Issue #1
City Budget

Edina’s Mayor of 20 years is up for re-election in November along with two council seats.

Dear Edina Neighbors,

The time has come to ask a simple but crucial question: Who’s responsible for our out-of-control spending?

Over the past 10 years, Edina’s property tax levy has risen two and a half times faster than inflation. This is no coincidence. Since Mayor Jim Hovland took charge over 20 years ago, along with the hiring of City Manager Scott Neal in 2010, spending has skyrocketed. Under their leadership, the City Council introduced the ‘Vision Edina’ agenda, and with it, we’ve seen tax levies grow at an alarming 7.2% annually, compared to a US inflation rate of just 2.9%.

In 2014, Edina’s budget required a $27 million levy. By 2024, that number has doubled to $54 million—and it’s not stopping there. The 2025 levy is projected to increase by another 13%.

Your property statement would appear to show a fiscally effective city as compared to our neighboring communities. But that hides the massive growth in residential property value that Edina’s enjoyed.

Mayor Hovland has been at the helm for over two decades. This is his record. He’s led a city that’s nearly fully developed, with little room for expansion, and yet the spending continues at a rate far outpacing inflation. It's time to hold him accountable.

If housing affordability is such a priority for the council, shouldn't property taxes be part of that conversation? 

This election gives us a chance to vote for new leadership with fresh ideas on fiscal responsibility. We’re supporting Ron Anderson for Mayor and Ryan Daye for City Council to bring change.

If this message resonates with you, consider sharing it with your friends and neighbors in Edina. Forward it via email or share it on social media—the viral math is powerful, and your action could help shift the future of our city.


Most importantly, don’t forget to vote. This election will be close, and your voice matters.



Issue #2
David V Goliath

On September 26th, I wrote and distributed an Issue Edina email to you and other residents of Edina, raising concerns about runaway city spending. This issue isn’t political—it’s simple math, something everyone, regardless of political affiliation, should be aware of.

In response, Mayor Hovland chose to dismiss my concerns because I had shared them anonymously. He went a step further, posting his response on his website. He also claimed I was being partisan.

Is this leadership—or bullying?

My name is Bruce Christensen, and I’ve lived in Edina for 68 years. Over the last twenty years, I’ve watched Mayor Hovland repeatedly dismiss residents’ concerns.

My Experience with City Hall: Resident Concerns Dismissed

In 2004, I helped lead a grassroots effort to stop the installation of speed bumps and roundabouts in the Country Club neighborhood—a plan the mayor pushed despite overwhelming opposition. After speaking with neighbors and conducting a survey, we showed that two-thirds of Country Club residents were against it. But instead of listening to the clear majority, Mayor Hovland dismissed our findings as biased. It wasn’t until we threatened a lawsuit that the city conducted its own survey, which confirmed what we had been saying all along. Only then did the mayor back down.

Shouldn’t listening to residents be Step 1 in good leadership—not something you’re forced to do after facing legal pressure?

Unfortunately, this pattern of dismissal continues. I also helped organize the “Stop the Lid” campaign, where thousands of residents pushed back against a $100 million taxpayer-funded project to build a lid over Highway 100. While we successfully stopped the lid itself, the density plans tied to it are still moving forward, and now we’re dealing with permanent traffic issues in that area. Once again, despite widespread opposition, residents' voices were ignored.

There are other efforts like We Can Do Better Edina and now Issue Edina which show time and again, when Edina residents push back, our concerns are dismissed. This isn’t just one concerned resident—it’s a toxic pattern. Real leadership should start by listening to residents, not waiting until public pressure or threat of lawsuit forces a change.

Public Shaming

Now, here we are again. In the same play he’s used for 20 years, Mayor Hovland and his supporters are dismissing resident concerns about runaway spending and out-of-control development.

Edina’s own Quality of Life Survey shows most residents do not want this push for aggressive development and density increases, but the city keeps barreling forward—and when we speak up, they try to silence us, suggest we’re spreading “misinformation”.

Mayor Hovland defends the Vision Edina report as an over 200 citizen-led product. Here’s a link to the report’s rather unusual survey group. High school students were the largest cohort at 29%. In addition, the group included another 53 people who did not live in Edina – largely city and Edina Public School employees. Is this Mayor Hovland’s idea of a citizen-led process and a representative sample for a massive growth agenda?

Why is the city so quick to shut down any resident who raises their voice? And why is Mayor Hovland so intent on calling out residents publicly on his website? People are afraid to speak up, and it’s no wonder. Who wants to be publicly shamed by their own mayor for raising legitimate concerns? This is not what real leadership looks like—it’s intimidation.

The Pursuit for a Better Edina

When residents raise concerns about skyrocketing property taxes and unchecked development, we’re told we’re spreading “misinformation.” But let’s look at the facts. The city’s property tax levy has doubled in the last 10 years, from $27 million to $54 million. Next year its 13% and the following five years need an average of 9% to meet our spending plans.
Is This What Leadership Looks Like?

Edina residents shouldn’t have to spend their time, energy, and money this way. This is exactly why more people don’t engage—because it feels like a constant battle against city leaders who aren’t listening.

Ron Anderson and Ryan Daye are stepping up to take on the fight for fiscal responsibility and sensible growth. They’re the David in this story, and they need your support. The mayor has had 20 years to lead—and yet, he’s ignoring us more than ever.

This is Our David vs. Goliath Moment

Let’s be clear: This isn’t just another election—it’s the future of Edina. It’s time to hold our leaders accountable.

It’s time for a change.

Sincerely, Bruce Christensen

P.S. Don’t let Goliath win this one. Forward this message to your friends and neighbors and make sure they know how important their vote is. It’s time for real leadership that listens to the people.


Issue# 3
TIF

As we reported last week, Edina’s tax levy has been increasing 2 ½ times the rate of inflation since 2014. In 2025 we’ll need an estimated 13% increase with spending plans indicating over 9% for the following four years.

A big reason why is Edina’s aggressive use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). TIF is a complicated and controversial way to fund real estate development. It might sound like a win for growth, but the reality is: TIF will increase your residential property taxes for the next 20-25 years.

Let’s walk you through three crucial things you need to know:

1. What is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
2. How TIF impacts your taxes
3. Mayor Hovland & City Manager Neal own this story

Before we dive in, let’s be clear, this isn’t a left or right political issue, it’s just math. We’re not anti-development—we’re pro market-driven development, the kind that doesn’t rely on taxpayer dollars to succeed. 

At the end, we think you’ll agree that it’s time to hit pause.

What is TIF, and Why Should You Care?

Here’s how it works: A TIF district is created around a development site, like the Macy’s site. Future increases in property tax value in that district are used to offset some of the costs of the development—meaning that, for the next two decades, increased tax revenue won’t go toward funding our city budget. Instead, the burden of funding services like fire stations, police, and infrastructure, falls on homeowners like you.

Since 2014, Edina has created 12 TIF districts that, during their 25-year life, will have diverted around $400 million of property tax revenues to developers or special projects like a tunnel under France Avenue. Here’s a snapshot of Edina’s current TIF Districts.

Tuesday, there was a public hearing to consider a new $81 million TIF district for the Macy’s site. $51 million of future tax revenues for the developer and another $30 million for a France Avenue underpass.

The Mayor’s 20-Year Legacy

It’s worth saying this again. Under Mayor Hovland’s leadership, Edina is on the verge of creating their 12th TIF district and will have committed over $430 million of future taxpayer money to fund largely private development. In fact, with these TIF deals, Edina may be the largest real estate developer in the city—using your money.

It’s no wonder our tax levy has doubled from $27 million in 2014 to $54 million in 2024. We’re now facing a 13% increase in 2025 and another 9% per year for the following four years.

We need to ask: Is this sustainable? Should Edina continue to act like a developer, using public money to fund private projects, while homeowners are left to shoulder the growing costs of city services? 

With city staff aggressively proposing the use of TIF and a very cooperative Mayor and Council, Edina needs a TIF moratorium. TIF was never meant for cities like Edina, where real estate is already in high demand. Even California has banned TIF due to abuses like the ones we’re seeing in Edina. And yet, here we are, offering subsidies to developers in one of the most desirable cities in Minnesota.

Pay Attention to That Vote!

On October 15th, the City Council will vote on the Macy’s TIF district—an $81 million decision that will impact your taxes for the next 20 years. Pay attention to that vote, and remember—you have the power to hold these leaders accountable at the polls this fall.

Let’s work together to ensure smart, sustainable growth in Edina. The only candidates discussing tough issues like TIF are Ron Anderson and Ryan Daye.

Bruce Christensen 

P.S. Want to learn more about the unintended consequences of TIF? Check out this link to a one-minute read discussing the unintended consequences of TIF.  

We’re not anti-development, we’re for market-driven development. Edina has great real estate. WHY do we, the taxpayers, need to subsidize it?



Issue#4
Edina's Spending Crisis

Edina has a big spending problem.

At a recent meet and greet for mayoral candidate Ron Anderson, he addressed the elephant in the room: Edina’s runaway budget has been growing at 2.5 times the rate of inflation over the last decade, a staggering 5 times the inflation rate for 2025, and nearly 10% average increases for the ’26 to ’30 budgets.

This financial mess didn’t happen overnight—it’s been 20 years in the making under Mayor Hovland’s leadership.

70% of Edina’s Budget is Tied to Payroll

Ron didn’t sugarcoat it: 70% of our city’s budget is payroll. To fix it very difficult spending decisions will have to be made. He’s calling for a comprehensive review of all city expenses. We’ll also need leaders willing to make hard decisions based on resident priorities.

Police and Fire Safety: The Hard Truth

When asked about police and fire services, Ron exposed another glaring issue: we need more police. Edina’s population has grown from 47,000 in 2014, to 54,000 in ’22, with another 3,000-4,000 new residents moving into multi-family developments under construction.

Let’s put this into perspective:
At 58 officers, we’re understaffed. Even St. Louis Park, at 1.29 officers per 1,000 residents, has us beat—and we’d need at least 10 more officers just to catch up. Add to that Minneapolis’ recent 30% police pay hike and this is a serious line-item budget problem.

The fire department is facing similar growth challenges. The city is finally addressing a new $20M+ fire station near Southdale not including the staffing that goes with it.

The density program at 50th & France has compromised response time to the NE quadrant residents. A rush hour emergency response for a heart attack or fire could take 10-15 minutes. National response standards suggest 3-4 minutes. It’s likely we’ll need an additional fire station. That’s another $20M+ and staff.

Regarding spending priorities, it seems obvious that residents rank police and fire on top of the list. Other key services that need funding - parks, sewer, water, general infrastructure, and ordinary city capital improvements.

Has Edina Drifted from its Core Mission?

After 20 years in office, the current leadership and city staff have gradually accommodated mission-creep. The mayor and incumbents owe voters and taxpayers an honest explanation on how they plan to fix this.

Ron Anderson and Ryan Daye are the only candidates facing these issues head-on. They understand that Edina’s budget is on an unsustainable path and they’re ready to hold the City Manager accountable for the tough decisions needed to put our city back on track.

It’s time for a change in Edina. Vote for fiscal responsibility. Vote for leaders who will put residents first.

Bruce Christensen

P.S.
Did you know?

While Edina’s police and fire resources have been stressed, the city is planning to expand City Hall to accommodate new staff positions unrelated to the essential services of a city.

Edina’s growth using TIF is starving our city’s budget. Surprisingly the mayor and most of the council just doesn’t get it.



Issue#5
It's Time for a Smarter Approach to Affordable Housing

As a former board chair of one of the largest non-profit affordable housing providers in the Midwest, I’ve seen what it takes to create lasting solutions—and right now, Edina’s approach is failing us. Simply put - our strategy costs too much, delivers too little, and is driving up the price of market-rate housing.

I think we can find common ground on an affordable housing strategy. Twenty years from now, I believe we’ll need more affordable units than we have today to house our most vulnerable neighbors, many of whom are fixed income seniors. We simply need a better plan.

Edina’s Approach to Affordable Housing

Edina currently has 723 affordable units, most of which are owned and managed by non-profits that keep their units permanently affordable. The Met Council wants us to hit 1,804 units by 2030.

Edina’s strategy allows apartment/condo developers the option of including a percentage of affordable units or pay their way out with a $135,000 fee per unit.

The buyout fee drives up the cost of market-rate housing because developers just pass the cost on to renters or buyers.

And then there’s TIF (tax increment financing)—the city’s way of reimbursing developers for their ‘lost revenue’ on affordable units. But after the commitment period? The developer can/will turn those units into market-rate housing – see Macy’s terms, and the cycle starts all over again.

What an incredible waste of taxpayers’ money. And most disturbing- it will eventually result in the loss of these affordable housing units for our most vulnerable neighbors. They will have to leave or pay market-rates

There’s a Better Way

Our city is pouring tens of millions into short-term solutions, while our non-profit partners could provide permanent affordable housing at a fraction of the cost and with more certainty of outcome.

Expanded City Hall to Accommodate Mission-creep

To make matters worse the city is staffing up. We have a new affordable housing department with full-time staff pursuing this deeply flawed strategy. We also have a new seemingly redundant public health department whose role is the regulating, licensing and inspecting of rental properties already covered by existing city and state safety statutes. 

Did you know you Edina’s city code requires your house to be licensed if it’s occupied by someone other than the owner or their family – think house sitting, dog sitters, etc. Really? Yes!

Yet Another Reason We Need New Leadership

Edina needs a mayor and city council willing to challenge flawed plans, protect our resources, and in this case find more cost-effective ways like trusted non-profits to create real, lasting affordable housing solutions. We need a growing stock of safe and well managed affordable housing.

Our budget is stretched thin, and the stakes are high. We can’t afford more of the same. Let’s vote for smarter strategies and lasting solutions. Vote Ron and Ryan for fresh leadership and a better future for Edina. 

Bruce Christensen



Issue #6
Edina Deserves (Needs) Better Leadership

Edina is at a turning point, and our current leadership is steering us in the wrong direction. Most of us didn’t move here to see our neighborhoods swallowed up by high-density developments and runaway spending. So why are our mayor and council pushing an agenda that’s transforming the very heart of our community?

A mayor and council’s duty are to represent residents in managing city staff and particularly the city manager Scott Neal. However all the evidence points to Mayor Hovland, Carolyn Jackson and Kate Agnew’s enthusiastic support for a spend and build strategy that is not consistent with resident quality of life – the reasons we chose to live here.

Who do Hovland & Jackson represent?

As a decades-long observer and writer about the city’s agenda, it seems clear that this mayor and his councils have failed to uphold their primary duty to residents in favor of boldly supporting our city manager and the Met Council.

The truth is, they are putting the Met Council’s agenda ahead of what Edina residents want. The Edina Sun’s candidate bio shows Mayor Hovland’s commitment to the politically appointed Met Council as he, ironically, chairs it’s Transportation Commission.

To make things worse, they’re spending our tax dollars recklessly. Can you imagine our schools spending $437 million without a referendum? That’s exactly what’s happening in our city through Tax Increment Financing (TIF)—public money being thrown at private projects, without proper oversight. We need a TIF moratorium, now.

They simply aren’t listening to us.

A multi-year review of the city’s Quality of Life Surveys (click for details) shows a steady decline in resident satisfaction, trust in our city, and loss of support for future property tax increases. Residents have consistently voiced concerns about the consequences of overdevelopment. Traffic’s a mess. Neighborhoods feel cramped. Small businesses near construction sites suffer or close. Undeterred, the mayor and his allies ignore the very people they’re supposed to represent.

And the beat goes on. Unfortunately, we had a similar list of concerns in 2020 - We Can Do Better Edina (click for details).

Even their own supporters should be questioning what’s going on

1. Conflicts of interest: Our leaders are prioritizing the Met Council over Edina residents resulting in costly mission-creep.

2. Out-of-control spending: Police and fire budgets are squeezed while new departments like affordable housing, public health, and sustainability are creating unsustainable spending increases and serious talk of a city hall expansion.

3. No oversight: Slush fund accounts with money from sources like Pooled TIF and Buyout funds are being used with little accountability or transparency.

Edina deserves better. We need new leadership to champion:

1. Term limits - Edina can’t afford another 20-year mayor. It’s just not healthy.

2. ‘Ward’ versus ‘At-Large’ Council Members – we need our Council Members to represent their neighborhoods. Ward representatives would provide better feedback and access.

3. Fix our Affordable Housing Strategy - At great expense Edina is merely rent subsidizing affordable housing units that will revert to market rates. Not a good short or long-term strategy.

4. Hire a city manager who lives in Edina, so their decisions impact their own quality of life and taxes too.

5. Keep political parties out of our non-partisan elections. More on that Thursday.

It’s time to take back Edina and demand responsible leadership. Let’s help David beat Goliath this November.

Vote Ron Anderson for Mayor and Ryan Daye for City Council. Together, we can protect Edina from reckless spending and misguided priorities.

It’s not too late!

Bruce Christensen 

My third vote is going to James Pierce for defending the city’s taxpaying residents’ interests at last Thursday’s HRA Meeting. Council Member Pierce led the Macy’s TIF district challenge, resulting in a temporary tabling of the item. The Spend & Build team of Hovland, Jackson, and Agnew exposed themselves in protest.