Enhance Transparency and Strategic Decision-Making

• Strategic Planning – This is a standard process for City Councils and our City was not performing this. Emily fought for the City Council to come together to prioritize how city resources will be spent and for alignment of council vision and resource planning. The council spent multiple sessions coming to a consensus on goals, establishing a timeline, and coordinating with staff on resources needed to achieve those goals over the next two years. 

• Work sessions are now recorded and viewable on NineNorth. Key decision-making is often made in these meetings and not in council meetings.  You are welcomed to speak during public comment at both meetings.

• Checks and  balances have been implemented on many of the responsibilities previously granted to the Mayor by the Council. 

• There is an agenda item on every council meeting dedicated to discussing development of Rice Creek Commons. 

• Substantial revisions to our MN Data Practices Policy

• Transparency regarding federal authority (ICE) activity – In June 2025 Emily began advocating to keep residents informed regarding ICE activity.​

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Move Rice Creek Commons/the Former

Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant

(TCAAP) Forward

Emily was one of three council votes to move the 427-acre project forward

with a maximum capacity of 1960 units. The development is capable of

hosting 2500 units and compromise is a far better option than turning our

city into the home of the Twin Cities largest gravel mining pit. The average

age of a first time homebuyer is 40 and many residents have children,

grandchildren and friends who would like to call Arden Hills home and

utilize our exceptional educational opportunities.

• Mass grading for the development is anticipated to begin in 2026 with

funding provided by the County. The spine road is anticipated to begin in

2027, which is also to be paid for by the County.

• Voted for Councilmember Monson to serve on the Joint Development

Authority. Councilmember Monson brings unique experience with energy,

RCC does not have a 1950s utilities infrastructure in place, and great

things can be accomplished.  

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Improve City Ordinances

• Comprehensive review of our zoning ordinances is to be completed in the Summer of 2026​, discussions included hot topics including data centers and THC.

• Sign Code review will be completed at that time

• Over the next year Accessory Dwelling Units, City Land Policy, and an encroachment policy will be considered.

• Voted to update restrictive zoning to permit "thrift" stores in more retail spaces.​

• Hiring a food truck is easier and "red tape" from the City is removed. 

• Currently working on a policy for affordable housing in the city, our last two multiunit housing developments for seniors did not include any units which were below market rate.

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Build up our Committees and Support our Community Volunteers

• Added youth positions to Economic Development Commission and Parks, Trails, Recreation Committee

• Reestablished the Economic Development Committee

• Served each of our resident committees/commissions for 2-4 years as the Council Liaison

• Council is considering creating a humanitarian working group or Commisson in 2026 - Consider joining!

• Emily elected to add more staffing hours to our communications needs instead of soliciting community volunteers to rebuild a Communications Committee

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Reestablish a relationship with Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS)

After the relationship with NYFS was reestablished, Emily continues to support the organization on its Board of Directors, and has been an active Board member, chairing its Governance Committee and serving on its Executive Committee. NYFS is a community mental health clinic located in Shoreview and it is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. ​​