HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdina_2 March-2026 WEB UpdatedScott Neal Announces Plans to Retire in Early 2027
Council to Begin Process to Identify Edina’s Fifth City Manager
BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE
Edina City Manager Scott Neal has
announced plans to retire effective Jan. 8,
2027, concluding more than 15 years of
service to the city.
Neal shared the news with the City Council
before announcing it to City staff in a late
January video message. He made a public
announcement during the Feb. 4 City
Council meeting.
“We’ve got some time to work together
and plan for an orderly transition, but more
than anything else, I want to tell all of you
how much I appreciate the opportunity I’ve
had to be your City Manager these past 15
or so years,” Neal said in the video message
to employees. “I can’t tell you how much I
have appreciated that.”
Neal, Edina’s fourth city manager, began his
tenure in late 2010. During his leadership,
the City completed or advanced numerous
major projects and initiatives, including:
Relocation of Fire Station 2 to a new
state-of-the-art facility in southeast
Edina that also houses the City’s Public
Health Division
Stabilization of municipal golf course
operations and reconstruction of
Braemar Golf Course’s championship
course
Establishment of the Human
Resources and Information Technology
departments, as well as Economic
Development, Sustainability and Facilities
divisions
Adoption of the City’s Climate
Action Plan
Implementation of citywide organics
recycling, sidewalk inspection and rental
housing inspection programs
Completion of the Morningside Flood
Infrastructure Project, reducing flood risk
for more than 160 homes and buildings
Construction of the Vernon Avenue &
Highway 100 interchange
Voter approval of the “Edina at Play”
referendums establishing a local option
sales and use tax to fund improvements
at Braemar and Fred Richards parks and
Braemar Arena
In addition to these projects, Neal guided
the City through the COVID-19 pandemic,
maintaining continuity of City operations
while expanding services and resources
for residents.
Though the list of projects completed
during his time as City Manager is long,
Neal is proudest of the team he has built.
“To me, the high quality of our City
staff reflects Manager Neal’s skills and
leadership. I have seen the capabilities
of City staff grow and thrive under his
guidance,” said City Council Member
Carolyn Jackson. “His patience and
expertise have helped me lead with
confidence and knowledge. It is hard to
express what a tremendous difference
a culture of learning, development and
inclusion makes.”
Working together, Neal’s team has received
high marks in the biennial Quality of Life
Survey of residents and received many
state and national awards. Neal, who has
been lauded throughout his career for his
caring and compassionate communication
style, even won a regional Emmy for “On
the Job,” a program he hosts that takes
residents behind the scenes to see how
municipal workers do parts of their jobs.
As he wraps up work in Edina, he will also
conclude service on the Edina Chamber of
Commerce and League of Minnesota Cities
Boards of Directors. He is also a member
of the Minnesota City/County Managers
Association, International City Managers
Association and the Rotary Club of Edina.
Before coming to Edina, Neal served as City
Manager of Eden Prairie for eight years. He
was previously the City Administrator of
Northfield. He also has held the positions of
City Administrator for the communities of Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa, and Norris, Tenn. Neal received
his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public
administration from Iowa State University.
For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov.
City Manager Scott Neal has announced plans to
retire in January 2027. (Photo by Jason Heuer)
Tentative Timeline for Hiring
Edina’s Next City Manager
Now-May: Identify priorities for next
City Manager
April: Solicit proposals for consultant
to lead process
May: Select consultant
June: Open application period
August/September: Interviews
Jan. 1, 2027: New City Manager
assumes leadership
Jan. 8, 2027: Scott Neal retires
Edition: Edina
MARCH 2026
Volume 13, Issue 3Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1
1 Hankerson Subdivision
Location: 5120 and 5124 Hankerson Ave.
Developer: Donnay Homes
Status: Approved
Preliminary approvals were granted for
the property owner to subdivide the
properties at 5120 and 5124 Hankerson
Ave. into three lots. The existing homes
on both lots will be torn down, and new
homes will be constructed on each
new lot.
2 Former Public Works Site
Location: 5146 Eden Ave.
Developer: Edina Housing & Redevelopment
Authority (HRA) and developer to be
determined
Status: On Hold
The Housing & Redevelopment Authority
(HRA) interviewed five development
teams and directed staff to enter into
negotiations for the land sale with
one: Hempel Real Estate and Monarch
Development Partners. Their next step is
to pursue land use approvals through the
City’s standard design review process.
The City of Edina Development Tracker includes
reconstruction or new construction projects that have
been completed in the past six months, are currently under
construction, have filed a formal application to the City or
have been substantially approved.
For more information on development projects in Edina, visit BetterTogetherEdina.org/Development
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South ViewMiddle School
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3 Arcadia
Location: 5100 Eden Ave.
Developer: Opus Development Company
Status: Under Construction
Opus Development Company tore down
the four-story office building at 5100
Eden Ave. and is constructing a new
approximately 112,000-square-foot,
five-story office building. The new
building might include retail space on
the ground floor. Opus intends to occupy
a portion of the building as its corporate
headquarters, relocating from its current
location in Minnetonka.
4 Vernon Townhomes
Location: 5516 Vernon Ave.
Developer: Abundance Properties
Status: Approved
Approvals were granted for Abundance
Properties to tear down the existing
single-family home at 5516 Vernon
Ave. and build two double-dwelling
townhome units. The homes will have
access off Vernon Avenue on the west
side of the property.
5 Southdale Office Center
Location: 6600-6868 France Ave.
Developer: Southdale Office Partners
Status: Under Construction
Southdale Office Partners is remodeling
the interior of the existing middle office
building and restaurant at Southdale
Office Center and adding two small
entryways to improve accessibility. A
conditional-use permit was granted to
continue the office use on the site.
6 Southdale Library
Location: 7001 York Ave. S.
Developer: Hennepin County
Status: Under Construction
Hennepin County tore down the
existing Hennepin County Regional
Library and Service Center building and
is constructing a new 43,107-square-
foot library. The project includes a
16,164-square-foot space for the Edina
Art Center as a tenant of the new
building.
The building will be located on the
north half of the 7.75-acre site. The
south half will include green space with
sidewalks and bike paths connecting to
the regional bike trail through Adams
Hill Park in Richfield. Parking will be
provided underground, with additional
surface parking along 70th Street.
Continued on back cover…
Development Tracker
2
Scan the QR code for the City’s Immigration Information & Resources webpage, which includes links
to the Minnesota Attorney General’s full “Know Your Rights” document and other resources.
Immigration Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions
The City of Edina is committed to being
a welcoming and inclusive community.
While immigration enforcement is a federal
responsibility, City leaders are focused on
protecting constitutional rights and public
safety. The following FAQs outline Edina’s
role and response to Operation Metro Surge.
Where can I get legal help and
immigration services?
The Minnesota Attorney General’s office,
Hennepin County Adult Representation
Services and Immigration Law Center of
Minnesota offer legal assistance, education
and support related to immigration matters.
What is the Edina Police Department’s
approach to immigration enforcement?
The Edina Police Department’s focus
is on keeping the community safe by
enforcing state and local laws. They do
not enforce federal immigration laws. This
approach helps ensure that all residents —
regardless of immigration status — can feel
comfortable seeking help, reporting crimes
or interacting with City services.
Specifically, the Edina Police Department:
• Does not ask about immigration status
when interacting with community
members.
• Does not share information with federal
immigration agencies for the purpose of
immigration enforcement.
• Does not detain individuals solely at
the request of federal immigration
authorities.
• Responds to demonstrations and public
gatherings to support safety and protect
everyone’s rights.
If the City hears of an action occurring
in Edina by U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S.
Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), would
Police Officers by dispatched to the
scene to observe?
No, but the Edina Police Department would
be responsive to any incoming 911 calls.
How can I tell Edina public safety
personnel apart from federal agents?
Local police uniforms are designed to be
immediately recognizable. They clearly
identify the city they serve and are built
for everyday patrol — not for military-style
operations.
Edina Police Officers wear navy uniforms
with the Police Department patch on both
sleeves. Their tactical vests say “POLICE”
in reflective lettering, and new vests that
clearly read “EDINA POLICE” are being
implemented.
Edina Police Cadets, who are officers in
training, wear light blue shirts with patches
on their sleeves identifying them as part of
the Police Department
Edina Paramedic/Firefighters also wear navy
uniforms. The Edina Fire Department patch
is on both sleeves of button-down shirts.
On their more casual shirts, the logo is on
the front and “EDINA FIRE” is printed on the
back in reflective lettering.
This is different from how federal agents
often appear. Federal enforcement
personnel may wear more tactical or
military-style gear, have minimal or generic
markings, or use removable patches and
face coverings. Their uniforms are not
standardized in the same way local police
uniforms are.
It’s also important to know that several
City employees — such as Public Works
technicians, appraisers, building inspectors
and health inspectors — may visit private
properties as part of their jobs. While
branded City clothing is encouraged, it’s
not always required. However, City staff will
always have an ID badge that includes their
photo, name, title and department.
If someone claims to represent the City
and cannot show proper identification,
or if you’re ever unsure about who you’re
interacting with, trust your instincts and call
911 to verify. Dispatch can quickly confirm
whether someone is a legitimate City
employee or public safety officer.
Is the City documenting federal
immigration activity in Edina?
The City is tracking 911 calls to better
understand what is happening in the
community. Federal agencies are not
obligated to provide after-action reports
following a deployment in a city, so data
collected locally may not be complete.
Where can I report what I’ve seen or
how I’ve been impacted by federal
actions in Minnesota?
Attorney General Keith Ellison has a form
on his website that Minnesotans can use to
share information about the impacts that
federal actions in Minnesota have had on
them personally or someone close to them
or that they have personally witnessed.
Minnesotans can access the form at
www.ag.state.mn.us/Federal-Action.
This form is for reporting incidents or effects
related to or caused by federal actions in
Minnesota, including but not limited to:
violations of constitutional rights (racial
profiling, excessive force, retaliation against
protestors, observers and media), business
closures, reduced healthcare access, reduced
education access, other issues impacting
Know Your Rights
3
Local Food Shelf Steps Up in Times of Uncertainty
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People Finds New Ways to Show Up for Communities in Need
public safety and civil liberties, federal
funding cuts, federal grant terminations,
terms and conditions tied to federal program
participation, other administrative actions by
federal agencies.
Can federal immigration enforcement
officers be banned from City parks and
facilities?
No. The City does not have the legal
authority to prohibit federal officers from
accessing public spaces while carrying out
their duties.
Do federal agencies have access
to Edina’s automated license plate
readers? Could use of these cameras be
temporarily suspended?
Federal agencies do not have access to the
City of Edina’s Flock automated license
plate reader (ALPR) cameras or data. Since
implementing Flock, the City has maintained
full control of its data and does not share
it with outside agencies. Any request
for access from another agency requires
approval, and no such requests have been
approved. The City does not participate in
any statewide or national ALPR data-sharing
networks. Under department policy, ALPR
data may be accessed only in connection
with an active criminal investigation.
An internal audit conducted by city staff
confirmed that Edina’s ALPR data has not
been accessed by any outside agency. Flock
has also confirmed that no federal agencies
currently have, or have ever had, access to
Edina’s data.
The City Attorney reviewed the City’s
contract with Flock and confirmed that the
City owns all ALPR data and Flock cannot
legally share Edina’s data.
Police Chief Todd Milburn does not
recommend suspending the use of the
cameras, citing the technology as a critical
and effective tool for preventing and solving
crimes in the community.
Will the City place a moratorium on
evictions?
Only the State can enact a moratorium on
evictions. However, the Edina City Council
authorized staff to send a letter to Gov.
Tim Walz encouraging the State to find
money for rental assistance during this
period of time.
Visit EdinaMN.gov/Immigration For the
latest FAQs.
BY JACEY MISMASH
In the wake of the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security’s Operation Metro Surge,
safety concerns are rampant throughout the
Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. With
fear and uncertainty prohibiting some from
getting basic necessities, many community
members have turned to nonprofits and
mutual aid networks for help.
“Most days, we will have 150 appointments
booked, with only 90 to 100 actually making
it in,” explained Caley Long, Marketing and
Communications Director at Volunteers
Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP), in early
February. “There are a lot of people on the
ground who are not wanting to leave their
homes.”
The Bloomington-based food shelf is no
stranger to mobilizing in times of crisis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the
organization moved quickly to
drive-thru and home delivery
options.
This time around, VEAP’s staff have
worked quickly to accommodate
community members unable to
visit the food shelf by training new
volunteers and partnering with
surrounding cities, churches and
other community groups to expand
their capacity for care.
“We’re really leaning on the
support from our community
partners and volunteers. We don’t
want to compromise the quality
of our services,” said Long. “There are
thousands of people who need help and
there is no one group that can do it all.”
VEAP’s recently introduced Care Packs are
intended for families unable or unwilling to
leave home. The packs contain various shelf-
stable food and everyday household items
such as toilet paper and soap. These packs
are supplemented with fresh and perishable
foods when available.
Continued on Page 5…
Want to Give Back?
Make a Financial Donation:
A gift of $30 can feed a household for an entire week. Every contribution makes a direct local impact. Visit veap.org to donate.
Donate Items for Care Packs:
Community members may donate care pack items, including: pasta and sauce, canned fruits and vegetables, bread, peanut butter, and jelly,
canned protein (pork, chicken, beans), rice, soup, toilet paper and soap.
Donations will be accepted 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Fire Station 1, 6250 Tracy Ave.; Fire Station 2, 4401 W. 76th St.;
or the Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square. Donations can also be dropped off any time of day in the Police Department lobby,
4801 W. 50th St.
Purchase and Ship Items Directly:
Donations of needed items can be shipped directly to VEAP at 9600 Aldrich Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55420 through Amazon.Submitted photo4
BY THE NUMBERS
License Plate Readers
Serve as an Important
Public Safety Tool
arrests made
65
– COMPILED BY JENNIFER
BENNEROTTE
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, March 1
March is Women’s History Month
Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m.
City Council meeting, Edina City Hall
Thursday, March 5, 7:30 a.m.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority meeting,
Edina City Hall
Sunday, March 8
International Women’s Day
Friday, March 13, 5 p.m.
Movie night, “Despicable Me 4,”
Edinborough Park
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m.
Walk with the Mayor, Meet at the Southdale
Transit Center to ride the Metro E Line
Sunday, March 15, 6 p.m.
An Luan Center for Irish Music ensemble,
Edinborough Park
Tuesday, March 17, 7 p.m.
City Council meeting, Edina City Hall
Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Toy Swap, Edina Fire Station 2
Sunday, March 22, 6 p.m.
Pan Handlers Steel Drum Band,
Edinborough Park
Sunday, March 29, 6 p.m.
First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band,
Edinborough Park
Watch City Council, Housing & Redevelopment
Authority and Planning Commission meetings live
on Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16) or online.
For a complete listing of meetings and events,
visit EdinaMN.gov.
guns taken off
the street
6
License Plate Readers (LPRs) are
operated by the Edina Police
Department under strict local policies.
Access is limited, audited and used
only for legitimate public safety
purposes. The system is not connected
to federal immigration enforcement
databases, and outside
agencies cannot
access it.
Some have asked if the
system could be shut
off, out of concern that
it could be hacked.
There is no evidence
that this system has
been accessed by
federal agencies.
According to Police
Chief Todd Milburn,
turning it off would
not make Edina safer
— it would remove an
important tool officers
rely on every day.
These cameras are not
used for immigration
enforcement. They are
used to solve serious
crimes, recover stolen
property and protect
the public. Read
the stats collected
since the system was
implemented.
PROFESSIONAL MOVERS
QualityMovingCo.com
952-831-6800
stationary
cameras
18
stolen vehicles
recovered
30
missing person
found
1
Additionally, the organization is focusing on
securing funds to cover rent, utilities and
transportation for neighbors in need.
“VEAP has deep experience in providing food and
rental assistance for our most vulnerable residents,”
said City of Edina Affordable Housing Development
Manager Stephanie Hawkinson. “VEAP helps ensure
our neighbors are housed and children fed.”
VEAP is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to
Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. Visit veap.org/
get-help/ or call 952-888-9616 to learn more about
their services.
Residents seeking assistance with food, rent or
utility bills or looking for hygiene kits can also
connect with VEAP staff at Fire Station 2, 4401 W.
76th St., 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Local Food Shelf Steps Up in
Times of Uncertainty
continued from Page 4
5City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
7 The Setting Apartments
Location: 7200 France Ave.
Developer: Afton Park and Orion Investments
Status: Under Construction
This sister project to the redevelopment
of 7250 France Ave. will be completed
after construction of Craftsman on France.
The project will feature a new six-story
apartment building with 150 rental units.
Most units will be market rate, with 10%
priced to be permanently affordable.
8 Craftsman on France
Location: 7250 France Ave.
Developer: Orion Investments
Status: Under Construction
This site will be redeveloped in two
phases. Phase 1 includes general sitework
and a new five-story, 124,620-square-
foot office building and coffee shop
called Craftsman on France. Parking will
be provided underneath the building.
Sitework includes a stormwater pond,
sidewalks, public plazas, green space and
landscaping.
9 Enclave Mixed-Use
Redevelopment
Location: 7235 France Ave.
Developer: Enclave Companies and
Lifestyle Communities
Status: Approved
Approvals were granted to divide the
nine-acre site into three separate lots.
Four buildings were approved for
construction on the site. The existing
Macy’s store has been relocated, and
the existing building is anticipated to be
demolished.
Details of the four new buildings:
• Southwest parcel: 11-story
condominium building with 49 senior
units, 47,000 square feet of office space
and 9,500 square feet of restaurant/
retail space at street level
• Northwest parcel: Seven-story mixed-
use building with 124 apartments,
20,000 square feet of office space and
7,500 square feet of restaurant/retail
space at street level
• Northeast pad: Seven-story building
with 223 rental apartments
• Southeast pad: Seven-story building
with 176 rental apartments and a
4,100-square-foot restaurant
Each building will include internal parking
for residents, employees and customers.
Street-level parking will be available to
the general public. The site plan includes
new roadways, sidewalks and landscaping
areas open to the public. The existing Nine
Mile Creek Regional Trail segment will
remain along the southern edge of the
property.
10 Edina Endodontics
Location: 7300 Metro Blvd.
Developer: Hempel Real Estate and
Edina Endodontics
Status: Approved
Approvals were granted to subdivide the
five-acre parcel to allow construction of
a new single-story, 6,000-square-foot
commercial building to be occupied by a
dental clinic. No changes are proposed to
the existing office building on the site.
11 South Metro Public
Safety Training Facility
Location: 7525 Braemar Blvd.
Developer: City of Edina
Status: Under Construction
A 5,536-square-foot tactical training
building is under construction on the
southern edge of the property. The
project will create additional training
space for first responders.
12 Fire Station 2
Location: 4401 76th St. W.
Developer: City of Edina
Status: Completed
The City of Edina finished construction of
a new 33,578-square-foot Fire Station 2
in October 2025. The building provides
operational space for the Edina Fire
Department and the City’s Public Health
Division.
13 Edina Grand Apartments
Location: 3400 Edinborough Way
Developer: Alpha Investment Group
Status: Under Construction
The former 133-unit Marriott Residence
Inn hotel is being converted into a 136-unit
apartment building. Rents are anticipated
to be below 80% of Area Median Income
(AMI), with some units affordable at
60% AMI. The project is expected to be
completed this year.
***ECRWSS***Residential Customer
PRESORT STD
U.S. POSTAGEPAID
TWIN CITIES MN
Permit No. 3932
Iskaan-garee koodhkan oo ku fiiri soomaali
EdinaMN.gov/SomaliEE EdinaMN.gov/SpanishEE
Escanee este código para ver en español
Development Tracker continued from Page 2
City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov6