The Economic Development Department of the City of Savage is responsible for attracting new businesses to the community, retaining existing businesses, assisting businesses with expansion, and enabling the rehabilitation and/or redevelopment of areas within the community.

The department relies on support and input from the City's Economic Development Commission. This commission plays a critical role in advising the Economic Development Authority on all matters relating to the economic development of the community. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) is the official decision-making body when it comes to economic development. The EDA is made up of members of the City Council.

The Communications Division is committed to using its resources to facilitate an informed citizenry and staff, promote City services and facilitate the enhancement of community identity.

The Division disseminates information about programs, activities and services to a variety of internal and external audiences. It promotes the City locally and regionally to strengthen the community’s image and identity. It produces the City News newsletter to residents; coordinates special publications; maintains two websites; provides communication planning assistance; and is responsible for media relations. It coordinates meetings of the Employee Communications Committee, which produces The Grapevine newsletter for employees.

The Division also oversees the Advisory Communications Commission, which provides input on various initiatives.

The City owns and operates two liquor stores. Profits from the stores help support other services provided by the City as well as special projects like the construction of the McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center. The City also owns the building that houses the Savage Public Library, which is operated by Scott County.

Marketplace Liquors

Dan Patch Liquors

The City of Savage provides a variety of recreational opportunities for residents. Each year approximately 3,500 people participate in activities offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. Activities include trips, youth and adult athletics, special events, camps and playground programs.

New programs are offered quarterly and are published online. Click on each category below to find a list of the programs currently being offered for each.

The Division also partners with the Savage Arts Studio to offer art classes for all ages.

The primary task of the Building Inspections Department is to ensure that the new construction of buildings within the City meets minimum standards as regulated by the International Building Code and International Residential Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Fuel Gas Code and the Minnesota Plumbing Code. These codes ensure that the buildings are safe and pose no risk to the public's welfare. The department works with homeowners and contractors to ensure that residential homes and commercial buildings meet the required safety guidelines.

The Building Inspections Department consists of one building official, two part-time building inspectors, and three part-time administrative assistants.

The mission of the Utility Services Division is to provide the Savage community with reliable water and sanitary sewer services now and in the future.

The administrative offices are located at 13770 Dakota Avenue in the Public Works/Utility Services building.

The Utility Services Division understands that residents and businesses may encounter emergency water and sewer situations at all times of the day. Normal working hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Those experiencing an emergency water or sewer situation during these hours are asked to call 952.224.3440 and staff will respond as soon as possible. After hours, please call Scott County Emergency Dispatch at 952.445.1411. The dispatcher will then forward the appropriate information to the on-call operator. Here are examples of the most common emergency situations:

• sewer backups
• no water or very low water pressure
• missing manhole covers in the street
• broken fire hydrants
• broken water lines within the home
• water main breaks
• vandalism

The Public Works Department consists of several divisions responsible for implementing maintenance programs and providing services to the community. These programs include street maintenance, snow plowing, street sweeping and storm pond maintenance. The department functions on a pool concept to accomplish public works programs. This includes sharing maintenance operators and equipment across divisions based on departmental priorities.

The Public Works Administration plans and manages programs; sets policies, procedures and priorities; and is responsible for overall department operations. Administrative staff functions as support for all divisions and as key information resources for the city council, advisory boards, department managers, city staff, the general public and other public agencies.

If you have a concern regarding the City's streets or utilities, chances are the Public Works Department can help. Please contact the department at 952.224.3400 to report any of the following:

• A traffic signal is out

• Street sign is down, damaged or missing

• A curb is broken

• A pothole needs to be fixed

• Water drainage problems

• Questions about snow plowing procedures

• Sidewalk is in need of repair

• Trees in the boulevard need trimming

• Visual obstructions in the right of way, which pose safety concerns for motorists entering an intersection

• Drainage pond concerns

• Questions about gravel road maintenance

Office hours at the Public Works facility are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City's parks, recreation programs, and natural resources areas.

The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Division is responsible for the following areas:

• Park development and construction
• Sidewalk and trail development
• Adult and youth recreation programming
• Special events held on City property
• Ice rink development and staffing
• Oak wilt and hazard tree inspection
• Environmental and outdoor education classes
• Snow removal for streets, parks and trails
• Park reservations for gatherings
• Adopt a park and garden program
• Boulevard and park tree trimming

The Finance/Human Resources Department is responsible for the City's accounting and human resources activities. It also provides internal support services to all city departments. This includes:

• preparing annual financial report and budget documents
• processing payments to vendor
• receipting payments for city services
• payroll and benefits administration
• general accounting transactions
• cash management and banking relationships
• debt management
• risk management and loss control
• overseeing the City's information systems
• administration of special assessments
• administration of TIF districts
• implementation of financial and internal controls

In addition, the Department is responsible for the preparation of the budget, annual financial report, and a 5-year capital improvement plan.

The Finance Department includes a staff of 4 people.

The Administration Department provides a variety of day-to-day services for the City. These include holding elections, maintaining City records, assembling agendas for City Council meetings, and providing information to residents and businesses. The Administration Department also provides support for other departments throughout City Hall, and makes sure all who visit during regular business hours receive the services they need.

The Administration Department is led by the City Administrator and consists of the City Clerk, Communications Coordinator, Video Production Coordinator, MIS Coordinators, Administrative Secretaries, and the Front Desk Receptionist.