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Waconia Today
By the People, for the People
Waconia Council Approves Street and Sidewalk Design Changes Near St. Joe's
City also plans to survey residents on financial awareness, trust in government, and other engagement topics.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Waconia City Council has approved design changes to a portion of the downtown infrastructure project near St. Joseph school, opting to retain a 6-foot sidewalk and 40-foot driving width on Second Street to minimize impact on existing trees. The council also agreed to conduct a community survey to gauge residents' awareness of the city's financial condition, trust in government, and other engagement metrics.
Why it matters
The street and sidewalk design changes aim to balance the needs of the community, including preserving mature trees, while moving forward with the downtown infrastructure project. The upcoming community survey will provide valuable insights into residents' perceptions and priorities, which can inform future city planning and decision-making.
The details
The council agreed to the current sidewalk and street width on Second Street to maximize the separation from existing trees and reduce potential impacts to their root systems. An earlier layout had proposed wider sidewalks consistent with other downtown areas. The council also approved a proposal to administer a community survey through Polco, a firm that has partnered with other Minnesota communities on similar initiatives. The survey will gauge residents' baseline awareness of the city's financial condition, their trust in government, and other engagement topics. The $22,000 survey is expected to launch at the upcoming Community Expo in April.
- The Waconia City Council made the design decisions at its February 2, 2026 meeting.
- The community survey is expected to launch at the Waconia Community Expo in April 2026.
- Nominations for the 2026 City of Waconia Stewardship Award are open through March 15, 2026.
The players
Waconia City Council
The governing body of the City of Waconia, Minnesota that made the decisions regarding the street and sidewalk design changes as well as the community survey.
St. Joseph School
A school located along Second Street in Waconia whose leaders, staff, and families requested the retention of the 6-foot sidewalk and 40-foot driving width.
Polco
A firm that has partnered with dozens of other Minnesota communities to conduct similar community surveys, which Waconia selected to administer its upcoming survey.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
