Cottage Grove Mayor Bailey Declares City Strong in 2026 State of the City Address

Mayor Myron Bailey used his 2026 State of the City address to declare Cottage Grove healthy, unified, and resilient, telling residents plainly: "The state of our city is strong."

Bailey, who won a fifth term with nearly 95 percent of the vote, is on track to become the longest-serving mayor in Cottage Grove history, surpassing Roger Peterson. The annual address, published by the Cottage Grove Journal on March 21, 2026, covered municipal accomplishments, infrastructure investments, and a pointed acknowledgment of the anxieties gripping many in the community over federal immigration enforcement.

Bailey opened with characteristic directness, crediting the city's strength not to any single initiative but to the full fabric of civic life. "That strength doesn't come from one project, one plan, or one year," he said. "It comes from the people of Cottage Grove. Our residents, our businesses, our community partners, our commissions, our volunteers, our City Council, and our dedicated city staff."

The most politically charged section of the address confronted the subject of federal immigration law enforcement head-on. "I first want to start off by saying that current events have left many in our community and around the state feeling scared, angry, and confused," Bailey said. He pledged to stand with residents across ideological lines: "To our residents, know that I see you and share in many of the concerns for overall community safety that people have shared, regardless of political ideologies or opinions." His bottom line was unambiguous: "At the end of the day, everyone's safety is paramount."

Bailey closed with a direct appeal to civic responsibility and an endorsement of the Cottage Grove Police Department. "Please don't hesitate to reach out to your neighbors to lend a hand, please continue to call 911 should an emergency arise, and never forget that our Police Department is here to serve you," he said, adding that he is "personally extraordinarily thankful and proud of the work they do on a daily basis."

On the infrastructure front, the city council approved the 2026 Pavement Management program at its January 7 meeting. The project covers neighborhoods west of Jamaica Avenue, south of Hillside, and north of 90th Street, including Woodridge Park First Addition, Thompson Grove Estates Eleventh Addition, Pine-tree Pond Townhouses First Addition, and Cottage Grove Commercial Addition.

Bailey was first elected mayor in 2009, having previously served four years on the city council and six years on the planning commission. The State of the City address is an annual tradition he uses to frame both the progress made and the direction ahead. "Each year, the State of the City gives us a chance to pause," Bailey said. "To reflect on where we've been, to recognize the progress we've made together, and to talk about where we're headed next.