West St. Paul Police Help Kids Beat the Heat

The West St. Paul Police Department turned a summer day into a community event by building its annual giant slip-and-slide for local children. According to Northern News Now, officers set up a large tarp with overhead sprinklers and used dish soap to help participants slide farther. Police Chief Brian Sturgeon joined in the fun, taking several turns down the slide alongside neighborhood kids. The annual event offers a lighthearted way for officers to connect with families while helping residents stay cool during the summer heat.

National State of the Cities Report

America’s cities aren’t just getting by — they’re innovating to build stronger communities. The National League of Cities’ 13th annual State of the Cities report reveals what is top of mind for local leaders today. Economic development, infrastructure, and affordable housing rank as the top priorities. Mayors across the country are focused on revitalizing downtowns, boosting workforce training, tackling rising housing costs, and upgrading local transportation like roads, bridges, and public transit. Alongside key efforts in public safety and budget management, local leaders are tackling big challenges head-on. Download the full report at nlc.org/resource/state-of-the-cities-2026.

Water Rebate Program Helps Cities Conserve Water, Reduce Costs

Metropolitan Council grants are helping metro-area cities offer rebates that encourage residents and businesses to install more water-efficient fixtures and appliances. The council covers 80% of program costs, while participating cities provide the remaining 20% and design rebate programs that meet local needs. According to the Quad Community Press, Circle Pines and Lino Lakes recently received grants to continue their programs through 2028. Circle Pines is expanding eligible rebates beyond toilets and irrigation controllers to include dishwashers and washing machines. In addition to conserving water, the program can help cities reduce wastewater treatment costs, which are based in part on the amount of wastewater processed. Learn more about the Water Efficiency Grant Program at bit.ly/MC-WaterGrants.

Community Partnerships Bring New Playground to Pierz

The City of Pierz has transformed an aging playground into a new community gathering place through a collaborative effort involving city leaders, local businesses, schools, organizations, and residents. According to the Morrison County Record and Brainerd Dispatch, the roughly $250,000 project was completed in just over a year after City Council member Lynn Egan led a community fundraising campaign to replace equipment that had largely remained unchanged since the 1990s.

The new playground includes separate play areas for different age groups, accessible features for children with disabilities, and one of the tallest playground slides in the state. Local partnerships extended beyond fundraising. Pierz Healy High School students built a donor recognition sign, while first responders helped celebrate the grand opening with a family safety event.

City officials say the project is part of a broader effort to continue improving the park, demonstrating how community support and local partnerships can help small cities create modern, accessible public spaces.

City of Le Sueur Installs No-Cost Solar Bench at Local Park

Visitors to Cedar Ridge Trails Park in Le Sueur have a new place to rest and recharge. The city recently installed a solar-powered bench along the park’s trail, offering residents a convenient spot to take a break while charging their electronic devices.

The installation was a direct effort by the City of Le Sueur, with public works and facilities staff handling the setup and working to restore the surrounding turf in the days following placement.

In addition to providing a modern amenity for parkgoers, the project comes at zero cost to local taxpayers. The city purchased the solar bench entirely using accumulated energy rebates, making it a budget-friendly upgrade to the community’s outdoor infrastructure.