Woodbury's solicitor permit process is straining city resources. Applications have more than doubled in two years—from 195 in 2023 to 397 in 2025—creating administrative headaches for staff who process permits and track uncollected badges. Police responded to 43 calls for service related to solicitors last year, and the city has struggled to conduct thorough background checks on out-of-state applicants, with 40 percent of 2025 applicants coming from outside Minnesota.

City Administrator Jeffrey J. Dahl explained the financial impact: "Currently, the fiscal implication of allowing solicitation to occur in Woodbury is in the form of administrative and operational costs." Staff presented three paths forward. Option one would amend the city code to prohibit soliciting with certain exceptions. Option two would implement a permit fee, similar to systems used in nearby cities like Oakdale, Blaine, and Stillwater. Option three would maintain the existing ordinance. Dahl said options one or two "may help address the growing administrative and enforcement burden, resident complaints, and gaps in background checks for out-of-state applicants."

No formal vote was taken during the workshop, which was designed to gather council input and build consensus before any ordinance changes move forward.

In a separate informational session, staff showcased two new public safety vehicles funded through the city's capital improvement plans. The Police Division's new armored vehicle, which cost $205,000, will help officers respond safely to high-risk situations involving weapons. The Fire Division's new 100-foot ladder truck, funded over three years for $2.1 million, will serve the city's growing number of multi-story residential and commercial buildings, enhancing rescue and fire suppression capabilities. Both vehicles were presented for informational purposes only, with no votes required.