Gordon Hughes Steps Back

The longtime Edina city manager leaves behind a 36-year career in local government and a lot of stories about his time in office.

From the issue: July 2010

Photo: Tate Carlson

Gordon Hughes at Centennial Lakes Park, a groundbreaking project with which he was involved from concept to completion.

Edina city manager Gordon Hughes says "it's time to take a breather" before he begins the next phase of his working life. So after 36 year in Edina city government, Hughes will be leaving his position on July 30. "Not retiring," he says. "Just trying to figure out what's next."

A native of Worthington, Minnesota, Hughes began working as Edina's environmental planner in 1974, not long after graduating from the University of Minnesota. he was promoted to city planner in 1977 and then went on to become assistant city manager in 1985. In 1998, Hughes was named city manager, a position he has held ever since.

"Edina has always had a very engaged citizenry," he says. "they have always been very interested in what city government is doing. We have many active volunteers as well as dedicated elected officials. That has always been the case here."

"I've been the manager of the best city in the country," Hughes continues. "it's a city that has always had high standards and expectations."

We asked Hughes what has changed over the years, and also wanted to know about some of the most memorable events that have occurred in the city of Edina under his watch.