City Of Eden Prairie: Celebrating 2021: A Message From City Manager Rick Getschow

Press release from the City of Eden Prairie:

12/10/2021

The City fared well through the economic uncertainty of the pandemic and emerged in 2021 as strong as ever.

Now that we’ve come to the end of this significant year, and as stewards of the City’s public buildings, parks, streets and much of its natural open spaces, it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate with you — the residents and taxpayers of this community — highlights of what has taken place in Eden Prairie in 2021.

• The Parks and Recreation Department reengaged the community with a modified form of several popular events, including the multiday 4th of July Hometown Celebration. Eden Prairie was also named a Sterling Tree City USA for a 37th time in recognition of the City’s dedication to our community forest.
• The Fire Department continued to lead the implementation of the City’s Emergency Management Plan related to the evolving pandemic, responded to numerous medical, fire and special operations events, and issued building inspection permits for development projects valued at more than $213-million.
• Significant progress was made on the Southwest LRT and Public Works oversaw the purchase of eight all-electric vehicles. A new 4-million-gallon Water Storage Reservoir and Pump Station became fully operational and the City began installing new water meters in homes that allow residents to track water usage via smartphone or computer.
• In alignment with Eden Prairie’s Climate Action Plan goal of communitywide carbon neutrality by 2050, the Police Department began piloting a fully electric Tesla Model Y patrol vehicle. The department also finalized a partnership with Hennepin County to add a fulltime social worker to its staff who will provide social services support to families in need.
• The Community Development Department received proposals for several new businesses and a variety of new housing options. The City Council also adopted an Inclusionary Housing Policy and Ordinance, ensuring new multifamily projects include a percentage of affordable units, thereby increasing socioeconomic equity across the City.

Finally, the accomplishments we achieve would not be possible without the assistance of about 50 residents and nearly 20 high school students who volunteer to serve on the City’s six commissions. This year, commission members:

• Collected feedback to develop the Eden Prairie Race Equity Report, and encouraged youth to participate in the first-ever Martin Luther King Jr. Words in Action Contest
• Reviewed plans for seven commercial and industrial projects and five single-family and multifamily residential projects
• Collaborated on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan through the development of a public community solar garden and encouraged participation in the new organics recycling curbside service
• Participated in the development of the Urban Forestry Master Plan and reviewed several public art installations and locations
• Approved the Yorkville and Bloomington Road Preservation Plan and began to explore new use opportunities for the Dorenkemper House
• Collaborated with the Metropolitan Airports Commission to ensure compliance with agreed-upon aircraft weight limits at Flying Cloud Airport

On behalf of your elected officials and everyone who works for the City of Eden Prairie, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Rick Getschow
City Manager

This press release was produced by the City of Eden Prairie. The views expressed here are the author’s own.