City Administrator Laureen Bodin retiring

Laureen Bodin has announced her retirement after 42 years working with the City of Buffalo. In 1981, she started with the Buffalo Police Department doing clerical work. She then worked as Assistant City Administrator beginning in 1985 until she became City Administrator in April of 2020.

Bodin has lived in Buffalo for most of her life and graduated from Buffalo High School. Her family is originally from southern Minnesota, specifically the city of Morgan. She then moved to Buffalo as a child and has lived here ever since.

She shared some of the changes she has seen in Buffalo while working for the city. “We were using typewriters and spreadsheets on paper when I first started,” Bodin said. “In the 80’s, we moved into more technology using computers,” she continued.

There have been four mayors since Bodin has worked with the city. “There has been great mayors and city councils,” she shared. “There are great leaders for each of our departments that work together well,” she stated. “I feel we have been successful in keeping a good staff,” Bodin said.

Buffalo has also seen a lot of growth throughout Bodin’s time with the City. In 2021, the population of Buffalo was 16,378, with over 6,000 households. In the 1990’s, the population was 7,655 and there were 2,725 households. “There was a huge explosion in 2004, with the addition of 240 single family homes,” Bodin explained.

Bodin’s day-to-day work included: staff meetings, meeting with the public, preparing for council meetings, being available for Human Resources, development, and supporting each department. “What I will miss most is working with people,” Bodin said.

She explained she has worked with great people on staff, mayors, city council members, members of the public, and people the city partners with. “We have had great working relationships with the school district, Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce, Wright County, and the Buffalo Business Community, Buffalo Rotary and BRAIL” she shared.

Bodin shared many projects she was proud to be part of. “One exciting project from the 90’s was establishing fiber internet. We sought to provide better internet services, it’s been growing since,” she said. Other projects Bodin listed included: The Housing and Redevelopment Authority, major upgrades that were made to the water treatment facility in 2006, building the storm sewer to move water from Lake Pulaski to Buffalo Lake after floods in the 1980’s, growth in the business community, and development/redevelopment of various areas, including downtown and the industrial park.

Bodin made the decision to retire when she saw good leaders within the City of Buffalo. “It’s something I wanted to see before retirement,” she said. She shared that she is confident in the current team to continue to be successful. “I’m healthy so I want to enjoy retirement,” she continued.

During retirement, Bodin plans to travel, spend time with family, and more. “My husband, Don, and I want to tour the whole United States,” she said. “I plan to do some gardening, walking and keeping fit, and have more time to spend with my mom,” she said. Bodin shared she would also enjoy to continue to be involved in the community and hopes to volunteer.

Laureen and Don have three adult daughters, Amy (Brad) Albert, Laurie (Ryan) Ross, Kelly (Josh) Jordan. They also have grandchildren, Dylan, Brad, Billy, Allyson, and one great-grandchild, Cameron.

Bodin’s official last day with the City of Buffalo is on January 20. Congratulations, Laureen, thank you for your service and dedication to the City of Buffalo.