Over $1 million was secured for Vision 2020-led projects in 2016, Director Greg Siems told the Austin City Council during a Monday work session.

“That’s huge,” he added.

“By my calculations, we are up to over $24 million” in support of Vision 2020 projects since its inception in 2011.

In 2016, three major legs of an economic development stool were shored up. They included the opening of the Spam Museum — which has already drawn over 100,000 visitors — the start of redevelopment of Oak Park Mall and the approval of the Austin Community Recreation Center project.

A hefty part of the success goes to the over 100 volunteers who provide the energy and skill to make things happen.

“Our volunteers are getting stuff done,” Siems said. “And delivering results.”

Establishing the rec center in the former downtown Austin Utilities Plant marked one of the biggest Vision 2020-led efforts. It included the largest gift given in The Hormel Foundation history, of $25 million. A purchase agreement has been finalized with Austin Utilities and a lease agreement OK’d by the Austin City Council and YMCA Board of Directors. The two actions paved the way for volunteers to work on design and program needs.

RFP (requests for proposals) will be soon be advertised. Work will also now begin on a $5 million capital campaign. Design and planning will take about a year, he said.

He looked ahead to 2017 with one sure knowledge: Nothing happens without dedicated volunteers, he said.

“We are always looking for new ideas, new volunteers,” he said. “Nothing happens in this community … unless people step up to the plate and make it happen. It’s always good to have more people in the conversation.”

Other 2016 highlights of his report to the council:

•Honorable mention as a Bike Friendly City; grants secured to establish a mountain biking trail ($10,000 from The Hormel Foundation) and extension of a trail to the southwest edge of Todd Park ($60,000 from the city and The Hormel Foundation).

•Launch of the Red Bike free bike share program.

•Volunteers helped to develop and pass a five-year tax abatement program to spur development of workforce housing.

•Construction began on the new Hy-Vee store, made possible by a $3.6 million Hormel Foundation grant in 2015, for the city to purchase the Oak Park Mall site.

•New wayfinding signs were installed in the downtown, thanks to funding from The Hormel Foundation. The signs help direct visitors to the city’s popular destinations.

•11th Street Northeast Bridge over Interstate 90: Enhancements, following functional and aesthetic standards set by the city’s new visual quality standards, will mean wider sidewalks, improved lighting and guardrails and new landscaping.

•Secured $130,000 in grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and The Hormel Foundation to acquire flood areas near Ramsey Mill Pond, a first redevelopment step for more recreational opportunities.

•Secured $2,000 from the Austin Area Foundation to create a new canoe-kayak launch site for the Cedar River State Water Trail behind Marcusen Park baseball stadium.

•A new Harvest Fest which along with Summer Kickoff and Fall Fest brought over 2,000 people into the downtown.

•Hundreds of special Valentine’s Day cards were created by local youth and delivered to law enforcement personnel and senior citizens.

•Groundwork was laid for an online volunteer database, which will match local opportunities with interested community member.

•A few food waste recovery initiative was established to help use leftovers from restaurants and grocery stores at the Salvation Army kitchen.

•Action teams from Austin Aspires — formed three years ago by Vision 2020’s Education Leaders — worked in areas of kindergarten readiness, academic potential, parents and mentors, college and careers, and health.