Eden Prairie's city council has given the green light to the 2025 city budget with a unanimous vote, according to a Friday report by City of Eden Prairie. The new budget, set at $62,778,864, marks a 4.1% increase from the previous year, with property tax levy jumping to $47,444,147 – a 5.8% rise. Notably, even with these increases, Eden Prairie continues to boast one of the lower city tax rates when compared to peers in the metro area.
Amid the financial planning, the community stays vibrant with local events such as the Outdoor Center’s Handmade Holiday Market on Dec. 8 and 15, offering an assortment of local, artisanal gifts. In the spirit of the season, Eden Prairie Community Band is hosting the Share the Warmth Holiday Concert on Dec. 8 at the high school, with attendees encouraged to donate non-perishable food or warm clothing to support PROP Food Shelf and PROP Shop.
For those with an artistic inclination, the Art Center is inviting adults to an open house event on Dec. 13 featuring free projects, demonstrations, and a miniature market, all fostering the creative communal spirit. Additionally, the Community Center is organizing its 7th annual Day of Giving, aligned with the theme of generosity permeating the month.
Volunteer opportunities abound as Hennepin County is accepting applications for advisory board positions, guiding county commissioners on critical issues including mental health, innovation, and racial equity – applications that are open until Dec. 31. On the educational front, the City of Eden Prairie is investing in local STEM education with the STEM on Tap series, a collaboration with watershed districts providing workshops for metro area teachers.
New hires such as Justin Pearson, joining the Parks and Recreation Department as a parks maintenance technician, will be part of the team implementing the city's vision for the coming year. Upcoming city meetings, including the Sustainability Commission on Dec. 10, Human Rights and Diversity Commission on Dec. 12, and Heritage Preservation Commission on Dec. 16, are set to keep the democratic process and community engagement in full swing.
