RECAP: Eagan's State Of The City Address

EAGAN, MN — Eagan's Mayor Mike Maguire delivered the State of the City Address Thursday morning at the Viking Omni Lakes Hotel.

Before kicking off with his speech, Maguire held a moment of silence to acknowledge the horrors being faced by citizens of Ukraine as the country is attacked by Russia.

As he began his speech, Maguire described the city as strong and successful, and talked about how the community impacts the city's health.

Here were the main topics of the speech:

• The health of the people and the environment
  • Eagan has 60 parks, a water park, community center, art house, ice arena, festival grounds, a historic farm, and more-these all help the community stay healthy.
  • In a survey, 93 percent of residents said they think the environment is a priority.
  • 12,000 trees have been planted on private properties in the last 30 years, according to the speech.
• Inclusion and opportunities for everyone
  • Eagan this year built Destination All Play- a playground for those of all ability levels.
  • Maguire said the city's recreation team is expanding its programming to be neighborhood-specific and provide flexible costs so more people can participate.
• Eagan Police Department
  • Maguire said the department is investing in equipment to ensure officers can respond to calls quickly.
  • EPD responds to over 50,000 calls per year, Maguire said.
  • "They’re committed to preserving our community well-being by providing continued quality service," he said. "EPD is also investing in training practices that ensure the long-term health and safety of our community, our officers, and those we serve. And, they are investing in our community’s future – by connecting with our youth."
  • EPD's Youth Leadership Academy
  • First responders and a good samaritan rescued a man from his car that was sinking in a lake.
• Eagan Fire Department
  • The fire department responds to around 6,000 calls per year-most of which are medical.
  • The Fire Department welcomed new Chief Hugo Searle.
  • This year the city welcomed its first all-female firefighter crew.
• The city's growth
  • Eagan continues to invest in residential and commercial property.
  • The city has maintained top triple A ratings
  • The businesses, development, and overall fiscal outlooks continue to be strong.
  • Growing diversity- One third of Eagan residents, and one half of Eagan children, are BIPOC.
• Honoring former City Administrator Dave Osberg and welcoming Dianne Miller as she steps into the position

"I’m happy to report the state of our city remains strong, and healthy," Maguire concluded. "Our vitals are good, but there is always room to improve and work to be done."

"Our community’s health status is not stationary — it is in constant motion, growth and change," he continued. "It takes all of us, working together, supporting each other, investing in each other, to safeguard our collective wellbeing now and into the future. By acknowledging our strengths and embracing a culture that is ready to adapt as we grow and change, we can ensure that Eagan remains a successful city, a strong and healthy community, now and for decades to come."

View the full State of the City Address here.