Hello Chanhassen Residents,
It continues to be busy in and around the city this fall. If you have driven through downtown, you will see that the new city hall is up and running, and the “old” city hall has been torn down. That moment was bittersweet — celebrating the progress of a new chapter, even as we remember the city hall that was home to this community for over 40 years. I hope you'll join me on November 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for the public open house for the new city hall. It will be a special moment to gather, tour the building and see how this new city hall will serve Chanhassen for decades to come.
Phase II of Civic Campus can now begin in earnest, making room for the features that will continue to build community and bring people to Chanhassen. By next July, the Civic Campus will be complete with a playground, splash fountain, performance space, park building, skateboard park and pickleball courts.
Levy & Budget
On September 8, City Council approved a preliminary levy of $16,473,000. This amount is a 7.2% increase over last year’s budget. Key factors of the increase:
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Wage & Benefits (overall, a 7.6% increase)
- Cost of Living increase (3%)
- Minnesota Paid Medical Leave (new state requirement)
- Health Insurance Increase (15%)
- There were NO additions to staffing levels
- Civic Campus Debt Levy
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Sheriff’s Contract (6.1% increase)
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Total non-wage/benefit expenditures (2.2% increase ... $7.547 million to $7.71 million)
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Median home values increased from $476,300 (2025) to $501,600 (2026)
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Property tax impact: The average market value increased for residential properties (4.53% for 2026 taxes). The median valued home of $501,600 would see a $78 annual increase.
 City Council has asked staff to continue to find reductions in the budget before setting the final levy on December 15.
Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center
On Monday, City Council held a special work session with the Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), which has been part of the project team from the beginning. SFC shared information on market research, financial forecasts (pro forma), economic impact, feasibility reports and community engagement & partnership development. Having a broader conversation on the operational aspects was important in order to ensure that the community center is self-sustaining from an operational budget perspective, post-construction. City Council delved into specifics and sought additional information throughout the informative meeting as we continue to move forward in the planning process.
Avienda Development
Yes! We continue to be encouraged that there WILL be activity on this site yet this year. The approved row homes are on track for construction this fall now that their first permit has been submitted. The approved apartment building is also targeted to be in the ground this fall. The developer is working with the city’s building department about their footing and foundation permit and finalizing a name for the private road that will be in front of their building. These are all signs that movement is happening. We have also heard that the developers are close to signing the grocer. Our understanding is this should happen within the month. We remain optimistic!
Fiber Install
Thank you to all of our residents for your patience with the ongoing fiber installations. We understand the frustrations that come with repeated flags, yard disturbances and restoration needs throughout the summer. As I continue to speak with residents, I hear a few common themes and questions that I'd like to touch on here:
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), not the city, sets the rules for how internet companies build and operate their networks, which means...
- The Internet Service Providers (ISPs) determine when and where they install fiber
- The city issues permits but only to ensure proper operation within public easements
- The city does not regulate pricing or service issues
- The city cannot deny or limit the number of companies operating in the city
- So what can the city do?
- We can ensure they operate only in the public right-of-way and easements
- We will work with you to have your yard fully restored to its original condition
- If you are unsatisfied with the restoration, let us know.
- What are the fiber buildout plans for the city?
Thank you for your continued engagement. Please reach out to me with any questions or comments at eryan@chanhassenmn.gov
Warmest regards,
Elise Ryan
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