Hwy 12 work begins this spring
Road construction season could begin early this year if winter cooperates. The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to rebuild Hwy 12 along the northern edge of the city.
Safety is one of the key drivers behind the project. Portions of the corridor have higher-than- average crash rates, so engineers are working to reduce points of conflict as they plan for future traffic volume.
The project will also improve pedestrian crossings and connections to local trails and businesses.
The project, which stretches westward from the 494 interchange into Wayzata, will move along in phases. Drivers should anticipate lane closures, detours and periodic delays once work begins. Work is scheduled to be completed by the fall.
You can learn more about the project and subscribe to updates at MinnetonkaMatters.com.
Tap into the Recreation app
Minnetonka’s recreation activities and programs are now at your fingertips with the Minnetonka Recreation app.
Use the app to:
- Browse and sign up for current activities
- Scan into recreation member facilities (The Marsh, Williston and Shady Oak Beach)
- Access fitness class sign up
- View pool, gym and public skating calendars
- Receive in-app notifications for department news
Anyone with a membership or who has registered for a program already has an account. Please call 952-939-8203 if you do not know your login information.
Download the Minnetonka Recreation app in the Apple Store or on Google Play.
Half-cent sales tax could fund community improvements
Voters would ultimately decide whether to approve the plan
Minnetonka’s city council has advanced a plan to fund a wide range of community projects through a half-cent local sales tax. If approved by the Minnesota Legislature, it would ultimately be presented to Minnetonka voters this November.
The Minnetonka Together plan would rebuild the city’s two oldest fire stations, reinvest in The Marsh wellness center, enhance Opus as a more community-friendly gathering space and complete trail improvements for better connectivity, mobility and accessibility.
“Minnetonka’s population swells each day as thousands of people travel to our community to work, shop and enjoy other regional attractions,” said Minnetonka City Manager Mike Funk. “This plan helps us address community needs and share the cost with visitors who come to our city to use our amenities.”
To fund the $116.1 million plan without increasing property taxes, the city council is seeking legislative approval to allow voters to consider a half-cent local sales tax in November.
If approved, just over half the tax, or $63 million, would be paid by nonresidents, according to a University of Minnesota study. The tax would remain in place for up to 30 years, or until enough money is raised to pay for the projects and related financing costs.
Visit MinnetonkaTogether.com for more information and to submit your questions.
Pancakes with the Police Explorers
Minnetonka Police Explorers Post 884 will host its annual Pancake Breakfast Sunday, March 22, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Minnetonka Community Center. The Police Explorers is a program for teenagers who have an interest in law enforcement. Funds raised will be used for trips to competitions throughout the year.
Managing Buckthorn Workshop
- March 10
- Community Center
Minnetonka Tree Sale
Tax notices arrive this month
Watch your mailbox for two property tax notices:
#1 Market valuation notice from the city, which affects taxes paid in 2027.
Minnetonka’s residential properties increased in value in 2025 for single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums and apartments. The median Minnetonka home value increased to $549,000. Multifamily apartment value saw a 5.3 percent increase thanks to new construction. Scan the QR code or visit minnetonkamn.gov/news to learn more about property valuation changes.
What if I don’t agree with my property’s market value?
Contact the assessing team at 952-939-8220. The staff will review property records and sales information with you. The appraiser may or may not change your market value. If not, you have the right to appeal by April 3, 2026. Visit minnetonkamn.gov/market-value to learn more.
#2 Property tax bill for 2026 from Hennepin County, which must be paid this year.
The city accounts for less than one-third of a homeowner’s total property tax bill. The rest includes taxes for your school district, county and other jurisdictions.
Visit revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund to learn more about these programs, as well as a senior citizens property tax deferral and foreclosure preventing counseling.
Get paid to spend your summer outdoors
Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation and the City of Minnetonka are hiring summer seasonals. Find cool opportunities to spend your summer in the sunshine with work that keeps Minnetonka looking good and a fun place to be.
Positions include:
Shady Oak Beach
- Concessions Attendant
- Gate Attendant
- Shift Lead
- Lifeguard
- Head Lifeguard
Parks and Facilities
- Facility Attendant
- Gray’s Bay Marina Attendant
Recreation Programs
- Inclusion Specialist
- Park Adventures Staff: Coordinators, Site Leads, Leaders
- Camp HopTonka Site Lead
- Swim Coordinator
- Swim Instructor
Public Works
- Tree Inspectors
- Natural Resources Seasonals
- Parks, Streets and Utilities Maintenance
Apply at minnetonkamn.gov/jobs.
Be an election judge
Apply to serve as an election judge for the Aug. 11 primary and Nov. 3 general elections.
Apply at minnetonkamn.gov/jobs beginning March 9.
Spring Eggstravaganza
- Ages 1–9
- Saturday, March 28
- 10–11:30 a.m.
- Minnetonka Community Center
- Fee: $12 resident, $17 nonresident, 2200401-01
- minnetonkamn.gov/register
Find summer fun here
Make the most of your summer with Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation.
Choose from hundreds of activities, including summer camps, swimming lessons, skating lessons, fitness classes, arts and crafts, athletic leagues and senior programs. There’s something for everyone!
The best way to register is online at minnetonkamn.gov/register or through the Minnetonka Recreation app. You can also call between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 3: General Recreation Programs 952-939-8203
- Thursday, March 5: Senior Programs 952-939-8393
- Tuesday, March 17: Ice Skating Lessons 952-939-8310
- Wednesday, May 6: Swimming Lessons 952-939-8203
March 2026 City of Minnetonka Calendar
- 2 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m.
- 4 Park Board, 6 p.m.
- 5 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
- 9 City Council and Economic Development Authority, 6 p.m.
- 10 Senior Advisory Board, 10 a.m.
- 10 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, 6 p.m.
- 12 Economic Development Advisory Commission, 6 p.m.
- 17 Sustainability Commission. 6 p.m.
- 23 City Council and Economic Development Authority, 6 p.m.
- 26 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
- 28 Spring Eggstravaganza, 10 a.m.
Most city meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in 2026. Visit minnetonkamn.gov/participate to learn how to also take part remotely. Watch meetings live and on-demand at minnetonkamn.gov/tv.
For up-to-date information, visit minnetonkamn.gov/calendar or call 952-939-8200.
