HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-04 Work Session Meeting Packet
City Council Work Session Meeting Agenda
February 4, 2026, 5:30 PM
Edina City Hall, Community Room, 4801 W. 50th St.
Accessibility Support:
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need
assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large-print documents or something
else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Meeting Topics
3.1. Immigration Response
3.2. Digital Accessibility Update
4. Adjournment
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Item Report
February 4, 2026
City Council
Item Number: 3.1 Department: Administration
Item Activity: Discussion Prepared By: Scott Neal, City Manager, MJ Lamon, Special
Projects & Engagement Manager
Item Title: Immigration Response
Action Requested:
Discussion only. Due to the evolving nature of this situation, information may be added as it becomes
available.
Information/Background:
Report Contents
This report is organized into three sections. The first provides an overview of the establishment and
purpose of the City Manager’s Immigration Response Task Force. The second includes Council review
items, consisting of information compiled by City Manager Scott Neal based on the Task Force’s latest
work, findings, and recommendations. The final section presents City Manager recommendations and
comments, offering a review of the items considered by the Task Force and an update to Council on
the City Manager's feedback.
Task Force Purpose
The City of Edina strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community where all residents feel safe,
supported, and informed, regardless of immigration status. Edina Police enforce state and local laws
and do not engage in federal immigration enforcement actions. Recognizing the complex legal
landscape, evolving national and regional immigration enforcement activities, and community
concern, the City established a City Manager Immigration Response Task Force.
The City Manager’s Task Force on Response to Immigration (“Task Force”) is established as a cross-
departmental, ad hoc advisory body to assess current policies, programs, and community needs
related to immigration; identify opportunities to strengthen community support; and recommend
actions consistent with local law, public safety priorities, and community values. The Task Force will
assess how the City responds to immigration-related issues affecting the community and identify
actions that are legally sound, operationally feasible and responsive to community needs.
Scope of Work
The Task Force's work has been structured into three focus areas to guide evaluation and
recommendations.
• (1) Community Resources & Support — Identify and recommend ways the City can strengthen
information, services, and partnerships that support the community, businesses and families.
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• (2) City Regulations & Protections — Evaluate potential City regulatory or protective measures
that align with legal authority, community values, and feasibility.
• (3) Public Safety & Policing — Evaluate current public safety policies related to immigration, with
a focus on maintaining trust, legal compliance, and community wellbeing.
Task Force Process for Reviewing Ideas
The Task Force is reviewing ideas using a consistent evaluation framework. The Task Force’s focus has
been to present benefits and potential unintended consequences to support informed decision-
making. Process elements include:
• Leaving ideas in their original form to preserve intent and transparency
• Consulting with relevant City departments and external partners as needed
• Evaluating alignment with City policies and values
• Assessing responsiveness to community needs
• Identifying risks, constraints, legal considerations, and operational feasibility
• Developing recommendations that may include multiple options or phased approaches
Deliverables
• As-needed actions and improvements will be implemented through administrative authority,
where recommendations fall within the City Manager’s or organizational leadership’s existing
authority and do not require City Council action. These actions may be implemented
concurrently with Task Force work to address time-sensitive needs.
• Interim progress updates and recommendations at set intervals, as directed by the City
Manager. These may include identification of actions taken administratively and items requiring
further review or Council consideration.
Items for City Council Review
The following items have been reviewed by the Task Force and rise to the level of Council decisions.
1. Regulatory Signage (TF Items 2.3 & 2.11)
The City Council could direct staff to install new regulatory signage in City parks, facilities and other
public places with a message that federal agents are not welcome in that space or may not use the
space for actions associated with their work, such as “staging." There are many cities across the Twin
Cities that have taken this action, including the examples below:
City of Richfield - Meeting Packet Page 23
• They adopted an emergency ordinance Prohibiting the Staging of Federal Enforcement Vehicles
on Municipal Property.
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City of Roseville - Meeting Packet Page 4
• Signage on Roseville property included the following language: "Parking for Facility (Park) Users
Only. Parking lot use is limited to active facility use while on premises.
155 Staging, storage, or other activities are not permitted without a permit."
City of Burnsville - Item from Jan 20 Meeting packet
• City Code to clarify how City resources, including City property, may not be used and to prohibit
staging operations for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law.
Installation of this sort of regulatory signage is largely symbolic, as the City’s municipal authority to
enforce the messaging of the sign by compelling compliance is limited or nonexistent. The City
Manager, and the Task Force, do not recommend this option. However, we will implement it if Council
gives direction.
2. A clear statement that ICE is not welcome in the City of Edina and/or Welcoming Resolution (TF
Item 1.6)
• This could be shown through signage, but it could also be a resolution, on our website,
communication to the community, etc.
• The Task Force referred this item directly to City Council for consideration due to the
complexities.
• Another suggestion provided to the task force was to create a "Welcoming Resolution". There is
financial risk to the City if the federal government declares Edina to be a “sanctuary city”. A
welcoming resolution, depending on its wording, could put the City at risk of losing its federal
funding.
3. Eviction Moratorium (TF Item 1.17)
• Following legal review, the Task Force eliminated this item from consideration since the City
does not have local authority to impose an eviction moratorium. This is something that has to
be done at the state level.
• The Task Force shifted its focus to explore rental assistance in place of the moratorium.
• Roseville wrote a letter to the Governor urging the state to consider imposing an eviction
moratorium.
• The City receives state funding for housing program through the state-funded Local Affordable
Housing Aid (LAHA) program. LAHA funds have already been contracted, and the city does not
have any more funding at this time. We will need to look at future allocations or find some other
funding sources likely at the state. We are also working directly with VEAP.
• Richfield City Council also looked at this and did not take any action.
4. FLOCK Cameras (TF Item 3.5)
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• The task force evaluated the following idea: Continue to affirm publicly that Flock System
technology is not used for immigration enforcement, and ensure ICE never gains access to that
data.
• The City Attorney has reviewed the City’s contract with FLOCK and concluded that the City owns
the FLOCK data and that FLOCK cannot legally share our data with other agencies.
• The Task Force shifted focus to develop communication strategies to share more information
about FLOCK. These strategies are in progress.
• Richfield City Council also looked at this and did not take action to pause.
City Manager Recommendation or Comment
The items in this section were reviewed, evaluated, and discussed by the Immigration Response Task
Force and then reported back to the City Manager. This section reflects the City Manager’s review of
those items and provides direction, recommendations, and/or comments. The numbering used
throughout this section aligns with the Task Force’s internal system for organizing its work; items
beginning with "1" correspond to Community Resources & Support, items beginning with "2" correspond
to City Regulations & Protections and items beginning with “3” correspond to Public Safety and Policing
focus area. Numbering may appear out of sequence, as the Task Force’s work is not linear and
continues to evolve based on ongoing discussions, emerging issues, and new information. *City
Manager comments in red were added on February 3, 2026, to provide additional clarity on the items
below. Given the pace of this work and the evolving information landscape, updates are being
incorporated as soon as they are available to keep City Council informed.
TF
Item
#
Idea (original form) City Manager Comments
3.1 Direct police to stop and ticket ICE vehicles
that have improper plates, no plates, or illegal
window tint—standards that apply to all other
drivers.
A City Council action directing the Police
Department on what laws to enforce and not
enforce can be problematic as it can be
interpreted as “targeting." The action is also
unlikely to change the behavior of federal officers.
The recommendation is to express Council's full
support for the enforcement of state and local
vehicle and driving regulations for everyone in
Edina.
3.2 Instruct police on potential action when ICE
agents enter private property without a
warrant, illegally detain individuals, or
conduct unlawful searches of U.S. citizens.
Staff will implement this recommendation.
Police will continue to follow existing policies and
applicable state and federal law, Police cannot
interfere with ICE operations.
3.3 Ensure that when residents call for help, police
respond and assist, including by establishing
or publicizing a dedicated hotline for
Staff will implement this recommendation.
911 should be called if there is a safety concern or
suspicious activity. The City will document calls
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reporting concerns. that are related to ICE (see idea 3.7). If there was a
need or influx of calls, the City could consider a
dedicated hotline/email.
3.4 Have police assist families in tracking missing
loved ones by contacting the Department of
Homeland Security when necessary.
Staff will implement this recommendation.
The City would handle these calls the same as
missing person reports. The City's Police
Department Policy 625.00 Missing/Endangered
Persons Response.
3.6 Reiterate that local law enforcement cannot
participate in ICE activities and must instead
focus on protecting residents from unlawful
entries, harassment, and assault.
Staff will implement this recommendation.
Effective in 2025, the Edina Police developed policy
Number 635.000 Immigration
Violations/Diplomatic and Consular
Immunity/Foreign National Notification. In short,
the Edina Police Department protect and serve the
community regardless of immigration status, and
they do not investigate federal immigration
violations. The City will continue listening and
communicating with the public to reinforce the
City's role.
3.7 Document 911 calls regarding ICE. This item was reviewed by staff from the Police
Department, IT Department, and City Attorney’s
Office. The City Attorney confirmed the City has the
authority to collect this information, which would
be limited to data from 911 calls. The Task Force
recommended data collection as an alternative to
signage, noting the City currently lacks accurate
information on how often ICE is present in the
community. Collecting data first would allow the
City to determine whether signage is needed in
specific locations, rather than broadly, such as if a
particular site were identified as a recurring
location of activity.
3.8 Recommend a robust counter narrative from
Edina PD based on community concerns.
Example: Press conferences/ press releases
highlighting Edina PD's recent arrest and
detention of violent criminals
Staff will implement a more robust
communications effort to share information about
its law enforcement activities.
3.9 Staff wear clearly branded clothing when
conducting community visits.
Staff will ensure that all City staff who interact with
the public in their homes or in the field will wear
clothing that clearly identifies them as City of Edina
employees. Staff will implement a communications
initiative that shares clothing and uniform
appearances with the public.
3.10 Post photos of PD staff uniforms, how they can Staff will implement this recommendation. This will
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identify Edina PD. be expanded to other staff who interact with the
public as well.
3.11 Changing "POLICE" to "EDINA POLICE" on the
back of police vests.
Staff will implement this recommendation. Target
completion will be in the middle of February based
on vendor capacity.
3.5 Continue to affirm publicly that Flock System
technology is not used for immigration
enforcement, and ensure ICE never gains
access to that data.
For council discussion.
The City will work with legal and IT staff to ensure
the security of FLOCK data. The City will not share
its FLOCK data with other agencies, unless directed
to by the Courts.
1.6 A clear statement that ICE is not welcome in
Edina or Welcoming Resolution.
For council discussion.
1.17 Place a moratorium on evictions, as many
residents are unable to work and are
experiencing financial hardship.
For council discussion.
2.3 Interior: Bar ICE from all city facilities. For council discussion.
2.11 Exterior: Ban federal, state, and local agencies
from using City-owned parking lots, including
city park lots, ramps, garages, or vacant lots
to stage immigration enforcement
operations.Place signage prohibiting the use
of City-owned property by any federal and
state personnel for staging, processing,
operations or other activities related to civil
immigration enforcement
For council discussion.
Resources/Financial Impacts:
This work is being completed with existing staff time and resources which have prioritized this work.
Some recommendations may require additional coordination, legal review, or operational support,
which could have cost or workload impacts. Any actions with potential budget implications would be
identified before implementation and brought forward to the City Manager.
Relationship to City Policies/Plans/Budget Pillars:
The Task Force’s work is guided by existing City policies, ordinances, and practices. Recommendations
are evaluated for consistency with City values, legal authority, and operational feasibility, with input
from relevant departments and the City Attorney when needed.
Reliable Service Livable City Better Together
Values Impact:
Engagement
The Task Force charge supports the City’s commitment to being a
welcoming community by creating space to listen, respond, and
communicate clearly with residents.
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Equity
The Task Force work acknowledges equity by recognizing that
immigration enforcement actions disproportionately impact specific
groups in our community. Task Force work strives to ensure City actions
do not unintentionally worsen existing disparities.
Health
The Task Force advances community health by examining how current
actions affect residents’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Its
work prioritizes safety and access to services to support individuals and
families to continue engaging with schools, public spaces, and City
resources.
Stewardship
The Task Force demonstrates stewardship by using data, staff expertise,
and cross-department coordination to inform thoughtful, responsible
recommendations. Its approach balances community needs with legal
authority, operational capacity, and long-term impacts to ensure City
actions are sustainable, effective, and defensible.
Supporting Documentation:
Documents marked with "Board Portal" do not meet ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (URL)
and are not included in the public packet. To request a board portal document, please submit a data
request (URL).
1. Draft Ordinance Adding a New Article Relating to Stewardship of City Resources (Board Portal)
2. Draft Resolution Affirming Community Values and Stewardship of City Resources Amidst
Immigration Enforcement Operations (Board Portal)
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238364v2
Ordinance 2026-__: Amending Chapter 2 - Administration to add Article XI. - Stewardship of
City Resources
The City Council of Edina Ordains:
Section 1. Chapter 2 – ADMINISTRATION of the Edina City Code is amended to add the
following new Article XI. – STEWARDSHIP OF CITY RESOURCES:
ARTICLE XI. – STEWARDSHIP OF CITY RESOURCES
Sec. 2-796. - Purpose and Policy.
The purpose of this Article is to ensure that the City is stewarding its resources for the benefit
of the public in accordance with state public purpose expenditures law and in a
nondiscriminatory fashion compliant with the Minnesota and United States Constitutions. The
City finds that this Article serves the public interest by ensuring the equal treatment of all
residents and visitors in the provision of City resources and services, preserving the trust of the
public in the integrity of the City’s stewardship of public resources, and maintaining compliance
with applicable local, state, and federal laws. The City’s findings in Resolution 2026-__ are
hereby incorporated by reference.
Sec. 2-797. - Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Article, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
City property means real property owned by the City of Edina, including City parks, buildings,
parking lots and parking structures, but not including public right-of-way, public streets, and
sidewalks. City property includes property generally open to the public and not generally open
to the public, such as City utilities and spaces designated as employee-only or requiring secured
access for entry.
Staging operations means actions taken to mobilize, prepare, or deploy vehicles, equipment,
materials, or personnel for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law.
Sec. 2-798. - Prohibited Use of City Resources.
(a) No City employee or City public official may direct, permit, facilitate, or authorize the
use of City resources, including but not limited to City property, City personal property,
facilities, money, or personnel:
(1) For the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws except as authorized by a
judicial warrant or other similar lawful authorization; or
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238364v2
(2) For the purpose of discriminating against any individual on the basis of a
protected class characteristic under the Minnesota or United States
Constitutions; or
(3) For personal benefit or profit.
(b) No individual or federal, state, or local agency may use or access City property for the
purpose of staging operations, except as authorized by a judicial warrant, subpoena, or
other similar lawful authorization. Federal state, or local government entities or
personnel will not receive special or enhanced access to City property for operations
enforcing federal immigration law.
Sec. 2-799. - Reporting Requirements.
Any City employee or City public official who observes or identifies use of City resources for one
of the purposes prohibited in Section 2-798 or who denies a request to use City resources for
one of those purposes, must provide a report to the City Manager within five business days of
observing, identifying, or denying use of City resources, including the following information:
(a) The date the request for resources was received or resources were observed or
identified as used for a prohibited purpose;
(b) The identity of the individual or agency requesting use of City resources for a prohibited
purpose or who was observed or identifies as using City resources for a prohibited
purpose;
(c) A summary description of the City resources requested or used, which shall not include
any personally identifiable information; and
(d) The prohibited purpose for which City resources were used or for which the request for
City resources was denied.
Sec. 2-800. - Compliance with Law.
Nothing in this Article shall be construed to violate state or federal law, or interfere with any
contract or grant to which the City is a party as of the effective date of this ordinance, or to
prohibit City employees from providing data or services when required by state or federal law.
Sec. 2-801. - Severability.
If any portion of this Article is held invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of
competent jurisdiction, that portion shall be severed and the remaining portions of this Article
remain in full force and effect.
Section 2. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication.
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238364v2
ADOPTED on February 4, 2026 by the City Council of the City of Edina, Minnesota.
ATTEST:
_____________________________________ ____________________________________
Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor
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238361v2
Resolution 2026-__: Affirming Community Values and Stewardship of City Resources Amidst
Immigration Enforcement Operations
Whereas the City Council of the City of Edina’s mission is to provide effective and valued public
services, maintain a sound public infrastructure, offer premier public facilities and guide the
development and redevelopment of lands, all in a manner that sustains and improves the
health and uncommonly high quality of life enjoyed by our residents and businesses; and
Whereas Edina envisions accomplishing this vision through 2030 and beyond in part by
embracing different perspectives and contributions, providing residents close access to parks
and other gathering spaces where they can regenerate and connect with community members,
and encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and understanding as a community to adapt and
change to a rapidly changing and complex world; and
Whereas Edina prioritizes the responsible use of City resources to best serve the entire
community, consistent with its mission and vision; and
Whereas as of 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau identifies that approximately 9.4% of the resident
population of the City of Edina consisted of foreign-born individuals. Each of these individuals
brings a unique perspective and contribution to Edina’s mission, vision, and community; and
Whereas many business owners in the City, and their patrons and visitors, are foreign-born
individuals who contribute to Edina’s economic vitality and enhance the breadth of community
knowledge, understanding, and perspective; and
Whereas the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and its subsidiary and partner agencies,
have initiated unprecedented immigration enforcement operations in the City of Edina and the
State of Minnesota which have created unique public safety concerns for residents, business
owners and their employees, patrons, and visitors, tourists, and City staff; and
Whereas the immigration operations are of a scale and approach that are drastically different
from the historical operations of the local office of DHS in Minnesota, including use of many
officers who have little to no ties to or understanding of communities and cultures in Edina and
Minnesota; and
Whereas federal immigration operations in Edina have heightened the public’s concern as to
the safety and welfare of residents, visitors, and City staff interacting with federal immigration
officials; and
Whereas these operations have increased the risk of physical injury to City residents, visitors,
staff, and local and state law enforcement officers; and
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238361v2
Whereas these operations are creating a climate of fear in our community that is
counterproductive to legitimate law enforcement goals of protecting public safety and welfare,
and undermining the community’s trust in policing; and
Whereas in December 2025 and January 2026, the City Council released statements affirming
their commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the City’s
core values of dignity, fairness, and respect for all individuals in response to the fear and
uncertainty expressed by residents regarding federal immigration enforcement activity; and
Whereas Edina values its partnership with state and federal law enforcement agencies in
activities designed to prevent and respond to criminal activity within the community and has
urged federal leaders to conduct enforcement activities in a manner that fully respects
constitutional rights, prioritizes human dignity, and protects public safety; and
Whereas the Edina Police Department always seeks to collaborate with residents and the
community to ensure people are treated with courtesy, dignity, respect, and understanding and
that their constitutional rights are both recognized and respected; and
Whereas the City Council wants to acknowledge these public safety and welfare concerns and
institute policies that reassure the public of the City’s commitment to serving, protecting, and
valuing all individuals, regardless of a person’s immigration status or national origin.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City of Edina formally affirms the following policy
positions regarding the stewardship of City resources amidst federal immigration enforcement
operations conducted within the City of Edina:
1. Edina condemns any immigration enforcement operations that violate the constitutional
rights of people and objects to the physical nature of enforcement operations.
2. The City does not participate in immigration enforcement operations or enforce federal
immigration law. The City only maintains authority to enforce state and local laws in a
nondiscriminatory manner and directs the Police Department to continue protecting the
safety of the public during immigration enforcement operations and peaceful protests
of the same.
3. Edina is committed to the equal treatment of all its residents and visitors in the
provision of City resources and services, regardless of immigration status or national
origin.
4. Edina is committed to stewarding its resources for the benefit of the public in
accordance with state public purpose expenditures law. As such, no City employee or
public official may use or permit the use of City resources, including City Property, for
the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The City prohibits the use of City property
for actions taken to mobilize, prepare, or deploy vehicles, equipment, materials, or
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238361v2
personnel for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law. Nothing in this policy
statement limits Edina continued partnership with state and federal law enforcement
agencies in activities designed to prevent and respond to criminal activity within the
community.
Passed and duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Edina on February 4, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor
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Item Report
February 4, 2026
City Council
Item Number: 3.2 Department: Communications
Item Activity: Information Prepared By: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director
Item Title: Digital Accessibility Update
Action Requested:
None, information only.
Information/Background:
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s final rule updating its
regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule has specific
requirements about how to ensure that web content and mobile applications are accessible to people
with disabilities. All web content and mobile applications that Edina provides or makes available must
conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards by April 24, 2026.
Staff will review Edina's websites and online applications and work done to date and discuss why
digital accessibility is important.
Supporting Documentation:
Documents marked with "Board Portal" do not meet ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (URL)
and are not included in the public packet. To request a board portal document, please submit a data
request (URL).
1. Digital Accessibility Staff Presentation
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EdinaMN.gov
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Digital Accessibility
Page 16 of 26
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of
Justice’s final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule has specific requirements about how to
ensure that web content and mobile applications are accessible to people
with disabilities.
All web content and mobile applications that Edina provides or makes
available must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards by April 24, 2026.
Entities with a population of 50,000 or more must comply this year. Those under
50,000 have until April 26, 2027 to comply.
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Edina’s Websites and Apps
•Agenda Management
•ARC GIS
•Assessment Lookup
•BetterTogetherEdina.org
•BraemarGolf.com + app
•Crime Map
•EdinaLiquor.com + app
•Enterprise ERP
•Enterprise ERP – Health forms
•ePermits
•Finnly
•Gallus Golf
•Invoice Cloud
•Laserfishe (Edina Docs)
•Mailchimp (City Extra)
•Municode
•NeoGov
•Notify (Golf)
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Edina’s Websites and Apps
•PADS
•Envisio (Progress Portal)
•Project Dox
•Quest CDN
•Recreation Management
•Roway
•SeeClickFix (Edina 311)
•Sentext
•Smart 911/Rave
•Survey Monkey
•Team Sideline
•Volgistics
•YouTube and social media
•When I Work
•Edinet
•Tyler Enteprise: ESS
•Employee Benefits Portal
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Edina’s To-Do List to Meet WCAG
•Review web-based platforms and apps to make sure they
are accessible
•Review documents posted online
•Remove documents
•Remediate documents
•Move historical documents
to Edina Docs archive
•Write remediation plan for making
platforms and documents accessible
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Edina’s WCAG Work Done to Date
•Requested compliance documents from vendors
•Completed redesign of EdinaMN.gov
•Initiated upgrade of platform for BraemarGolf.com
•Upgraded platform forAgenda Management and created new standards
for documents posted on platform
•Provided accessible documents training to staff
•Provided each department with a list of documents on EdinaMN.gov to
remove, move or remediate
•Began remediating City templates
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Why This is the Right Move (and Good in the Long Run)
•Accessibility is not optional. It’s
about equal access to public
information.
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Why This is the Right Move (and Good in the Long Run)
•More information does not always mean better information.
Meeting packets and web pages tend to accumulate content “just in case,” often duplicating materials or including documents that are rarely used or referenced.
The result can be:
•Hundreds of pages per packet
•Key information buried deep in attachments
•A higher barrier to understanding what decisions are actually being made
Streamlining helps focus attention on what matters most — the staff analysis, the decision points, and the context residents need to engage meaningfully.
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Why This is the Right Move (and Good in the Long Run)
•Streamlining improves usability for everyone, not just accessibility users.
While WCAG compliance is the driver, the benefits are universal:
•Faster load times
•Easier navigation on mobile devices
•Shorter packets that are easier to review before meetings
•Less cognitive overload for readers
When information is organized, intentional and readable, engagement goes up,
not down.
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Why This is the Right Move (and Good in the Long Run)
•Removing documents does not mean eliminating access to information.
This is an important distinction. In most cases:
•Information is being consolidated, not erased.
•Redundant or outdated materials are being removed.
•Background documents are still available upon request or housed in
alternative formats.
The goal is not to hide information, but to ensure that what we publish is
usable, accurate and compliant.
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The Bottom Line
This work is not about
reducing transparency —
it’s about ensuring everyone
can access and understand
public information in a way
that is equitable, usable and
sustainable.
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