to share their thoughts on the proposed social district.
- Public Open House: An open house is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Margaret Rivers Room in the Stillwater Library. This event provides an opportunity for community members to learn more and voice their opinions.
Understanding the Social District
A social district is a designated area where individuals can purchase and consume alcoholic beverages while walking through the defined zone. In Stillwater, the proposed district would likely encompass the downtown area, extending from the river a few blocks to the west. Specific boundaries, as well as the days and hours of operation, would be determined based on community input and further planning.
Next Steps
Following the community engagement period in June and July, city staff will compile the feedback and present a summary to the City Council on August 5, 2025. Depending on the council’s decision, a pilot program could be launched in the fall of 2025, with a full implementation potentially beginning in the spring of 2026.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey and attend the open house to ensure their voices are heard in this significant community decision.