City Manager Selection
Summary
The council was set to finalize the hiring of Laurie Hokkanen as city manager, the top city staffer who runs day-to-day operations. The contract terms — including a roughly $248,817 starting salary and severance provisions — shape what residents pay for leadership and how stable city administration will be.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 22, 2026.
Impact analysis
The new city manager's salary starts at about $248,817 a year plus standard benefits, with step increases tied to performance reviews.
Residents gain a confirmed, permanent city manager with a structured onboarding and review process.
Jason Wedel, the runner-up finalist, was not selected for the position.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Edina hires Laurie Hokkanen as new city manager
Edina hires Laurie Hokkanen as new city manager hometownsource.com
City Council - Sep 22, 2026
The council was set to finalize the hiring of Laurie Hokkanen as city manager, the top city staffer who runs day-to-day operations. The contract terms — including a roughly $248,817 starting salary and severance provisions — shape what residents pay for leadership and how stable city administration will be.
City Council - Sep 10, 2026
Edina picked its next city manager after a months-long search that drew 63 applicants. Lori Hokkanen will run the city's day-to-day operations once her contract is signed, succeeding the retiring Scott Neal.
City Council - Apr 28, 2026
Scott Neal retires in January. The council committee picked search firm DDA from eleven respondents and reviewed a draft profile of what the next manager should be — with a live debate over whether to prioritize an operator or a visionary.
City Council Work Session - Feb 17, 2026
Scott Neal is retiring as city manager, and the city will hire a search consultant to find his replacement. The council wants to speed up the process so the new manager gets real transition time before taking over. Community surveys and panels of residents, business leaders, and staff will help shape what the city is looking for.
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