BlaineMN.gov
CityConnect July/August 2023
What’s Inside
Department Spotlight: Public Works Parks Division...............................3
Summer Bucket List Blaine’s Summer Bucket List............................................................. 4-5
Highway 65 Receives Major Funding Project Ready to Move Forward State Highway 65 through Blaine carries the same number of cars as 35W through the City. But with stoplights and intersections up and down the corridor Highway 65 is notorious for traffic accidents, congestion, and being a barrier to commerce and development. Through the transportation and bonding bills, the State of Minnesota is investing over $100 million dollars to fix Highway 65. Combined with funding previously received at the state and federal level the Highway 65 project can now begin. “A reconstructed Highway 65 will be transformational for Blaine and the entire north metro region,” said Mayor Tim Sanders.
Blaine Police Department Wants You to Bike Safely this Summer......................................8
This investment could not have been possible without the tireless advocacy and leadership of Blaine’s legislative delegation, Mayor Tim Sanders and the entire Blaine City Council, our partners at Anoka County, and the leadership in both the Minnesota House and Senate. The project will now move into the final design and right of way acquisition phase. Construction activity on the corridor will tentatively start in late 2025 and last for three years. Learn more and follow the progress at BlaineMN.gov/ThriveOn65.
City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449
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After 20 Years, Blaine Says Farewell to Joe Huss City of Blaine Finance Director Joe Huss recently completed a nearly 40-year career in local government. Huss spent the last 20 years as the finance director for the City of Blaine. Prior to working in Blaine, Huss spent time in Bloomington, West Saint Paul, and Lino Lakes. Huss always took the approach that a city budget is “more than just a math problem to solve.” He knew that budget decisions at a city level could affect the day to day lives of those in the community. Huss came to Blaine in 2003 just days after The Lakes development was approved. It was a good time to be starting in Blaine and there was much excitement about the future. Huss had a front row seat to the changes Blaine has experienced as the City transformed into a destination community and the economic driver of the north metro. As Joe reflects on his time in Blaine he is proud of several accomplishments. During the 2008 recession Blaine was able to continue to provide services to the community, not layoff any employees, and continue to grow. The City implemented a pavement management program that financed the repair and maintenance of city streets at an accelerated pace. Joe’s most treasured accomplishment is elevating Blaine to a AAA rated city. Being a AAA rated city means that Blaine is rated as the highest performing and most dependable class of city in the eyes of the financial industry. This rating means that Blaine receives the lowest interest rates on bonds and has a very strong financial outlook. When Joe started in Blaine 20 years ago, he did not think he would finish his career with the City. “It does not feel like I have been working at the same place for 20 years, as the City changed the work changed and new challenges emerged,” said Huss. Just like 20 years ago when Joe started in Blaine he sees a similar level of excitement for Blaine’s next chapter, “Blaine has some really exciting things coming and the future is bright for this community.”