Want to run for city council or school board? File for office July 29 – Aug. 12
This year, St. Louis Park voters will elect city council members and school board members. Eligible residents may file for office from July 29 – Aug. 12 at city hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. The city clerk’s office will be open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and until 5 p.m. on Aug. 12. Visit the “Become a Candidate” page on the city's website or call the elections team to learn more about running for local office, including eligibility and filing requirements.
Practice ranked-choice voting this summer at Parktacular Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is a method of voting that allows residents to rank multiple candidates for the same office in order of preference. It can only be used to elect city offices, including mayor and council members. In 2025, St. Louis Park voters will be able to rank up to three choices for each city office on the ballot.
Stop by the elections booth at Parktacular on Saturday, June 14, 1:30 – 6 p.m. at Wolfe Park to practice ranked-choice voting. You’ll be able to vote in a mock election that will help the city make important decisions, including naming animals who live at the Westwood Hills Nature Center. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/RCVSLP for more information on RCV.
Where can I find more information about elections in St. Louis Park? There are many resources and opportunities available to help you learn more about becoming a voter in St. Louis Park.
• Grab a 2025 St. Louis Park Pocket Voter Guide at the elections booth at summer events across the city, at any city facility or by contacting the elections team.
• Look out for the fall Park Perspective in September and the 2025 Election Guide in October for detailed information on when, where and how to vote.
We’re hiring!
Apply for a job in St. Louis Park, where your work will make a direct positive impact on residents and city life! Sign up to receive email updates on new job postings at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/sign-up.
Experience LIFE in the Park
as a City of St. Louis Park part-time or full-time employee! Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/employment today!
Stay in the know
• For city events, activities, schedules and news updates, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov
• Sign up for text and email notifications through govDelivery at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/sign-up
• Follow us on social media!
To talk to someone in person, visit city hall at 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Can’t make it out? Call the main number during business hours at 952.924.2500 or try one of our many online resources.
Contact mayor and city council
Nadia Mohamed, mayor nmohamed@stlouisparkmn.gov
952.207.0256
Yolanda Farris, at large A yfarris@stlouisparkmn.gov
952.374.8868
Paul Baudhuin, at large B pbaudhuin@stlouisparkmn.gov
Typically, the city council meets at city hall the first and third Monday of the month at 6:15 p.m. with a study session the second Monday at 6 p.m.
Follow the city’s strategic priorities
The symbols below represent the five core priorities of the City of St. Louis Park and its city council. Spot them throughout this newsletter.
Being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.
Continuing to lead in environmental stewardship.
Providing a broad range of housing and neighborhoodoriented development.
Providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement.
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/our-city/about-us to learn more about the St. Louis Park leadership priorities. To learn more about the current process to develop updated strategic priorities, visit bit.ly/visionSLP or check out the Vision 4.0 article on this page!
How do you stay informed?
Please take our communications survey!
How do you prefer to get your information about city happenings? How regularly do you refer to this seasonal newsletter for information about the city? Would you like to see this newsletter in a different format? What other ways do you get your information about city services and events, and what feedback do you have for us?
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/CommSLP to let us know. Call 952.924.2500 during business hours, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to take the survey over the phone if you have limited access to online resources.
Resources available for small businesses
The City of St. Louis Park is committed to providing assistance to businesses and helping them succeed. Business owners have access to the city's small business liaison, who can provide assistance in navigating the city approval process, communicating with city departments, understanding city policies and processes, searching available properties and more. To take advantage of these resources, contact Economic Development Specialist Jase Pater at jpater@stlouisparkmn.gov.
4.0
Get involved in the city’s visioning process!
Community engagement is at the center of the Vision 4.0 process, which will guide the city’s strategic priorities for the next 10 years.
Engagement opportunities
• Follow the city’s social media pages to get key information and participate in polls and engagement questions.
• Sign up for email notifications at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/sign-up
• Display posters and lawn signs on your property. Materials can be picked up at multiple city locations.
• Look out for Vision pop-ups at various city events, where you can share your dreams and aspirations for St. Louis Park.
• Attend public town halls held throughout the community in the fall. Learn more about the Vision 4.0 process and how you can shape the future of St. Louis Park at bit.ly/visionSLP or by scanning the QR code.
Scan the QR code
New fire chief joins St. Louis Park
After a nationwide search, Peter Hanlin was selected to be St. Louis Park’s new fire chief. Chief Hanlin was sworn in before the city council this spring.
Born and raised in Maple Grove, Hanlin has worked in fire service since 2006, serving with the Maple Grove, Roseville and Brooklyn Park fire departments. In 2011, he joined the Red Wing Fire Department where he most recently served as assistant fire chief and emergency management director. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire science, a master’s in public administration and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer program.
“I really appreciate the warm welcome from the city,” Hanlin said. “I look forward to getting to know department and city staff, as well as making connections in the community.”
2024 officer and civilian employee of the year
The 2024 Robert Linnell Officer of the Year Award, voted on by all police officers in the department, was presented to Officer Pam Gronski. Officer Gronski is a senior member of the Crisis Negotiation Team. She was also instrumental in developing many of the department’s long-standing youth programs.
The Civilian Employee of the Year Award went to Leslie Moin, who works in the police records division. Leslie was recognized for being professional, friendly and service-minded with staff and customers. Leslie’s energy, dedication and positive attitude have a continuing impact on the department.
Sign up for Citizens’ Police Academy
Get an inside look at what it’s like to be a St. Louis Park police officer and learn about the police department’s role in the community as well as the training and resources that go into effective community policing.
Citizens’ Police Academy classes take place over 10 consecutive weeks, Sept. 4 – Nov. 13, on Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Police Department (no class Oct. 2). Fifteen applicants will be accepted to attend. Dinner is provided at each class. Potential participants must agree to a basic background check.
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/police-academy to learn more. Registration will be open July 28 – Aug. 22.
Join the Explorers Program
Learn more about the duties and responsibilities of a police officer by joining the police Explorers program! Young adults ages 14 – 20 will attend weekly meetings throughout the school year, where they participate in scenariobased training and class studies and are taught tactics by officers. Explorers also have the opportunity to go on ride-alongs, volunteer within the community and compete against Explorers from around the country at the Minnesota Law Enforcement Explorer Association State Conference.
Contact Officer Caroline Bjorge at cbjorge@stlouisparkmn.gov or Officer Madeline Rice at mrice@stlouisparkmn.gov to learn more.
Fire Department Open House
Tuesday, June 10, 5 – 7:30 p.m. | Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave. S.
Displays:
• Fire trucks and equipment
• Kitchen safety
• Emergency preparedness
• Hennepin Healthcare ambulance
• Police, sheriffs, Police Explorers and police squad car
• Community Emergency Response Team
• Public works heavy equipment
• Historic 1928 fire truck
• EMS Bike Patrol
• Community health and risk reduction
• Fire and life safety information
• St. Louis Park city departments
• Community partners
• Parktacular information
Food and fun:
• Hot dogs, chips, water and popsicles
• Meet your firefighters!
• Squirt house
• Sparky the fire rescue dog
• Mobile recreation Park ‘N Play van
• Home fire drills and escape plans
• Stop, drop and roll
• Home Depot build station
• Grand finale – burn rooms
Demonstrations:
• Grease fires
• Hands-only CPR
• First aid
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire sprinklers
Don’t forget to bring non-perishable food items to be donated!
Welcome K9 Officer Rolo
This February, the St. Louis Park Police Department welcomed its second K9 officer, Rolo. Rolo is just over a year old and is a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix from Slovakia. He is partnered with Officer Joseph LeFevere, who has been with the St. Louis Park Police Department for four years.
Officer LeFevere and Rolo are currently completing several months of the K9 training program, where they will be trained in searches, tracking and explosive detection.
The St. Louis Park Police Department started their K9 program in 2023 with the addition of K9 Maverick. K9 officers are known for their incredible sense of smell and locating capabilities. Trained police K9's brains are estimated to be 50 times better than humans at interpreting scent information. As a locating tool, they can find evidence, explosives, drugs or people much more efficiently and effectively than police officers. K9 officers also help to resolve dangerous situations in a safer and more effective manner.
Summer public safety community events
The St. Louis Park Police Department is excited to connect with the community this summer at fun events for all ages. Join us at Fishing with a Cop, Skateapalooza, Basketball in the Park and National Night Out. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/events for dates and information.
Chief Peter Hanlin is sworn in by City Clerk Melissa Kennedy at a March city council meeting.
Each year, the City of St. Louis Park offers funds for special projects and events initiated by neighborhood organizations that create opportunities for neighborhood connections. These events can include annual neighborhood meetings, National Night Out gatherings, wellness activities and more!
Funding offered for neighborhood connections Human Rights Award presented
Earlier this year, the St. Louis Park City Council approved a new equity-based funding model to help ensure these funds are distributed fairly to all city neighborhoods. This needs-based formula considers the population, median income and median property value of each neighborhood.
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/neighborhoods to find out if your neighborhood is organized, how to get involved and request funding, or how to register if your neighborhood isn’t organized.
Did you know? The city has offered funding to organized neighborhoods since 1996. Currently, 24 of the city’s 35 neighborhoods are organized.
City adopts zoning code updates, expanding housing options
The city council adopted updates to the city’s zoning code on March 3, 2025. The changes renamed and consolidated five residential zoning districts to four neighborhood districts. Each neighborhood district allows a variety of housing types, smaller lots and, in some cases, smaller yards. View a summary of the changes, along with the new zoning map, at bit.ly/zoning-code-update. This was the city’s first phase of updating the zoning code, which was last revised in 1992.
More zoning code updates are planned and will focus on:
• Uses allowed in nonresidential zoning districts, such as office, commercial, industrial and others.
• Performance standards for parking, signs, landscaping, lighting, architectural standards, etc.
• Administrative procedures for applications, code enforcement, etc.
Phase two of the zoning code update began in May and will continue throughout 2025. The planning commission is leading the review, and the city will offer several opportunities to get input from residents and business owners. For more information, visit bit.ly/planning-studies
Boards and commissions youth openings
There are currently several openings for St. Louis Park youth to serve on a city board or commission. Boards with vacancies include the police advisory commission, planning commission (BOZA), parks and recreation advisory commission, human rights commission, environment and sustainability commission, and the community and technology advisory commission.
Youth members must live in St. Louis Park and be a high school student, currently in or entering grades 9 – 12.
Apply at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/boards-commissions
Dana Strahnson, youth services librarian at the St. Louis Park branch of the Hennepin County Library, accepted this year’s St. Louis Park Human Rights Award at the March 17 city council meeting.
The Human Rights Award honors individuals, groups, organizations or businesses that have made significant contributions to fostering understanding and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds in St. Louis Park.
“The mission of the library is to inspire, facilitate and celebrate lifelong learning—a mission Dana brings to life every day. From creating programs that reach marginalized communities to collaborating with schools to ensure every student has access to library resources, to spearheading a citywide Summer Reading Festival, Dana has made inclusivity and connection a cornerstone of her work,” said Catherine Lawler Turnball, chair of the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission.
For concerns or issues with the rental unit/property you are living in:
All rental homes and dwelling units must be licensed annually and inspected by the city for code compliance on a regular basis.
If you have issues or concerns with your rented home or multifamily building after contacting the owner or property manager, contact the building and energy service counter at 952.924.2588 during regular city hall business hours. Emergency, after-hour issues can be reported by calling the police department non-emergency phone number, 952.924.2618.
Home and building owners:
If your home, apartment or commercial building has experienced damage from a storm, vehicle impact, or mechanical and structural failure, and you have questions or need assistance, contact the building and energy service counter at 952.924.2588 during regular city hall business hours. Emergency, after-hour issues can be reported by calling the police department non-emergency phone number, 952.924.2618.
City inspectors are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to assist with
and
BEFORE YOU STOP CONSIDER THE SPOT
Think about where you’re parked and who it might affect. Parking violations are not only unsafe and unlawful, they are also unneighborly. Please be considerate when parking your car in St. Louis Park.
What you need to know about public right of way
Land designated as “right of way” is intended for public purposes, such as streets, bikeways, alleys and public utilities. The right of way generally extends beyond the pavement of the street or alley to include sidewalks, boulevards, utility poles, private underground utilities, signs and streetlights. In addition, the city uses the area for snow storage in the winter. If utility or other work is within 10 – 15 feet of the street or within 2 feet of the edges of the alley, it’s likely within the public right of way.
Try "grasscycling"
Grass clippings will always be a part of lawn care, but you don’t have to collect it all as yard waste. Instead, grass clippings can be left on your lawn to decompose. The organic matter from grass clippings are a valuable source of nutrients that can reduce the need for fertilizer and improve soil heath. Grasscycling also helps to reduce your time spent mowing and picking up grass clippings.
For great ideas on what to do with grass clippings, visit bit.ly/lawn-clippings
Stay informed about transportation projects
Construction activity is scheduled for several transportation projects in St. Louis Park this season. These projects include, but are not limited to:
Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue improvements
Phase II of the three-year project is set to begin this summer. Construction will take place on Louisiana Avenue between Wayzata Boulevard and Fire Station 2. To learn more, visit bit.ly/RedoCedarLou
Hennepin County Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction
The second year of the two-year project will focus on Minnetonka Boulevard between Highway 100 and Inglewood Avenue. To learn more, visit www.hennepin.us/minnetonka-boulevard
MnDOT I-394 and Louisiana Avenue project
Reconstructing I-394/Louisiana Avenue interchange to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. For more information, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i394stlouispark
Visit www.stlousiparkmn.gov/construction-updates to learn more about projects near you and to sign up for updates. Call 952.924.2656 with questions.
In addition to city owned infrastructure, the right of way is accessible to other utility providers. The city is legally required by state law to allow non-public underground and overhead utilities, such as CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy, to work in the right of way if they are meeting permit requirements.
What private improvements are allowed?
Examples of private improvements allowed within the right of way include sprinkler systems, pet containment, landscaping and driveways. Construction of retaining walls, steps, lighting or a fence is generally not allowed in the right of way. Private improvements in the right of way may be damaged during construction. Property owners are responsible for repairs and relocation of underground private improvements.
Where does right of way end and my property start?
In most instances, the street or alley runs down the middle of the right of way. Typically, the right of way is 60 feet wide for residential streets. For public alleys, it’s typically 14 feet wide. Wider streets have wider right of way. To determine if a private improvement is on your property or in the right of way, we recommend you hire a surveyor who can find your property corners. Visit www.mnsurveyor.com for a list of registered land surveyors. Work within the right of way requires a permit from the engineering department. For information about permits, visit bit.ly/ROWpermit or call 952.924.2656.
City assessing: Why it matters
The City of St. Louis Park has a six-person assessing division that is responsible for estimating market value and determining the classification of property in the city for tax purposes. State law requires the staff of the assessor’s office to review one-fifth of existing properties in the city each year; properties within the city are reviewed at least once every five years. City assessors typically begin property reviews in May each year. These property reviews help determine the estimated market values for property taxes paid to the city, school district and county.
St. Louis Park is one of eight cities* in Hennepin County that provide its residents with personalized assessing services, rather than relying on the county. This matters because St. Louis Park’s assessors are familiar with the unique characteristics of the city’s many properties and are best suited to determine values for both residential and commercial properties.
Accurate property information and values translate into accurate property taxes paid to the city, school district and county to support the services residents and businesses receive. Additionally, information gathered by assessors supports city services delivered by many other city departments, from inspections to community development to engineering and police. It also means that property owners with questions or concerns about their assessed property values can easily contact a city assessor who is familiar with their property, either by phone, email or in person at city hall. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/assessing to learn more.
Park at least 5 feet away from driveways.
Park at least 10 feet away from fire hydrants.
Park at least 20 feet away from street corners and 30 feet away from stop signs.
*Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Edina, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Minnetonka and St. Louis Park
M.V.Tree Contest
Trees play an important role in the health of our community. They improve air quality, provide shade, manage stormwater, create habitats for wildlife and capture carbon dioxide from the air, helping to stabilize our climate. Plus, they can be beautiful to look at, fun to climb and create special memories.
To recognize the importance of trees, the City of St. Louis Park is launching the M.V.Tree (Most Valued Tree) contest! Everyone in St. Louis Park is welcome to nominate a tree. The tree can be on your property, in a neighbor’s yard or in a public space. Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, July 31. Find more information at bit.ly/MVTreeSLP
Pollinate the Park: native plant sale
Help our pollinators by creating a native plant garden in your yard or add to your existing pollinator-friendly landscape. Flats of plants offered are specifically designed for St. Louis Park and for a variety of environments. Discounts will be available for St. Louis Park residents. Ordering begins June 16. For more details or to order, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/pollinate-the-park
Plant pickup will be Aug. 16 from 8 – 11 a.m. and Aug. 18 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St.
Drinking Water Report available July 1
Starting July 1, paper copies of the City of St. Louis Park’s 2024 Drinking Water Report will be available to request at city hall or the Municipal Service Center. To have a copy mailed to you, call 952.924.2186. The report will also be available to read or download online at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/drinking-water-report
This report contains drinking water monitoring results from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, for the City of St. Louis Park. The city’s drinking water continues to be safe by meeting or exceeding Minnesota Department of Health and Environment Protection Agency requirements. The purpose of the report is to give you information on your drinking water and provide ways to protect our precious water resources. Drinking water standards protect Minnesotans from substances that may be harmful to their health. Call 952.924.2186 with questions.
2025 Cart Art in the Park Contest
Through the new Cart Art in the Park contest, community members are able to submit original artwork that reflects the theme of organics recycling. The winning artwork will be displayed as a two-dimensional decal on organics carts at the multifamily organics drop-sites throughout the city.
The deadline to submit artwork is June 23 at noon. Submissions can be done online or in person.
Your art could inspire more residents to sign up for city organics programs and divert their food scraps from the garbage! Visit bit.ly/CartArt2025 for full contest information.
Know your recycling day
For your convenience, the next four months of the recycling schedule are provided below. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/recycling to download a yearly calendar, find your collection day or sign up for email reminders.
• If your normal service falls on or after a holiday that affects collection, you will receive service one day later.
• Report missed pickups within two days of your collection day to: Garbage/recycling: 952.226.6457, SLP@buckinghamcompanies.com Organics: 952.941.5174, SLP@republicservices.com Yard waste: 612.405.9579, SLP@wastecontainersystems.com
Consider a cold climate air source heat pump to keep cool this summer
If your air conditioner bites the dust this summer, consider a cold climate air source heat pump as a replacement! They provide both heating and cooling and are around two to three times more efficient than a traditional air conditioner. That means summer savings on cooling bills!
The City of St. Louis Park’s Climate Champions for Homes program provides a 50% or 100% match on the existing utility rebates of $2,000 from CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy. There’s also a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost up to $2,000. Call 952.924.2131 or email erabine@stlouisparkmn.gov to learn more!
• This calendar applies only to properties with city-provided recycling. Multifamily buildings are required to offer recycling to their tenants. Check with your building management or email city staff at recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov if you have questions about recycling collection at your building.
Collections are delayed one day all week after holidays that fall on a week day. Collections are not delayed for holidays that fall on weekends.
Gather your pennies for dozens of fun games, music, nature exhibits and more! Games and activities cost between 2 – 4 cents per play. A refreshment coupon may be purchased for $1. Cash only. The event is free and for ages 3 and above. No registration required.
Whether you’re a pro on wheels or just starting out, join us for fun on the rink and great music at the ROC from 6 – 8 p.m. on select Thursdays each month through Sept. 25. Special lessons and vendors will be offered throughout the summer. Learn more at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/events
Endless city events to enjoy this summer
Juneteenth event series
A celebration of freedom, resilience and cultural heritage with events from June 15 – 21 at various locations around the city.
Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor evening concerts each week from June 18 – Aug. 23, including a Kids Summer Concert Series on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Open Mic Nights on Thursdays at 7 p.m. • Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater
Trail of Small Wonders
July 7 – 26 • Westwood Hills Nature Center
Opening Day Festival is July 7 from 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Movies in the Park
Aug. 28, 8:15 p.m. • Inside Out 2 • Ainsworth Park
Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. • Moana 2 • Aquila Park
Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. • Sonic the Hedgehog 3 • Browndale Park
Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. • Wicked • Wolfe Park
Art Fair
Sept. 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. • ROC Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/events to learn more.
Splash into Summer
Beat the heat this summer and stay cool at the Oak Hill Park splash pad (June 2 – Aug. 31) or at the Aquatic Park, which hosts special events and has lap lanes, a sand play area, water slides, diving boards and a zero-depth entry (June 4 – Aug. 24).
Play
‘N Play vehicle will bring outdoor games, crafts and other free, fun activities for youth ages 5 – 12 to different locations around the city all summer long!
Summer swap events
Clothing swap: Tuesday, July 22, 5 – 7 p.m.
Bring your gently used clothing that you’re ready to say goodbye to and take home new-to-you clothing that is perfect for you!
Media swap: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 5 – 7 p.m.
Do you have books, games or puzzles collecting dust on your shelf? Donate your items in good condition and leave with something new!
Swaps will be held at the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/reuse for more information or contact staff at 952.924.2562 or recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov.
it's a favorite activity, a memorable event or a newfound passion, your story can inspire others. Share your story by completing the form at bit.ly/my-park-memory or by scanning the QR code. You can upload photos to the form or submit videos to recreation@stlouisparkmn.gov.
Stay informed of weather-related schedule changes by calling the weather line at 952.924.2567.
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/events or scan the QR code for more details on city events and activities or to sign up for updates. Also, check out the spring/summer Parks & Recreation activity catalog.
