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This week marks Chief Jay Henthorne’s 35th anniversary with the Richfield Police Department. From first applying at just 19 years old, to leading a department rooted in community and emotional intelligence, Chief Henthorne has spent decades serving Richfield with pride.
“We are truly the 'Urban Hometown' from day one, it reminds me of where I grew up,” he shared.
Read more about his journey, leadership and vision for policing the Richfield way on our website.
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Food Waste Prevention week is here!
Did you know that about 40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten? Wasting food isn’t just bad for the environment, it’s costly, too. Americans lose over $218 billion each year on food that ends up in the trash.
Richfield Sustainability Commissioner Craig Heinen invited us into his kitchen to share how he and his wife keep food waste low at home. Their tips? Plan meals, get creative with leftovers, compost what you can, feed your ducks and chickens—and don’t forget proper food storage.
Small changes can make a big difference. What can you do to waste less?
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 The week of April 7–13 marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week! This year’s theme, “It Starts Here,” highlights how public health begins with each of us—in our homes, workplaces and communities.
Over the past 30 years, public health efforts have led to major milestones:
- 676 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the U.S.
- Youth smoking and tobacco use rates at a 25-year low
- Childhood vaccines preventing over 500 million illnesses and saving more than a million lives
Locally, Bloomington Public Health serves the cities of Richfield, Edina and Bloomington, reaching nearly 180,000 residents each year. Their work, from vaccinations to health education, helps build a stronger, healthier community for us all.
Please take a moment this April to thank a public health worker. They are our neighbors, family members, and friends working every day to protect and improve our health.
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There’s still time to order your trees!
The Richfield Tree Sale is still open, but get your orders in soon! Residents, property owners and businesses can purchase up to 2 trees to plant on private property.
Tree pickup is Friday, May 3, from 9 a.m.–noon at Richfield Public Works (1901 East 66th Street).
Check out the species, prices and ordering info online.
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 Family Puzzle Challenge: April 17
Gather up your family and join us for a Family Puzzle Challenge. Families will work together and see how fast they can complete a 300 piece puzzle.
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 City-Wide Garage Sale: May 15-17
This year's city-wide garage sale runs May 15-17. With a $20 registration fee, we will promote it and send customers your way!
The last day to register is Monday, May 5.
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 Open Hockey discontinued
The Richfield Ice Arena will discontinue the regularly-scheduled Adult Open Hockey sessions, normally held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am. Staff will consider other options and may introduce a modified version this fall.
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 Are you passionate about local government? Want to play a key role in shaping how Richfield is governed? The Richfield Charter Commission is looking for engaged community members to help guide the city’s charter!
The Commission is responsible for the ongoing study of Richfield’s City Charter—essentially the city's "constitution." The Commission consists of 15 dedicated members who serve four-year terms, appointed by the Chief Judge of the Hennepin County District Court.This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the foundation of our local government and ensure it serves the community effectively.
Those interested can apply online by April 25.
Richfield a leader in housing and zoning reforms
 Richfield is featured in a video from the League of Minnesota Cities highlighting innovative approaches to housing and zoning reform.
Council member and HRA/EDA Commissioner Hayford Oleary joins homeowners Susan and Brad to share how updates to the City’s Zoning Ordinance along with financial incentives from the HRA/EDA are helping residents build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and meet the community’s evolving housing needs.
 The 2023 Municipal Liquor Store Operations Report is out, and Richfield ranked #2 in gross sales, just behind Lakeville (see page 23). But when it comes to net profit, Richfield leads the way!
A big shoutout to the past and present Liquor Operations Team for making our stores a true asset to the community. And thank you to everyone who shops municipal—you’ve been reinvesting in Richfield since 1943.
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Yard waste season starts Tuesday April 15
 Seasonal curbside yard waste collection will begin Tuesday April 15. Remember to check the City of Richfield yard waste webpage for details on how to prepare items for collection. For residents interested in learning more about sustainable yard waste practices, please visit our Green Tips and Resources page on the city website.
 Highway 62 Sound Wall Construction
Crews will begin constructing a 2,200-foot noise barrier along eastbound Highway 62 between Xerxes Avenue and Russel Avenue in Richfield. This project aims to reduce traffic noise in the area.
Updates will be posted throughout the project on MnDoT's website.
I-494 Construction
MnDOT’s I-494 construction project will soon cause lane and local road closures. Expect disruptions on 77th Street, Portland Avenue, 12th Avenue and parts of 78th Street, with the Portland Avenue bridge over I-494 closed for up to 6 months.
Stay informed on closures by signing up for email updates or visiting the I-494 project webpage.
Arterial BRT Plan
Metro Transit is evaluating 17 potential corridors for future Arterial Bus Rapid Transit routes. These routes aim to improve bus service like the D Line. Share your feedback and learn more about the proposed routes online.
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In case you missed it: Richfield Farmers Market opens May 3
 Join us for opening day of the Richfield Farmers Market on Friday, May 3! Stop by the Information Booth to pick up a free vinyl Richfield Farmers Market sticker, our little gift to kick off the season.
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