Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richfield public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in roads
Traffic on Portland Avenue and 66th Street
Neighbors and commissioners alike worry about backups at the Portland/66th intersection, difficult left turns, and a proposed future reliever road to 66th Street. Staff says the traffic study shows capacity is adequate, but commissioners want the signal timing and connection raised with the Council and county.
2026 Sidewalk and Concrete Projects
Kids walking to Sheridan Hills Elementary will get new sidewalks, with the City hiring Concrete Idea, Inc. for $429,153.25 and tapping state bond funds through a MnDOT agreement.
Neighborhood electric vehicle and golf cart pilot program
A resident's written comment asked the Council to have staff study a limited pilot program allowing golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles on designated quiet residential streets — with permits, insurance, daylight-only rules and set routes. Other Minnesota cities have tried similar approaches; the idea targets seniors, veterans, and residents with mobility challenges.
West 76th Street and Newton Avenue intersection safety project
The Council signed onto a state Highway Safety Improvement Program grant application for the West 76th Street and Newton Avenue intersection, a step toward funding safety upgrades there.
Regional Transportation Grant Applications
The council signed off on two grant agreements with the Met Council supporting walking and biking projects.
69th Street reconstruction engineering contract
The council approved $680,570 for Stantec to do the engineering work on rebuilding 69th Street. Construction planning for the project is now moving forward.
Penn Avenue (CSAH 32) Reconstruction Bond Reimbursement
The City took a required legal step toward funding the Penn Avenue reconstruction, declaring it will reimburse project costs from future street and utility bond proceeds.
2026 Mill and Overlay Street Paving
GMH Asphalt Corporation won the contract for this year's mill and overlay street resurfacing program.
Nicollet Avenue parking prohibition (77th to 66th Street)
On-street parking will be banned on Nicollet Avenue between 77th and 66th Streets under Resolution 2026-12418. The change won't kick in until construction wraps and new signs are up — 77th to 70th first, the rest a year later.
I-494 Corridor Vision Project 2 municipal consent
The council had refused to consent to MnDOT's I-494 highway project in January because it didn't include pedestrian and bike safety fixes at 76th and I-35W. With a new MOU in hand committing MnDOT to plan those improvements, the council flipped and approved the project layout — unlocking E-ZPass lanes, repaving, and bridge work through Richfield and Bloomington.
K Line Bus Rapid Transit on Nicollet Avenue
Metro Transit wants to run its next bus rapid transit line down Nicollet Avenue through Richfield, with construction between 2030 and 2035. Council gave its official blessing and wants the route extended south to the American Boulevard Orange Line station. Nicollet reconstruction this summer is already being built to fit future BRT platforms.