Eagan's 'State Of The City' Address: What You Should Know

EAGAN, MN— Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire delivered the annual State of the City address Thursday.

The State of the City addressed Eagan's resiliency during the pandemic, and how the city will move forward in 2021.

"We have not been immune to the challenges of the past year and there is work to be done," Maguire said. "But because of our resilient nature we have every reason to be hopeful and optimistic."

Here is a brief summary of subjects touched on during the address.

• Public Safety
  • Eagan's police department responded to nearly 50,000 calls.
  • Eagan's fire department responded to around 5,000 calls.
  • In a pre-recorded video shared at the State of the City, Police Chief Roger New shared that 20 percent of Eagan's police staff was affected by COVID-19 in some way.
  • Governor Walz invited New to speak about how the pandemic impacted Eagan's police department and to ask residents to help stop the spread of the virus.

"Thank you to our police and fire departments for being some of our strongest – Mask Up, Eagan! – advocates," Maguire said.

• George Floyd and Civil Unrest
  • Maguire addressed that May 25 was the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.
  • "While I don't want to suggest that the Eagan Police Department had anything to do with these events, we cannot turn away," Maguire said.
  • One out of four Eagan residents is a person of color.
    • COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on communities of color.
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation training has been a part of the police department's Use of Force training for over 10 years.
  • In 2016, the Eagan Police Department made it mandatory for officers to attend implicit bias training.
  • Eagan PD partnered with Life Development Resources to create a Mental Health Response Team. The team consists of an officer and a therapist and will make follow-up visits with residents who have recently gone through a crisis.

"The tragic death of Daunte Wright is a reminder that the work of building a 21st century police department continues," Maguire said.

• Fire Department
  • In April of 2020, Eagan's fire department worked with community members to distribute over 5,000 masks to essential workers.
  • Eagan medics often arrive before the city's private ambulance service.
  • The Eagan Fire Department was honored in 2020 by the League of Minnesota Cities.
  • Thursday marked Eagan Fire Chief Mike Scott's last day before retirement.

"This is just further proof that our transition to a full-time fire department with 36 full-time EMT trained firefighters and three chiefs, at three stations is working and serving our community’s needs," Maguire said.

• Elections
  • In the 2020 presidential election, Eagan saw a record breaking voter turnout of 87.6 percent.

"We gratefully recognize the challenge and commitment of these essential and dedicated-to-democracy election officials and volunteers," Maguire said.

• Economic Response
  • Eagan innovated in 2020 to make permitting and inspections virtual.
  • Eagan temporarily waved zoning requirements to allow and fast track outdoor dining and provide flexibility for curbside pickup and outdoor fitness.
  • The city began the "Mask Up, Eagan!" campaign to help keep local businesses open and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • The city suspended late fees for business utilities and decreased the 2021 liquor license fee by providing a 35 percent credit.
  • A video was played that showed the impact that the CARES grant had on helping local businesses stay afloat.
  • Even during the pandemic, 92 percent of Eagan residents surveyed rated the city's economy "strong."
  • Over $214 million was put into the Eagan community.
  • The city received a AAA rating from Moody's.

"As a City, we knew we needed to act and help those businesses and workers that needed it," Maguire said.

• Parks and Recreation
  • 97 percent of Eagan residents surveyed said they visit the city's parks.
  • In 2020, Eagan residents rated the city's parks and recreation higher than any other community's residents did.
• Natural Environment
  • 93 percent of residents surveyed said they believe the city's natural environment needs to continue to be a top city priority.
  • 2020 was the 30-year anniversary of the city's water resource team.
  • Eagan has one of the strongest urban canopies in the state.
  • Eagan's forestry team has removed over 2,000 Ash trees to limit the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.
  • Eagan maintains the highest level in Minnesota's Greensteps program.

"Eagan is a unique community in many ways, but one very specific way is our community’s commitment to protect, invest in, and preserve our natural spaces," Maguire said. "So much so, that our residents prioritize our environment as much as our economy and public safety."

• Public Works
  • The public works team continued to serve the community throughout the pandemic.

"Their pandemic response wasn’t flashy, but to no one’s surprise they carried on as they always do at the highest level," Maguire said.

• Information Technology, Communications and Geographic Information Systems
  • Maguire thanked the city's Information Technology, Communications and Geographic Information Systems teams for helping the city stay connected during the pandemic.
  • The teams helped ensure working from home went smoothly for city employees.
  • The teams ensured that various forms could be completed virtually.
  • ETV streamed games to Eagan residents while spectators weren't allowed in stadiums and over 100,000 viewers tuned in.
• Eagan's Future
  • Maguire acknowledged the efforts of essential workers doing their jobs throughout the pandemic.
  • Maguire asked viewers and audience members how the Eagan community can address systemic racism.

"We’ve also learned, in this extended time of social distance and disconnection just how important our connections are, and to not take them for granted," Maguire said.

You can view the State of the City address online, on social media, or on Comcast cable channel 859 (HD) and 20 (SD).