When Eugene Maxwell began his tenure as mayor of Hopkins in 2000, he identified several needs.
They included the revitalization of downtown and residential neighborhoods throughout the city. Some homeowners needed financial assistance for repair and maintenance of their homes.
In 2000, Hopkins hadn't yet launched an official Web site.
Maxwell's first goal was to establish a 20-year mission and vision statement. For this undertaking, the mayor and city council worked with focus groups. Participants included residents, business owners, representatives from various organizations and neighborhood associations, former government officials and council members and representatives from each department.
Maxwell said, "Citizenship needs to be everyone's priority."
To assist in this process, Hopkins offered the Citizens Academy in 2000, 2001 and again in 2005.
This interactive program offers residents and business owners a chance to learn about city government and its operations. Activities include simulations where participants assume the roles of city council, mayor, city manager, finance director, public works administrator and firefighter.
In discussing the changes and additions over the past six years of his tenure, Maxwell cited the importance of teamwork. "I can't take credit for any of this," he said. "All these changes are brought about by bringing different people with different views together. Someone says this will work or this won't work. Anyone with an idea can approach us [city government] and we'll consider it."
When asked to describe one of his biggest challenges since taking office, Maxwell cited the budget crunch in 2003-2004 after the state cut the amount of Local Government Aid money that Hopkins and other cities received.
Maintain infrastructure
Maxwell emphasizes the importance of maintaining a city's infrastructure. He describes city government as a balancing act with the infrastructure as the hub of the wheel and the residential and industrial areas as the spokes.
"People create business," said Maxwell. "You need to have the population to support a business. This means quality neighborhoods, a positive image and a sound community."
Development projects over the past six years include a residential and retail project at Marketplace and Mainstreet, Summit Condominiums at the former Hopkins House and the East End Redevelopment Project.
The East End project is a high density, mixed-use development at the Super Valu North Annex.
Maxwell's first goal for this year is to review the city's mission statement. "Six years is a long time," he said. "We need to make sure we're staying on track."