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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2026
CONTACT:
Tim Pratt
Interim Communications Manager
tim.pratt@brooklynpark.org
763-493-8120
City of Brooklyn Park Announces Major Legislative Wins for Community Investments and Public Safety
The City of Brooklyn Park is celebrating several major legislative victories following the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session, including funding for expansion of the Community Activity Center, support for the city’s Alternative Response Team, and reforms related to congregate care oversight and coordination.
The priorities were established by the Brooklyn Park City Council as part of the city’s 2026 legislative agenda.
Among the city’s most significant successes was securing a $7.5 million bonding allocation for improvements and expansion of the Community Activity Center to create a Northwest Regional Athletic Facility. The funding will support construction of a new multi-court gymnasium, ADA-accessible entrances and corridors, and expanded parking capacity to better serve residents and increased community demand. The new gym will diversify recreational opportunities and create a regional destination for youth sports, community events, and economic activity. While also preserving opportunities with the existing ice rinks for hockey and figure skating.
Brooklyn Park also secured $563,000 in direct funding for its Community Health Unit for the work of its Alternative Response Team, an innovative public safety initiative operating through the Brooklyn Park Police Department. The team responds to low-level and behavioral health-related calls that do not require an armed police response, helping connect residents with appropriate services while allowing officers to remain focused on higher-priority emergencies.
In addition, Brooklyn Park helped advance long-sought reforms related to state oversight of congregate care facilities following extensive collaboration with neighboring cities during the 2025 interim. The reforms are intended to strengthen coordination between state agencies and local governments while improving safety and continuity of care for vulnerable residents.
“We fought hard for Brooklyn Park residents on multiple fronts at the Capitol this session, and I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish,” said Mayor Hollies Winston. “These investments will strengthen public safety, improve quality of life, and help position Brooklyn Park for long-term success. Our legislative delegation worked tirelessly to advocate for our community, and we are grateful for their partnership and leadership throughout the session.”
Mayor Winston specifically thanked Senators John Hoffman and Susan Pha, along with Representatives Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley, Samantha Vang, and XP Lee, for their advocacy on behalf of Brooklyn Park priorities at the Capitol.
The legislation containing these provisions is currently awaiting signature by Governor Tim Walz.
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If you need this information in another language or format or disability accommodations, email access@brooklynpark.org or call 763-424-8000.
Si usted necesita esta información en español: 763-424-8000
Yog xav tau kev pab, thov hu rau 763-424-8000 lawv mam li nrhiav ib tus neeg txhais lus rau koj
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