By Rich Larson
Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig has been selected as Richfield’s next city manager, ending a 10-year tenure in Northfield.
Martig has accepted a conditional offer from Richfield, subject to final approvals. He and Mayor Erica Zweifel talked about his departure in an emotional interview on KYMN Radio.
“Lots of mixed emotions right now,” Martig said. “Ten years is a good run in this profession anywhere. When I came here, I was looking for a challenge, and I got those and so much more.”
Zweifel thanked Martig for his service and praised his “steady leadership , kindness, and professionalism” through significant changes in the city. Zweifel served 12 years on the City Council before becoming mayor, and she was on the committee that hired Martig.
“Our investment has certainly paid off in Ben and his leadership,” she said.
Martig pointed to several projects completed during his tenure: the fire station expansion, the transit hub and a route through town for the Mill Towns Trail, which received $8 million from the state. He also cited downtown investments such as Loon Liquors and the Fifth Street Lofts, more than 200 acres opened for development in the city’s northwest area, and updated financial systems.
He said the ice arena stood out because it took years of work and because residents asked hard questions about a public vote, property taxes and environmental impacts.
“When someone doesn’t feel heard, we should take it seriously,” Martig said. “Being heard can’t guarantee someone’s personal outcome. But the city has to show how those were considered in those decisions.”
Martig said Richfield felt like home when he got to know it better. He also thanked Northfield for helping him raise his children.
Martig’s departure comes as three new council members prepare to join the council after the recent election. Zweifel said an interim administrator will be named. She said this would be her fifth city administrator hire. Richfield’s own search for a city manager took about eight months.
Zweifel said the city’s five-year capital improvement plan, its strategic plan and its budget process will provide stability during the transition.
“It’s not at all like we’re starting from scratch,” she said.
Martig will stay on as city administrator while the city prepares for the transition.
“It’s the people that I’ll remember most,” he said.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
