St. Louis Park’s City Council set aside a large portion of its Dec. 15 meeting to recognize two longtime local officials leaving the dais: Council member Margaret Ragh and Council member Lynette Dumalag.

Mayor Mohammed invited colleagues and community members to speak about Ragh and Dumalag’s contributions. Ragh was recognized for leadership in the Birchwood Neighborhood Association, the city’s Human Rights Commission and advocacy on bike and pedestrian infrastructure, affordable housing, small-business support and equity-focused projects. Speakers credited her with strengthening resident engagement and supporting neighborhood organizations.

Lynette Dumalag was honored for her work on the city’s planning commission and Vision and planning teams, and for bringing expertise on housing, planning and regional partnerships. Speakers recalled her appointment in 2020 and subsequent election to a full term, noting her calm leadership during contentious local matters and her commitment to diversifying the city’s workforce and equitable spending.

Former council colleagues and community members including Tom Miller and former Mayor Jake Spano offered remarks of appreciation. Staff representatives also thanked the council members for their service and highlighted personal contributions such as Ragh’s community communications and Dumalag’s attention to planning details.

“Serving my community as a member of our city council has been one of the greatest honors of my lifetime,” Ragh said during remarks accepting the recognition and thanked staff, colleagues and family members in the audience. The council presented plaques and took a group photo.

The ceremony closed with a brief public comment period where neighbors and former officials echoed gratitude. The recognition preceded the evening’s substantive business, including the budget adoption.