You’re invited to a farewell reception for Mayor Jake Spano Monday, Dec. 18, immediately following the 6:30 p.m. city council meeting. Mayor Spano will also be recognized near the 6:30 p.m. start of the council meeting, during the presentations portion of the agenda. This is the last city council meeting at which Mayor Spano will preside as mayor.

Both the recognition during the council meeting and reception after the meeting will take place in the council chambers, third floor, St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park. Light refreshments will be served at the reception following the council meeting. No formal program is planned for the reception. Let us know you are coming by RSVPing online.

Mayor Spano announced earlier this year that he wouldn’t seek a third term as mayor. The conclusion of his term as mayor Jan. 2, 2024, will mark 12 total years Spano has served on the St. Louis Park City Council. He was first elected mayor in 2016 after serving a four-year term as an at-large council member.

In his announcement, Mayor Spano recapped many highlights from his 12 years on the city council, from passage of a climate action plan in 2017 to the community visioning process in 2018 that led to the city’s current strategic priorities; to investments in community resources, including the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), the interpretive center at Westwood Hills Nature Center and St. Louis Park City Hall. He is especially proud of the progress the city has made in its strategic priority of race, equity and inclusion.

“Being chosen by my community to serve as their mayor has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Spano said. “I also know that the civic health of our community relies on allowing for a variety of leadership and voices. After 12 years on the council, it’s time for me to make space for others to accept the opportunity to lead our community.”

We hope you can join us in giving a final farewell to Mayor Spano!