Share Edina City Council 2026 Legislative Platforms on FacebookShare Edina City Council 2026 Legislative Platforms on TwitterShare Edina City Council 2026 Legislative Platforms on LinkedinEmail Edina City Council 2026 Legislative Platforms link
The City annually adopts a state & federal legislative platform to allow the City Council and staff to identify changes in state law that may better achieve goals of the City and the community. These are typically funding requests and policy changes that the City would like approval for from the state. Changes to state law can take years to occur. If approved at the state level, changes to laws may require review and approval at the local level. As the City pursues changes at the state level, any following action at the city level would follow all appropriate statute and best practices.
Items highlighted in yellow, indicates a new priority/position added by staff since the closing of the 2025 legislative session. If you are curious about what items have been removed from the platform since last year’s session, you can review the previous platforms here. Anything that was removed was either approved or addressed by last year’s state legislature or is being addressed through a new priority/position.
Provide feedback on the draft platform or ask staff a question!
The City annually adopts a state & federal legislative platform to allow the City Council and staff to identify changes in state law that may better achieve goals of the City and the community. These are typically funding requests and policy changes that the City would like approval for from the state. Changes to state law can take years to occur. If approved at the state level, changes to laws may require review and approval at the local level. As the City pursues changes at the state level, any following action at the city level would follow all appropriate statute and best practices.
Items highlighted in yellow, indicates a new priority/position added by staff since the closing of the 2025 legislative session. If you are curious about what items have been removed from the platform since last year’s session, you can review the previous platforms here. Anything that was removed was either approved or addressed by last year’s state legislature or is being addressed through a new priority/position.
Provide feedback on the draft platform or ask staff a question!
The City of Edina offers several ways for people to provide public input. Regardless of the method, all input is considered, so people need to use only one method.
Instructions for leaving a public comment below:
Your comment will be available to City Council, staff and others to review immediately instead of waiting until the public meeting.
Your comment will be posted and publicly viewable as soon as you hit 'Submit'.
You will not be able to edit or remove your comment.
Please introduce yourself, your neighborhood and your thoughts about this project.
City Council will make a decision at the City Council meeting on December 16
If you have any difficulties with participating, contact Community Engagement Manager, MJ Lamon at MLamon@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0360.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
My name is Alan and I live on Cornelia Drive. I am writing to echo what others have said: Increasing the limit on sales tax by 47% is not what the citizens voted for - the phrase "voter approved" regarding this issue is not accurate. Also, as others have noted, a tunnel under France is best described as a 'nice to have' rather than a need. And if history is any predictor, the $18M price tag, which does not include the cost of the bonds, will only go up. It seems reasonable that the estimates should include an inflation cost prediction. I believe the swimming pool cost estimates did not include $3M in bonding costs. Finally, asking citizens to absorb and understand what is being asked in 1 week is a big ask for many. (Including me)
Al S.
17 days ago
Nix the tunnel which is not needed. I would rather enjoy being outside. Tunnel is NOT needed.
SPEND ONLY THE $7,000,000. So nice to haves should be cut.
I really do feel that council is picking my pocket with luxurious projects. Keep what we currently have well maintained and functioning. Pay teachers well. Provide school opportunities for kids. Streets well maintained and I will be a happy camper.
Edina Senior
18 days ago
Item #3- Bonding for a tunnel under France Ave in the 7200 block, should not be on this Legislative Platform List. A tunnel may be on someone's "wish" list, but not mine. It is not a "need" for the city. It is not reasonable, and I seriously question its feasibility. The description of it having "favorable grade" simply is not true on the west side of France Ave, if someone is following the Nine Mile Creek Trail in a wheelchair or has mobility challenges. From the higher elevation of the current trail located on the SOUTH side of Gallagher Dr, getting to a west tunnel opening would require crossing Gallagher, proceeding straight north on the planned non-city street, and down a slope dropping approximately 18 feet over a distance of about 300 feet. This is a 6% grade! The maximum ADA standard grade is 4%. At that point, a right turn takes a user back upward toward the tunnel entrance via zig-zag or.... what? How? Even if France Ave was raised up 5 ft (as stated at an informational meeting months ago) to better accommodate a tunnel, it does NOT help the elevation issues outside the tunnel on its west side. The office and apartment building elevations and underground parking entrance are now set. Has there been any communication on the tunnel idea with Three Rivers Park District people? I have not heard of any city communications with them. The east side of France Ave also has ADA accessibility issues that add to the impractical nature of a tunnel. I have crossed France Ave at the Nine Mile Trail/Gallagher location, both walking and on a recumbent bike. I find it easier and safer to cross there, at the existing well-marked and signaled light, than at other crossing lights to the north on France Ave. City staff need to remove Item #3 (the tunnel) from this draft list, and not spend one more dollar on it, from here forward. Taxpayer dollars need to be used for reasonable and carefully thought out projects. A tunnel simply does NOT work.
janeywestin
18 days ago
Given the large increase to property taxes that have already taken place, all expenses should be thoroughly examined for necessity, and limited only to essential services. Personally I do not support the increased expenses for Braemar and Fred Richards park. The city should focus on minimal necessary improvements (such as new condensors/chillers at Braemar) and table non-essential upgrades to a later date. The city's proposed increase in expenses should be brought to Edina residents for approval before going to the legislature for approval. Additionally, the city should not spend money on the tunnel under France Avenue at this time. This is a "nice-to-have" ammenity that is not necessary in light of the already high property taxes and proposed sales taxes that the city is increasing. Finally, the construction of the new fire station should favor a "meets minimum" approach, and should not include high-end materials like stone facade. They can always be enhanced at a later date when resident's personal budgets are not as tight as they currently are.
Marc S
18 days ago
There shouldn't be any surprises in an annual legislative platform draft yet in the 2026 proposal there are two glaring attempts. Staff is asking our city council to approve a document that attempts to bypass what residents want (or don't want) and what has already received voter approval. Specifically: staff wants the legislature to allow it to increase spending by 47.1% for Braemar and Fred Richards projects--this is above what was approved by voters in a referendum. Further, they are asking the legislature to approve bonding for a tunnel that has yet to show viability. If it wasn't so concerning, it would be almost laughable that the city and council espouse improved transparency. Attempts to bypass what voters approved and hit us with another hidden tax increase (the 47% increase in tax referendum for Braemar/Fred Richards) and have the legislature approve bonding for a hotly contested tunnel project that has yet to prove viable, are example of why transparency is laughable at city hall. If there isn't enough money for the Braemar/Fred Richards project, then perhaps they need to backdown on what can be done near-term. Fiscal management at our city is out of control. Further, staff has done a really poor job of engaging residents/voters in these proposals. There should be no surprises. Council should vote no; do not approve submitting the draft version and PLEASE let the public know when we can review a new version. This time give follow proper process and give us more time to respond without learning of it from neighbors.
Constance
18 days ago
A tunnel should not be considered at all. The city's costs (our tax and utility increases) are already out of control. The city and counsel should instead be doing a lot more to leverage MN DOT to increase time at the crosswalk and/or add a crossing arm (or similar) to give separation from traffic, if that is the underlying issue.
Per the arena and parks; the residents approved a specific amount. Do what you can with that, or give residents the same rights now as we did then, to vote on such a large increase.
Do the right thing, read/listen to your constituents' comments, and do not approve any of these new "priorities" as-is. Thanks.
Rado
19 days ago
Let’s get back to basics and spend any extra dollars on deferred maintenance before even contemplating building a $20,000,000 tunnel under France. When your roof is leaking and your furnace is shot, a prudent person would not go out and buy a new car. Edina’s council has become addicted to Shiny new objects that we can’t afford . Slow down …..the tunnel is NOT an emergency. Fix the current hockey rink before trying to make a 4th rink viable. Freeze hiring, stop out of state travel, ask each dept to find a 5% reduction….these are ways to begin to get the city’s finance in order.
Edina1984
19 days ago
Tunnel:
The proposed tunnel under France Ave. is excessive. $20,000,000 for a single crossing is not a prudent use of tax payer dollars. Edina has been giving us double digit property tax levies for four years in a row. The City Council members have a fiduciary responsibility to the tax payers of Edina. The City of Edina and its tax payers cannot afford it.
Braemar Arena:
The referendums that were passed by the voters in Edina for Braemar arena and Fred Richards park were limited by time or a total amount of money collected. What ever came first. It is a breach of trust with the Citizens of Edina to try and extend this without another vote.
Mark D
19 days ago
I am absolutely opposed to the idea of building the tunnel under France Ave. Additionally, the recent release of spending estimates by nearly 50% for Braemar and Fred Richard’s Park seems unfounded. There have been no discussions of this increase. I urge city officials to use prudent judgement to these proposals and reject them. Our committment needs to rather be directed at adequately staffing EMS and firefighters.
Ann hustad
19 days ago
This is getting ridiculous. You've increased our property taxes by 11% for this coming year, not counting the overspending that last few years. That you are even considering additional NOT critical wants, not needs is out of control. It's simple, it would be cheaper for us to support new council candidates that have fiscal responsibility than it is to keep paying for your overtaxed projects. You are reaching a breaking point. There is no need for a $20 million dollar tunnel, and you need to cut back on the Braemar plans if that is a sticking point on that budget. We are not your piggy bank to get a picture with a shovel.
Todd C
19 days ago
#2: How can we possibly need a third fire station when a second one was just opened? This will result in additional staff and further tax increases to fund that staff and project development. The city should get a better understanding if its residents are truly interested in the increased density that the city council is pushing for. If Edina continues to loose its character, high tax paying residents will leave.
#3: There should be a longer period to provide public comment around a pedestrian walkway on France Ave. This is sizeable use of taxpayer dollars that would serve a small percentage of city residents. I personally would like to get a better understanding as to why the council thinks its necessary.
elaubignat
20 days ago
I have serious concerns with large increases in budget each year and spending on certain types of projects. Two in particular are; $20M on a completely unnecessary tunnel under France Ave. How many people will even use this on a regular basis? How safe and clean will a tunnel be? In addition to the cost, I’m concerned it will become a hotspot for crime and homelessness.
The increase in budget for the Fred Richard’s/Braemar projects out of control and not what was voted in by Edina Residents. I understand inflation has increased prices on nearly everything but the percentage increase is unacceptable. Maybe the original plans are now just not feasible. How about we go back to the drawing board and adjust the project scope to fit a more acceptable budget?
Edina is becoming unaffordable for too many people! Each year our property taxes are increasing a very high rate and now you are adding even more taxes. Please start listening more to the people you are supposed to represent! Take a look at Nextdoor and the number of frustrated residents.
Kshea
20 days ago
With the huge tax increases already passed these past few years I think it fiscally irresponsible for the city to be considering a 47% increase in the Fred Richardson/ braemar project and even more ridiculous to be wasting 20milliin dollars in a tunnel under France ave when a $10,000 crosswalk would create a safe crossing. Enough is enough Edina!
Muffy
20 days ago
Two major areas of concern.
#1. The proposed tunnel under France Ave. is absolutely not needed and redundant to the crossing that already exists. Also, $20,000,000 for a single crossing is not a prudent use of tax payer dollars. Edina has been giving us double digit property tax levies for four years in a row and there in no end in sight. The City Council members have a fiduciary responsibility to the tax payers of Edina. This project is a massive want, not a need and the City of Edina and it's tax payers cannot afford it.
#2. The referendums that were passed by the voters in Edina for Braemar arena and Fred Richards park were very specific. They were limited by time or a total amount of money collected. What ever came first. It is a breach of trust with the Citizens of Edina to try and extend this without another vote.
My name is Alan and I live on Cornelia Drive. I am writing to echo what others have said: Increasing the limit on sales tax by 47% is not what the citizens voted for - the phrase "voter approved" regarding this issue is not accurate.
Also, as others have noted, a tunnel under France is best described as a 'nice to have' rather than a need. And if history is any predictor, the $18M price tag, which does not include the cost of the bonds, will only go up. It seems reasonable that the estimates should include an inflation cost prediction. I believe the swimming pool cost estimates did not include $3M in bonding costs. Finally, asking citizens to absorb and understand what is being asked in 1 week is a big ask for many. (Including me)
Nix the tunnel which is not needed. I would rather enjoy being outside. Tunnel is NOT needed.
SPEND ONLY THE $7,000,000. So nice to haves should be cut.
I really do feel that council is picking my pocket with luxurious projects. Keep what we currently have well maintained and functioning. Pay teachers well. Provide school opportunities for kids. Streets well maintained and I will be a happy camper.
Item #3- Bonding for a tunnel under France Ave in the 7200 block, should not be on this Legislative Platform List. A tunnel may be on someone's "wish" list, but not mine. It is not a "need" for the city. It is not reasonable, and I seriously question its feasibility. The description of it having "favorable grade" simply is not true on the west side of France Ave, if someone is following the Nine Mile Creek Trail in a wheelchair or has mobility challenges. From the higher elevation of the current trail located on the SOUTH side of Gallagher Dr, getting to a west tunnel opening would require crossing Gallagher, proceeding straight north on the planned non-city street, and down a slope dropping approximately 18 feet over a distance of about 300 feet. This is a 6% grade! The maximum ADA standard grade is 4%. At that point, a right turn takes a user back upward toward the tunnel entrance via zig-zag or.... what? How? Even if France Ave was raised up 5 ft (as stated at an informational meeting months ago) to better accommodate a tunnel, it does NOT help the elevation issues outside the tunnel on its west side. The office and apartment building elevations and underground parking entrance are now set. Has there been any communication on the tunnel idea with Three Rivers Park District people? I have not heard of any city communications with them. The east side of France Ave also has ADA accessibility issues that add to the impractical nature of a tunnel. I have crossed France Ave at the Nine Mile Trail/Gallagher location, both walking and on a recumbent bike. I find it easier and safer to cross there, at the existing well-marked and signaled light, than at other crossing lights to the north on France Ave.
City staff need to remove Item #3 (the tunnel) from this draft list, and not spend one more dollar on it, from here forward. Taxpayer dollars need to be used for reasonable and carefully thought out projects. A tunnel simply does NOT work.
Given the large increase to property taxes that have already taken place, all expenses should be thoroughly examined for necessity, and limited only to essential services.
Personally I do not support the increased expenses for Braemar and Fred Richards park. The city should focus on minimal necessary improvements (such as new condensors/chillers at Braemar) and table non-essential upgrades to a later date.
The city's proposed increase in expenses should be brought to Edina residents for approval before going to the legislature for approval.
Additionally, the city should not spend money on the tunnel under France Avenue at this time. This is a "nice-to-have" ammenity that is not necessary in light of the already high property taxes and proposed sales taxes that the city is increasing.
Finally, the construction of the new fire station should favor a "meets minimum" approach, and should not include high-end materials like stone facade. They can always be enhanced at a later date when resident's personal budgets are not as tight as they currently are.
There shouldn't be any surprises in an annual legislative platform draft yet in the 2026 proposal there are two glaring attempts. Staff is asking our city council to approve a document that attempts to bypass what residents want (or don't want) and what has already received voter approval. Specifically: staff wants the legislature to allow it to increase spending by 47.1% for Braemar and Fred Richards projects--this is above what was approved by voters in a referendum. Further, they are asking the legislature to approve bonding for a tunnel that has yet to show viability. If it wasn't so concerning, it would be almost laughable that the city and council espouse improved transparency. Attempts to bypass what voters approved and hit us with another hidden tax increase (the 47% increase in tax referendum for Braemar/Fred Richards) and have the legislature approve bonding for a hotly contested tunnel project that has yet to prove viable, are example of why transparency is laughable at city hall. If there isn't enough money for the Braemar/Fred Richards project, then perhaps they need to backdown on what can be done near-term. Fiscal management at our city is out of control. Further, staff has done a really poor job of engaging residents/voters in these proposals. There should be no surprises. Council should vote no; do not approve submitting the draft version and PLEASE let the public know when we can review a new version. This time give follow proper process and give us more time to respond without learning of it from neighbors.
A tunnel should not be considered at all. The city's costs (our tax and utility increases) are already out of control. The city and counsel should instead be doing a lot more to leverage MN DOT to increase time at the crosswalk and/or add a crossing arm (or similar) to give separation from traffic, if that is the underlying issue.
Per the arena and parks; the residents approved a specific amount. Do what you can with that, or give residents the same rights now as we did then, to vote on such a large increase.
Do the right thing, read/listen to your constituents' comments, and do not approve any of these new "priorities" as-is. Thanks.
Let’s get back to basics and spend any extra dollars on deferred maintenance before even contemplating building a $20,000,000 tunnel under France. When your roof is leaking and your furnace is shot, a prudent person would not go out and buy a new car. Edina’s council has become addicted to Shiny new objects that we can’t afford . Slow down …..the tunnel is NOT an emergency. Fix the current hockey rink before trying to make a 4th rink viable. Freeze hiring, stop out of state travel, ask each dept to find a 5% reduction….these are ways to begin to get the city’s finance in order.
Tunnel:
The proposed tunnel under France Ave. is excessive. $20,000,000 for a single crossing is not a prudent use of tax payer dollars. Edina has been giving us double digit property tax levies for four years in a row. The City Council members have a fiduciary responsibility to the tax payers of Edina. The City of Edina and its tax payers cannot afford it.
Braemar Arena:
The referendums that were passed by the voters in Edina for Braemar arena and Fred Richards park were limited by time or a total amount of money collected. What ever came first. It is a breach of trust with the Citizens of Edina to try and extend this without another vote.
I am absolutely opposed to the idea of building the tunnel under France Ave. Additionally, the recent release of spending estimates by nearly 50% for Braemar and Fred Richard’s Park seems unfounded. There have been no discussions of this increase. I urge city officials to use prudent judgement to these proposals and reject them. Our committment
needs
to rather be directed at adequately staffing EMS and firefighters.
This is getting ridiculous. You've increased our property taxes by 11% for this coming year, not counting the overspending that last few years. That you are even considering additional NOT critical wants, not needs is out of control. It's simple, it would be cheaper for us to support new council candidates that have fiscal responsibility than it is to keep paying for your overtaxed projects. You are reaching a breaking point. There is no need for a $20 million dollar tunnel, and you need to cut back on the Braemar plans if that is a sticking point on that budget. We are not your piggy bank to get a picture with a shovel.
#2: How can we possibly need a third fire station when a second one was just opened? This will result in additional staff and further tax increases to fund that staff and project development. The city should get a better understanding if its residents are truly interested in the increased density that the city council is pushing for. If Edina continues to loose its character, high tax paying residents will leave.
#3: There should be a longer period to provide public comment around a pedestrian walkway on France Ave. This is sizeable use of taxpayer dollars that would serve a small percentage of city residents. I personally would like to get a better understanding as to why the council thinks its necessary.
I have serious concerns with large increases in budget each year and spending on certain types of projects. Two in particular are;
$20M on a completely unnecessary tunnel under France Ave. How many people will even use this on a regular basis? How safe and clean will a tunnel be? In addition to the cost, I’m concerned it will become a hotspot for crime and homelessness.
The increase in budget for the Fred Richard’s/Braemar projects out of control and not what was voted in by Edina Residents. I understand inflation has increased prices on nearly everything but the percentage increase is unacceptable. Maybe the original plans are now just not feasible. How about we go back to the drawing board and adjust the project scope to fit a more acceptable budget?
Edina is becoming unaffordable for too many people! Each year our property taxes are increasing a very high rate and now you are adding even more taxes. Please start listening more to the people you are supposed to represent! Take a look at Nextdoor and the number of frustrated residents.
With the huge tax increases already passed these past few years I think it fiscally irresponsible for the city to be considering a 47% increase in the Fred Richardson/ braemar project and even more ridiculous to be wasting 20milliin dollars in a tunnel under France ave when a $10,000 crosswalk would create a safe crossing. Enough is enough Edina!
Two major areas of concern.
#1. The proposed tunnel under France Ave. is absolutely not needed and redundant to the crossing that already exists. Also, $20,000,000 for a single crossing is not a prudent use of tax payer dollars. Edina has been giving us double digit property tax levies for four years in a row and there in no end in sight. The City Council members have a fiduciary responsibility to the tax payers of Edina. This project is a massive want, not a need and the City of Edina and it's tax payers cannot afford it.
#2. The referendums that were passed by the voters in Edina for Braemar arena and Fred Richards park were very specific. They were limited by time or a total amount of money collected. What ever came first. It is a breach of trust with the Citizens of Edina to try and extend this without another vote.