By Anne Holzman

Lauderdale officials reviewed pitches for a cannabis dispensary from architecture firms during the winter months and were preparing in May to recommend one firm to the City Council, although no agenda had been set by mid month.

The dispensary would be built on a city-owned lot at 2430 Larpenteur Ave. The City Council voted in February 2025 to explore the use of the lot for a municipal cannabis business. Hiring an architect is a step toward determining whether the business would be financially advantageous for the city.

Neighboring businesses have also expressed interest in buying the property.

Planning consultant Jennifer Haskamp told the council in 2025 that the area would likely attract a cannabis business and that state law requires the city to allow at least one. Setting up a municipal business has the potential to meet local market demand, Haskamp indicated.

In mid-May, Lauderdale City Administrator Heather Butkowski said Lauderdale still had not committed to proceeding with the municipal cannabis business.

“The architect will create a concept plan and cost estimate,” Butkowski said. “After receiving the cost estimate, the council will decide whether it makes sense financially to keep moving forward.”

Anne Holzman is a Twin Cities freelance local government writer for the Bugle.