Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutEditionEdina_5 May-2026_WebPickleball Coming to Braemar Golf Dome Parking Lot 50 Parking Spaces and Braemar Park Trail Access To Be Added as Part of Project BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND Places to play pickleball are expanding across Edina, including new practice courts that will be set up on a soon-to-be expanded Braemar Golf Dome parking lot. Starting in 2027, four professional-grade mat courts will be rolled out atop the asphalt in the warmer months when the Dome is closed. “This is a creative solution to get full use of that space,” City Council Member James Pierce said during the March 16 City Council meeting approving the project’s first step. Fifty needed parking spaces will be added to the Dome lot, which regularly fills during peak times, resulting in parked cars lining the road near the facility, 7420 Braemar Blvd. The new lot area also will include trailhead access for the hiking and mountain biking trails around Braemar Park. The updates are part of the $8.1 million in improvements for Braemar Park, paid for by a voter-approved sales-and-use tax. Construction on the lot expansion is expected to start soon and wrap up well before the Golf Dome reopens in November, Park Planner Rachel DeVries said. Next spring after the Dome closes, the thick tournament-style pickleball mats will be rolled out on top of the asphalt, providing a solid and smooth play surface. They can cover imperfections in the lot surface and avoid the slip hazards of playing on painted asphalt that might have oil buildup, DeVries said. Nets and some temporary fencing will go up, and then the courts will be ready for play. These courts will be more ideal for learners, lessons and casual play. The Parks & Recreation Department likely will move some youth classes there, freeing up space on existing park tennis/pickleball courts. The more secluded setting of these new practice courts should make them less intimidating for some than trying to learn at the popular Mooty Pickleball Courts at Rosland Park. Mooty Courts Update The former tennis courts at Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St., have been converted to six dedicated pickleball courts and are now open for play. The original courts, undergoing a major upgrade, have their first layer of asphalt and are due to get the final one this spring. Once that has set for 30 days, the courts can be painted and all the netting and fencing installed, said Tom Swenson, Assistant Director – Parks & Natural Resources. The four courts are expected to open in early summer. Funding was donated by the Mooty family foundations. Fred Richards Park Courts The new park will include eight full, dedicated pickleball courts. Major construction work begins this spring on the $17.7 million park project, paid for by the local sales-and-use tax and a $500,000 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov/ParkProjects Six new dedicated pickleball courts, converted from tennis courts, are open at Rosland Park. They include fencing between the courts to keep play inside each court. (Photo by Lauren Siebenaler) Pickleball Reminders •Courts are first come, first served and not reservable •Follow customary pickleball rules, posted at courts •City-scheduled lessons or events may occupy courts •All tennis courts in Edina parks are also striped for pickleball City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1 Special Sustainable Homes Issue Edition: Edina Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City MAY 2026 Volume 13, Issue 5 BY LAUREN SIEBENALER The Edina Police Department was recently recognized at the state level, with four team members receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association at its Executive Training Institute (ETI). Lt. Jake Heckert nominated coworkers Sgt. Anna Eckstein, Community Engagement Officer Nick Donahue, Training Officer Jaren Zech and Hennepin County Joint Community Police Partnership Liaison Jessica Connors for their collaborative efforts to build public trust, strengthen transparency and enhance internal processes within the department. “All four employees consistently go above and beyond the scope of their duties – often outside of their comfort zones – to make Edina a great place to live and work,” Heckert said in the nomination. “Without efforts such as those these employees are making, transparency and trust could not be built with the community as easily as it currently is.” Throughout 2025, the team expanded community engagement efforts through initiatives focused on strengthening relationships with local youth. One effort included a continued partnership with Circle of Discipline, a Minneapolis-based gym, where officers help transport Edina middle school students to participate in programming focused on physical, mental and spiritual development through boxing. Officers also participate alongside students, helping foster trust and build connections. The department also launched “Cops on the Court” in partnership with the Southdale YMCA. The program brought officers and youth together for basketball sessions over two four-week periods and included gym memberships for participants. The program saw strong interest, with waitlists forming for future sessions. “This partnership has been incredibly valuable to us, and the success of the Cops on the Court program has exceeded our expectations. It’s not something we could replicate on our own or achieve in the same way without this collaboration,” said Southdale YMCA Executive Director Nick Hanks. Program coordinators and school officials reported noticeable positive changes in participating youth, including improved behavior and stronger interpersonal skills. Since the program’s implementation, no high-profile disturbances have been reported at the YMCA. “The opportunity for our staff and members to build authentic relationships with officers has made a lasting impact, helping foster trust, understanding and a stronger sense of community,” said Hanks. “We’re truly grateful for what this partnership has brought to our YMCA.” All four recipients have also played a role in the department’s Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC), which meets monthly to discuss community concerns and foster cross- cultural understanding. The committee has become an important resource for building relationships and guiding department policies. “I think it’s wonderful to have compassionate people like Jessica and Nick serving the Edina community,” said MAC member Dietrich Nissen. “Both clearly value building relationships with residents, and it shows up in their program ideas like Cops on the Court and Art Together. I’ve been to both. I’ve seen how they offer a positive opportunity for families to meet and get to know officers and, most importantly, have fun doing an activity together. I couldn’t be more proud of them, and I know our family is excited to participate in the next community event they organize.” Internally, the team contributed to strengthening training and professional development efforts. Zech, with support from Eckstein, helped modernize the department’s training program by expanding scenario- based learning, introducing new emergency medical training in partnership with the Edina Fire Department and coordinating required in-person training. Zech also leads the department’s 12-week Citizens’ Academy. Eckstein has led improvements to the Cadet Officer Program, providing mentorship and enhanced training to support future officers. Donahue and Zech have also contributed to recruitment and hiring efforts. The award was presented April 15 at the ETI in St. Cloud, Minnesota. For more information about the Edina Police Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/Police. Edina Police Staff Receive Statewide Distinguished Service Award Four Recognized for Advancing Community Engagement, Training and Trust Officer Jaren Zech, Sgt. Anna Eckstein, Officer Nick Donahue and Joint Community Police Partnership Liaison Jessica Connors (left to right) were given the Distinguished Service Award at the 2026 Executive Training Institute. (Photo by Jason Heuer) 2 Watch City Council, Housing & Redevelopment Authority and Planning Commission meetings live on Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16) or online. UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, May 1, 11 a.m. May Day Bingo, Edina Senior Center Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.-noon Vehicle Day, Valley View Middle School Sunday, May 3, 6 p.m. Hunker’d Down Blues Band, Edinborough Park Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. City Council meeting, Edina City Hall Thursday, May 7, 10:30 a.m. Storytime with Edina Police, Edinborough Park Friday, May 8, 5 p.m. Movie in the Park, “Wild Robot,” Edinborough Park Sunday, May 10, 6 p.m. Harmonic Relief Show Choir, Edinborough Park Thursday, May 14, 7:30 a.m. Housing & Redevelopment Authority meeting, Edina City Hall Friday, May 15, 5:15 p.m. Rockin’ Woody, Edinborough Park Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Buckthorn dump across from Braemar Golf Dome Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. Walk With the Mayor, TBD Saturday, May 16, Noon-4 p.m. Edina Asian American Alliance’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month Festival, Rosland Park Sunday May 17, Noon-4 p.m. Buckthorn dump across from Braemar Golf Dome Sunday, May 17, 6 p.m. An Luan, Edinborough Park Tuesday, May 19, 7 p.m. City Council meeting, Edina City Hall Thursday, May 21, 4-7 p.m. “Big Trucks” Public Works Open House, Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility Monday, May 25 Memorial Day. Most City offices and Edinborough Park closed. Sunday, May 31, 6 p.m. First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park For a complete listing of meetings and events, visit EdinaMN.gov. Nearly 80 residents volunteer their time each year to be part of the City’s seven advisory 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. Commissioners and typical meeting times are listed below. Meetings are open to the public. For more information on 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 17. 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 Alvi Buzar Barua* Caroline Byrd Ann Curtin Alyssa Fram (Vice-Chair) Jignasha Pandya Julia Peterson* Bernadette Piacek-Llanes Tim Scully Maxine Steinberg Laura Westlund Alana Zbaren (Chair) Community Health Commission 6:30 p.m. second Monday of the month Mary Absolon Aditi Gandhi* Matt Giljahn (Vice-Chair) Ron Jarvi Jr. Andrea Leszko Tracy Nelson (Chair) Andrea Patineau Shandus Parish Kruti Shukla Brenna Smithson Edhita Uppal* Energy & Environment Commission 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month Brooke Bartholomew Natalie Budin John Haugen (Vice-Chair) Sloane LaCasse Genevieve Lassig* Cory Lukens (Chair) Hilda Martinez Salgado Chris Olson Stephen Schima Tom Tessman Zander Tyshow* Heritage Preservation Commission 7 p.m. second Tuesday of the month Philip Baker Kaelie Breiter Olivia Duplessis* Theresa Farrell-Strauss Shawn Jarvinen (Vice-Chair) Amber Koch Devon Nickels Brad Olson (Chair) Katie Pope Kristina Waggoner Matthew Weiby* Parks & Recreation Commission 7 p.m. second Tuesday of the month Tyler Bye Alex Conzemius Chris Garazatua Anna Harrington* Peter Hulbert Bob Kane (Vice-Chair) Jamie Pfuhl (Chair) Justin Rezac Sulayman Syed* Ericka Welsh Leah Wick Planning Commission 7 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays of the month David Alkire (Chair) Jimmy Bennett Joe Brennan Ryan Daye Meriwether Felt Clare Hahneman Adita Jha* Leanore Just* Paul Nelson Bonnie Padilla Quincy Smith (Vice-Chair) Transportation Commission 6 p.m. third Thursday of the month Roger Bildsten Logan Bracken* Taylor Bruhschwein Scott Davidson Augie Lassig* Andy Lewis Laura Lukens Bethany Olson Adam Rosen (Vice-Chair) Jacob Vandelist Grant Wright (Chair) City of Edina Advisory Commissions 3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov The City Council approved partial architectural cladding on the new Rosland Park pedestrian bridge. If the contract is approved next month, construction will start soon and is expected to be complete in the summer of 2027. (Submitted illustration) Rosland Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Moves Forward Partial Decorative Design Balances Cost and Community Vision A key pedestrian connection to Rosland Park is one step closer to replacement. The pedestrian bridge over Minnesota Highway 62 – used by residents to access Rosland Park and the Edina Aquatic Center – will be rebuilt in the coming years, with plans now taking shape. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the bridge no longer meets current accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was also significantly damaged after being struck twice by vehicles in 2022, forcing a temporary closure until repairs could be completed in 2023. Because of its age, condition and accessibility limitations, the bridge must be fully replaced. Early in the process, the Edina City Council saw an opportunity to do more than simply replace the structure. With help from Snow Kreilich Architects, the City explored designs that could turn the bridge into a welcoming gateway into the community. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), which currently owns the bridge, has agreed to transfer ownership to the City once the new structure is complete. The City has secured $6.2 million in State funding for the project. However, construction bids came in higher than that amount. The lowest base bid for a standard bridge was $7.6 million, with decorative elements adding additional costs— approximately $400,000 for the bridge itself and up to $1.2 million more to extend those features to the ramps. After reviewing these options, the City Council directed staff to move forward with a design that includes partial decorative sections, balancing aesthetics with overall project cost. The Council is expected to consider awarding a construction contract at its May 5 meeting. In other business last month, the Council: •Paused planning for a France Avenue pedestrian underpass. The width and traffic volumes of the county road create a barrier for pedestrian movements. Challenges include right-of-way, roadway geometry, traffic volumes and funding. The City had explored various methods and locations for a pedestrian crossing, finding a proposal for a pedestrian underpass most viable due to favorable grades and the concurrent redevelopment of adjacent properties at 7200/7250 France and 7235 France. However, the underpass is estimated to cost about $20 million. Instead, the Council directed staff to work with Hennepin County to develop other crossing options in the area. •Approved a new ordinance allowing lawful gambling in the city for the first time. Edina had previously been one of the only major suburbs in the metro area that did not permit lawful gambling. When the ordinance was first introduced in February, it included limits on the number of premises permitted and restricted organizations to just one permit each. After further research into the number of nonprofits in the community, the Council removed those limits, opening the opportunity more broadly. Under the new ordinance, organizations licensed to conduct lawful gambling in Edina must spend at least 70% of their expenditures within the city’s trade area. This ensures that funds raised through gambling activities directly benefit the local community. The ordinance also includes a 3% local gambling tax, which will help offset the City’s regulatory costs. A separate proposal to collect an additional 10% of net profits for a City-administered fund to support community priorities was considered but ultimately not approved. Several local nonprofits, including the Edina Education Fund and the Edina Hockey Association, have expressed interest in exploring permits. With the ordinance now in effect, eligible Edina-based nonprofits can immediately apply for a license through the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. The Council will next meet May 5 and 19. For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov. – COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE 4 City Works to Meet Federal Digital Accessibility Rules Staff Work Continues to Upgrade Platforms, Remediate Documents and More BY JACEY MISMASH The City of Edina is continuing work to make its websites, documents and digital services more accessible to all users – especially those with disabilities. Why does this matter? Because for many residents, digital services are the primary way they access City programs, information and events. “Sometimes, inaccessible websites and mobile apps can keep people with disabilities from fully participating in their community,” said Communications Director Jennifer Bennerotte. “As a local government, it’s our responsibility to make sure everyone can access our services.” In 2024, the federal government updated accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These rules require cities the size of Edina to ensure all web content and mobile applications meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards by April 26, 2027. Smaller cities with a population under 50,000 have until April 26, 2028, to comply. The newest WCAG standards are being implemented to ensure government agencies provide digital access “to a wider range of people with disabilities,” according to the World Wide Web Consortium. “As government providers, we serve every resident – no exceptions. Accessible content and digital services ensure everyone can connect to and benefit from government services,” explained Jay Wyant, Chief Information Accessibility Officer for the State of Minnesota. Though there are many tools and technologies available to aid people with disabilities in their digital navigation, government agencies are responsible for making their websites and mobile applications ADA compliant to help eliminate barriers to their online services. Edina’s digital services were evaluated against the WCAG, with platforms frequently used by the public at the top of the accessibility priority list – specifically the City’s core websites and social media platforms. Some of the most prominent updates to these platforms include creating accessible versions of PDFs that can be successfully scanned by screen readers, adding consistent headings to better organize webpages, inserting audio descriptions and closed captioning for videos and including alternative text descriptions for photos posted by the City. In some cases, older materials are being removed from sites and archived. Those documents that have not been remediated are still available to the public but are no longer posted online. The City also continues to provide digital accessibility training for staff in every department and is working closely with technology vendors and contractors to address remaining accessibility gaps. “Though we’ve made meaningful progress, we still have work to do to be fully compliant,” Bennerotte said. “This is an ongoing effort, and it requires changes in how we create content and manage our digital tools. It takes more staff time and will result in some additional expenses.” Interested in learning more about accessibility at Edina? Visit EdinaMN.gov/Accessibility. BY THE NUMBERS An Eco-Friendlier Fleet with the B100 Conversion The fleet of dump trucks that rumble down Edina’s streets help keep the city running smoothly and even double as snowplows during winter months. The trucks typically run on B5 to B20 biodiesel fuel, which blends biodiesel with conventional petroleum diesel. In 2025, 10 trucks were upfitted with the technology to run B100 fuel, which is made entirely of biodiesel. The upgrade helps the City make progress toward the Climate Action Plan goal of reducing community greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. - COMPILED BY EDIE WEINSTEIN 9,800 gallons of B100 projected to be used annually $595,340 in total funding secured 7.3 metric tons of greenhouse gases and air pollutants avoided every year 90%Up to of each vehicle’s emissions reduced 10 trucks upfitted 5City of Edina EdinaMN.gov Edina’s Affordable Housing Strategies Advance Long-Range Environmental Stewardship Goals City Policies, Partnerships and Incentives Pave the Way for Net-Zero Emissions among the metro communities tackling that shortage head on. In its 2018 Comprehensive Plan, the City targets the addition of 1,804 affordable housing units by 2030. While that represents an ambitious target, Hawkinson says that the City can do much to foster this growth through incentives and other levers. As one example, in 2024 the Edina City Council approved an ordinance allowing for the construction of self-contained accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on owner- occupied private properties. “ADUs increase the density of a single-family lot by creating a new, smaller residential unit” at a lower price point than a traditional home, Hawkinson explained. ADUs can be either attached or detached to the original residence and are perfect for a wide range of tenants, including seniors. Seniors are also the focus of Forty-Forty Flats, the first age-restricted affordable housing development built in Edina in decades. Located just south of Southdale Center, this 118-unit apartment complex is the product of a novel public-private partnership between the City of Edina, Edina Housing Foundation and developers. In addition to reducing housing cost burden, Forty-Forty Flats invested in clean, renewable solar panels to reduce residents’ energy burden, which is the amount of their household income going toward energy costs. In 2025, Forty-Forty Flats installed 300 solar panels, powering the building with clean electricity and reducing electricity bills for the building and its residents. Forty-Forty Flats used a combination of traditional financing, tax incentives, utility rebates and cost-share funds from Edina’s Climate Action Fund. While new construction may garner more headlines, Hawkinson says that the City’s long-term goals also require attention to existing housing stock. “There are a few apartments in Edina that are naturally affordable. Due to the age of the buildings or limited amenities, the rents charged are in the affordable [range],” Hawkinson said. Such properties are called Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH), a term which originated in Minnesota but is now in use nationwide. In the interest of preserving NOAH properties as affordable and in good repair, the City maintains a special Affordable Housing Property Tax Relief program. In order to qualify, a property owner must maintain at least 20% of units as affordable (and meet other reasonable preconditions). When that bar is met, the owner’s property tax rate is reduced to 0.25% – a steep decrease from the 1.25% tax levy applied to “market rate” housing. This lower burden allows owners to maintain lower rent structures and, ideally, reinvest in these aging structures through energy- efficiency upgrades. As a way to expedite the latter, the City also offers a Resilient Homes Grant Program. As the name suggests, this forward-thinking initiative advances twin goals: preserving Edina’s below-market-rate rental options while curbing those high-density properties’ carbon footprints through energy-efficiency upgrades. Up to $50,000 per property is available to offset eligible expenses. In quiet ways such as these, the City is paving the way for measured growth while also advancing toward Edina’s ambitious “green goal” of net-zero emissions by 2050. Learn more about these programs at EdinaMN.gov/4d. BY DAVID KATZ As Edina’s population steadily grows, the City’s per-resident environmental impact is actually shrinking. Counterintuitive on its face, this growth trajectory is made possible through an intentional, long- range growth strategy anchored around affordable housing. Much of the calculus boils down to housing density, explains Affordable Housing Development Manager Stephanie Hawkinson. Affordable housing tends to take the form of compact, multi-unit developments – and a population-dense neighborhood is simply primed to be more sustainable per capita. “Higher density housing can help spur public transit usage,” Hawkinson noted. “According to the Climate Action Plan, 41% of our citywide greenhouse gas emissions are from transportation. … Compact development reduces the distance between [destinations], making transit, biking and walking more viable.” In addition, households in affordable units typically require less energy and water each month, which likewise brings benefits for both the occupant and the community generally. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “affordable” housing is generally defined by the 30% rule. Put simply, a unit is considered affordable for a household when income earners pay no more than 30% of gross annual income for rent and utilities. “Forty-one percent of Edina renters are ‘housing cost burdened,’ meaning that they are paying over 30% of their wages toward those housing costs,” Hawkinson said. “That means a smaller portion of household wages is available for other expenses that support the local economy, such as retail and entertainment.” Here too, cost burden carries a climate toll. “If Edina’s workers cannot afford to live in the community, they are travelling here – adding more congestion to the roads” and emissions to our shared air. Across the Twin Cities, the amount of affordable housing trails well behind the needs of lower-income families. Edina is Residents at Forty-Forty Flats, like Vicky Smith- Murray, have clean electricity and lower bills for power thanks to 300 solar panels installed on the building. (Photos by Jason Heuer) 6 The City’s Climate Action Fund offers incentives for a wide range of projects, including air sealing and insulation, high-efficiency electric equipment like heat pumps and induction stoves, solar installations, outdoor electric equipment such as lawn and snow care tools, and e-bikes. If you’re planning a home remodeling or upgrade project and are curious about ways to use less energy or make your home more sustainable, these options can improve comfort, increase energy efficiency and make it easier to add features like solar or electric appliances in the future. Many projects may also qualify for additional rebates from the State, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, helping reduce upfront costs. “Starting the journey to make our 80-year-old home more energy efficient felt quite ambitious at first, but with the Climate Action Fund, it became an exciting reality,” said Edina resident Rica Enriquez, who utilized the program to install a heat pump water heater in her home. Because money is limited, make sure to get pre-approval before starting your project from the Sustainability Division to qualify for funding. Learn more about the Climate Action Fund, eligibility requirements and how to apply at EdinaMN.gov/ClimateFund. Attic Attic Insulation & Air Sealing Attic insulation and air sealing keep heated and cooled air where it belongs, reducing energy costs and improving comfort. This upgrade also prevents damaging ice dams and moisture build-up. Utility Room Electrical Panel Upgrade If you’re planning to add new electric appliances and your home’s panel service is less than 150 Amps, you may need to upgrade your electric panel to adequately power your home. A licensed electrician or an Electrify Everything Minnesota advisor can assess your home’s capacity and recommend next steps. Heat Pump Water Heater Heat pump water heaters use heat from the surrounding air instead of generating new heat, making them more efficient than traditional models. They also help dehumidify the space where they’re installed. Air Source Heat Pump Air source heat pumps provide both heating and cooling in one system. There are multiple types, including ducted and ductless systems and cold-climate options. In Minnesota, many homes may need a backup heating system in the coldest temperatures. Garage Electric Lawn & Snow Equipment Electric lawn and snow equipment are a quieter, low-maintenance alternative to gas-powered tools. Electric equipment also eliminates exposure to harmful exhaust fumes. Solar Battery Storage Battery storage systems store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use, providing power even when the sun isn’t shining or there is an electric power outage. The City also offers a bonus incentive for battery storage paired with solar. Kitchen Induction Stove Induction stoves use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly. They are more energy efficient than gas or traditional electric stoves, heat food and water faster and help avoid indoor air pollutants from gas cooking. Laundry Room Heat Pump Clothes Dryer Heat pump dryers don’t require outside venting, giving you more flexibility in where they can be installed. They use warm air to remove moisture from clothes and collect it in a condensate pan or drain. They’re more energy efficient and gentler on fabrics, though drying times may be longer. Planning a Home Project? Consider These Energy-Saving Options Explore Projects Supported by the City’s Climate Action Fund - COMPILED BY BRITTANY BADER Electrify Everything: Real Project Costs and Savings in Edina Project Type Neighborhood Project Cost Utility Rebates CAF Cost Share % Reimbursed by Utilities & City Electric panel upgrade Bredesen Park $2,850 $1,500 $1,350 100% Attic insulation & air sealing Countryside $2,925 $1,620 $810 83.1% Air source heat pump Indian Trails $8,057 $4,000 $2,000 74.5% Wall insulation Chowen Park $3,495 $1,500 $750 64.4% Attic insulation & air sealing Melody Lake $4,137 $1,300 $1,300 62.8% Induction stove Edinborough $1,364 N/A $750 55% Heat pump dryer Bredesen Park $2,176 N/A $500 23% Heat pump water heater Morningside $4,890 $500 $500 20.4% These are real costs from projects supported by the Climate Action Fund (CAF). The values in the Utility Rebates and CAF Cost-Share columns reflect the funding available the year the project was completed and may not be representative of what is available in 2026. Estimate your potential savings and find available incentives by using the Electrify Everything Calculator. Scan the QR code for the calculator, or visit ElectrifyEverythingMN.org/find-incentives. Roof Solar Panels Solar panels convert sunlight into clean, renewable electricity that can power your home. If you’re interested in solar, consider your roof’s age and condition and whether repairs may be needed before installation. Before going solar, it’s recommended to increase your home’s energy efficiency first, which can increase the overall value of your solar investment. 7City of Edina EdinaMN.gov BY JACEY MISMASH After a long stretch of winter, Minnesotans welcome sunny days with open arms – whether it’s a weekend on the lake, an afternoon walk around the park or spending time outdoors in the city. While the Midwest is known for its frosty winters, it’s just as important to prepare for extreme heat in the summer. In 2025 alone, Minnesota set 14 new records for daily highs, with all but three months in the year showing an increased temperature on average, according to WCCO News. “When talking about extreme heat, we’re talking about weather that is much hotter and more humid than average,” explained Sustainability Manager Marisa Bayer. “Even though Minnesota is a cold climate state, extreme heat is still an issue we experience in our community.” Certain groups can be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including children, seniors, people of color, outdoor workers, individuals with chronic illnesses and those who live in areas with low tree canopy coverage or with no air conditioning in their homes. “Climate change is causing more frequent and severe heat waves, and it’s important for everyone in Edina to be prepared this summer,” said Bayer. How is Edina Combatting Extreme Heat? The City has numerous measures in place to help keep the heat at bay for residents and visitors alike, including: •Preserving and expanding Edina’s tree canopy, largely with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources funding •Providing incentives for weatherization and heat pumps in Edina homes •Piloting cool pavement sealer during road construction projects •Installing artificial shade structures at Fred Richards Park through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency funding •Establishing procedures for City staff in the case of extreme weather events •Collaborating with the County and other agencies to create a county-wide heat action plan Looking for places to cool off throughout Hennepin County? Check out Hennepin County’s Cooling Options Map by scanning the QR code, or visit hennepin.us/cool. Cool Down in Edina: Escape Extreme Heat Explore Ways to Stay Cool Indoors and Out in the Minnesota Summer How to Prepare for Hotter Summers - Extreme Heat Safety Kit Sunscreen Water Cooling Towels Sports Drinks Battery- Powered Fans Spray Bottle First Aid Kit 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov8 Iskaan-garee koodhkan oo ku fiiri soomaali EdinaMN.gov/SomaliEE EdinaMN.gov/SpanishEE Escanee este código para ver en español