Chaska Leadership
As the city continues to grow and evolve, the individuals serving on our city council play a vital role in shaping its future. In this feature, we introduce a returning council member working to promote economic opportunities, support local businesses, and enhance quality of life. We are excited to share their insights and keep you connected with the leaders of the city!
Meet you Councilmember
What is your favorite thing about living in Chaska?
Chaska just hits different...it truly is a special place. There's a unique blend of small-town charm and growing-city energy here that you don’t find everywhere. One of my favorite things is the strong sense of community. People genuinely care about each other, and it shows in everything from how we support local businesses to how neighbors show up for each other in times of need. Chaska really serves as an epicenter for good not just in Carver County but throughout the Southwest Metro. Whether you're walking downtown, visiting a park, or attending a community event, you feel connected here. It’s a place where people put down roots and invest in one another, and I think that’s incredibly powerful.
What motivated you to get involved with city government?
Honestly, I didn’t see anyone on the council who reflected someone like me—and that mattered. When I decided to run, I was in my 20s, didn’t have kids, and had just purchased my first home. I felt it was important to bring a fresh perspective to the table—one that represented a different stage of life than what was already there. I grew up in Chaska, and my grandma was one of the people who instilled in me a deep appreciation for this town’s history and community. She taught me that loving where you live also means stepping up to serve it. That sense of hometown pride and the desire to be a voice for people like me—those just starting out or newly invested in the community is what really motivated me to get involved. Representation matters, and I felt called to help fill that gap.
What are your plans for promoting economic growth and job creation in the city? (or) What is your vision for the city over the next five years?
Chaska already has such a dynamic and diverse business community from small shops and family-owned restaurants to manufacturers and tech companies. One of my goals is to continue fostering an environment where those businesses can thrive and grow. A big step in the right direction was hiring an Economic Development Coordinator, which has allowed the city to dedicate focused energy toward supporting business development. This role has already led to some innovative programs that help connect business owners with resources, grants, and opportunities for expansion and I’m proud to support and advocate for those initiatives.
I’m also passionate about using social media as a tool to highlight and promote our local businesses. I love getting to share the stories behind the storefronts especially in my ward, where our historic downtown is such a vital hub of activity. Collaborating with Mayor Taylor on the “Locally Yours” video series has been one of my favorite ways to showcase what makes our business community so special.
Looking ahead five years, my vision includes continued strategic development that balances growth with preserving Chaska’s character. That means supporting infrastructure improvements, attracting new businesses that align with our values, and making sure Chaska remains a place where people can work, live, and feel proud to call home.
What is the one thing you wish people knew about Chaska?
I wish more people knew what an incredible hometown Chaska is both to grow up in and to raise a family. I say that from personal experience, having spent much of my life here. It’s more than just a city; it’s a vibrant, connected community. We have beautiful parks, over 100 miles of trails, a variety of local events, strong public services, and schools that families can feel good about.
Chaska also has a thriving and walkable downtown, a mix of housing options for all life stages, and a local government that genuinely works hard to make the city better for everyone. There’s a spirit here, something about Chaska that just makes it feel like home. I really believe it’s a hidden gem in the metro, and once people experience it, they fall in love with it the same way I have.
