Bemidji Mayor Details Storm Impacts, Outlines Recovery Efforts in State of the City Address

Mayor Jorge Prince highlights community's resilience, city department responses, and plans for economic growth and infrastructure improvements following devastating June 2025 windstorm.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his annual State of the City address, Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince detailed the impacts of the devastating June 2025 windstorm that caused over $10 million in damage to the city's infrastructure. Prince praised the community's resilience and the coordinated response from various city departments in the storm's aftermath. He also outlined plans for economic growth, infrastructure projects, and tree replanting efforts as Bemidji continues its recovery.

Why it matters

The June 2025 windstorm was a defining moment for the Bemidji community, causing significant damage but also bringing the city together in an unprecedented way. Mayor Prince's address highlights the city's ongoing recovery efforts and plans to rebuild and strengthen Bemidji's infrastructure and economy in the wake of the disaster.

The details

The June 21, 2025 windstorm caused over $8 million in damage to Bemidji's infrastructure, including an estimated $3 million in damage to the Sanford Center. Despite the extensive damage, the city did not qualify for FEMA reimbursement funds, and is instead relying on a 75% reimbursement from Minnesota's Disaster Assistance Contingency Account. Mayor Prince praised the city's emergency response, noting that the fire department responded to over 1,500 calls and that public works crews produced over 1.6 million cubic yards of wood chips for public use. Other city departments, including Parks and Recreation, Building Safety, and the Bemidji Police Department, also played key roles in the recovery efforts.

  • The devastating June 21, 2025 windstorm struck Bemidji in the early hours of that Saturday morning.
  • Mayor Prince delivered his annual State of the City address on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Jorge Prince

The mayor of Bemidji, Minnesota, who has served in this role for the past six years.

Justin Sherwood

The chief of the Bemidji Fire Department, who also serves as the city's emergency manager.

Bidal Duran

A Minnesota House of Representatives member from District 2A, who plans to introduce a bill that would require 100% state reimbursement for governmental storm damage recovery.

Greater Bemidji

A local economic development organization that is partnering with the city on a project to add a YMCA and hotel at Bemidji's downtown Rail Corridor.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

The state agency that is collaborating with the city on a road reconstruction project centered around Paul Bunyan Drive NW (State Highway 197).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are defining moments in every community, and I believe that June 21 was such a moment for Bemidji, because amid all that darkness and loss, I got to witness our community come together in a way I had never seen before.”

— Jorge Prince, Mayor (bemidjipioneer.com)

“Not a single member of our community lost their life despite the devastation we all witnessed. It's my deepest hope that we will choose to bring the same spirit we demonstrated in the aftermath of the storm to propel our city forward this year and in the years to come.”

— Jorge Prince, Mayor (bemidjipioneer.com)

What’s next

A bill is expected to be introduced during the current legislative session by Minnesota House 2A Rep. Bidal Duran that would require 100% state reimbursement for governmental storm damage recovery, which could help Bemidji's ongoing recovery efforts.

The takeaway

Bemidji's resilient response to the devastating June 2025 windstorm, with city departments and the community working together, has set the stage for the city to rebuild its infrastructure and economy in the years ahead. Mayor Prince's address highlights Bemidji's determination to emerge from this crisis stronger than before.