Mayor’s Minutes: Brooklyn Park’s Hollies Winston
Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston talks with CCX Media’s Dave Kiser about his recent trip to Africa, development in the city, and the opening of the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.
Winston and his wife just returned last month from a two-week trip to Africa, which the couple financed themselves.
“Just to go over there and learn about the culture, meet the people, and understand what they’re looking for in the United States, as they move here, I think is incredibly important in terms of strengthening that relationship,” said Mayor Winston. “It was a wonderful trip and the hospitality was such a blessing.”
The party also visited two of Brooklyn Park’s sister cities in the region.
Brooklyn Boulevard Revitalization
Winston talked about on-going discussions about redevelopment along the busy Brooklyn Boulevard corridor.
“We have some areas…that the city actually owns, and so we’re looking for the right partners to make that happen,” said Winston. “I think it has to be market workforce luxury housing, and then there’s some other mixed-use we want there as well, so that is very much in mind.”
Budget
The city is in the initial stages of finalizing its 2026 budget.
“I’m personally advocating for seven to nine percent (levy increase),” said Winston. “We don’t want to go over ten percent, certainly.”
He said the addition of some public safety positions, along with the push for a new Central Fire Station, are among the considerations.
“People are feeling that pinch, and they’ve been feeling it for some time,” said Winston. “People don’t know where the economy is going, so we want to do our part to limit that growth.”
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
Winston touted the recent grand opening of improvements to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.
“It’s a real gem. When we talk about a biotech district or revitalizing Brooklyn Boulevard, this park really speaks to how Brooklyn Park sees themselves,” said Winston. “It’s beautiful.”
