Chaska council renews Downtown Special Services District budget of $58,100 for 2026

The City Council opened and closed a public hearing on Oct. 20 and adopted a resolution to impose service charges and set the Downtown Special Services District operating budget for 2026 at $58,100.

Matt (city staff) and Julie (city staff) described the annual procedure for the special services district, which was established in 2014. Julie said the funds support enhanced downtown services such as marketing, events and short-term activations managed by the Chaska Downtown Business Alliance. “The 2026 proposed budget is $58,100 which remains unchanged with the last several years,” Julie said.

Jen Angel, administrator for the Downtown Business Alliance, and board member Mel Carlson attended and described plans to increase business engagement, pilot pop-up activations and launch recurring event series to boost walkability downtown. Angel and Carlson said the alliance has been expanding its social media work and testing paid content, which the alliance said increased page views and engagement.

Council Member Hatfield moved adoption of resolution 2025-75 imposing the service charges; Council Member Grama seconded. Council members voted unanimously in favor when Mayor Hubbard called for a voice vote.

The resolution authorizes collection of the service charges from affected downtown properties and continues the alliance’s role as administrator for the special services district. No increase to rates or changes to the district boundaries were adopted; the alliance said it is exploring the possibility of enlarging the district in the coming year.