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Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Richfield, MN

We offer advanced health and wellness treatments and new advanced therapies

Semaglutide For Weight Loss Richfield, MN

An Advanced Weight Loss Solution from LX Medical

LX Medical's weight loss program has helped numerous patients achieve their weight loss goals, live a healthy life, and enjoy total well-being for years. At LX Medical, we believe that weight loss shouldn't be centered around a one-size-fits-all mentality. Our doctors and practitioners create custom weight loss programs that are tailored to your unique body, rather than creating plans based off of someone matching your age or weight. With our team's support, you can achieve real results and start living life without the extra pounds.

That's important in the modern world, where maintaining good health and fitness has become more important than ever. Research has shown that viruses and diseases are more likely to affect people who are overweight and unhealthy. Unfortunately, there are many "miracle" supplements and unhealthy diet plans that mislead people into thinking that weight loss is not beneficial. Furthermore, weight loss "experts" often offer unstructured and unsupervised programs that do more harm than good.

At LX Medical, we prioritize the well-being of our patients when it comes to weight loss. Our approach is patient-centric, focusing on personalized treatments. Our doctors first evaluate your lifestyle habits, and we work with you to replace negative patterns with positive, personalized lifestyle changes. This is crucial for achieving optimal wellness and weight loss. Benefits of losing weight include:

  • Lower Triglycerides
  • Lower Blood Pressure
  • Lower Risk of Heart Attack
  • Lower Risk of Stroke
  • Better Mobility
  • Less Joint Pai
  • More Energy
  • Better Mood
  • Increased Libido
  • Much More

However, losing weight is only the beginning. To keep weight off permanently, adopting a healthy, active lifestyle is essential. At LX Medical, we help you achieve this by implementing manageable, positive lifestyle changes that jumpstart your weight loss journey. By making healthy behaviors a part of your daily routine, you can achieve your weight loss goals and become the best version of yourself.

One of the most successful treatments we offer to help patients shed pounds safely is peptide therapy for weight loss in Richfield, MN. In fact, peptides for weight loss, such as semaglutide (also known as Ozempic and Wegovy, MOTS-C,) and AOD-9604, have been proven to be effective and have helped countless men and women live life at a healthy weight.

Semaglutide For Weight Loss Richfield, MN
Semaglutide For Weight Loss Richfield, MN

Peptides Explained

Consisting of amino acids, peptides help regulate the biological processes and functions in your body. As the building blocks of protein, they are crucial for your overall health. Unfortunately, however, many men and women suffer from peptide deficiency. Peptide therapy gives your body the peptides it needs, improving your ability to:

  • Burn Fat
  • Keep Weight Off
  • Heal Wounds
  • Build Muscle Mass
  • Reverse Fatigue
  • Much More

Peptide therapy is often used alongside other treatment plans from LX Medical, such as our custom weight loss plans. That's where peptides like semaglutide and AOD-9604 come into play.

What is Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss in Richfield, MN?

Peptide therapy is often used to boost hormones and support our total well-being. Different types of peptides can target different areas of our health. For example, some collagen peptide supplements can help make our skin, hair, and gut healthier. Other peptides, like semaglutide and AOD-9604, can help facilitate healthy weight loss.

Peptide therapy works in a different way than vitamin supplements. When we take a multivitamin for our hair, skin, and nails, our body must absorb the nutrients. But sometimes, our body can't absorb all the nutrients, so they just leave our body through our urine. Peptides, on the other hand, are part of the proteins in our bodies, making them easier to benefit from and absorb.

But what about peptide therapy for weight loss? The truth is there are various peptides that have different effects, including some that facilitate weight loss. However, weight loss is a nuanced process that involves multiple factors such as diet, exercise, age, genetics, and lifestyle. While peptides can assist you in achieving your weight loss goals, they are most effective when combined with improvements like a healthier diet, more frequent exercise, and better life choices. If you've tried various weight loss plans and diets, but haven't had any success, peptides like semaglutide and ADO-9604 may be the extra boost you need to experience true weight loss.

The Best Peptides for Weight Loss in Richfield, MN

A recent study in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism found that people who used peptides in conjunction with a weight loss plan experienced incredible results. More specifically, patients reported a 14% reduction in body fat on average. Two of the most popular peptides for weight loss also happen to be FDA-approved and, when appropriate, part of your weight loss journey with LX Medical.

Those peptides are semaglutide and AOD-9604 and are touted for their therapeutic benefits and long-term safety profile. If you're looking for a little extra help to lose weight and keep it off for good, peptide therapy for weight loss could be for you.

Semaglutide For Weight Loss Richfield, MN

Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Looking to shed some pounds and keep them off for good? Diet and exercise are crucial, but for busy adults and parents, sticking to a routine is easier said than done. If you need extra help losing weight, consider semaglutide. This injection, approved by the FDA for diabetes and obesity, can stimulate GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in quicker weight loss and long-term health.

Semaglutide works in several ways. First, it acts as glucagon in your body, which helps tell your brain that you're full and don't need to eat anymore. Secondly, it slows down the time it takes for food to transit out of your stomach. This process reduces unnecessary eating and snacking throughout the day. Perhaps more importantly, it reduces glucose spikes after you eat, which causes a litany of issues like inflammation.

Semaglutide also helps your pancreas secrete insulin while making you insulin sensitive. This regulates glucose levels in your body and how your body metabolizes that glucose. Additionally, by reducing inflammation in your body, you benefit from powerful anti-aging and longevity properties.

When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, semaglutide can provide:

  • Long-Lasting Weight Loss
  • Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
  • Regulated Glucose Levels
  • Insulin Control
  • Body Fat Reduction
  • More Energy
  • Better Recovery
  • Less Inflammation

Semaglutide Cycle Info

Unlike other weight loss clinics, at LX Medical, you can enjoy the benefits of semaglutide from the comfort of your office or home. Injections are administered once a week. Once you've met your weight loss goals, you can reduce your intake to a minimum dose for additional positive effects like ongoing weight management. You can also quit taking semaglutide entirely. If you opt to stop, our medical weight loss team can chat with you about other types of peptide therapy for weight loss in Richfield, MN.

AOD-9604 for Weight Loss

This peptide, which is often used in conjunction with semaglutide regimens, stimulates the breakdown of fat while inhibiting lipogenesis and supporting your tendons and cartilage. It has grown in popularity because of its ability to boost your metabolism, which helps burn fat. What's great about AOD-9604 is that it stimulates the pituitary gland but does not affect tissue growth or blood sugar. Perhaps most impressive is that this peptide can burn fat without you feeling the need to overeat as a result.

In fact, AOD-9604 activates your body's fat-burning processes using its own unique mechanism without needing an HGH receptor. It also releases obese fat cells and reduces new fat cell accumulation. One of the most notable benefits of AOD-9604 is its ability to regulate blood sugar and manage insulin levels, which can lead to reduced inflammation and weight loss. Additionally, AOD-9604 can aid in building muscle, similar to growth hormones. Its benefits extend beyond fat loss, as it contains regenerative properties that may be beneficial for individuals with various conditions, such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Damage to Bones
  • Damaged or Worn-Out Cartilage
  • Arthritis
  • More

With the ability to reduce fat that is stored in your abdominal region, this weight-loss peptide is very popular for older people with stubborn belly fat. It is also often used by people who have tried other diets and weight loss plans but had little or no success.

Gut Health Peptides for Weight Loss and Well-Being

At LX Medical, our doctors offer a range of peptide therapies for your health and well-being. Peptides like semaglutide and AOD-9604 are often used as part of a comprehensive peptide therapy plan, crafted by LX Medical specialists for your body. If you're interested in losing weight, gut health peptides like BPC-157, Thymulosin Alpha, Thymulosin Beta, and GHK-Cu can be incredibly beneficial along your weight loss journey.

BPC-157

This naturally occurring peptide, sometimes called the "Body Protection Compound," is secreted in your gut and helps repair its lining. It works by helping your body be in a constant state of restoration and repair, providing powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This process helps with issues like:

  • Joint Pain
  • Wound Healing
  • Tissue Damage
  • Inflammation
  • Free Radical Protection
  • More

When it comes to losing weight, BPC-157 is often included in peptide therapy for weight loss in Richfield, MN, because it can help reduce pain and inflammation resulting from new or increased exercise efforts. As noted previously, exercise and diet are key in long-term weight loss, and BPC-157 can make those efforts easier.

Semaglutide For Weight Loss Richfield, MN

BPC-157 Cycle Info

This peptide is injected once a day, with courses ranging from 30 to 60 days. After you finish the injection course, consider BPC-157 oral supplements to maintain its benefits.

Semaglutide For Weight Loss Richfield, MN

Thymulosin Alpha

Thymosin Alpha-1 is a powerful immune system modulator that helps you resist infections, illnesses, and disease. By naturally stimulating T cells to locate and eliminate viruses, bacteria, and even tumor cells, this peptide prompts your body to respond to these invasive organisms, making your immune system naturally stronger and more effective.

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Thymosin Alpha-1 in regulating immunity and inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other conditions. Recent clinical studies have also shown promising results in using this peptide to fight lung, colon, breast, and other types of cancer. By reducing inflammation in your body and enhancing your immune system, you can optimize your body as you lose weight with the help of LX Medical.

Thymulosin Alpha Cycle Information

Patients inject this peptide every day for two weeks and then continue three times a week for 2.5 months.

Thymulosin Beta

Thymosin Beta-4 is a peptide consisting of 43 amino acids that is known to promote healing in the body and has anti-inflammatory properties. It occurs naturally in higher concentrations at injury sites and is a water-soluble protein that can regulate cell migration to a site. It is also very good at repairing tissue damage. The substance is not only beneficial for wound healing and skin repair but can also aid in the repair of the brain, spinal cord, and heart. Medical professionals consider Thymosin Beta-4 to be a safe and potent substance in both its natural and synthetic forms.

Like its Alpha counterpart, this peptide can be beneficial for individuals undergoing weight loss, and can help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with exercising and more.

Thymulosin Beta Cycle Information

Patients inject this peptide every day for two weeks and then continue three times a week for 2.5 months.

Semaglutide For Weight Loss Richfield, MN

GHK-Cu

Research suggests that GHK-CU functions as a feedback signal when tissue damage occurs. This peptide is effective in shielding damaged tissue, reducing inflammation, and replacing scarred tissue with healthy tissue. Although further research is necessary to determine its effectiveness on a larger scale, GHK-CU has already been proven to play a role in wound healing and inflammation reduction. Like other peptides for weight loss in Richfield, MN, GHK-Cu supports your gut health and weight loss efforts by lowering inflammation in your body, which often happens from changes to your diet or exercise regimens.

GHK-Cu Cycle Info

Patients should take this peptide for 20-30 days, especially when used for wound healing or as part of a more robust peptide therapy package.

Experience the LX Medical Weight Loss Difference

At LX Medical, we're proud to make better care possible.

We are a physician-led team of doctors, nurses, and health experts, advised by a panel of top healthcare leaders who are revolutionizing the power of house calls. In fact, all of our peptides for weight loss in Richfield, MN, can be applied in your home or office without having to wait in long lines or uncomfortable waiting rooms.

We offer exceptionally robust and personalized weight loss plans for patients who can't seem to lose extra weight. To do so, we use innovative weight loss medications such as semaglutide and AOD-9604. To supplement our patient's success, we bring with us advanced diagnostic technology, IV fluids, and medications, with access to outpatient imaging and lab centers. Unlike some weight loss centers, we only staff highly-trained medical professionals and advanced practice providers with experience and compassion.

Are you sick and tired of the way that you look and feel every day? Is your health getting out of control? Are you ready to break out of your cage and lose weight the right way? If you're ready to begin your journey to weight loss success, our team is here to guide you along the way. Contact LX Medical today to get started.

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Latest News in Richfield, MN

Two metro educators awarded for equitable approach to learning

Educators from Richfield Public Schools and charter school, Exploration High School, won 2022 Excellence in Equity Awards.MINNEAPOLIS — Out of more than 165 nominations nationwide, 21 educators were selected to receive 2022 Excellence in Equity Awards from the American Consortium for Equity in Education. Two of those winners are from the Twin Cities area....

Educators from Richfield Public Schools and charter school, Exploration High School, won 2022 Excellence in Equity Awards.

MINNEAPOLIS — Out of more than 165 nominations nationwide, 21 educators were selected to receive 2022 Excellence in Equity Awards from the American Consortium for Equity in Education. Two of those winners are from the Twin Cities area.

Richfield Public Schools assistant superintendent Dr. Latanya Daniels is one of four educators nationwide to win in the "Champion of Equity District Leadership" category. Meanwhile, Dave Heighington is one of three educators judges selected for the "Champion of Equity – School Leadership" category. Heighington is director and founder of Exploration High School, a new public charter school in northeast Minneapolis.

The award recipients met Tuesday at Exploration to discuss their approach to education with KARE 11.

"We know that Minnesota has one of the worst outcomes for our students of color and so we really have to rethink, what are we doing," Heighington said. "Exploration High School, we learn by doing. So, not memorizing facts and test, test, test. Right now, they're building Tiny Home and doing 3D printing and doing their own cosmetics start-up and writing their own novels. So we really lean into … amplifying our students and putting them at the center."

Dr. Daniels is fighting the same fight in her district.

"I love what Dave said about keeping students at the center," she said. "Being student-centered means we need to hear what their own experiences are, in order to improve the programming … In Richfield, we have Safe and Supportive Schools student committee in which we have students at the high school who give voice around policy … all the way from the facilities and the food that they ate, to ultimately the classes that they took."

But what is equity?

"Equity is access, support and success," Dr. Daniels said.

"Equity for Exploration High is everybody has a say in what we do," Heighington added.

For junior Light Wood, equity means getting the opportunity to explore.

"Last year, we had our first dance, which was the Halloween Dance and I was apart of planning it and I got a lot of support from the teachers and the students," they said. "Coming back this year … we planned another successful Halloween Dance … It really implements leadership. It helps show me that if I put my mind to it, I can do it."

Dr. Daniels reports Richfield Public Schools has a graduation rate of almost 91%. At Exploration High School, it's too soon to talk about graduation rates because it's a new school. The first 12th grade class will begin this fall 2023.

When it comes to enrollment, Heighington says 96% of students came back this school year after opening the previous year, in fall 2021. He says even during last week's winter storm, three-quarters of the students were in attendance.

Ahead of heatwave, pools in several metro-area cities to close for the season

RICHFIELD, Minn. -- There will be fewer places to cool down this week as pools in several metro cities are set to close for the season after this weekend. During the final weekend at Richfield's outdoor pool, the aquatic center was packed with families."Come here all the time. If it's not here we try to find a lake but this is one of the most popular places in Richfield," Richfield resident John Lackey said.Richfield, Bloomington and Edina have pools that will be closing for the season after this week...

RICHFIELD, Minn. -- There will be fewer places to cool down this week as pools in several metro cities are set to close for the season after this weekend. During the final weekend at Richfield's outdoor pool, the aquatic center was packed with families.

"Come here all the time. If it's not here we try to find a lake but this is one of the most popular places in Richfield," Richfield resident John Lackey said.

Richfield, Bloomington and Edina have pools that will be closing for the season after this weekend.

RELATED: NEXT Weather: Friday's chilly breeze brings in weekend heat, trigging NEXT Weather Alert

"Not too happy about that. We'd like for it to be extended throughout the week considering it's going to be so warm," Lackey said.

Lifeguards Drew and Jake Wesson said staffing issues prevent pools from having a longer summer season as many workers head back to college or high school.

"Lifeguards go home, they might go to college or high school and it's kind of nice to have that break from finishing at the pool and starting school," Jake said.

Families looking to cool off this week can head to the many free metro-area wading pools and splash pads. Pools in St. Paul will remain open through Sept. 4. Meanwhile, Minneapolis pools and beaches will reduce hours starting Monday but remain open through Labor Day weekend.

MORE NEWS: Former Minnesota governor, congressman Albert Quie dies at age 99

"We're really sad it's ending but we will be excited to come back next year," said swimmer Emilia Phillipich.

Cascade Bay in Eagan and Apple Valley's aquatic center will be open this week for families looking to cool off.

Kirsten Mitchell

Kirsten Mitchell joined the WCCO team as a reporter in November of 2021. A Saint Paul native, Kirsten is proud to tell stories in her home state. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Go Gophs!) and interned at WCCO during her time there.

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TOUS les JOURS Debuts in Twin Cities With New Richfield Location

Growing French-Asian Bakery Franchise Enters Its 26th StateCommerce, CA (RestaurantNews.com) TOUS les JOURS, a French-Asian bakery café chain offering more than 300 artisan pastries, gourmet cakes and desserts baked in-store daily, has officially opened the doors to its new location in Richfield, Minnesota. The new Ri...

Growing French-Asian Bakery Franchise Enters Its 26th State

Commerce, CA (RestaurantNews.com) TOUS les JOURS, a French-Asian bakery café chain offering more than 300 artisan pastries, gourmet cakes and desserts baked in-store daily, has officially opened the doors to its new location in Richfield, Minnesota. The new Richfield café is the popular chain’s first location in Minnesota, marking the brand’s entrance into its 26th state. The new TOUS les JOURS is owned and operated by local franchisee Sheng Zheng, who plans to expand TOUS les JOURS’ footprint throughout Minnesota. Located in the Richfield Shoppes South, TOUS les JOURS is now proudly serving its wide array of baked goods, both sweet and savory, and unique coffee and beverage options to Hennepin County.

“After a close friend introduced me to TOUS les JOURS, I knew that I wanted to open a location of my own,” said Zheng. “Minnesota was missing an everyday bakery where customers could rely on quality knowing that the treats were being baked fresh daily. I’m excited to introduce my community to the brand and continue to expand its presence across the North Star State!”

With a brand promise to provide freshly baked goods and unique coffee and beverage options every day, TOUS les JOURS takes great pride in dreaming up delicious pastries, cakes and desserts, which are artfully designed to provide the most memorable experience for every guest, or anyone who receives a TOUS les JOURS creation. While there is certainly something for everyone at TOUS les JOURS, one of the brand’s bestselling items is its signature Cloud Cake, which consists of a fluffy, delicate sponge cake filled with freshly made whipped Cloud cream flavors like milk, chocolate, strawberry and green tea. TOUS les JOURS serves many authentic French-Asian baked goods, such as milk bread, macarons, loaves and croissants, along with its own unique creations and innovative seasonal offerings.

With more than 20 years of franchising experience, TOUS les JOURS franchises more than 90 stores in the U.S. and nearly 1,700 bakeries all around the world. Due to its extensive franchising knowledge, unique positioning and cultivated leadership team, the brand continues to attract franchise partners who are interested in diversifying their portfolios with a proven concept in the popular bakery market. Those looking to learn more about company expansion plans and the many benefits of joining the TOUS les JOURS franchise family should visit https://www.tljus.com/franchise/.

TOUS les JOURS’ Richfield store is located at 6601 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis and can be reached via phone at (612) 887-8668. The location is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about TOUS les JOURS, or to view the full menu and find your nearest location, visit https://www.tljus.com.

About TOUS les JOURS

Since its launch in the United States in 2004, TOUS les JOURS has developed into a reputable bakery & café franchise, specializing in French-Asian-inspired baked goods, passionately made from the finest ingredients. TOUS les JOURS means “Every day” in French. As the name shows, the chain offers a wide range of baked goods – artisan pastries, gourmet cakes and desserts, and handcrafted beverages – baked fresh in-store every day. The brand takes pride in sourcing and using carefully selected ingredients and promises to bring freshness and quality to its customers. TOUS les JOURS continues to expand and embrace innovation in all markets. With its franchising know-how and continuous support from the team, the brand is getting a lot of attention from people who are interested in setting up their own small businesses. Currently, there are more than 90 TOUS les JOURS stores in the U.S. and nearly 1,700 stores all around the world. To learn more about TOUS les JOURS stores and their locations, please visit https://www.tljus.com.

Richfield reverses ban on THC edibles, opens door to THC beverages at city liquor stores

Richfield is unwinding its ban on the low-potency THC products legalized in 2022, opening the door to selling edible — or drinkable — cannabinoids in city liquor stores later this year.This year's adult-use cannabis legalization bill cleared the way for those lower-potency products to be sold in liquor stores — including municipal stores. Richfield liquor stores could soon be among those with THC beverages on the shelves in coming months."With the [City Council's] guidance, we are planning to sell low-pot...

Richfield is unwinding its ban on the low-potency THC products legalized in 2022, opening the door to selling edible — or drinkable — cannabinoids in city liquor stores later this year.

This year's adult-use cannabis legalization bill cleared the way for those lower-potency products to be sold in liquor stores — including municipal stores. Richfield liquor stores could soon be among those with THC beverages on the shelves in coming months.

"With the [City Council's] guidance, we are planning to sell low-potency products," said Richfield City Manager Katie Rodriguez. She said the city-run stores will likely start with just a few products to test out demand.

Edible THC in Richfield isn't a done deal yet, with another council meeting to consider the issue set for Aug. 8. But Rodriguez said the council seems settled on repealing the ban it passed in October 2022.

Richfield is among several cities undoing edible THC bans passed in 2022. As of late May, eight of the 80 cities that passed those bans have repealed them, including neighboring Edina.

Richfield's City Council passed the edibles ban last year with a 4-1 vote. On Tuesday, the council voted 5-0 to move forward on repealing the ban.

Mayor Mary Supple said she's changed her mind on edible THC since last fall because the adult-use cannabis law the Legislature passed this year included more guardrails around sales of the low-potency products.

Supple wanted to see rules around checking IDs and keeping products behind a counter to prevent people under 21 from shoplifting THC products they are not allowed to buy.

"We wanted to make sure children were not getting ahold of edibles and make sure the products were for adults," Supple said.

The new rules in this year's legislation do more to keep people under 21 from buying edible THC, she said, so she feels comfortable removing a local ban.

The law that allows THC products to be sold at liquor stores is unique to Minnesota, according to the League of Minnesota Cities. The adult-use cannabis law will also eventually allow cities to run dispensaries.

Some nonmunicipal liquor stores, including a handful of Cub locations, started selling THC beverages this summer, but city liquor stores have moved a little slower.

Richfield will join a small but growing number of municipal liquor stores selling THC. Eden Prairie liquor stores started stocking THC beverages on July 21.

On the first few days of sales at Eden Prairie stores, the city liquor operations manager Jaime Urbina said THC sales exceeded his expectations, with more than $1,000 worth sold in the first two days.

Once it became legal for liquor stores to stock the drinks, Urbina said, it made sense to start carrying them. Customers had been asking, he said, and it was clear other liquor stores would carry THC beverages.

Urbina said he isn't sure yet how he will gauge the success of THC beverages because projections for sales are all over the place.

"Some people think it's going to be the new seltzer boom, other people think it's going to be a smaller subcategory," he said.

If the drinks outsell bar supplies — such as corkscrews and bottle openers, the smallest category for Eden Prairie liquor stores — Urbina said he will probably consider THC a win.

The new products are an untested market for the 190 Minnesota cities and towns that run municipal liquor stores, which totaled $36.5 million in profits in 2021, the most recent data available from the Office of the State Auditor. Richfield already has one of the largest municipal liquor operations in the state, with profits funding city parks.

Richfield's pilot program aims to ease burden on residents during snow emergencies

The city of Richfield's pilot program aims to ease the burden for residents who do not have access to off-street parking during snow emergencies.RICHFIELD, Minnesota — The city of Richfield is taking a different approach to snow emergencies in an effort to reduce disparities when it comes to who is being ticketed/towed.Last winter, the city launched a snow emergency parking pilot program which it has continued this season in an effort to gather more data.The pilot program changes the threshold for declaring a snow ...

The city of Richfield's pilot program aims to ease the burden for residents who do not have access to off-street parking during snow emergencies.

RICHFIELD, Minnesota — The city of Richfield is taking a different approach to snow emergencies in an effort to reduce disparities when it comes to who is being ticketed/towed.

Last winter, the city launched a snow emergency parking pilot program which it has continued this season in an effort to gather more data.

The pilot program changes the threshold for declaring a snow emergency from two inches to four inches. It also gives residents safe zones where they can park for 24 hours during a snow emergency without fear of getting ticketed or towed.

"In the past, the message had been talk to neighbors and family and whoever you can to find a place to park. We never had a real legitimate answer and through this pilot program, we do. I'm not going to say it's perfect, but it is an option right now," said Chris Link, deputy public works director for the city of Richfield.

Initially, it was a one-year pilot program but then last winter the city only declared one snow emergency. This winter, Richfield is already up to four which will help them gather more data to consider whether or not to make the changes permanent.

"It's our residents that rely on street parking. They don't have a garage, maybe they live in an apartment building where they have to pay for a garage stall and that's not available to them. We've got areas of town where there are multiple apartments," Link said.

Renters are more likely to not have access to off-street parking. According to the city, based on U.S. census data, their renters tend to be people of color and lower-income.

While no two snow emergencies are the same, more than 100 cars can be ticketed during one winter event.

"The ticket and actually the tow, also. Then you start talking about time. I have to go find where my car is and I have to get it out of an impound lot. So that just adds to the financial burden," Link said.

When the threshold for declaring a snow emergency was at four inches, the city would typically see anywhere from eight to 12 snow emergencies per winter.

"Through the program, I think it's safe to say we have lessened the amount of occurrences," Link said. "I do have questions... is it still the right thing to do? The other things that come into play... what are our pavements going to look like... in the spring? Are we going to create more potholes because there are more cars on the road?"

Link said the city still plows the streets, even if it's for just over an inch of snow. But a snow emergency allows them to clear the street from curb to curb.

Richfield has designated spaces on the east and south sides of the city as islands or refuges. In total, 392 parking spaces are available on Cedar Avenue and 78th Street for a total of 24 hours after a snow emergency is declared. After the parking period has expired, any vehicles that remain are subject to a ticket and tow.

"With four inches, and if there's cars on the road and we have to go around them, those are some pretty major piles. Especially now as we've gotten more snow and the roads have narrowed a little bit. Those piles of snow are farther and farther outside into the roadway," Link said.

Link added, "Again, it's a pilot program. It's not perfect but we're trying."

Once the winter is over, Link said the city will go over the data and most likely present it to city council in August. From there, it will move forward with a plan for the next snow season.

More info on winter parking and snow plowing in Richfield can be found, here.

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