WAYZATA — Mayor Andrew Mullin said Wayzata remains financially strong and well positioned for the future, even as the city faces the growing pains that come with being one of the most popular destinations on Lake Minnetonka.
Delivering his annual State of the City address, Mullin described a community experiencing both opportunity and pressure. Wayzata’s restaurants, parks, and lakefront amenities continue to draw visitors from across the metro, bringing energy and economic activity — but also traffic, noise, and new demands on city services.
Mullin recalled a recent conversation with a resident during one of his monthly “Mayor Meetup” sessions at the Wayzata Bar and Grill.
The resident, he said, summed up the moment by describing Wayzata’s popularity as a blessing that can sometimes feel like a headache.
“As I stand before you today, reflecting on our progress over the last year, I’m proud to report that the state of our city remains strong,” Mullin said.
The past year has brought significant transition in city leadership. The Wayzata City Council currently includes Molly MacDonald, Alex Plechash, and Ken Sorensen, along with Dan Cook, who returned to the council following the departure of Jeff Parkhill.
The city also recently concluded a national search for a new city manager, selecting Aurora Yager for the role. Mullin described the leadership changes as part of a broader period of renewal at City Hall.
Public safety leadership also saw changes, with Jamie Baker now leading the police department and Kevin Klapprich continuing to oversee the city’s fire service as the city prepares to create its first full-time fire chief position.
Despite its small size, Wayzata manages a substantial tax base. The city has roughly 4,500 residents but a taxable market value of about $3.6 billion. Its consolidated budget across all funds totals roughly $23.1 million, with a general fund of about $9.8 million. City officials approved a 4.9 percent levy increase for 2026, which Mullin said was the lowest increase in the past five years.
Mullin also reminded residents that only a portion of their property taxes remain in Wayzata. Of every property tax dollar collected, about 37 percent goes to schools, 37 percent goes to Hennepin County, 19 percent goes to the city itself, and the remaining share goes to other jurisdictions.
Education remains one of the largest drivers of local taxes. Mullin encouraged residents to learn more about the upcoming referendum proposed by Wayzata Public Schools, which voters will consider April 14. The proposal totals $561 million and includes renewal of a technology levy, major facility improvements across the district, and a potential aquatic facility at Wayzata High School if the broader measure is approved.
Public safety was another major focus of the mayor’s remarks. Wayzata’s police department now includes 18 sworn officers along with community service officers and records staff. Mullin said the city has strengthened enforcement of nuisance behaviors tied to increased downtown activity, including exhibition driving and unsafe e-bike use. New ordinances allow stronger penalties and give officers additional tools to address issues that have become more common as the city attracts more visitors.
On the fire side, the city is making new investments aimed at strengthening recruitment and retention. Wayzata is increasing firefighter pension contributions, raising wages, and preparing to hire its first full-time fire chief. Fire calls have risen sharply, reaching 385 in 2025, a 36 percent increase since 2023. The city also recently financed a new ladder truck while maintaining its AAA bond rating, the highest credit rating available to municipalities.
Several visible public improvements were completed over the past year as well. The city invested about $1 million in upgrades to Klapprich Park, including an expanded warming house, a new playground, improved drainage for skating and recreation, and better parking access. Improvements also continued along the Wayzata Lakewalk, where the city added step-down access to the water, upgraded transient dockage, and installed marine-grade electrical service.
Development remains a major topic in the community, with several high-profile projects still evolving. The former Moments of Wayzata senior housing proposal site has changed ownership and will no longer proceed as senior housing. The 201 Lake Street redevelopment project remains on hold while developers work through financing challenges, while the redevelopment of the former TCF Bank site remains tied up in litigation. Meanwhile, the Wells Fargo redevelopment project at 900 Wayzata Boulevard is nearing completion.
Residents should also prepare for significant highway construction in the coming months. The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans a $50 million reconstruction and resurfacing project along the U.S. Highway 12 and Interstate 394 corridor between Shoreline Drive and Interstate 494. The project is expected to run from April through the fall, bringing lane reductions and ramp closures that could affect travel to and from Wayzata throughout the summer.
Looking ahead, city leaders are studying long-term facility needs for police and fire services, exploring potential new revenue sources such as a local food and beverage sales tax, and expanding opportunities for residents to engage with city government through community meetings and outreach.
Despite the challenges that accompany growth, Mullin said Wayzata’s strong financial footing and active civic culture position the city well for the future.
“The state of our city remains strong,” he said.
