Watertown City Manager Outlines 2026 Road Map, New “Campus” Zoning, and Election Changes

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - During Monday night’s City Council meeting, City Manager Alan Stager outlined several initiatives scheduled for discussion in early 2026, including measures related to infrastructure transparency and the creation of a new zoning district.

In direct response to earlier council discussions regarding the condition of lake roads, Stager announced that the city will soon publish its full long-term road plan.

“City Engineer Justin Petersen and I discussed publishing the entire road plan looking out into the future so that the public can see when various roads are scheduled,” Stager said. He noted that once the plan is public, the city will actively seek feedback from residents to help shape future prioritization.

New “Campus” Zoning District:

A big change to Watertown’s development landscape is on the horizon. The Community Development Division is finalizing a new Campus Zoning District.

The district is designed to facilitate high-density student housing, reflecting the city’s continued growth as an educational hub. Stager anticipates the proposal will be presented to the council within the next three meetings.

TIF Application Received:

For the first time in several years, the city has received a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) application. While the specific location was not disclosed, Stager noted the application will undergo a rigorous review by the Planning Commission to determine suitability before reaching the City Council for a final vote in the coming months.

Following a 2025 state legislative mandate, Watertown is exploring ways to standardize election dates with local school districts and the county.

“Now that we are not in an election year from a council standpoint, we want to review potential options,” Stager informed the council.

While the timing of municipal elections (the month they are held) can be changed relatively easily under state law, Stager suggested that more substantial changes—such as moving the actual year of elections—may require a future Charter Review session.