ABOUT EMILY
Representing you and your families as a City Councilmember has been a wonderful experience. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I'm running for Mayor because I know that with the right leadership, Arden Hills can achieve even more. I’m asking for your vote so I can continue to represent your interests
with integrity, advance our city's priorities, and deliver a bright, sustainable future for every family.
My family and I moved to Arden Hills 12 years ago because we value the educational opportunities in our city. I hold an MBA from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. My husband, Matt, has been at Boston Scientific for 15+ years. We have two children. Our oldest is an MVHS alumni, finishing a teaching degree at the University of Minnesota’s. Our youngest is in elementary school, a devoted park patron and soccer player.
Through my professional work, I've consulted on community outreach for large infrastructure projects, including for MNDOT. I also have extensive experience managing global legal compliance for complex data privacy laws. As a compliance professional, I analyzed laws; developed enterprise strategies and policies; and lead teams to implement those requirements at a midcap market company.
Values and Vision
Over the last 4 years, the Council added new leadership, and gained traction with planning City initiatives, prioritizing our resources, and modernize our leadership approach. I'm asking for four more years to represent you and continue our good progress. Next year we'll begin developing our 2050 Comprehensive Plan, setting the vision for Arden Hills for decades to come. Arden Hills needs a Mayor that can help carry us into the future. As your Mayor, I will bridge differing viewpoints, ensure we grow intelligently, and, of course, stay true to the values that make Arden Hills home.
I have successfully cultivated a culture within our committees and commissions where members feel empowered to tackle difficult topics and express differing viewpoints. I ensure that every voice is not only heard but respected. As Mayor, I look forward to bringing this same collaborative leadership to the City Council.
Additionally, I am committed to continuing work from my first term, including:
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Elevating Our Quality of Life:
Investing in parks and trails both for the future and more enjoyment and use now
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Responsible Economic Stewardship:
Prioritizing thoughtful and strategic decisions for our resources
Seeking return on our economic investments
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Advancing Rice Creek Commons (former TCAAP site):
The 427-acre Rice Creek Commons project has unmatched potential in the Twin Cities to provide more homes and amenities.
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Working for you:
Strengthening our partnerships
Supporting our dedicated residents who serve on committees and commissions
Sponsoring projects that benefit our city
Elevating our Quality of Life Through Parks and Trail Safety
During my term, I worked toward responsibly financing key sections of the city's trail systems, including testifying at the Minnesota house for trail segment funding for Old HWY 10.
I will prioritize completion of trails on Old Hwy 10 and around Lake Johanna with thoughtful and affordable processes and policy. Construction on the trail segment along Old HWY 10 is anticipated to begin in 2027 and along Lake Johanna in 2029.
I supported development of a 10-year Park System Master Plan. The last plan was finalize almost a quarter of a century ago. After approval of the Master Plan, the next steps include creating individual park plans and planning for resources to implement the plans.
I've made changes to improve the quality of our playground structures that citizens support. The difference is visible between the playgrounds at Cummins Park and Freeway Park and Arden Oaks Park. Based on positive neighborhood feedback at Freeway and Arden Oaks, I will to keep this community investment going.
Responsible Economic Development & City Planning
I believe the city should work for you! I've championed modernizing local zoning laws to make it easier for homeowners to update aging properties without excessive "variance" red tape. Our comprehensive review of the City's zoning code is anticipated to be completed before summer of 2026.
Our City previously had no committee working on promoting and supporting economic growth within Arden Hills. I've worked to reestablish the Economic Development Committee (EDC) which is now building connections with our businesses. The EDC helps companies navigate doing business in Arden Hills and connects them with resources and opportunities for growth. I directly support this committee by serving as its council liaison.
An Economic Development Authority (EDA) is used to drive business growth, redevelopment, and job creation. Arden Hills' EDA has been underutilized for many years.
I've advocated for enhancing the Economic Development Authority (EDA) by the adding new business community members. Two new members were appointed from our business sector in January 2026. This is an opportunity to add new energy to the commission. Historically, the EDA has been composed of the Mayor and four council members.
Groundbreaking at Micro Control in the Rice Creek Commons.
Advancing Development of Rice Creek Commons
My goal is to transform the Rice Creek Commons into a prosperous place to live and attract businesses that provide a strong tax base. I supports a development that is energy-forward and cost effective. I believe unnecessary delays to this development cost our city in lost amenities, lost tax revenue, and future homes our children, seniors and essential workers.
Supporting Committees, Commissions, and Strong Partnerships
Over the past 4 years here are just some of the ways
I've dedicated time and energy to working for you:
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City Council Member 2022 - present
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Mayor Pro Tem (Acting Mayor) 2023
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Council Liaison to Planning Commission 2023, 2024
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Council Liaison to Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee 2023 - 2026
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Council Liaison to Economic Development Commission 2024 - 2026
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Park System Master Plan working group 2025, 2026
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Arden Hills Personnel Committee 2025, 2026
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Joint Development Authority Commissioner Alternate 2023 - 2026
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Board Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS) 2023 - 2026
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NYFS Governance Committee Chair 2024-2026
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NYFS Executive Committee member 2024-2026
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Volunteer Longfellow Steward Healthy Seniors 2022 - present