The City Council voted to convert the Human Rights and Relations Commission from a permanent body to an ad hoc task force, effective January 1. The change removes the commission from the city code, allowing members to meet more frequently and respond faster to community needs. The task force will focus on three priorities: developing the city's Equity Strategic Action Plan in the first half of 2025, advising on human rights issues, and creating community engagement opportunities.

"This task force shift with the commission members leading the way is a very exciting move because it's allowing us to be as needed, very hands-on," a task force leader said. Thomas Brooks, the city's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, will continue as staff liaison.

The council also presented the 2024 Tom Oi Award to three South View Middle School educators — Jenny Schaer, Rachel Cana, and Whitney Brocka — for their leadership of the Edina Unified program. The initiative brings neurotypical students into special education classrooms to build relationships and foster inclusion. One parent praised the program's lasting impact: "These kids are going to go forth in life and look at where can they make space in their communities, in their workplaces, for people of all abilities."

Wooden Hill Brewing received the 2024 Business of the Year Award from the Edina Chamber of Commerce. The brewery, founded in 2017 by two brothers in the Kill District off Bush Lake Road, has expanded its kitchen six times and hosts monthly charity events. "We've been able to thrive because of our community, and really since the beginning we had a commitment to giving back," co-founder said.

The council also heard a presentation on plans to convert the 133-unit Marriott Residence Inn at Edinburgh Way and 78th Street into 136 affordable apartments. Alpha Investment Group projects rents of $1,100 for studios and $1,250 for one-bedrooms, with move-in targeted for mid-2025.