HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdina_May-2025-Web (1)Work Begins on Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 Interchange Project
BY BRITTANY BADER
The Vernon Avenue & Highway 100
Interchange Project, a joint effort of
the City of Edina, Hennepin County
and the Minnesota Department of
Transportation, began the week of
April 21 and is expected to be
completed by mid-November.
The project will improve safety and
mobility throughout the Grandview District
by upgrading roads, bridges and pedestrian
infrastructure. This includes replacing
two bridges on Vernon Avenue, one over
the Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad
and the second over Minnesota Highway
100. The project also improves nearby
intersections and eliminates redundant
Highway 100 access ramps in favor of
a standard tight diamond interchange,
including the removal of the northbound
on- and off- ramps at Grange Road.
Signs and local detours will ensure
continued access to businesses in the
Grandview and 50th & France districts
throughout the project.
To help minimize disruptions, City
of Edina staff will provide ongoing
communication with the public through
emails, online project talks and updates
on BetterTogetherEdina.org. Press releases
and social media posts will be shared
when there are major traffic changes.
Learn more about the project, ways to
stay informed and view detour maps at
BetterTogetherEdina.org/vernon-hwy100.
The Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 Interchange Project is currently in Stage 1 (of three stages) until late summer or early fall, with some overlap
with Stage 2. During the first two phases, Vernon Avenue will be closed to thru traffic between Interlachen Boulevard/Gus Young Lane and the
Highway 100 northbound on-ramps, with detours routing traffic through Eden Avenue.
The project is phased to keep the Highway 100 ramps open during this portion. Traffic exiting Highway 100 southbound at Vernon will be detoured
to Arcadia Avenue for access to Grandview businesses or to Eden. (Graphic by Dan Doar)ARCADIAAVEEDEN A VE
EDEN A VE
WILLSONRDV E R N O N A V E
VERNONAVEINTERLACHEN BLVD
GUS YOUNG LNGUS YOUNG LN
Vernon Avenue & Highway 100
Interchange Project Road Closure
Open Streets
Closed Streets
Stage 1: April 23 to Late Summer 2025
(unless otherwise modified)
Follow detours
for access to
Grandview
Business
District
Edina
City Hall
Follow detours for
access to 50th &
France District
Metro Transit’s Route 46 will temporarily run
on Eden Avenue instead of Vernon Avenue.
For more information, including bus stops,
visit www.metrotransit.org/route/46.
Special Sustainable Transportation-Themed Issue
Edition: Edina
Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City
MAY 2025
Volume 12, Issue 5
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1
2025 Construction Projects Enhance Walking, Biking in Edina
Engineering Department Leads Four Major Projects in 2025
BY DAVID KATZ
One in every four trips taken is to a
destination located less than a mile from
the starting point. Of these, cars are the
default mode of transit for about two
thirds. When added up, these short jaunts
account for sizeable levels of air pollution
and greenhouse gas emissions, which
affect our ability to achieve our Climate
Action Plan goals.
In suburban communities, much of this
reliance on cars is attributable to public
infrastructure that treats private
motorized vehicles as the default.
The City of Edina maintains a Pedestrian
and Bicycle Master Plan to guide changes
to that status quo. Multiple construction
projects slated for 2025 are primed to
make neighborhoods more walkable and
less congested.
Vernon Avenue & Highway 100
Interchange
On any given day, upwards of 22,000
vehicles cross the Vernon Avenue bridge
spanning Minnesota Highway 100. It is
a dominant feature of the Grandview
District – and is now the center of
a major, multipurpose interchange
overhaul (see Page 1).
At present, this area is served by a
complex system of six unique access
ramps connecting to four different streets.
While inefficient and often confusing
for motorists, the tangled configuration
is especially difficult for walkers and
bicyclists looking to traverse across
Highway 100.
Transportation Planner Andrew Scipioni
notes that while the Vernon Avenue
bridge includes a sidewalk on the north
side of the four-lane roadway, “it’s not as
accessible or … appealing as it could be.”
The City of Edina is partnering with
Hennepin County, the Minnesota
Department of Transportation and CPKC
railroad to modernize and simplify this
layout with a tight diamond interchange.
The approved construction plan stipulates
improvements geared toward pedestrian
as well as vehicular traffic. These
include 10-foot-wide sidewalks and
ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps along
Interlachen Boulevard, Gus Young Lane
and Arcadia Avenue, as well as new or
improved street lighting and noise walls.
France Avenue Sidewalk Extension
In preparation for Metro Transit’s rollout
of the E Line bus rapid transit service
later this year (see Page 4), the City’s
Engineering Department is investing in
sidewalks along France Avenue.
“For so many years, the east side of
France between Highway 62 and roughly
54th Street has lacked a sidewalk. It has
been a gap in our pedestrian network
noted in most of our guiding documents,”
Scipioni explained.
Last year, the City built out a two-block
segment between 58th Street and 60th
Street. “We’re now prioritizing the span
between 60th [Street] and 62nd Street …
which will be helpful to anyone traveling
to and from the new E Line stations. It’s
our second-to-last span. We expect that
the final sidewalk needed, between
62nd Street and Highway 62, will be
built in 2026.”
Normandale Road & Viking
Drive Bikeways
It’s about to get easier to bike to or
through the Pentagon Park business
campus on the Edina/Bloomington border.
Normandale Road and Viking Drive both
feature four lanes for vehicular traffic, but
carry a traffic volume more appropriate
to one in each direction. “Overdesigned
streets like these aren’t [adding] efficiency
and can encourage unsafe behavior,”
Scipioni shared.
Both roads will see a ‘road diet’
reconfiguration in 2025. As part of this
overlay, two lanes on Normandale Road
and Viking Drive will be repurposed for
on-street bikeways.
Presidents A & B Neighborhood
Reconstruction
The Presidents Neighborhood along the
Edina/Hopkins border is slated for a major
street overhaul in 2025. Reconstruction
will involve removal of the existing asphalt
along 11 residential roads in favor of new
paving, curbs and gutters.
After a detailed engineering study,
the City has also elected to replace
the neighborhood’s water main,
improve sanitary sewer and stormwater
systems, reduce impervious surfaces
and refurbish several alleyways during
this same construction period.
Integrated pedestrian and bicycle transit
options are a third major element of the
Presidents Neighborhood redevelopment.
Specifically, changes will include a 5-foot-
wide sidewalk along Monroe Avenue and
8-foot-wide shared-use paths along both
Washington Avenue and Belmore Lane.
These improvements will link to existing
multi-use pathways maintained by the City
of Hopkins. Project funding will derive in
part from the City of Edina’s dedicated
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) Fund.
For more information on these projects,
visit BetterTogetherEdina.org.
Climate Action Fund Offers
E-Bike Rebates
The Community Climate Action Fund
gave out rebates for 32 e-bikes, including
4 cargo e-bikes, to Edina residents in
2024. The program, which offers cost-
share matches of $500 to $1,200, was
so overwhelmed with demand it ran
out of money early.
Starting in 2025, a lottery system draws
10 applicants at random each quarter to
receive reimbursement. The next lottery
drawing will be Monday, May 5.
“The stipend provided by Edina for my
bike purchase was critical to me securing
a safe and appropriate bike for me,” said
resident Deborah Dillon. “I so appreciate
the support of the City in terms of its
investment in helping us travel around
without a car, and as a means of staying
healthy, happy and active.”
Dillon rides in Bredesen Park, on trails
and to coffee shops. “It is so convenient
to look outside, see a pleasant day, grab
my bike, and ride off for exercise and a
coffee,” she said.
To learn more about the e-bike rebates
and apply, visit EdinaMN.gov/EBike.
2
BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND
Electric bikes have exploded in popularity.
Whether it’s running a quick errand, getting
to a job or visiting a park across town,
e-bikes have proven an ideal alternative
to cars, walking or waiting for a bus.
Even Edina Police have four e-bikes for the
Bike Patrol Unit.
“This is an important transportation tool for
a lot of people,” said Engineering Director
Chad Millner. “For some people, that’s
their only way to get to appointments.”
As with anything new, some issues
have emerged, including illegal e-bikes,
underage users and reckless riders. People
often lack awareness of the laws, or
parents fail to emphasize key points with
teenagers, said Police Lt. Dave Venne.
A lot of the “problem” e-bikes aren’t
actually legal e-bikes. They are often
the cheaper ones bought online or ones
that boast speeds of 30 mph or more.
Legal e-bikes must be labeled Class 1,
2 or 3 by the manufacturer and meet
class requirements, including maximum
assisted speed.
“Just because it has pedals, doesn’t mean
it’s an e-bike,” Millner said.
If it doesn’t meet Class 1, 2 or 3 standards,
it might not be legal to ride except on
private property. Or it might require more
safety equipment and a driver’s license or
special permit.
“Parents need to do their homework
before they buy these,” Venne said.
State law requires e-bike riders to be
at least 15 years old and to follow all
bicycle laws. In Edina, E-bikes are allowed
on roads, bicycle paths, bicycle trails or
shared-use paths. They are not allowed
on sidewalks.
The most common complaints about
e-bikes revolve around speeding and
passing others. Police often field similar
complaints about bicyclists.
“It all comes down to behaviors,” Millner
said. “People need to be nice and
respectful of other users when they
are on trails or roads.”
For more information about
e-bike laws in Edina, call Police
at 952-826-1610.
Know the Rules Before Buying an Electric Bicycle
Most Complaints Police Receive Involve Illegal Models, Underage Riders
Rider Rules and Tips
•Helmets required for ages 15 to 17;
highly recommended for adults
•E-bikes not allowed on sidewalks
•E-bikes must follow all bicycle laws
•Obey traffic signs and signal
your turns or stops
•Alert others of your approach by
using a bell or calling out
•Slow down when passing
•Be courteous to others on trails
Storage Tips from Edina
Fire Department
•Charge e-bikes outside the home –
and never in your exit path
•Use only the charging equipment
that comes with the e-bike
•Do not leave e-bikes
charging overnight
•Store batteries away from exits,
extreme temperatures, direct
sunlight and anything flammable
•Never discard batteries or chargers
in your curbside trash or recycling
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
Maximum assisted speed 20 mph 20 mph 28 mph
Rider minimum age 15 15 15
Allowed on Braemar Park Trails Yes No No
Motorcycle
•Requires driver’s license with
motorcycle endorsement
•Vehicle registration required
•Insurance required
•Not allowed on bike paths or trails
Modified or
Unclassified
Motorized Bikes
•Maximum assisted speed faster than
class maximum
•More than 750 watts
•Exceeds e-bike classification regulations
•May not be legal in Minnesota
depending on equipment
•Not allowed on bike paths or trails
•Requires driver’s license or special permit
•Must have headlights, taillights and
other safety equipment
Not an E-Bike
E-Bike
3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
METRO E Line Will Bring High-Frequency ‘BRT’ Bus Service
to Edina by End of 2025
Line Will Partially Replace Route 6 Corridor Between Minneapolis and Edina
BY DAVID KATZ
It’s about to get easier to travel to
and move about Edina on public
transportation. Metro Transit is investing
heavily in infrastructure along France
Avenue to bring reliable BRT service as far
south as Southdale Center.
“BRT stands for bus rapid transit, and
it’s a level of service between standard
local buses and light rail, or LRT, service,”
explained Transportation Planner Andrew
Scipioni.
Metro Transit first piloted BRT in 2013
along Interstate Highway 35W between
Apple Valley and Bloomington. When
it goes live before the end of this year,
the METRO E Line will be the fifth in
this growing arterial network, which is
projected to eventually encompass 165
miles across a dozen lines.
“The ‘E’ in E Line does not stand for Edina,
as some people think. No, it is the fifth in
the order; the fact that it goes to Edina is
purely a fun coincidence,” Scipioni said.
With that said, its placement is no
accident. The E Line will partially replace
segments of the Route 6 corridor between
Minneapolis and Edina, one of the busiest
bus routes in the west metro. In 2019,
commuters averaged 8,000 rides along
Route 6 each weekday.
As a general rule, BRT travel is 25 percent
faster than standard bus service. Scipioni
credits the network’s speed to several
features, including wider stop spacing,
transit signal priority, off-board fare
payment and all-door boarding.
In its final form, the E Line will serve
34 stations, each about 0.4 mile apart,
including eight in Edina. From its southern
terminus at the Southdale Transit Center,
the high-frequency bus route will stop at
M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital and
at the France Avenue intersections with
West 62nd Street, West 58th Street,
West 54th Street, West 50th Street,
West 47th Street and West 44th Street.
North from Edina, the E Line will serve
Uptown, downtown Minneapolis and
the University of Minnesota before
ending at Westgate Station, a Metro
Transit junction in Saint Paul with access
to the METRO Green Line light rail.
The northern terminus point is about 13
miles from Southdale Center – a busy
stretch and long trek for cars.
Scipioni is well versed in the project’s
particulars. He represented the City of
Edina’s interests in 2018 when Metro
Transit collaborated with area stakeholders
on an E Line Corridor Study. “It was
important to us that BRT service comply
with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and
advance our climate action goals.”
In addition to speed and sustainability,
Scipioni says that the E Line will have
convenience and cost working in its
favor. “Service will operate every 10
minutes during the day and most of
the evening, seven days a week.”
While short, wait times will be
comfortable courtesy of heat lamps,
NexTrip bus tracking monitors, security
cameras and emergency phones.
Commuters will also benefit from
Metro Transit’s lower and simplified fee
structure, which went into effect on
Jan. 1. Going forward, boarding costs
$2 and trips are not subject to rush hour
surcharges. Riders can also purchase an
All-Day Pass for $4 or less. Youth, seniors
and Medicare recipients are eligible for
additional discounts.
“Once it is open, the E Line is definitely
going to be the best transit service that
the City has, given its frequency and the
amenities on offer,” Scipioni said.
For more information, visit
www.metrotransit.org/e-line-project.
E Line Station Construction Timing Construction coordinated with part-ner agency-led project
Westgate Station 2025 No
University & Malcom 2025 No
University & 27th Avenue 2025 No
University & Huron-23rd Avenue 2025 No
University-4th Street & U of M Rec Center-Ridder Arena 4th Street: substantially complete, University: 2025 Yes
University-4th Street & 15th Avenue 4th Street: substantially complete,
University: 2025
Yes
University-4th Street & 10th/11th
Avenue
4th Street: substantially complete,
University: 2025
Yes
University-4th Street & 6th Avenue 2025 Yes
University-4th Street & Central 2025 Yes
Hennepin-1st Avenue & 2nd Street Substantially complete Yes
Hennepin & Gateway 2025 No
Hennepin & 3rd/4th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 5th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 7th/8th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 10th/11th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & Spruce-Laurel 2025 No
Hennepin & Groveland 2025 No
Hennepin & Franklin 2025 Yes
Hennepin & 25th Street 2025 Yes
Uptown Transit Station Substantially complete Yes
Hennepin & 33rd Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 36th Street 2025 No
Richfield Road & Bde Maka Ska 2025 No
Sheridan & 39th Street 2025 No
Sheridan & 43rd Street Substantially complete Yes
44th Street & Abbott Northbound: substantially complete,
Southbound: 2025
No
France & 44th Street Substantially complete No
France & 47th Street Substantially complete No
France & 50th Street Substantially complete No
France & 54th Street Substantially complete No
France & 58th Street Substantially complete No
France & 62nd Street 2025 No
Southdale Hospital 2025 No
Southdale Transit Center 2025 No
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
LAKEHARRIET
BDEMAKASKA Hennepin & 10th/11th StHennepin & 8th StHennepin & 5th StHennepin & 3rd/4th StHennepin & GatewayHennepin–1st Ave& 2nd St NEUniversity–4th St & CentralUniversity–4th St & 6th AveUniversity–4th St & 10th–11th AveUniversity–4th St & 15th AveUniversity–4th St & Rec Center–Ridder ArenaUniversity & Huron–23rd AveUniversity & 27th AveUniversity & MalcolmWestgate StationHennepin & Spruce–LaurelHennepin& Franklin
Hennepin &Groveland
Hennepin & 25th St
Hennepin & 33rd St
UptownTransit Station
Hennepin & 36th St
Richfield Rd &Bde Maka Ska
Sheridan &39th St
44th St & Abbott
Sheridan & 43rd StFrance &44th St
France &47th St
France &50th St
France &54th St
France &58th St
France &62nd St
SouthdaleHospital SouthdaleTransitCenter Hennepin/1st AveHennepinUn
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s
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/
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France11-07-777830-24
Station construction substantially complete
Station to be constructed in 2025
Stations to be constructed in coordination with partner agency-led project
METRO E Line
Station Construction
E Line Station Construction Timing Construction coordinated with part-
ner agency-led project
Westgate Station 2025 No
University & Malcom 2025 No
University & 27th Avenue 2025 No
University & Huron-23rd Avenue 2025 No
University-4th Street & U of M Rec
Center-Ridder Arena
4th Street: substantially complete,
University: 2025
Yes
University-4th Street & 15th Avenue 4th Street: substantially complete,
University: 2025
Yes
University-4th Street & 10th/11th
Avenue
4th Street: substantially complete,
University: 2025
Yes
University-4th Street & 6th Avenue 2025 Yes
University-4th Street & Central 2025 Yes
Hennepin-1st Avenue & 2nd Street Substantially complete Yes
Hennepin & Gateway 2025 No
Hennepin & 3rd/4th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 5th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 7th/8th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 10th/11th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & Spruce-Laurel 2025 No
Hennepin & Groveland 2025 No
Hennepin & Franklin 2025 Yes
Hennepin & 25th Street 2025 Yes
Uptown Transit Station Substantially complete Yes
Hennepin & 33rd Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 36th Street 2025 No
Richfield Road & Bde Maka Ska 2025 No
Sheridan & 39th Street 2025 No
Sheridan & 43rd Street Substantially complete Yes
44th Street & Abbott Northbound: substantially complete,
Southbound: 2025
No
France & 44th Street Substantially complete No
France & 47th Street Substantially complete No
France & 50th Street Substantially complete No
France & 54th Street Substantially complete No
France & 58th Street Substantially complete No
France & 62nd Street 2025 No
Southdale Hospital 2025 No
Southdale Transit Center 2025 No
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
LAKEHARRIET
BDEMAKASKA Hennepin & 10th/11th StHennepin & 8th StHennepin & 5th StHennepin & 3rd/4th StHennepin & GatewayHennepin–1st Ave& 2nd St NEUniversity–4th St & CentralUniversity–4th St & 6th AveUniversity–4th St & 10th–11th AveUniversity–4th St & 15th AveUniversity–4th St & Rec Center–Ridder ArenaUniversity & Huron–23rd AveUniversity & 27th AveUniversity & MalcolmWestgate StationHennepin & Spruce–LaurelHennepin& Franklin
Hennepin &Groveland
Hennepin & 25th St
Hennepin & 33rd St
UptownTransit Station
Hennepin & 36th St
Richfield Rd &Bde Maka Ska
Sheridan &39th St
44th St & Abbott
Sheridan & 43rd StFrance &44th St
France &47th St
France &50th St
France &54th St
France &58th St
France &62nd St
SouthdaleHospital SouthdaleTransitCenter Hennepin/1st AveHennepinU
n
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/
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France11-07-777830-24
Station construction substantially complete
Station to be constructed in 2025
Stations to be constructed in coordination
with partner agency-led project
METRO E Line
Station Construction
E Line Station Construction Timing Construction coordinated with part-
ner agency-led project
Westgate Station 2025 No
University & Malcom 2025 No
University & 27th Avenue 2025 No
University & Huron-23rd Avenue 2025 No
University-4th Street & U of M Rec
Center-Ridder Arena
4th Street: substantially complete,
University: 2025
Yes
University-4th Street & 15th Avenue 4th Street: substantially complete,
University: 2025
Yes
University-4th Street & 10th/11th
Avenue
4th Street: substantially complete,
University: 2025
Yes
University-4th Street & 6th Avenue 2025 Yes
University-4th Street & Central 2025 Yes
Hennepin-1st Avenue & 2nd Street Substantially complete Yes
Hennepin & Gateway 2025 No
Hennepin & 3rd/4th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 5th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 7th/8th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 10th/11th Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & Spruce-Laurel 2025 No
Hennepin & Groveland 2025 No
Hennepin & Franklin 2025 Yes
Hennepin & 25th Street 2025 Yes
Uptown Transit Station Substantially complete Yes
Hennepin & 33rd Street Substantially complete No
Hennepin & 36th Street 2025 No
Richfield Road & Bde Maka Ska 2025 No
Sheridan & 39th Street 2025 No
Sheridan & 43rd Street Substantially complete Yes
44th Street & Abbott Northbound: substantially complete,
Southbound: 2025
No
France & 44th Street Substantially complete No
France & 47th Street Substantially complete No
France & 50th Street Substantially complete No
France & 54th Street Substantially complete No
France & 58th Street Substantially complete No
France & 62nd Street 2025 No
Southdale Hospital 2025 No
Southdale Transit Center 2025 No
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
LAKEHARRIET
BDEMAKASKA Hennepin & 10th/11th StHennepin & 8th StHennepin & 5th StHennepin & 3rd/4th StHennepin & GatewayHennepin–1st Ave& 2nd St NEUniversity–4th St & CentralUniversity–4th St & 6th AveUniversity–4th St & 10th–11th AveUniversity–4th St & 15th AveUniversity–4th St & Rec Center–Ridder ArenaUniversity & Huron–23rd AveUniversity & 27th AveUniversity & MalcolmWestgate StationHennepin & Spruce–LaurelHennepin& Franklin
Hennepin &Groveland
Hennepin & 25th St
Hennepin & 33rd St
UptownTransit Station
Hennepin & 36th St
Richfield Rd &Bde Maka Ska
Sheridan &39th St
44th St & Abbott
Sheridan & 43rd StFrance &44th St
France &47th St
France &50th St
France &54th St
France &58th St
France &62nd St
SouthdaleHospital SouthdaleTransitCenter Hennepin/1st AveHennepinU
n
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Station construction substantially complete
Station to be constructed in 2025
Stations to be constructed in coordination
with partner agency-led project
METRO E Line
Station Construction
(Submitted Illustration)
4
City Begins Work Plan to Walk, Bike and Roll Safely
Throughout Edina
Safe and Equitable Mobility Action Plan To Be Completed This Year
Minnesota GreenStep Cities & Tribal Nations is a voluntary challenge,
assistance and recognition program to help communities achieve
their sustainability and quality of life goals. This free, continuous
improvement program is based upon a menu of 29 optional best
practices. These voluntary actions are tailored to Minnesota, focus on
cost savings and energy use reduction and encourage civic innovation.
In April, the Sustainability Division completed the City’s 2024
submission to maintain its Step 5 GreenStep Cities rating, finding
significant improvements over 2022.
BY THE NUMBERS
GreenStep
Cities Challenge
1.1
million
Because of efficiency
upgrades like
the new building
automation systems,
the City used 1.1
million fewer
kilowatt hours of
electricity since 2022,
saving over $185,000
in 2024.
37,000 gallons
Due to electric vehicle adoption and other green fleet
policies, 22,000 fewer gallons of gasoline and 15,000 fewer
gallons of diesel were needed for the City fleet in 2024
compared to 2022, saving nearly $132,000 in fueling costs.
Since 2022, the City has planted 2,358
trees, which will provide over $90,000 in
annual health and energy savings and
property value benefits as they mature.
2,358 trees
advising on equity and helping lead
community engagement.
Starting in May, the City will have
information booths available at various
community events, said Transportation
Planner Andrew Scipioni. Look for pop-up
booths at:
•Edina Vehicle Day at Southdale Center,
10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 3
•Edina Rides starting at the Southdale
YMCA, Saturday, May 17
•Centennial Lakes Farmers Market,
3-7 p.m. Thursdays starting June 5
And other events, as scheduled, this summer.
SEMAP Review Process
The City and its partners are analyzing
traffic volumes and crash data, as well as
the ease of travel through Edina whether
on foot, on a bike, in a car or using public
transit. One finding the City noted in
applying for SS4A is that 14% of the
crashes occurring on Edina streets involve
pedestrians and cyclists. Census data,
population trends and maps will provide
key insights, along with public input.
One example: Alliant examined the area
east of Minnesota Highway 100 and south
of Minnesota Highway 62. Residents in
this area are likely more reliant on walking,
biking and use of public transit: 11% of
households lack access to vehicles and 33%
of residents are 65 or older. High traffic
volumes, high speeds and four- and six-lane
crossings in southeast Edina make crossing
intersections dangerous and difficult,
particularly for more vulnerable users,
Alliant has noted.
Solutions provided in the SEMAP will
likely include policy recommendations
and infrastructure projects that will
make traveling in Edina safer for all
users. Concrete timelines are still being
established, but the SEMAP is expected
to be finalized in the fall.
For current information on project
status and how the public can participate,
visit BetterTogetherEdina.org.
– COMPILED BY KATY KOCH CAMPBELL
- COMPILED BY MATTHEW GABB
Edina residents can learn about and give
feedback on the safety of biking, walking
and driving Edina streets, as the City develops
a new, comprehensive transportation plan.
The Safe and Equitable Mobility Action Plan
(SEMAP) will identify strategies to reduce
fatal and serious crashes on roadways within
the city, improving safety for all modes of
transportation. The plan is funded by a
secured $200,000 federal grant from the
Safe Streets & Roads for All program (SS4A),
combined with $50,000 in matching funds
from the Minnesota Department
of Transportation.
The SEMAP will incorporate elements of the
City’s Living Streets, Active Routes to School,
and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master plans.
Alliant Engineering is the lead contractor,
with subcontractors Toole Design leading
the safety analysis and Humanize MN
5City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
City Staff, Commissioner ‘Work’ Toward More Sustainable Living
Swapping Daily Habits Can Benefit Your Pocket and Decrease Carbon Emissions
Wondering how to live a little greener? These City staffers and a Planning Commissioner are walking (and biking!) the talk—making
everyday choices that add up to big impact, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve our climate goals.
Meriwether Felt
Architect and City of Edina Planning
Commissioner
Sustainable commute action: Electric bike
(in fair weather months)
Commutes from: Edina
What made you decide to get an e-bike?
I got an e-bike when my daughter got her first job at 16. She
needed a car and a lot of my work as an architect is very local. So
I decided for us to bridge that gap and figured out how to get
around with a car and electric bike. The first time I showed up at
a client’s home on my electric bike with my helmet on, wearing a
dress and the plans on the back of the bike, I was like, “Well, they’ll
either think I’m really odd, or they’ll be all for it.” They were so
happy, they started clapping!
Why do you choose to e-bike? I like feeling healthier and getting
outside. Once you do something, you kind of notice it a lot more.
Now that I’ve got my electric bike, I talk to a lot of other people
who have electric bikes and talk to them about how they use them.
I notice a father bringing his kids to school on an electric bike with
a trailer. So you’re just more aware of it and I’ve learned so much
about the community from people that are in it.
What else do you want people to know about e-bikes? I think it
can be intimidating when people start thinking about how to change
their lives. Just take those steps that make sense to you, and if it fits
in your life. There’s nothing that you have to do, as long as you just
kind of pick an area, think about it and try working it into your life.
Nick Donahue
Edina Police Department Community
Engagement Officer
Sustainable commute action: Electric vehicle
Commutes from: Faribault
How long have you had your car? Since
July 2021.
How does driving an electric vehicle positively affect your
life? My EV has positively impacted my life with all of the safety
features in the car. It is able to detect potentially slippery roads
in the winter and alert me before something bad happens. It will
automatically reduce speed to ensure I don’t lose control. The
autopilot feature emphasizes keeping your eyes on the road
through the use of cameras inside the cabin.
Is there anything else you want people to know about electric
vehicles? The winter months can be challenging due to the cold
temperatures. That’s my only criticism of the EVs right now.
Ross Bintner
City of Edina Engineering Services
Manager
Sustainable commute action: Electric
vehicle (EV)
Commutes from: Eagan
How long have you had your car? Since
2018. My family is now fully electric with three EVs, one each for my
wife and me, and one for two teenage drivers.
How does driving an electric vehicle positively affect your
life? The cost saving has been the most beneficial. I’ve saved over
$10,000 on gas and nearly $1,000 on oil changes in the last seven
years. I also like the smooth and quiet ride and peppy acceleration.
Is there anything else you want people to know about electric
vehicles? If you are in the market to replace a car, keep checking
back in on the EV technology because it’s changing fast. If you are
curious, take a test drive of the newest generation of electric cars
and small SUVs. I think you’ll find they are an amazing overall value.
Matthew Gabb
City of Edina Sustainability Specialist
Sustainable commute action: Public transit
Commutes from: South Minneapolis
How often do you take the bus to work?
I don’t have a car, so I take the bus every
time I come into work, whether it’s my office
at Public Works or for meetings at City Hall.
How does taking public transportation positively affect your
life? The big thing is that I save hundreds of dollars a month not
paying for gas, insurance, parking or car maintenance. I don’t have to
watch the road, so I can read a book, text friends or whatever I want.
Is there anything else you want people to know about
taking public transit? I love transit, but it can feel intimidating at
first and like there are lots of unwritten rules. The Twin Cities’ bus
drivers, though, are the kindest folks and always ready to answer
any questions to help get you where you need to go. Recently,
Metro Transit made it even easier to take your first bus or light rail
ride by lowering fares and giving all users an automatic premium
account for the trip planning app Transit (www.transitapp.com). The
Transit app not only has bus schedules and routes, but shows you in
real-time what buses are near you and multiple options for getting
to your destination – even trips combined with walking, biking or
driving! I hope more folks in Edina feel empowered to take the bus,
because even switching just one trip a week from a car to transit
can dramatically lower your carbon footprint.
Inspired by their stories? Consider how you might add more sustainability into your own daily routine. Even small changes—like
taking the bus once a week or swapping a short drive for a bike ride—can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint.
– COMPILED BY LAUREN SIEBENALER
6
City to Consider Transitioning Assessing Services to
Hennepin County
City Council Set to Consider Possible Agreement in June
To reduce spending and ease the
municipal property tax levy burden, the
Edina City Council at its April 16 meeting
directed staff to prepare an agreement
to possibly transition assessing services to
Hennepin County. If implemented in 2026,
the change could reduce City spending by
approximately $500,000 in that year—and
by $1 million annually starting in 2027.
What does the City of Edina’s
Assessing Division do?
The Assessing Division, which includes
seven full-time staff members, establishes
estimated market value and determines
the property classification of every Edina
property each year for property tax
allocation. These processes are based on
Minnesota statutes in compliance with
the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
The division also maintains property
records; performs annual quintile
property reviews; performs property
reviews based on new construction and
building permits; administers the appeals
process, including the Board of Appeal &
Equalization; and works with Hennepin
County on programs related to property
assessment and classification.
What assessing services does
Hennepin County already provide
Edina residents?
The County collects taxes and currently
administers homestead and related
programs for all cities in the county.
What other cities does Hennepin
County provide full assessing
services for?
The County currently provides assessing
services to all cities in Hennepin County
except Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Edina,
Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minneapolis,
Minnetonka and St. Louis Park. The
County also provides services for Fort
Snelling and the Minneapolis-St. Paul
International Airport.
Would assessing services be free
to Edina residents in the future?
No. While the County will not charge
the City of Edina for the services, their
expenses will be built into the County
property tax levy.
Additionally, under a draft Joint Powers
Agreement, the City will need to maintain
the current Property Data System until
some future date to be agreed upon.
(The County is building a new system
from the ground up.)
Special assessment management is not
part of the County assessment services.
The City will still need to pay for special
assessment software licensing and a staff
member will need to manage the process.
Approximately what percentage of the
County levy is for assessing services?
The 2025 countywide levy totaled
approximately $1.046 billion. This was
an increase of 5.2% over the 2024 levy,
or an increase of approximately $54.5
million. The Hennepin County Assessor’s
Office budget totals approximately $10.5
million in 2025. Nearly half of this budget
is to perform statutory responsibilities of
the County Assessor, and the remainder
is to perform assessing services on behalf
of 37 cities. The property tax impact of
performing local assessing services for the
37 cities is less than 0.5% share of the
2025 countywide levy.
How might the County’s levy change
by taking on this work in Edina?
The County’s levy would change by the
amount necessary to staff the department
to successfully perform the assessing
functions. Assessing functions of the
County Assessor’s Office include both
statutorily required functions as well as
functions that contribute to customer
satisfaction and responsiveness, which
may include taxpayer engagement efforts,
staff training and assurance of appropriate
resource allocation.
The County estimates that taking on
local assessing services in Edina will cost
the County approximately $1 million per
year based on 2025 costs. The estimated
impact on the countywide levy from
taking on this work in Edina is 0.1% or
less of the County property tax levy. To
add context to this figure, the countywide
cost-of-living increase for employees has
been negotiated at 4% for 2026, which
will result in an increase in cost to the
County of approximately $40 million.
What benefits, if any, will Edina
residents lose with the conversion?
The City would give up local control
and quality could be impacted.
The Assessing Division uses a highly
integrated Property Data System that
connects with other City applications,
such as permitting, property addressing,
special assessments and GIS systems.
This integration enhances efficiency,
reduces errors and provides a holistic
view of property data. Transitioning to
the County could disrupt these benefits
and create some loss of data. However,
with a transition plan and time, the City
Manager’s office believes the impact
could be minimized.
The division also provides tailored
services such as an Annual Assessment
Report, special assessment management
and collection, information for budget
scenarios and special data requests for
various departments.
When would the transition occur?
Exact details have not been determined.
Over the next several weeks, City Manager
Scott Neal will work with the County to
prepare an agreement on the transition.
The agreement is tentatively scheduled
for the City Council to consider at its
June 2 meeting.
In other business last month,
the Council:
•Amended an ordinance to require
e-bike users ages 15 to 17 to
wear helmets.
•Approved Hennepin County’s
redevelopment proposal for the new
Southdale Library at 7001 York Ave.
The new building will include space
for a new Edina Art Center.
•Approved an ordinance that
establishes new rules for businesses
that are involved in the breeding
and sale of animals as pets.
The Council will next meet 7 p.m.
May 6 and 20. For more information,
visit EdinaMN.gov.
– COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE
7City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov8
Nearly 100 residents volunteer their time each year to be part of the City’s nine advisory Boards and
Commissions. These groups advise the City Council on various projects and, at times, make recommendations
to the City Council. The Commissions also have work plans that include their own projects to improve
Edina. Each commission includes two students who are typically high school juniors or seniors.
Board members and typical meeting times are listed below. Meetings are open to the public.
For more information on Boards and Commissions or their work plans, visit EdinaMN.gov/Commissions or
contact Special Projects & Engagement Manager MJ Lamon at MLamon@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0360.
*Student Commissioner. The City is currently accepting applications for Student Commissioners
whose terms will start Sept. 1. Students should apply at EdinaMN.gov/Volunteer before May 11.
Interviews will be conducted in June with appointments made by the City Council in July.
Arts & Culture Commission
4:30 p.m. fourth Thursday
of the month
Caroline Byrd
Ann Curtin
Alyssa Fram
Jignasha Pandya
Anna Schenk*
Tim Scully
Maxine Steinberg
Brian Stemmler
Laura Westlund (Chair)
Alana Zbaren (Vice-Chair)
Board of Appeal
& Equalization
Meets twice in April of each year
Katie Broich
Kayla Gibbons
Bob MacPhail
Scott Roti
Sean Walker
Community Health
Commission
6:30 p.m. second Monday
of the month
Mary Absolon
Megan D’Orazio
Aditi Gandhi*
Matt Giljahn
Ron Jarvi Jr.
Anoushka Jha*
Andrea Leszko
Nick Mattison (Chair)
Tracy Nelson (Vice-Chair)
Andrea Patineau
Brenna Smithson
Construction Board
of Appeals
Meets as necessary
Alex Conzemius
Ryan Holten
Dave Schneider
Dave Solohub
Austin Wagner
Energy & Environment
Commission
7 p.m. second Thursday
of the month
Brooke Bartholomew
Ukasha Dakane
John Haugen (Vice-Chair)
Angela Langsweirdt*
Cory Lukens (Chair)
Hilda Martinez Salgado
Stephen Schima
Anushka Srivastav*
Tom Tessman
Eric Walker
LeeAnn Weber
Heritage Preservation
Commission
7 p.m. second Tuesday
of the month
Kaelie Breiter
Bob Cundy
Tommy Everson (Chair)
Theresa Farrell-Strauss
Shawn Jarvinen
Devon Nickels
Brad Olson
Katie Pope (Vice-Chair)
Kristina Waggoner
Parks & Recreation
Commission
7 p.m. second Tuesday
of the month
Tyler Bye
Emma Eilertson*
Chris Garazatua
Peter Hulbert
Bob Kane (Vice-Chair)
Joseph Luangrath
Jamie Pfuhl (Chair)
Sulayman Syed*
Bryce Weaver
Ericka Welsh
Leah Wick
City of Edina Advisory Boards & Commissions
Planning Commission
7 p.m. second and fourth
Wednesdays of the month
David Alkire (Vice-Chair)
Jimmy Bennett (Chair)
Will Bornstein
Ryan Daye
Meriwether Felt
Clare Hahneman
Aditi Jha*
Ben Joncas*
Paul Nelson
Bonnie Padilla
Quincy Smith
Transportation
Commission
6 p.m. third Thursday
of the month
Roger Bildsten
Chris Brown (Vice-Chair)
Augie Lassig*
Andy Lewis (Chair)
Bethany Olson
Adam Rosen
Tricia Rubenstein
Noah Trueger
Joan White
Grant Wright