Text that says Connections, a weekly update from the City of Hopkins

Façade Improvement Program Application
Deadline is March 20

The deadline to apply for the Façade Improvement Program is today. Eligible properties are located between 5th Avenue and Shady Oak Road and between 1st Street N and 1st Street S. The City will fund, on a competitive basis, up to 50 percent of the cost of eligible improvements up to $25,000. Learn more about the program and apply online.

Hennepin County Small Business Recovery Fund Application Deadline is March 25

Hennepin County has recently approved funding to support small businesses in recovering from the recent federal immigration enforcement surge. Eligible small businesses may receive one-time grants between $3,000 and $10,000 to help cover two months’ business rent or commercial mortgage payments. Applications will open on March 18 and close on March 25. More information and the application will be available on the Hennepin County website.

Applications Now Open for New Community
Engagement Task Force

The City of Hopkins is launching a Community Engagement Task Force this summer. Interested community members will join a small group of action-oriented residents who will plan, promote and host community events. The Task Force will run May through July 2026 and will include up to 11 members, including youth. Members will help plan up to three summer events:

Garden Plots Kickoff Tabling: Saturday, May 9, from 9 to 11 a.m.
Sunset Series Potluck: Thursday, June 18, from 6 to 7 p.m.
A group-designed event during Raspberry Festival (dates will be chosen by group availability)

The commitment is three to four planning meetings total on Monday nights in May, June, and July, plus a wrap-up dinner on July 27.

Anyone with a connection to Hopkins is welcome to apply. No particular background or experience is required; just a desire to bring people together! Whether you're connected to a school system, faith community, sports team, cultural organization or even your neighborhood, your network can help the Task Force succeed.

Learn more and apply.

A Lasting Tribute with the Buy a Brick Program

Honor a loved one, mentor or someone who has made a lasting impact on your life with a beautifully engraved brick. Create a meaningful tribute that will stand the test of time with a personalized brick installed at Clock Tower Plaza. Located at 9th Avenue and Mainstreet, this welcoming gathering place is perfect for reflecting on Hopkins’ past and present and enjoying the lively atmosphere of our quaint downtown. Learn more about purchasing a commemorative brick. The final date to place brick orders is March 31.

Get the Wiggles Out at Turf Tots

Bring your children (ages 1 to 5) to the Hopkins Pavilion for Turf Tots, a drop-in program, beginning Thursday, March 5, and wrapping up Wednesday, April 9. Kids can run and play with provided equipment including sport balls, crawl tunnels, bounce houses, climbing walls and more. Adults are required to stay on the field and supervise. Turf Tots is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is $5/session, per child. Learn more about Turf Tots on the Pavilion website.