Amanda Hemmingsen-Jager
Name: Amanda Hemmingsen-Jager
Public Office Sought: Woodbury City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-770-7414
Website: https://amandaforwoodbury.com/
Twitter handle: None
Facebook page: Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger for City Council
Candidate Bio
I have a background in science and public policy, which I believe positions me well to be the next City Council Member in Woodbury. I will fully and comprehensively evaluate any policies before voting to implement them. Before working in my current job as a legislative analyst, I worked as a lab scientist in both the private and public sectors. I hold two master’s degrees; one in genetics and one in public policy. I have been very active in my union (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees) for nine years. I have served on the Board of Directors and was most recently elected to a statewide position on the Political Council. I have experience lobbying at the state capitol and organizing people. In high school I led a movement to prevent school athletics from being cut and in college I worked with the Ronald McDonald House and college freshmen to create residence hall programs that benefit families in need while increasing community engagement for the students. Within my own community of Woodbury, I am currently serving on the 2020-2021 METRO Gold Line BRT Community and Business Advisory Committee (CBAC) where I will continue to advocate for transit accessibility.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
With the growing concern and incidents of city wells contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), we need transparent information and an effective plan to address this issue. For the future, we need to make sure that Woodbury can supply its growing population with enough healthy and safe water. The use of funds from the recent legal settlement with 3M is of great importance. We need to make sure the PFC contaminated wells are cleaned up, and that our water treatment facilities are up-to-date to handle the clean-up as well as future demands. Furthermore, we need to make sure we are aware of any potential future health and environmental risk from these chemicals to keep ourselves and our children healthy.
One of the best features of Woodbury is the extensive parks and trails system. We need to make sure our trails are connected and maintained. We also need to ensure that our parks are kept clean. I intend to apply for state and federal grants to increase the connectivity of trails, provide recycling at parks, and make plans to make them safer. I am also very passionate about connecting trails to public transportation.
The population of Woodbury is about 75,000 people, making us the 8th largest city in Minnesota! Yet, we only have four city council members and one mayor, making it difficult to effectively represent all of Woodbury’s citizens. We need council members from all corners of the city. The current council’s members all live within a few miles radius of each other almost ensuring that voices within our community are being left out. As a leader of the city, I will hold space for a diverse set of voices and I will ensure diverse perspectives are brought to the table.
How would you characterize the business climate in Woodbury and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The climate in Woodbury is pro-business. Woodbury has a great selection of chain restaurants and big box stores making it very convenient for its citizens to get practically anything they need within a 10-minute drive. However, I believe the city could be doing more to encourage locally owned small businesses to call Woodbury home. From the citizens that I have talked to, they are yearning for more locally owned business to support.
Our businesses are the main drivers of our city’s economy. They are an integral part of society, help create relationships, and offer opportunities where citizens support the business and the businesses support the citizens. This is shown through events like Woodbury Days, and the consistent employment of high school and college students. Additionally, a local economy can help facilitate a community of inclusion by fostering businesses of diverse backgrounds.
What role do you think the City should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in, Woodbury?
The city council should be highly involved in setting the plan for the city’s future and that involves how to attract businesses that will in turn create jobs. Ensuring that companies with ethical practices come to Woodbury will help with job retainment. The steps I would take to solicit new business is to continue to work for rapid public transit between Woodbury and the Twin Cities. A number of jobs in Woodbury are held by people who live outside of the city. If we can provide a means of public transit for people to get to and from their jobs we can attract more businesses because they will know that there will be a pool of employees for them to hire from.
We can continue to support and retain local businesses in many ways. We can look into updating zoning requirements, amending ordinances to accommodate modern economic times, considering exceptions for businesses struggling to find stability, and fostering marketing partnerships.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Woodbury (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in Woodbury and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Yes, I support paid sick time especially during a global pandemic. It is especially dangerous for employees to have to choose between losing their jobs and keeping themselves, their families, and their coworkers safe and healthy. However, this can be a hardship on small businesses that are already struggling, so I would work with my other council members to provide a relief fund to businesses that would otherwise struggle to pay their employees sick time. This money would come from county, state, and national resources.
I would hold listening sessions with local businesses in order to understand their concerns. Businesses of a certain size, chains, or big box stores would not be exempt from paid sick time. However, small businesses that may not be able to pay for sick time could seek assistance from a relief fund to businesses that would otherwise struggle to pay their employees sick time. This money would also come from county, state, and national resources.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Today’s society is facing many challenges and questions surrounding public safety. While needing to be aware of the greater conversation, Woodbury also has its own unique challenges. As a city council member, I would examine performance metrics, recent reports, and other data to identify areas of improvement. Then, working with members of the Public Safety Department, I would facilitate creating a plan with objectives and measurable goals to track improvement.
Housing strategies should be developed with a systems-level view, examining the residential, commercial, and recreational components of the area of development. Woodbury prides itself on having a wide array of housing choices, which should be continued and expanded to include affordable housing.
I am already working on transportation in my role on the Metro Transit Community and Business Advisory Committee (CBAC). As an advocate in my community, I am utilizing a systems-view to ensure that the new Gold Line will consider local residents and local businesses as development continues. The Gold Line presents a great opportunity to bring employees into Woodbury for the many retail and restaurant businesses. In the future, I hope the Gold Line will be expanded as a competitive shopping destination outside of the Mall of America.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
Budget priorities reflect a city’s values. As a city we must balance residential, business, development, recreation, and maintenance needs. This can be done by thoroughly examining departmental budgets, asking thoughtful questions, and continuing the city’s practice of running a very lean and efficient budget.
We must also be able to pivot and adapt our budgetary configurations to meet the needs of our community. The mechanisms must be in place to shift resources from one area to another when necessary. For example, we need to ensure that a funding mechanism is in place to execute a timely approach to maintaining or replacing our park’s structures.
What will you do to expand Woodbury’s tax base?
I will create thoughtful and integrated planning and strategies for our city’s remaining development. A close relationship with community and business advisory groups is imperative as Woodbury continues to grow and mature. Woodbury’s tax base is currently strong and consistent, but the opportunities exist to expand, especially with growing interest in upcoming commercial and medical office development.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Woodbury is unique in that we have three school districts in our city limits. I will develop and foster relationships with current and future school officials and school board members. As a city official, I can also serve as a resource for school educators and professionals. As our business development continues, our city’s immediate need for educated and talented professionals will also grow, so investing in our students will increase our city’s talent pool. Increasing awareness of internship and career opportunities within Woodbury will help to energize relationships between businesses, schools, and city government.
Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
It’s widely known that Woodbury is growing and developing at a fast rate. Because we are historically run in a very lean manner, we will need to consider increasing support for staff to continue to effectively and efficiently serve our citizens and customers. For example, we need to ensure we have a sufficient staff of building inspectors and permit processors to allow development to continue on schedule and on budget. As our city is a good example of a high-efficiency operation (AAA Bond Rating since 2009, received multiple types of awards from Money Magazine, etc.), we could mentor staff from other cities in effort to improve their operations.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Woodbury?
We need to ensure that performance metrics reflecting minority-owned or women-owned businesses are included in regular reports from the city’s development staff. Current City Council commissions should be examined and/or created to make sure minority-owned and women-owned businesses are represented in conversations and decisions. Finally, building a network of minority and women business owners will facilitate dialogues, relationships, and discussions around areas of potential improvement and support from the city.
What further policies can Woodbury adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Currently, the city has suspended liquor license fees, expanded outdoor seating for bars and restaurants, and helped businesses support the Governor’s mask mandate. The City Council should create a relief fund for small businesses if they are struggling. Additionally, the Council can be a leader in supporting businesses to create a strong and consistent network displaying healthy practices for customers and employees.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Woodbury is an amazing community full of great opportunities and recreation. Unfortunately, many community members have experienced discrimination. Discrimination towards anyone (racial, gender, ethnicity, etc.) should not be tolerated, and we should not be afraid to step forward as city leaders to say so. We must understand that this is a systemic issue, and take action examining how our community can be more equitable. I possess the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively research, analyze, implement, and communicate policies and initiatives. I will utilize my experience, education, and relationships to advocate for my fellow Woodbury neighbors to make this community a place where truly everyone lives, works, and thrives.
Public Office Sought: Woodbury City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-770-7414
Website: https://amandaforwoodbury.com/
Twitter handle: None
Facebook page: Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger for City Council
Candidate Bio
I have a background in science and public policy, which I believe positions me well to be the next City Council Member in Woodbury. I will fully and comprehensively evaluate any policies before voting to implement them. Before working in my current job as a legislative analyst, I worked as a lab scientist in both the private and public sectors. I hold two master’s degrees; one in genetics and one in public policy. I have been very active in my union (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees) for nine years. I have served on the Board of Directors and was most recently elected to a statewide position on the Political Council. I have experience lobbying at the state capitol and organizing people. In high school I led a movement to prevent school athletics from being cut and in college I worked with the Ronald McDonald House and college freshmen to create residence hall programs that benefit families in need while increasing community engagement for the students. Within my own community of Woodbury, I am currently serving on the 2020-2021 METRO Gold Line BRT Community and Business Advisory Committee (CBAC) where I will continue to advocate for transit accessibility.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
With the growing concern and incidents of city wells contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), we need transparent information and an effective plan to address this issue. For the future, we need to make sure that Woodbury can supply its growing population with enough healthy and safe water. The use of funds from the recent legal settlement with 3M is of great importance. We need to make sure the PFC contaminated wells are cleaned up, and that our water treatment facilities are up-to-date to handle the clean-up as well as future demands. Furthermore, we need to make sure we are aware of any potential future health and environmental risk from these chemicals to keep ourselves and our children healthy.
One of the best features of Woodbury is the extensive parks and trails system. We need to make sure our trails are connected and maintained. We also need to ensure that our parks are kept clean. I intend to apply for state and federal grants to increase the connectivity of trails, provide recycling at parks, and make plans to make them safer. I am also very passionate about connecting trails to public transportation.
The population of Woodbury is about 75,000 people, making us the 8th largest city in Minnesota! Yet, we only have four city council members and one mayor, making it difficult to effectively represent all of Woodbury’s citizens. We need council members from all corners of the city. The current council’s members all live within a few miles radius of each other almost ensuring that voices within our community are being left out. As a leader of the city, I will hold space for a diverse set of voices and I will ensure diverse perspectives are brought to the table.
How would you characterize the business climate in Woodbury and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
The climate in Woodbury is pro-business. Woodbury has a great selection of chain restaurants and big box stores making it very convenient for its citizens to get practically anything they need within a 10-minute drive. However, I believe the city could be doing more to encourage locally owned small businesses to call Woodbury home. From the citizens that I have talked to, they are yearning for more locally owned business to support.
Our businesses are the main drivers of our city’s economy. They are an integral part of society, help create relationships, and offer opportunities where citizens support the business and the businesses support the citizens. This is shown through events like Woodbury Days, and the consistent employment of high school and college students. Additionally, a local economy can help facilitate a community of inclusion by fostering businesses of diverse backgrounds.
What role do you think the City should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to, and retain existing businesses in, Woodbury?
The city council should be highly involved in setting the plan for the city’s future and that involves how to attract businesses that will in turn create jobs. Ensuring that companies with ethical practices come to Woodbury will help with job retainment. The steps I would take to solicit new business is to continue to work for rapid public transit between Woodbury and the Twin Cities. A number of jobs in Woodbury are held by people who live outside of the city. If we can provide a means of public transit for people to get to and from their jobs we can attract more businesses because they will know that there will be a pool of employees for them to hire from.
We can continue to support and retain local businesses in many ways. We can look into updating zoning requirements, amending ordinances to accommodate modern economic times, considering exceptions for businesses struggling to find stability, and fostering marketing partnerships.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Woodbury (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in Woodbury and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Yes, I support paid sick time especially during a global pandemic. It is especially dangerous for employees to have to choose between losing their jobs and keeping themselves, their families, and their coworkers safe and healthy. However, this can be a hardship on small businesses that are already struggling, so I would work with my other council members to provide a relief fund to businesses that would otherwise struggle to pay their employees sick time. This money would come from county, state, and national resources.
I would hold listening sessions with local businesses in order to understand their concerns. Businesses of a certain size, chains, or big box stores would not be exempt from paid sick time. However, small businesses that may not be able to pay for sick time could seek assistance from a relief fund to businesses that would otherwise struggle to pay their employees sick time. This money would also come from county, state, and national resources.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Today’s society is facing many challenges and questions surrounding public safety. While needing to be aware of the greater conversation, Woodbury also has its own unique challenges. As a city council member, I would examine performance metrics, recent reports, and other data to identify areas of improvement. Then, working with members of the Public Safety Department, I would facilitate creating a plan with objectives and measurable goals to track improvement.
Housing strategies should be developed with a systems-level view, examining the residential, commercial, and recreational components of the area of development. Woodbury prides itself on having a wide array of housing choices, which should be continued and expanded to include affordable housing.
I am already working on transportation in my role on the Metro Transit Community and Business Advisory Committee (CBAC). As an advocate in my community, I am utilizing a systems-view to ensure that the new Gold Line will consider local residents and local businesses as development continues. The Gold Line presents a great opportunity to bring employees into Woodbury for the many retail and restaurant businesses. In the future, I hope the Gold Line will be expanded as a competitive shopping destination outside of the Mall of America.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
Budget priorities reflect a city’s values. As a city we must balance residential, business, development, recreation, and maintenance needs. This can be done by thoroughly examining departmental budgets, asking thoughtful questions, and continuing the city’s practice of running a very lean and efficient budget.
We must also be able to pivot and adapt our budgetary configurations to meet the needs of our community. The mechanisms must be in place to shift resources from one area to another when necessary. For example, we need to ensure that a funding mechanism is in place to execute a timely approach to maintaining or replacing our park’s structures.
What will you do to expand Woodbury’s tax base?
I will create thoughtful and integrated planning and strategies for our city’s remaining development. A close relationship with community and business advisory groups is imperative as Woodbury continues to grow and mature. Woodbury’s tax base is currently strong and consistent, but the opportunities exist to expand, especially with growing interest in upcoming commercial and medical office development.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Woodbury is unique in that we have three school districts in our city limits. I will develop and foster relationships with current and future school officials and school board members. As a city official, I can also serve as a resource for school educators and professionals. As our business development continues, our city’s immediate need for educated and talented professionals will also grow, so investing in our students will increase our city’s talent pool. Increasing awareness of internship and career opportunities within Woodbury will help to energize relationships between businesses, schools, and city government.
Are there any services currently provided by the city that you believe should be cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
It’s widely known that Woodbury is growing and developing at a fast rate. Because we are historically run in a very lean manner, we will need to consider increasing support for staff to continue to effectively and efficiently serve our citizens and customers. For example, we need to ensure we have a sufficient staff of building inspectors and permit processors to allow development to continue on schedule and on budget. As our city is a good example of a high-efficiency operation (AAA Bond Rating since 2009, received multiple types of awards from Money Magazine, etc.), we could mentor staff from other cities in effort to improve their operations.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Woodbury?
We need to ensure that performance metrics reflecting minority-owned or women-owned businesses are included in regular reports from the city’s development staff. Current City Council commissions should be examined and/or created to make sure minority-owned and women-owned businesses are represented in conversations and decisions. Finally, building a network of minority and women business owners will facilitate dialogues, relationships, and discussions around areas of potential improvement and support from the city.
What further policies can Woodbury adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Currently, the city has suspended liquor license fees, expanded outdoor seating for bars and restaurants, and helped businesses support the Governor’s mask mandate. The City Council should create a relief fund for small businesses if they are struggling. Additionally, the Council can be a leader in supporting businesses to create a strong and consistent network displaying healthy practices for customers and employees.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Woodbury is an amazing community full of great opportunities and recreation. Unfortunately, many community members have experienced discrimination. Discrimination towards anyone (racial, gender, ethnicity, etc.) should not be tolerated, and we should not be afraid to step forward as city leaders to say so. We must understand that this is a systemic issue, and take action examining how our community can be more equitable. I possess the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively research, analyze, implement, and communicate policies and initiatives. I will utilize my experience, education, and relationships to advocate for my fellow Woodbury neighbors to make this community a place where truly everyone lives, works, and thrives.