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COON RAPIDS, MN
The winter edition of the Coon Rapids Connection newsletter is now reaching households across the city, offering residents a detailed snapshot of municipal priorities, upcoming community events, and major policy decisions under consideration in the City of Coon Rapids. Drawing from recent official records and city government updates, the publication reflects a community balancing winter traditions with long-term planning and fiscal choices.
Front Door Grant Program Returns for 2025
Among the most anticipated announcements is the return of the Front Door Grant Program, a highly popular initiative designed to boost neighborhood curb appeal through visible exterior home improvements. For the 2025 cycle, selected homeowners will receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, covering approximately 15 to 25 percent of eligible project costs, depending on the type of work.
The program is open to owner occupied properties valued under $400,000, and projects must include at least one qualifying beautification item such as a front door, garage door, or landscaping feature. Applications open January 2, 2025, and close February 26, 2025. Because demand routinely exceeds available funding, grant recipients will again be selected through a virtual lottery scheduled for March 5, 2025.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Looking Ahead to 2036
City officials are also developing a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan that will guide investments and programming from 2026 through 2036. The effort follows the completion of roughly $18 million in voter approved park improvements over the past decade and aims to reassess priorities for maintenance, amenities, and recreational access.
Residents are encouraged to participate through an online survey and an interactive project map that allows users to drop pins and comment on specific park locations. City leaders emphasize that community feedback will shape how Coon Rapids manages and enhances its park system over the next ten years.
Sales Tax Proposal Headed Toward Voters
A central policy discussion highlighted in the newsletter is the City Council’s pursuit of state authorization to place a 0.5 percent Local Option Sales Tax before voters. If approved by the Legislature, the measure would appear on the ballot in November 2026.
Revenue from the tax would be dedicated to two projects identified as having regional significance: an expansion and renovation of the Police Station and City Hall, and the construction of a new Community Center and outdoor event space at the Coon Rapids Ice Center. City estimates suggest that nearly half of the sales tax revenue would be paid by non residents, reducing reliance on local property taxes.
Northstar Rail Ends, Bus Network Expands
The winter newsletter also addresses a major shift in north metro transit. On January 5, 2026, the Northstar Commuter Rail service was permanently retired, citing high operating costs and persistently low ridership.
To replace the rail service, a new high frequency bus network has been launched to provide more consistent, all day service. Route 888 now serves Ramsey, Anoka, and Coon Rapids with direct connections to downtown Minneapolis, operating every 30 minutes during peak hours and hourly during midday and weekends. Route 827 provides a separate connection between Fridley and downtown Minneapolis. City and regional officials say the expanded bus system is designed to offer greater flexibility than the former rush hour focused rail schedule.
Snowflake Days Marks 62 Years
Community tradition remains front and center with the 62nd Annual Snowflake Days Celebration, scheduled for January 31 through February 8, 2025. The weeklong festival includes a citywide medallion hunt with daily clues and a cash prize, the Chili Challenge on February 5 at the Civic Center benefiting local events, and Winter Fun at Sand Creek on February 7 featuring a children’s medallion hunt and snow painting.
The celebration concludes with Family Fun Night on February 8 at the Coon Rapids Ice Center, highlighted by free public skating and family activities.
Home Show, Sustainability, and Business Initiatives
The newsletter also promotes the 26th Annual North Suburban Home Show, set for Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Andover YMCA Community Center. Admission is free, and the event will feature more than 70 exhibitors, along with complimentary consultations from architects and Master Gardeners.
On the sustainability front, the City is accepting nominations for its Earth Month Sustainability Awards, which recognize residents and businesses making meaningful environmental contributions. Winners will be honored in April.
Economic development efforts include the launch of a virtual business tour along Coon Rapids Boulevard, a digital initiative designed to spotlight local businesses and drive visibility for the city’s primary commercial corridor.
Winter Safety Reminder
With snow arriving early and often this season, the newsletter closes with a practical reminder about avoiding the so-called “second shovel.” Public works officials advise residents to clear a small space to the left of their driveway when facing the street, allowing plow blades to release snow before reaching the driveway opening and reducing the amount pushed back onto freshly cleared surfaces.
Together, the winter edition of Coon Rapids Connection presents a portrait of a city managing immediate seasonal challenges while laying the groundwork for long range investment, mobility, and community life.
