The blue pinwheels around City Hall and other community spots might look festive and fun, but they're actually meant to draw attention to a very serious subject. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and the pinwheels show our support in creating safe homes and communities for our children. Thank you to Michael Lickness with the HOPE Coalition for providing the pinwheels displayed at City Hall. Mayor Wilson has proclaimed April 23 as Child Abuse Awareness Day in Red Wing, and the HOPE Coalition is organizing a community event from 12-4 p.m. that day. There will be fun activities for everyone, and kids can get safe ID cards made. Every child deserves to be free from abuse. Something as simple as putting a blue pinwheel in your yard can show our children we believe it and will work to help make it happen. Join us for the community event on April 23.

The grass is greening up around the city, and while you might be itching to fire up your lawnmower and get your yard into spring shape, on behalf of pollinators everywhere, we’re going to ask you to reconsider. Early season pollinators are likely sleeping in that grass, and when they wake up, they need food to forage. They need a little more time in the spring, so let’s give it to them with No Mow May. During the month of May, don’t cut your grass. We’re joining cities across the nation and waiving the requirement to keep lawns at six inches or shorter until June 1. You get more free time and less yard work, and early pollinators get a chance to survive. We’d call that a win for everyone. Join the movement and learn more about No Mow May here.

Levee Park has it all; riverboat sightings, walking paths, spectacular views of the Mississippi River – and now, an award-winning design. The City of Red Wing and engineering consultants Kimley-Horn earned an Engineering Excellence Grand Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota for the park's 2019-2020 redesign. The redesign was so successful that the project has now been nominated for a national engineering award! We won't know until May if the park wins at the national level, but ask anyone who has visited the park since its redesign; it's a winner either way.

April 25 at 5 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers

An invitation to participate in the 2023 budget planning process might not be as exciting as an invitation to the Super Bowl, but it is important. Creating a balanced budget that meets the needs of our community is crucial to the success of our community, and there is room for everyone at the discussion table. The first budget workshop will be held on Monday, April 25, but building the budget is a process that will take the better part of this year. Click here to see the complete list of upcoming budget meetings and workshops, information about the budget planning process, property taxes, and more. You’re invited to every meeting with no need to RSVP; see you there.

The recipient of the second annual Jay McCleary Sustainability Award is a familiar name in our community. After all, Rich Huelskamp is a long-time advocate for environmental stewardship and has been in the energy-efficiency industry for decades. Not to mention, his past years of dedicated service to the Sustainability Commission. While not currently on the Commission, it's no wonder he was selected, as this award honors those who advance sustainability in our community. Thank you, Rich, for all your efforts to make Red Wing a more sustainable place. Click here for more information about the Jay McCleary Sustainability Award. Nominations for the next award won't occur until next January and February, but it's never too early to start taking note of those who are making a difference.

How much housing does Red Wing need? At least 932 more units, including 529 senior-living units and 108 deeply affordable rental units. Those are just a few statistics in the new HOUSING section of Red Wing's 2040 Community Plan Report Card--Spring 2022 update. The Economy and Demographics sections will be complete in early May, followed by the Environment, Physical and Mental Health, Lifelong Learning, and more. Questions? Call 651-385-3618.

Starting May 1, City board and commission members will be able to use free childcare during their meetings. The City is working to take down barriers to serving in local government, and this is one way to do it -- making it easier for parents and caregivers of young children to donate their time. The Red Wing Family YMCA has graciously partnered with the City to provide their trained staff and space. If you or someone you know has been considering applying for a board or commission and this has been holding you back, now is the time to apply! For questions, call Michelle at the City at 651-385-3618. Click here to apply for a board or commission.

City Council Chambers

Tuesday, April 19 at 5:15 p.m.

City Council Chambers

Monday, April 25 at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.

City Council Chambers

Monday, April 25 at 6 p.m.