CityConnect BlaineMN.gov
July/August 2025
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Department Spotlight: Emergency Management....................................3
Summer
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Blaine City Manager Retires Michelle Wolfe has led the City Since 2019
Blaine City Manager Michelle Wolfe announced her retirement earlier this year. Wolfe will retire at the beginning of July. Wolfe was hired as the city manager in 2019. Previously she served as the deputy city manager in Aurora, Colorado, as the city administrator for Arden Hills, and assistant city manager for Cottage Grove. Michelle’s passion for local government is long-standing as her grandfather served as a Minnesota State Representative and her father served as a Councilmember in Lakeville. During her time in Blaine, Wolfe guided the City through the COVID-19 pandemic. Overseeing the transition of offering City services in new ways including remote City Council meetings during the pandemic. Wolfe also brought a strong focus on improving customer service between the City and all residents, businesses, and visitors. Wolfe recognizes that providing excellent customer service is crucial to building trust and satisfaction amongst Blaine residents and the business community.
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The City Council has the responsibility for hiring the next city manager and is working with Strategic Government Resources to lead the nationwide search. Community Development Director Erik Thorvig will serve as interim city manager until a replacement is hired.
No Mow Zones
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID ADVANCED MAIL
POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL
DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
POSTAL CUSTOMER
in City Parks
ECRWSS City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449
Another major accomplishment during Manager Wolfe’s time in Blaine was securing nearly $200 million in state and federal funding for Highway 65. Construction on Highway 65 is expected to start in 2026.
You may have noticed that certain areas of city parks have been marked as no mow zones this spring. No mow zones are being marked with signage and are limited to passive areas of the parks that are not intended for heavy use by park visitors. Allowing the grass to grow in these areas will provide benefits including: •
Creating a pollinator friendly environment
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Encouraging native grasses and flowers to flourish
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Increasing natural habitat for wildlife
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Promoting sustainable landscape
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Reducing water runoff
With 66 parks, hundreds of acres of open space, and miles of trails, Public Works crews will now be able to concentrate their efforts in the active areas in each park. Besides the environmental impacts outlined above, this change is designed to create a better park experience for community members using the active areas of the parks. If you have questions about the no mow zones, please contact Public Works at 763-785-6165 or PW@BlaineMN.gov.