As the year draws to a close, please join us in celebrating some of the significant milestones that shaped Eden Prairie in 2025.

• The Parks and Recreation Department coordinated the first phase of major trail restoration at Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area and launched a new mobile app to make program registration more convenient. The department also constructed new badminton courts at Round Lake Park.
• The Fire Department responded to over 4,000 medical, fire and special events, and conducted more than 6,000 fire and life safety inspections. Building inspection permits were issued for development projects valued at more than $185-million and the department began implementing a new staffing model to ensure it is well positioned for the future as the fire service continues to evolve.
• Several infrastructure projects were completed by the Public Works Department, including a reconstruction project along Shady Oak Road to enhance bike and pedestrian access to the Golden Triangle light rail station. Additionally, the department began using the City’s first all-electric garbage truck and installed a new level-three charging station at City Center.
• The Police Department hosted its first-ever Youth Citizens Academy, allowing young adults ages 14–19 to get a behind-the-scenes look at police operations. The department also hired an additional social worker and construction began on the Police Department and City Center Remodeling Project. 
• The Community Development Department assisted over 700 walk-in customers with questions about housing and local services. The department also partnered with 25 nonprofits to support human service needs and secured $200,000 in grants for a future housing study. Additionally, the department facilitated several significant development projects that will result in new housing and employment opportunities.

Finally, the accomplishments we achieve would not be possible without the assistance of about 50 residents and more than 40 high school students who volunteer to serve on the City’s six commissions. This year, commission members:

• Hosted a community conversation to foster connection during the annual PeopleFest! celebration and interacted with residents at several community events
• Reviewed plans fortwo multi-family residential projects and two industrial projects, and made several zoning amendments to facilitate ongoing growth in the community
• Coordinated swap events resulting in the re-use of 1 ton of clothing and hosted workshops to help residents learn about home electrification, recycling, electric vehicles and native plantings
• Approved a proposal for a new splashpad and playground equipment at Homeward Hills Park and provided input on dozens of topics related to Eden Prairie parks and natural resources
• Continued a process for documenting the history of indigenous people who originally inhabited Eden Prairie and took steps to prepare the Dorenkemper House to be leased as a bookstore
• Collaborated with the Metropolitan Airports Commission and local flight schools to address noise concerns at Flying Cloud Airport

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

Sincerely,

Rick Getschow
City Manager