Chaska Mayor Taylor Hubbard presented the community’s first-ever “State of the City” address Wednesday.
While much of the evening’s presentation focused on recent accomplishments and future plans for the city, Hubbard’s words were sandwiched between statements about the ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity happening throughout Minnesota.
Speaking to a few dozen Chaska residents and a livestream audience, Hubbard said many of her constituents feel “unsettled” by the escalating violence occurring nearby.
“This can be a divisive subject, but it’s important that we recognize that members of our community are hurting,” she said. “People are afraid and uncertain about how to keep themselves safe and their loved ones safe. My heart is heavy knowing what people are going through right now. As I talk with community members, I can feel the tension, anger and fear in their words.”
Hubbard implored Chaska residents to “lean into our shared values” and create a community “where all people feel seen, heard and welcomed.”
She went on to clarify Chaska Police Department’s efforts as federal agents have made arrests throughout the city.
“Our police department remains focused on preserving public safety while maintaining trust, transparency and strong relationships within our community,” she reported. “The Chaska Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law and is not involved in federal immigration operations. Chaska police officers do not ask about immigration status of victims, witnesses or suspects. Our officers do not assist with federal immigration enforcement or share information for the purposes of identifying immigration violations.”
She said officers will respond to calls for service that involve traffic safety, crowd management or public safety concerns, including on private property.
“Federal agencies operate independently from local police departments like Chaska … but local law enforcement cannot interfere or obstruct federal law enforcement operations,” she added.
Hubbard said anyone with questions or concerns can contact the police department.
“State of the City”
In the hall outside Chaska Community Center’s theater, city employees from various departments were on hand to answer questions and talk about the service being provided to residents. The space was filled with conversations about road improvements, business developments, police protection, park and recreation offerings and more.
Inside the theater, Hubbard told those in attendance that the new “State of the City” event was designed to give residents a chance to meet face-to-face with Chaska leaders and public servants.
“My hope is that you leave here tonight better informed and engaged with the strategic direction and community values that guide your elected leaders and city staff,” she said. “This past year as mayor has been really rewarding, and even through the challenging moments we face as a city, I’ve been able to connect with so many of our community members through events, meetings, phone calls and emails. A common thread in all of our conversations is how much we care about Chaska — where we are now and where we will be into the future.”
The decisions the mayor and council make today impact what Chaska looks like now and 25 years down the road, Hubbard said, applauding the efforts of council members for bringing “professionalism, empathy and knowledge” to their work on behalf of city residents.
“It’s clear that our leaders genuinely care about our community,” she noted.
Top Notch
Hubbard said local leaders have one goal in mind — for Chaska to be the best small town in Minnesota. She said city staff and council members progress through a strategic planning process each year to help identify steps to achieve that goal.
Over the past few years, downtown Chaska has been a focus of the city’s revitalization efforts. Since the completion of Highway 41 reconstruction two years ago, Hubbard said the downtown district is primed for growth.
“Thanks to the intentional planning through the years, we have been able to maintain a distinct and charming downtown district,” she said. “We want to make sure it continues to be a destination.”
The refurbishment of the City Square Park gazebo, completed in 2025, plus the archways and paseos were recent key improvements that add to the inviting atmosphere downtown, she added.
“They help make our downtown more welcoming space for visitors, businesses and residents,” she said.
Hubbard also pointed to the recently completed Chaska Yards project that resulted in the restoration of a historic home and the construction of three new homes downtown.
Beyond the downtown progress, Hubbard applauded recent public engagement initiatives that have been a success, including a new traveling trailer (complete with grills and video game consoles) that parks in various neighborhoods and local events to help bring residents together.
Another public engagement success story this past year is the Chaska Today newsletter that is being mailed to everyone every other month. Hubbard said the publication will provide critical information to local residents.
She also applauded the city’s summer intern program that provides learning opportunities for residents with developmental disabilities.
“This opportunity has been a rewarding experience for all involved,” she said.
Public Services Building
Hubbard reported that the Police and Fire departments are expected to move into their new Public Services Building on Engler Boulevard in February and March.
As the new complex comes online, Hubbard said the Fire Department will institute a 24-7 duty crew for the first time.
“There’ll be a crew of three to four firefighters at the station each day,” she explained. “Why does this matter? When a duty crew is at the station, the fire engine response time improves by five minutes.”
By getting to the scene of a fire quicker, Hubbard said, lives and property will be saved.
As the Police Department moves, Hubbard said efforts are underway to increase social media communications to engage with the public. One successful initiative is the “Caught on Camera” series, which shows dash-cam video of local officers in action.
In addition, the department is looking forward to hiring its first full-time co-responder this summer. Hubbard said the new employee will be very helpful when responding to mental health crises.
Hubbard also applauded the Police Department’s expanding use of drones in its work, flying 70 public safety missions so far.
“The drone team has already made a big difference,” she said.
The department hopes to purchase a control center vehicle for the drone team in the near future, Hubbard reported, plus delivery systems for larger drones that will allow officers to transport life jackets for water rescues or cellphones during crisis negotiations.
“By utilizing this technology, we’re able to respond more quickly and safely to bring better outcomes for the community,” she said.
Future Focus
The city continues to work with the Downtown Business Alliance on a 98-page plan to revitalize the central district, she added.
One portion of the plan calls for redevelopment of City Square Plaza, the public space adjoining City Hall, retail offices and the Chaska History Center. Hubbard said that project has been moved to this summer.
“This is an underutilized area that has really needed attention,” Hubbard said. “Our goal is to improve accessibility through the plaza, reduce safety hazards and improve circulation in the parking lot and plaza.”
Future downtown plans include redevelopment of one entire block, dubbed City Square West — the parcel that contains an aging retail mall, bank and post office.
Plans call for a mix of retail, housing, parking and a public plaza for festivities. City officials have made a pitch to the Minnesota Legislature for funding as part of the 2026 bonding bill.
Another major project on the horizon is the Big Woods Business Park, a proposed industrial/commercial development on 359 acres with 17 parcels, located in southwest Chaska.
“This will bring both jobs and revenue to our community,” she said.
Plans for a new southwest community park are coming together, with the majority of the construction taking place in 2027, Hubbard said. More than 1,200 community residents responded to an online survey asking for ideas for park amenities, she reported.
Some of the big-ticket items on the city’s 2030 strategic plan include a new municipal services building, set to be constructed south of Creek Road. After that, a new library building will be completed, followed by a complete remodeling of the current City Hall building.
Closing Comments
As Hubbard concluded her “State of the City” remarks, she circled back to the stress residents may be feeling as immigration enforcement activities continue.
“I implore all of us to embrace our strong community values,” Hubbard told the attendees. “We are human beings. We are neighbors. You, me, us together. We are community. If you’re looking for ways to support members of your community in their time of need, or if you’re seeking resources, there are many local organizations ready to help.”
