12. Resident Engagement – We continue to see an increased level of engagement from our residents. Through the implementation of new tools like FlashVote and See.Click.Fix, it is easy to share and receive information. We value and appreciate your interest in city business.
11. Planning for Future – City staff and City Council understand the importance of preparing for the future. Completing a facilities study, evaluating the needs for a park referendum, and continued financial planning are at the top of the list for 2022.
10. $12 Million Levy – On Monday, December 13, 2021, the City Council approved a $12,663,076 levy. Adding additional firefighters and an Economic Development Manager as well as Employee Services were the main components of the 4.9% general levy increase.
9. New Employee Pay Scale –
After completing a compensation study, City Council approved a new employee pay plan and compensation manual. Our goal is to be able to hire the best and retain our valued employees in this competitive market so we can continue to successfully deliver high quality city services.
8. Better Fleet Management –
With a focus on financial sustainability and innovation, city staff recognized an opportunity to contract with Enterprise Fleet Management to lease portions of our city fleet. By utilizing this lease program, the city will save approximately $873,000 over the next ten years.
7. First Strategic Plan – City Council and city staff held a series of work sessions in April of 2021 to develop a strategic plan. The first for Chanhassen, we created a mission and vision, strategic priorities and values, and created a roadmap for our future.
6. Focused on Teamwork – With more than 55% of staff hired in the last five years, 2021 brought a renewed desire for working together as a team. Through team building activities and training, we are building an extraordinary culture of excellence and collaboration.
5. Five Year Financial Plan – Preparing for current and future needs is a strategic priority. The city is committed to providing a realistic, long-term perspective for service delivery and budgeting and tying those to our organizational goals.
4. New City Staff – We welcomed a new City Manager, Laurie Hokkanen, an Assistant City Manager, Matt Unmacht, a communications manager and staff, along with many remarkable additions to the team. New energy and perspective combined with the wisdom and dedication of longtime city employees is a winning combination.
3. Community Events – With a variety of popular events throughout the year, creating a sense of community continues to be a favorite focus for city staff.
2. Road Projects Finished – Our 2021 local road projects and Highway 101 were successfully completed this year. Utilizing the Franchise Fee for our Pavement Management Program has allowed us to fully fund the important investment in our infrastructure.
1. Recognized as “The #1 Best City to Live in the U.S.” by Money Magazine. What a great honor to receive this award. Kudos to our residents, businesses, partners, city staff, and Council.
We have had a great year! Again, thank you to our incredible residents. I have truly enjoyed hearing from you, meeting with you, and working together throughout the year.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and wishing you the best in 2022! Warmest Regards,
Elise Ryan
eryan@ci.chanhassen.mn.us 
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