In the heart of Minnesota, Edina has a unique charm that draws residents and visitors alike. At the helm of this delightful community is Mayor James Hovland, a dedicated leader with deep roots in the area. Recently, we had the opportunity to ask Mayor Hovland about his experiences living in Edina, his passion for community engagement, and the exciting events that shape the fabric of this vibrant town.
What is your history with living in Edina?
I have lived in Edina for approximately 40 years and we have had wonderful living experiences in different parts of our town, from Blake Road to the County Club neighborhood, and then onto southwest Edina. Each home was a project involving remodeling, which I liked to do, especially when I was younger. Buying a home, giving it an architectural turnaround and enjoying it was something in which I had interest. We have had great neighbors in the places we have lived and I believe my range of living experiences in different parts of town have been beneficial in understanding our various charming neighborhoods.
What do you love about the community?
We have loved the people we have met over the years living in Edina. From the neighborhoods in which we have lived to being involved in local government, where you get a chance to meet so many people with so many varied interests in our community, it has been a pleasure to get to know so many of the residents of our town and be able to greet people you know on a daily basis. It helps give our community that distinctly small-town feel. Edina, though part of a large metropolitan area, has been able to carve out its own individual sense of identity and that is very important to people – as everyone wants to have a sense of community where they live and work, and you can find that strong sense of belonging here.
What local events do you attend each year?
I could not begin to count the number of events or meetings attended per year on behalf of our community. I have matters daily that require mayoral attention and all of those matters involve the hopeful betterment of Edina and the lives of people in our town. Things that come to mind that are important to our town in which I participate from an organizational basis include serving on the Edina Chamber of Commerce Board, participating in the morning Rotary Club, supporting organizations like the Edina Community Foundation, Edina Ed Fund, Edina Give-and-Go, NC Little Hospice, the ABC house, the Edina Pubic Schools, the 4th of July Parade, and newer organizations like the Edina Asian American Alliance. There are so many organizations supporting our community that help make it the special place it is for all of us to live and experience, and we are richer for those experiences.
At what event would you like to see more participation?
The first thing that comes to mind is the State of the Community. I would like to see greater participation in that event, held annually, to talk about where we have been and where we are heading, in the town and in our school system. It is such an important annual event. Also, the newer events like Juneteenth, celebration of the Chinese New Year and the celebration of Diwali, sponsored by the Edina Asian American Alliance, are wonderful events at which I would like to see a broader level of community participation. Developing a greater understanding of and appreciation for all the cultures that are a vital part of our community is a wonderfully enriching experience.
Will “Walks With the Mayor” resume?
Yes, I think we are planning to have the Walks With the Mayor resume in February. The walks were suspended during the fall election cycle but watch for information on their resumption. We will be indoors in different locations through the winter months.