Mayor Andrew Mullin delivered his first State of the City address since returning to the City Council—this time as Mayor—highlighting Wayzata’s strengths while acknowledging the challenges ahead.Speaking to residents and city leaders, Mullin outlined key accomplishments from 2024, upcoming projects, and his vision for maintaining the town’s small-town charm amid ongoing growth.
Balancing Growth with Community Character
Mullin, a longtime Wayzata resident, emphasized the city’s unique character, describing it as a place that “punches above its weight.” While acknowledging Wayzata’s appeal as a regional destination, he stressed the importance of preserving the close-knit feel, strong civic engagement, and small-town values that have long defined the community.
“The success of our city isn’t just about buildings or tax revenue,” Mullin said. “It’s about protecting the culture of our small town. That’s what’s most important to me…”
Central to this vision is an unwavering focus on quality of life, with safety, natural beauty, and a vibrant sense of place being top priorities. Mullin emphasized that a thriving community doesn’t just happen; it requires active civic engagement.
“Residents should have access to their leaders,” he said, emphasizing the importance of easy communication with city officials and transparency in decision-making. Looking ahead, Mullin envisions a Wayzata where small-town values—honesty, integrity, compassion, and personal responsibility—continue to guide the community’s growth and development.
Financial Responsibility and Future Planning
Mullin detailed the city’s financial standing, noting significant growth in property values, city operations, and infrastructure investment over the past decade. He expressed concern over rising property taxes, calling the current system “unsustainable” for residents.
To ease the tax burden on homeowners, Mullin and the City Council are considering a food and beverage tax that could generate $400,000 annually. The city is also pursuing state funding and grants to support parks and public safety without additional tax increases and may discuss other sales tax options in the future as well.
Public Safety and Infrastructure
The mayor highlighted the city’s commitment to public safety, including 9,442 police calls and 329 fire department responses in 2024. He noted that while Wayzata remains a safe community, increasing visitor traffic has led to “big city problems,” including speeding, noise complaints, and public disturbances. The city is reviewing ordinances and increasing police presence to address these concerns.
Infrastructure investments remain a priority, including upcoming improvements to Wayzata Boulevard to enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Mullin also acknowledged the need to evaluate long-term facility improvements for the police and fire departments, noting that the police station was built 30 years ago and does not fully meet today’s needs.
Development and Growth: A Measured Approach
While Wayzata has seen a surge in high-end housing developments, Mullin underscored the need for balance. Over 50% of Wayzata residents live in apartments, a statistic that surprised some in attendance.
“We need a full range of housing options,” Mullin said. “We need to ensure that we maintain a full range of housing options—not just high-end residential homes or luxury condos, but also apartments and affordable housing for people with average incomes.”
The city is also focused on revitalizing commercial spaces, including filling vacant retail areas in the Presbyterian Homes development. Mullin and the council member Jeff Parkhill are working closely with new leadership at Presbyterian Homes to attract tenants and bring vibrancy back to the space.
Panoway: A Pause for Reflection
One of Wayzata’s most ambitious public projects—the Panoway on Wayzata Bay Lakewalk—was completed last year without raising property taxes, thanks to a combination of state funding, private donations, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF). However, Mullin signaled a pause on future Panoway phases, allowing time to evaluate its impact and explore funding options before moving forward, with the exception of the Section Foreman House which has received significant contributions to it’s budget.
“We need to digest what we’ve built,” he said. “We’re taking a deep breath, listening to the community, and ensuring that future projects align with our long-term vision—without burdening taxpayers.”
Keeping Wayzata a True Small Town
As he looks ahead, Mullin reiterated that his guiding principle is protecting Wayzata’s small-town identity, ensuring that growth and progress do not come at the expense of the city’s core values of honesty, community, safety, civic pride reasonable governance and good leadership.
“What I hope people talk about after I’m gone is that we protected the heart of Wayzata,” he said. “That we prioritized our residents first, kept our city safe, and made thoughtful decisions that will benefit generations to come.”
To strengthen local engagement, Mullin has launched Mayor’s Muni Meetups, informal gatherings at the city-owned Muni bar, where residents can ask questions and share concerns. The city will also hold neighborhood meetings to provide a more relaxed setting for community discussions.
Mullin closed his address with a Greek proverb: “Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” He encouraged residents to stay involved, helping shape a future that honors Wayzata’s past while ensuring its small-town spirit thrives.
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