Infrastructure is a city’s backbone, but quality services are its nervous system. These include public safety, accessibility and variety of public spaces, efficient service delivery, and diverse, culturally-appropriate programs. Ensuring equitable access to recreation and activating public spaces to enhance social connections are crucial. I am for people-centered development, safe and vibrant public spaces, and improved engagement with citizens. Strengthening these services is good for livability but it’s also good for the economy.

High assessments and property taxes and low housing numbers limit home ownership. We must work to provide diverse options in housing. We are not the only city facing this but that doesn’t change that we need solutions. I am open to all creative ideas. We must improve home ownership opportunities for marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, seniors, and people of color. Diverse options will allow members of our community to choose where they want to build community. Public incentives should target development of more housing in Rochester and preservation of existing affordable units. We must address our community’s housing shortage, and public support that spurs creation of new housing can generate a significant return on investment. However, the city must also collaborate with Olmsted County and private entities like Coalition for Rochester Area Housing and non-profit partners to create sufficient units across the affordability spectrum - both for rental and owner-occupied units. With Rochester’s rapid growth, it’s essential to invest in projects that are financially productive with long-term benefits. I will support developments that expand our tax base and improve infrastructure. In terms of economic vibrancy and growth management, I want to prioritize financially-productive developments near existing infrastructure (roads, bridges, sewer and water lines, utility connections) to expand the tax base without over-burdening current taxpayers. We must understand the lifecycle costs of development and ensure that the new tax base created covers the long-term costs of maintenance and repairs and emergency response services.

I decided to run because I’m passionate about connecting with our community and see a chance to collaborate and to build trust in local government as Rochester grows. I believe being a good representative means regularly talking with residents, business owners, and community groups. As a young father and financial professional, I bring a fresh perspective and am committed to fostering collaboration and connections. I will make data-informed and financially-productive decisions that ensure Rochester thrives and that more voices are heard as we build a better future together.

Rochester is Minnesota’s fastest-growing city and council roles are no longer part-time gigs. I’ve managed working while also serving with the Rochester Parks Foundation, We Bike Rochester, the Active Transportation Steering Committee, and Isaiah MN. I am always talking to old acquaintances and making new ones. I listen to everyone. City Councils make the best decisions by listening to different voices weighing diverse human input alongside the data.

The growth and expansion of Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota - Rochester, and other private developments in Rochester mark an exciting chapter for our community, promising growth for the foreseeable future. It’s a blessing many cities dream about but this growth will increase stress on public services and amenities. Strategic planning will be a must, and we will only manage by ensuring all stakeholders–from residents to small businesses to community organizations–are included in the decision-making process. This will be especially important where private developments impact the public space; it is essential that Rochester’s comprehensive plan guides the process so that we meet our strategic priorities such as housing and climate goals. I am running because I’m passionate about our city and see a chance to collaborate and to build trust in local government as Rochester grows. I believe being a good representative means talking with residents, business owners, and community groups. As a financial professional, I make data-informed, financially-productive decisions but as a father to a child I also understand that people are not numbers and their life challenges cannot be explained in a spreadsheet. I want a Rochester with more voices heard and a shared future.