Minnesota Technology Corridor launches in north metro

Anoka, Washington counties among partners in bid to attract tech companies

When people think of a tech hub, they think of Silicon Valley. Press them a little, and some might name Seattle or Austin, Texas.

A new public-private partnership aims to add the Twin Cities’ north metro to that list.

The newly identified Minnesota Technology Corridor is a region along Interstate 35 “with abundant fiber, water and power access” and project sites from 20-250 acres. The region straddles the Anoka County-Washington County line, encompassing the cities of Centerville, Columbus, Forest Lake, Hugo and Lino Lakes.

Partners include the two counties, each of the member cities, three electric utilities and multiple high-speed internet service providers.

The goal is to attract tech facilities, such as data centers, that need access to energy, internet bandwidth, an educated workforce and a convenient location.

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