Public Works Week 2025: People, Purpose, and Presence
Public Works Week is coming right up, May 18–24. And the event is worth celebrating — despite public works’ low profile.
“People don’t think much about public works — as long as things are going right,” says Russ Matthys, Eagan’s director of Public Works. “Especially when it comes to the parts of the system you don’t see: Think drinking water delivery, wastewater, and more.”
What Does Public Works Do?
Several divisions make up the department; each covers a unique role:
Engineering protects the integrity of the City’s transportation network, utilities, and lake water systems.
Streets & transportation maintains streets, trails, and sidewalks, plus plowing, and coordinates street signs, street lighting, and traffic signals.
Lakes & wetlands restores, protects, and enhances lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
Water & sewer utilities provides water, sewer, and storm utility services.
Eagan’s Public Works team is in action throughout the year — clearing snow, repairing roads, maintaining waterbodies, and planning for the future.
Connecting With The Community
Beyond their daily work, Public Works staff members make it a priority to engage with the community at local events like Cops & Bobbers, Ice Fishing Fest, Lakefest, and the next big event, Big Rig Rally.
“It’s such an honor to serve this community, and help people learn more about lakes and wetlands and how we can all take care of them,” says Jessie Koehle, water resources specialist. “We love our waterbodies so much, and these events give us a chance to tell the community all about them.”
Public Works Week is a time to recognize the people behind the scenes — working year-round to ensure Eagan remains a great place to live, work, and play.
Don't Miss Big Rig Rally
4–7 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Central Maintenance Facility, 3501 Coachman Pt.*
Big Rig Rally invites the community to come learn about and celebrate the Public Works department.
Come check out mowers, plow trucks, police and fire vehicles, the famous garbage truck, and more. Held rain or shine, the day also includes equipment demos, face painting, and giveaways — while supplies last.
Plus, you can help fill The Open Door truck by bringing a canned food donation.
*Additional parking will be available at Oak Hills Church (1570 Yankee Doodle Rd.).
New Building Opening In June
We’re thrilled to announce that the new Eagan Art House opens to the public, seven days a week, beginning June 16. Come by Patrick Eagan Park to see the new building and check out the art in the lobby. Eagan Art House staff created the pieces featured in the first installation.
Our new building provides a larger, more accessible space, giving us the ability to offer a greater number of programs and classes, and welcome more users into the building. Eagan Art House is an institution in our community, so we’re lucky to build on the strength we already have. Teaching artists and local residents have made art with us since 1997; people are our strongest asset and we’re thrilled to expand this community with a larger space.
Along with the new building, a revamped website offers great information about how you can get involved with Eagan Art House. Registration is ongoing for spring and summer activities, including day camps.
Save the date, Sept. 13, for our grand opening party during Eagan Art Block! Follow our progress, get event and activity info, and register at eaganarthouse.org.
Celebrate 60 Years With Eagan Police
Join us at the Eagan Police Department for an open house on Thursday, May 22, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
The community is invited to this free, family-friendly event. Come celebrate the department’s 60th anniversary with:
- Food trucks
- Activities/games
- Department tours
- K9 demos
- Educational booths
Plus, check out the new art on the Police Department’s wall. Local artist Michael Birawer created the piece especially for the department anniversary.
Eagan's Progress & Promise: Building On Strength Through Innovation
Mayor Mike Maguire delivered this year’s State of the City on Thursday, March 20, at Royal Cliff Events Center in Eagan.
Maguire shared the many ways the City, with the help of our community, has been building on our strong foundation to grow and innovate over the last year.
Important speech themes included new development around the community; efforts toward sustainability plus race, equity, and inclusion; and continuing innovation and progress from the parks, public works, and public safety teams.
Watch the State of the City on Comcast cable channel 859 or 20 in Eagan, or at youtube.com/cityofeagan.
Community Conversations:
What can each of us do to ensure Eagan is an inclusive community where everyone thrives?
Join us for the Spring Summit, Thursday, April 3, 6–8 p.m. at Silver Bell Learning Center (2120 Silver Bell Rd.). Enjoy a meal and explore questions that matter with people who care.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Eagan, your voice matters in shaping an inclusive future.
To learn more and register for the event, visit cityofeagan.com/conversations.
ETV Film Festival
Entries for the eighth-annual Eagan Film Festival may now be submitted! This is the first year that the festival will be open to all U.S.-based filmmakers. The festival, part of the City’s Art Block celebration, will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Emagine Theater. Submit your short film before the early bird deadline to save money on the entry fee.
Deadlines
Early bird deadline: Friday, May 23
Regular deadline: Friday, July 18
Last-chance deadline: Friday, Aug. 8
For more information or to submit your film, visit cityofeagan.com/eagan-film-festival.
Climate Action Plan 2035
Council To Adopt A Climate Action Plan
To prepare for the impacts of climate change, the City began developing a climate action plan in April 2024. A team of city staff, residents, and representatives of partner agencies and local organizations worked together to develop the plan, which is expected to be adopted by city leaders this month.
The final plan prioritizes reducing emissions and building resilience, and it focuses on ensuring that the community is healthy, equitable, and sustainable so that everyone can thrive.
Thanks to all of the community members who offered feedback on the draft plan through engagement sessions and surveys, we’re ready to begin the next step of this work: implementation.
Learn more at cityofeagan.com/sustainability.
Earth Week
Celebrate Earth Week: April 19–25 Take action with Earth Week programs, events and volunteer opportunities! Get all the details at cityofeagan.com/earth-week.
Planning A Spring Project?
If you’re replacing your driveway, adding a fence or a shed, or making other property improvements, the City requires a zoning permit before you start.
A zoning permit is required for physical changes that don’t require a building permit. This ensures that your project meets City Code requirements, including setbacks, hard surface coverage, and structure height.
Zoning permits are free, although a small inspection fee may apply if a site inspection is required. Please be sure to obtain your zoning permit to avoid potential issues and keep your property improvements on track.
City staff are available to assist you with any property improvements. While improvements that typically require a permit are listed below, staff members can review your project and answer questions to help determine if a permit is necessary.
Improvement examples that may require a permit include:
- Fences
- Patios and sport courts
- Driveway replacements and expansions
- Sidewalks
- Detached decks under 30 inches high (taller decks require a building permit)
- One-story detached accessory structures used for storage, tool sheds, and playhouses, not exceeding 200 square feet in area (larger or multi-story structures require a building permit)
- Retaining walls under 4 feet high (taller walls require a building permit)
- Docks
Find more info about property improvements at cityofeagan.com/permithandouts.
Moody's AAA Bond Rating Reflects Financial Health
Once again, the City of Eagan has earned AAA, Moody’s highest bond rating. This reaffirms the City’s strong financial position and commitment to sound fiscal management. We’re proud to be recognized for our financial strength and commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship.
Recreational Fire Rules
- Keep fires 25 feet away from all burnable structures.
- Don’t burn treated, rotted, or green wood. Also, don’t burn leaves.
- Keep a hose, bucket, or sand nearby to put out the fire.
Get a free annual permit at cityofeagan.com/recreational-fires.
Utility Rates Will Increase In 2025
Residents will see a change in their utility rates following approval by the City Council last December. The new rates, based on a utility rate study completed in 2021, result in an overall 7% increase in the average monthly residential utility bill. This allows us to carry out necessary repairs and replacements of aging pipes and infrastructure.
Residents will see this increase reflected on quarterly bills arriving in April/May.
Events
Spring Festival
Sunday, May 18 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Holz Farm l $3/person
Take a hayride, tour the farmhouse, and listen to live music. Tickets are required for everyone 12 months and older, and are available at discovereagan.com and onsite. Find details at cityofeagan.com/holzspring-festival.
Nerf On The Turf*
Friday, April 4 | 4:30–6 p.m. & 6:30–8 p.m. Eagan Civic Arena | $20/person
All gear is provided; ages 14 and up.
Document Shredding
Saturday, April 19 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. or until truck is filled | Cascade Bay | Free
This event is open to all residents. Shred up to four paper bags or two boxes per vehicle. Questions? Call Dakota Valley Recycling: 952- 895-4559.
Garden Tool Swap
Saturday, April 19 | 1–4 p.m. Trapp Farm Park | Free
Give and take any usable garden tools, decor, or plant-related equipment. See DakotaValleyRecyclingMN.gov for details.
Afternoon Tea: 50+ Seniors*
Monday, April 21 | 1–3 p.m. Eagan Community Center l $18/person
Join Nancy Earhart Burt, a cousin of Amelia Earhart, during her presentation on the legendary aviator. Bring your favorite teacup.
Indoor Market
Wednesday, April 23 | 4–7 p.m. Eagan Community Center, Oaks l Free
Don’t miss Eagan’s last Indoor Market this spring! Vendors will be posted the week of the market at facebook.com/cityofeagan under events. Eagan Market Fest will open outdoors on Wednesday, June 4.
Family Movie Night
Friday, April 25 | 6:15–8:30 p.m. Eagan Community Center | $5/person ages 3+
Admission includes two tickets to our concession stand. Movies include A Bugs Life (G), Elemental (PG), and How to Train Your Dragon (PG).
Thrift Exchange
Thursday, May 1 | 4–7 p.m. Trapp Farm Park | Free
Teens: Trade your gently used clothes, shoes, and other items for those new to you.
Cops & Bobbers*
Saturday, May 17 | 9 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. Blackhawk Park | $10/person
Fish with Eagan police officers while learning about fishing from Eagan’s Water Resources team.
National 50+ Senior Health & Fitness Day
Wednesday, May 28 | 9–11:30 a.m. Eagan Community Center | Free
Take a morning to focus on fitness, wellness, and relaxation.
*Pre-registration is required for these events. Visit discovereagan.com.
Severe Weather Preparation
Refresh your emergency supply kit and connect with neighbors to discuss emergency plans during Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 7–11. Expect a tornado drill Thursday, April 10 — you’ll hear outdoor warning sirens.
These outdoor warning sirens are sounded for tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings when wind speeds are 70+ miles per hour. They’re designed to warn people who are outdoors, not to be heard inside homes or businesses. Sirens sound for three minutes and are never used to signal an “all clear.” If you hear a siren sounding a second time, a new severe weather threat has entered the area.
Severe Weather Basics:
Use multiple sources to follow the weather and get warnings. Try mobile apps, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media outlets.
Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather, but the exact time and location of storm development is still uncertain. A watch means you should prepare for storms.
Warnings are issued when severe weather is imminent or occurring, and a storm is either detected by radar or storm spotters. A warning means to take shelter.