ROGER NEW: RETIRING POLICE CHIEF REFLECTS ON 30 YEARS
What will Roger New, Eagan’s police chief, do after his retirement this October? One word: sleep. He laughs when he says this, but it’s not exactly a joke — being chief has brought a higher level of stress and a lower amount of sleep than he experienced before he ascended to the top job.
“I don’t think people realize the mental push-ups that go along with being chief,” New says. “You’re looked to for answers and constantly thinking about the organization. You want to be consistent and reasonable, and sometimes those mental push-ups start at two in the morning and make it difficult to go back to sleep. As much as I love what I do, I’m looking forward to shedding some of those responsibilities and seeing what’s next for me.”
Career path
New understood from a young age that he wanted to be in law enforcement, he says. Attending elementary school in St. Paul, he looked forward to the Officer Friendly visits, which brought police officers into classrooms. “I was always impressed by the uniform, and by what they did in the community,” he says. “I was always actively involved in service-oriented activities.”
No one in New’s family served in law enforcement, so he didn’t have a clear path to pursuing the career. After reaching out to community members to learn more, New earned his bachelor’s degree in social sciences at Concordia University. After graduating in 1994, he landed his first job: community service officer (CSO) in Eagan.
Two months later, the City approached him about joining its Police Officer Career Opportunity Program. New then spent 20 weeks at the Rosemount Armory, taking law enforcement and skills classes.
That fall, he was sworn in as a police officer. Three years in the patrol division were followed by two years as a DARE officer. Next, New served as a school resource officer at Blackhawk and Metcalf schools, while simultaneously working as a detective for the Eagan Police Department. In 2004, he was promoted to sergeant, and then lieutenant two and a half years later. The next step was deputy chief from 2016 to 2018 — then, in 2018, New was named chief of police.
Reflecting on 30 years
How has that gone for him? “Well, look at my hair,” he jokes, showing off his bald head. New says he never aspired to be chief. His goal was simply to serve the community with integrity, pride, and honor.
Service is the overriding theme in New’s description of his career. The most important thing to him, he says, is making a difference in people’s lives. He recalls countless personal stories about people who’ve stayed in touch after meeting New on their worst days, proof that he’s made real connections and a real difference.
“The people who touched me the most are the ones who reached out after a tragedy. That means a lot,” he says.
Shifting gears, he notes that over his tenure, technology has transformed policing. “When I started, we had one cell phone. There was no such thing as email. We had to figure out how to read a map.
“Retiring will be hard,” New says. “I’ll miss the people in the department and the community members. It’s time, though. The role of chief is taxing to me personally and to my family.”
New says nothing makes him happier than sharing in the excitement of people taking the next step in their careers with their oath of office.
“The department is going in a good direction, and I look forward to handing the department keys over to my successor.”
Showing up every day
“When people look back at me and my career, I hope they simply say, ‘The guy showed up every day, he worked really hard, and he was here for the community and the people of Eagan.’ ”
As for his relationship with the community, New says he’s grateful. “I’d like to say thank you — to the community for giving me an opportunity to lead the police department, to the people I work with for their sacrifices and commitment, and to staff and friends for putting up with my Roger New-isms. I’ll miss everyone dearly, but I’m excited about what the future holds for the Eagan Police Department.”
RESIDENTS, CITY STAFF BUILD MORE CONNECTED, INCLUSIVE EAGAN
Over the past year, the City of Eagan invited residents to participate in a series of Community Conversations, exploring what it means to thrive here. These gatherings were part of the City’s commitment to race equity and inclusion, recognizing that a strong community is built not only on infrastructure and services but on people. The conversational goals were simple yet profound: to listen, to learn, and to imagine together a future where everyone feels welcome and valued.
The effort was guided by professional facilitators from the Finding Human Institute, which helped create safe spaces for honest dialogue. In living rooms, schools, and senior centers, and at large group events like the Spring Summit, residents of all ages, cultures and backgrounds came together to share. Participants reflected on when they thrive, what gets in the way, and what each of us can do to make Eagan more inclusive.
Conversational themes
More than 300 voices contributed during mini conversations, student and senior circles, and large community events. Common themes emerged: People want more ways to connect, more opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity, and more choices in housing, transit, and recreation. Residents also shared that thriving means feeling safe, having supportive networks, and being able to both give and receive care in community.
Conversations also highlighted challenges. Many participants said social isolation, car dependence, affordability, and a lack of central gathering spaces make it harder to build connections. Residents of color spoke about the fear they carry for themselves and/or their children in how they’re perceived. Others described barriers to accessing information, resources, and opportunities to get involved.
Still, the energy in these conversations was hopeful. Neighbors shared simple but powerful ideas for action — hosting community dinners, volunteering, mentoring youth, supporting cultural celebrations, and being a voice for change.
What comes next
The City of Eagan also heard a call to invest in gathering spaces, expand cultural programming, improve access to information, and create leadership pathways for the next generation. The City will carry forward what we learned, working with residents and partners to celebrate our diversity and reduce inequities. Together, we’re building a more connected, more inclusive, and more thriving Eagan.
The Finding Human Institute brought their recommendations to the City Council in September. City staff will work in partnership with the Council on Eagan’s next steps and future plans.
YOU’RE INVITED: SPECIAL SUSTAINABILITY SESSION ON ELECTRIFICATION
Are you curious about energy efficiency and clean energy solutions? Electric appliances like heat pumps and induction stoves offer better air quality, safety, and long-term savings while making homes more comfortable.
On Oct. 6, a one-time Sustainable Eagan Academy session, “The Basics of Electrifying Your Home” — sponsored by Electrify Everything MN — will provide education and technical assistance to Eagan residents. Learn how to swap out your home appliances for highly efficient, electrical options and how to connect with incentives, contractors, and resources to achieve your home energy goals.
While this presentation is tailored toward homeowners, renters are welcome.
This program aligns with an Eagan Climate Action Plan building-and-energy goal: Achieve 15% building “fuel switching” communitywide from on-site fossil fuel combustion to electrification or renewable fuels by 2035.
“Buildings and energy” is one of eight sectors in Eagan’s Climate Action Plan. Each sector offers unique actions to help achieve the plan’s overall goals.
All plan strategies and actions are part of an overall set of two goals:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2035.
- Achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Residents can learn more about the City’s Climate Action Plan goals and next steps at cityofeagan.com/climate-action-plan.
ONE-TIME FALL SESSION: THE BASICS OF ELECTRIFYING YOUR HOME
Monday, Oct. 6
6:30– 7:30 p.m.
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy., The Oaks
No registration is required for this free session.
Sign up to receive our sustainability newsletter at cityofeagan.com/sustainability.
NEW SURVEY: RESIDENTS HIGHLY RATE EAGAN
Every two years, the City of Eagan participates in a nationwide assessment designed to measure the “livability” of communities. Here are some high-level results of our most recent community survey:
- 423 residents participated in the survey
- Survey conducted November 2023–January 2024
- Compared to 500+ U.S. cities
Key findings:
- Strong mobility & services
- 7 in 10 positive on climate & sustainability efforts
- 9 in 10 positive on streets, trails, & sidewalks
- High marks for economy & shopping
- High trust in City government
FALL EVENTS IN EAGAN
LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE SENIOR EXPO
Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 2–5 p.m.
Eagan Community Center | Free
Join Eagan 50+ seniors and explore ways to live your best life. Visit with over 40 organizations, stop in the Wellness Room for health services, and enjoy a snack in the Lone Oak Room.
HALLOWEEN TRAIL WALK
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Viking Lakes | 2685 Vikings Cir.
$6/child, adults are free with food donation to The Open Door
Visit trick-or-treat stations, enjoy music, and play Halloween-themed games throughout the plaza. Preregistration is required at discovereagan.com.
EAGAN’S INDOOR MARKET
Wednesdays, Sept. 3–Oct. 8 | 4–7 p.m.
Goat Hill Park | 4291 Lexington Ave. S.
Select Wednesdays, starting Nov. 5 | 4–7 p.m.
Eagan Community Center, The Oaks
Pick up fresh local items like breads, sauces, soaps, frozen meats, and pastries. Join the Eagan Market Fest email list at cityofeagan.com/subscribe and learn more at cityofeagan.com/marketfest.
FREE PUMPKIN RECYCLING
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 8 & 9
ECC parking lot
Visit dakotavalleyrecyclingmn.gov for details.
BLAST OFF!
Did you miss your favorite indoor playground? Good news! It’s refreshed and reopened. Stop by the ECC and check it out!
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, Oct. 2, 5–7 p.m. | Eagan Fire Station 2, 1001 Station Tr.
Join Eagan firefighters for children’s activities — and check out trucks, hoses, and other equipment up close. Plus, learn about choosing, installing, testing, maintaining, and replacing smoke alarms at this year’s open house. Find details at cityofeagan.com/fire-prevention-month.
HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE: CLEAR SNOW & ICE FROM FIRE HYDRANTS
The City of Eagan Fire Department and Public Works Division ask residents to clear hydrants of snow and ice near their homes, so they’re accessible in an emergency.
Shovel a three-foot path around your hydrant and don’t let it get buried in snow. If you can’t see your neighborhood hydrant, neither can firefighters in an emergency.
HELP KEEP OUR WATER HEALTHY
We value our water in Eagan and want to keep pollution out of our lakes, wetlands, and ponds.
Did you know that our water from storms drains directly to our water bodies, washing debris along with it? You can help protect and improve our water by raking your yard waste away from streets and keeping grass clippings, pet waste, and trash out of roads.
You can also take your help a step further by adopting a storm drain this fall. Adopt-A-Storm Drain is an opportunity for residents, groups, and businesses to clean up storm drain grates and surrounding areas.
More volunteer Opportunities
Storm drain labeling: Help spread the message “Keep Pollutants Out, Drains to Lake” by gluing curb markers near street storm drains.
Lake cleanup: Water Resource staff can provide some direction as well as lend some trash grabbers and garbage bags.
To learn more about local volunteerism, visit cityofeagan.com/getting-involved.
FALL SWEEPING
Road crews are out sweeping this fall to help prevent debris from washing down our storm drains. Consider retaining clippings on your lawn — or bag them up. You can compost the leaves and grass at home or bring them to a compost site. Most garbage haulers also pick them up.
Remember: It’s illegal to put leaves and yard waste in the streets, even when the sweeper is coming.
Learn more about street sweeping online at cityofeagan.com/street-sweeping.