Minnetonka Publications Text-Only Version Archive

July 2026 Minnetonka Memo Text Only

Survey: City services receive exceptional ratings

Minnetonka continues to rank among the top three metro area communities according to the city’s annual community survey.

Ninety-six percent of residents rated their quality of life as excellent or good. When it comes to city services, police, fire, parks, trails, recreation services and utilities all receive satisfaction scores of 90 percent or higher. Though property taxes are a concern, the survey continues to show broad support for maintaining city services through future investments, including all five projects in the Minnetonka Together plan.

  • Population: 56,327; 18th in Minnesota
  • Top Amenity: 85% use city parks and trails
  • Plan to Stay: 61% plan to live here 11+ years
  • Jobs: 47,939; Top sectors: Finance, insurance, health care
  • Police: 42,412 calls for service; 7,589 traffic stops
  • Fire: 6,549 calls for service; 14% increase
  • Development: 10,000 building permits, highest in 7 years
  • Natural Resources: 1,063 trees planted by forestry staff & community 

Source: 2026 Community Survey and Metropolitan Council

HOUSING DRIVES GROWTH

Minnetonka is growing slightly faster than the metro area. A Metropolitan Council analysis shows the city has added 2,551 residents since 2020, driven largely by new multifamily housing. The city also has one of the largest affordable housing inventories among west-metro suburbs.

EXPANDED TRANSIT OPTIONS

Traffic congestion was one of the most frequently cited concerns. Most residents have not used public transportation in the past two years, though 37 percent report they are likely to ride the Green Line Extension light rail when it opens in 2027.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Water conservation and energy conservation remain residents’ top environmental priorities, with more than eight in 10 respondents rating them as important. Overall, 88 percent said the city is doing about the right amount to protect the environment.

STRATEGIC PLAN TRACKS PROGRESS

An online dashboard tracks progress on all six of the city’s strategic priorities. The current plan is nearing completion with nearly three-quarters of its objectives achieved. Learn more at minnetonkamn.gov/strategicplan.


Election 2026

Voting for the 2026 state primary election is now open.

How to Vote

Vote Absentee by Mail
  • Now through Aug. 10
  • Learn how to apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail through Hennepin County Elections at minnetonkamn.gov/elections.
Vote Early in Person
  • July 24–Aug. 10
  • 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday
  • 8 a.m.–noon Fridays
  • Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.
Primary Day Voting

More info: minnetonkamn.gov/elections or call 952-939-8205


Police announce Officer of the Year

Minnetonka Police Det. Pat Eggleston is the 2026 Glen Lake Optimist Officer of the Year. Eggleston began his career as a patrol officer in 2012. Within a few years he became department’s lead investigator for auto theft cases. In 2023, his impact was formally recognized with the creation of a grant-funded auto theft investigator position.

“Pat consistently performs at an exceptionally high level,” said Capt. Tim Olson. “His high standards positively influence those around him and reinforce a culture of excellence within his unit.”

In his role, Eggleston joined a countywide collaborative effort to combat auto theft crimes, a partnership that has become an extremely valuable regional resource. Eggleston and his colleagues have received numerous awards recognizing their efforts, including the recent Outstanding Achievement award from the North Central Regional Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators.

Despite his focus on auto thefts, Eggleston is always ready to step in when needed. His fellow officers widely respect him for his willingness to support others and partner agencies praise his mentorship abilities as going above and beyond. 


Visit the Minnetonka Farmers Market

  • Tuesdays, 2–6 p.m.
  • Through Sept. 29
  • The Marsh Parking Lot | 15000 Minnetonka Blvd.

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/farmersmarket for more information on weekly vendors, music, POP Club and more. 


Summer in the Commons

Spend time this summer at Ridgedale Commons doing yoga, attending family-friendly events and more!

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/calendar or follow us on social media for more event details.

EVENING JAZZ AT THE COMMONS

  • Friday, July 31 | 6–8 p.m.
  • Performance by Power of 10 Jazz Quartet
  • Food truck

Register for fall soccer

The Hopkins-Minnetonka Fall Youth Soccer League is a great opportunity for kids ages 5-14 to learn the sport, make friends and have fun.

  • Teams formed by age, gender, desired practice day and location
  • Games on Saturdays
  • Ages 8-14 have an additional game each Tuesday or Thursday

Practices begin the week of Aug. 24, and the season concludes by Oct. 24.

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/register or call 952-939-8203 to register by July 10.

Volunteer coaches needed

If you have soccer experience and enjoy working with children, call 952-939-8203 for more information. 


Teen Night at Shady Oak Beach

Give your teens a night out with friends at Shady Oak Beach this summer. Enjoy music, activities, swimming, good vibes and more!

  • Friday, July 17
  • 4-8:30 p.m.
  • $7 for non-season pass holders
  • 12 years or older

If bad weather occurs, Teen Night will move to July 24 from 4-8:30 p.m. Check our Minnetonka Recreation Instagram as the date gets closer for additional details and updates! 


Entertainment in the Park

NEW this year! A food truck will be present each week during the performance. Enjoy music for the whole family throughout the summer. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

July 7 Minneapolis Commodores

  • Food vendor: Pronto Pup

July 14 Mitchell Hall and the Tennessee Trio

  • Food vendor: Pronto Pup

July 21 Jazz on the Prairie Big Band

  • Food vendor: Byblos

July 28 River City Jazz Orchestra

  • Food vendor: Byblos

Celebrate Disability Pride Month with the City of Minnetonka

Learn from disability-focused resources, participate in activities and dance to a silent disco.

  • July 25, 1–3 p.m.
  • Lionsgate Academy
  • 5605 Green Circle Drive, Minnetonka


July Calendar

  • 3 Independence Day, city offices closed
  • 7 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 7 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 9 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 11 Summer in the Commons, 10 a.m.
  • 13 City Council and Economic Development Authority, 6 p.m.
  • 14 Senior Advisory Board, 10 a.m.
  • 14 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 14 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 14 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 16 Economic Development Advisory Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 20 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m.
  • 21 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 21 Sustainability Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 21 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 23 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 25 Yoga in the Commons, 8:30 a.m.
  • 27 City Council and Economic Development Authority, 6:30 p.m.
  • 28 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 28 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 30 Joint City Council, EDAC and Planning Commission, 4:30 p.m.
  • 31 Summer in the Commons Jazz. 6 p.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. 

Contact Us 

City of Minnetonka

Mayor

Council

City Manager

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