Annette Maggi
Name: Annette Maggi
Public Office Sought: Inver Grove Heights City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-485-7787
Website: NA
Twitter handle: @annette4igh
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/annette4igh
Candidate Bio
As a 22-year resident of Inver Grove Heights, I have been actively involved in the community as president of the local basketball association, organizer of neighborhood Night to Unite events, and as a member of the Planning Commission. I have been on the Planning Commission for eight years; the past four I've served as the first female Chair. In my role on Planning Commission, I’ve learned the importance of balancing decisions between the vision for the city and the desires of individual citizens, experience that will be valuable as a City Councilor.
Within my profession and at the national level, I have led and been a volunteer member of boards, committees, and task forces for more than ten years. The communications, leadership, negotiations, and bridge-building skills I’ve gained in these roles position me as an effective City Councilor.
As a small business owner for eight years, I have responsibility for budget management, marketing and promotion, client relations, and project oversight and execution. Running a consultant company requires the ability to juggle multiple projects and wear various hats. These skills will be valuable in identifying and acting on new possibilities to take our city to new heights.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Proactive Engagement of Citizens.
I have many neighbors who grew up in this part of the Twin Cities and have chosen to make IGH their home. Given shared pride in our city, I commit to working with all residents throughout Inver Grove Heights, just as I’ve done in my eight years on Planning Commission, to create open dialogue resulting in decisions and actions for our city that are researched, balanced, and well thought through.
Strong Commercial Centers.
As our city has grown, the need for commercial centers across IGH has expanded. My commitment is to build and strengthen commercial pockets throughout the city that provide services to make residents daily life more convenient and enjoyable.
There are specific areas I believe have potential. Every time I drive down by the river, I see opportunity for our city, and will focus on creating a sustainable vision for the future of Inver Grove’s riverfront economy. Second, we can revitalize the Cahill corridor as our city’s original main street. Given the size of our community, we must think creatively about how we define “business,” attracting those that are a good fit for them and us.
Housing for All.
Inver Grove Heights is a desirable community to call home with proximity to the airport and major highways and offering a breadth of housing options, from standard city lots to multi-unit communities to large acreages with rolling hills and free-range animals. As a City Councilor, my goal will be to support new development that meets evolving needs — housing options for seniors and empty nesters, young adults who have grown up here and want to continue to call IGH home, and those seeking affordable choices.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Multiple trends impact the business climate in IGH, including the consumer shift to online shopping and the need for high population density to support businesses of interest to our residents. This creates an opportunity for us to reconsider how we define “businesses,” and as a City Councilor, I’ll work to attract those that are a good fit for them and us.
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, Inver Grove Heights?
Strong commercial centers and a secure business community meet the daily needs of residents and help balance the tax base. As a City Councilor, my plan is to work with existing businesses to ensure we are meeting their long-term growth plans and to explore their suppliers and vendors who may consider moving business to our city. We’ve seen success in IGH with businesses that are unique, such as Gertens, the pet dermatologist and Concord Education Center (formerly a Rainbow store), and I’ll work to create similar opportunities that meet the needs of citizens as well as bring new business and visitors to our city. All business sizes – small, medium, and large – are essential to a thriving city and I’m committed to strengthening our business community.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Inver Grove Heights (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 Inver Grove Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I view these employment-related proposals as a broader discussion across the state and region. As we address these topics, it’s essential to balance what’s right for businesses, individuals and the city.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Public safety: Safety is foundational for quality of life and requires a partnership between local government, city staff, key departments like police and fire, businesses, and IGH residents. As a City Councilor, I’ll focus on strengthened partnership throughout these entities to build trust and ensure safety for all. Additionally, I’ll explore how other cities are expanding their use of technology to advance public safety, identifying new possibilities for Inver Grove Heights. Finally, I’ll support initiates such as the Safety and Mental Health Alternative Response Training (SMART) Center, designed for crisis intervention training, and available to public safety partners.
Transportation: Today, cities are completely interconnected, which requires a regional approach to transportation planning as related to roadways and bike paths. On City Council, I’ll work with neighboring communities, the county and state to ensure our residents’ needs are a top priority in all modes of transportation planning.
Housing: As a City Councilor, my goal will be to support new development that meets evolving needs — housing options for seniors and empty nesters, young adults who have grown up here and want to continue to call IGH home, and those seeking affordable choices.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
With the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve experienced shutdowns of city programs that bring in revenue. Yet, there’s a need for major road repairs and other infrastructure projects. In times of crisis, the tendency is to pull back on spending; however, it’s often the best time to borrow money and labor rates are frequently reduced. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of a balanced budget and the need to prioritize spending, and on City Council, I will prioritize responsible spending – and borrowing – to ensure we meet the needs of our residents.
What will you do to expand Inver Grove Heights’ tax base?
Strengthening our tax base requires a strengthening of the entire community. Strategic housing development, a diverse business culture, and community improvements can take IGH to new heights. High quality schools attract residents to our city which increases home values strengthening our tax base. It’s the combination of all these efforts that lead to a strong financial position for IGH.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I believe strong schools are the cornerstone of a community, and I support the current joint programs between the city and school districts (such as use of facilities for high school sports). I will seek continued opportunities to partner with our School Boards and superintendent on programs that strengthen our community.
Inver Hills Community College is of true value to our community, especially with the current recession and coronavirus pandemic. With unclear plans for the Fall opening of many colleges and universities, Inver Hills creates an opportunity for young adults to continue their education while staying safely close to home. As local businesses have shifted focus, the opportunity exists for partnerships with Inver Hills for retraining of staff.
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?
I support the annual budgeting process in the city, which includes an assessment and prioritization of services and programs.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Inver Grove Heights?
As a female owner of a small business, who mentors other women business owners, I’m a big believer in sharing success stories as a way to inspire and educate. I’ll support communications highlighting business owned by women and BIPOC (black, Indigenous, People of Color) as a starting point. Small Business Saturday, for example, creates an opportunity to promote local BIPOC- and women-owned businesses. As a City Councilor, I’ll celebrate, support, and advocate for all businesses in our community.
What further policies can Inver Grove Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
We are in the midst of the quickest and most severe recession in U.S. history. To expedite recovery, ensuring a thriving business community in the long term, we must support all the small businesses that meet our residents’ needs. As a member of City Council -- the Economic Development Authority in IGH -- I’ll strive for innovative and creative approaches to keep our businesses alive through the recession so they can thrive in the future.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
When I go to the polls, I consider a candidate’s skills and experiences. To this end:
Public Office Sought: Inver Grove Heights City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-485-7787
Website: NA
Twitter handle: @annette4igh
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/annette4igh
Candidate Bio
As a 22-year resident of Inver Grove Heights, I have been actively involved in the community as president of the local basketball association, organizer of neighborhood Night to Unite events, and as a member of the Planning Commission. I have been on the Planning Commission for eight years; the past four I've served as the first female Chair. In my role on Planning Commission, I’ve learned the importance of balancing decisions between the vision for the city and the desires of individual citizens, experience that will be valuable as a City Councilor.
Within my profession and at the national level, I have led and been a volunteer member of boards, committees, and task forces for more than ten years. The communications, leadership, negotiations, and bridge-building skills I’ve gained in these roles position me as an effective City Councilor.
As a small business owner for eight years, I have responsibility for budget management, marketing and promotion, client relations, and project oversight and execution. Running a consultant company requires the ability to juggle multiple projects and wear various hats. These skills will be valuable in identifying and acting on new possibilities to take our city to new heights.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Proactive Engagement of Citizens.
I have many neighbors who grew up in this part of the Twin Cities and have chosen to make IGH their home. Given shared pride in our city, I commit to working with all residents throughout Inver Grove Heights, just as I’ve done in my eight years on Planning Commission, to create open dialogue resulting in decisions and actions for our city that are researched, balanced, and well thought through.
Strong Commercial Centers.
As our city has grown, the need for commercial centers across IGH has expanded. My commitment is to build and strengthen commercial pockets throughout the city that provide services to make residents daily life more convenient and enjoyable.
There are specific areas I believe have potential. Every time I drive down by the river, I see opportunity for our city, and will focus on creating a sustainable vision for the future of Inver Grove’s riverfront economy. Second, we can revitalize the Cahill corridor as our city’s original main street. Given the size of our community, we must think creatively about how we define “business,” attracting those that are a good fit for them and us.
Housing for All.
Inver Grove Heights is a desirable community to call home with proximity to the airport and major highways and offering a breadth of housing options, from standard city lots to multi-unit communities to large acreages with rolling hills and free-range animals. As a City Councilor, my goal will be to support new development that meets evolving needs — housing options for seniors and empty nesters, young adults who have grown up here and want to continue to call IGH home, and those seeking affordable choices.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Multiple trends impact the business climate in IGH, including the consumer shift to online shopping and the need for high population density to support businesses of interest to our residents. This creates an opportunity for us to reconsider how we define “businesses,” and as a City Councilor, I’ll work to attract those that are a good fit for them and us.
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, Inver Grove Heights?
Strong commercial centers and a secure business community meet the daily needs of residents and help balance the tax base. As a City Councilor, my plan is to work with existing businesses to ensure we are meeting their long-term growth plans and to explore their suppliers and vendors who may consider moving business to our city. We’ve seen success in IGH with businesses that are unique, such as Gertens, the pet dermatologist and Concord Education Center (formerly a Rainbow store), and I’ll work to create similar opportunities that meet the needs of citizens as well as bring new business and visitors to our city. All business sizes – small, medium, and large – are essential to a thriving city and I’m committed to strengthening our business community.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Inver Grove Heights (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 Inver Grove Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I view these employment-related proposals as a broader discussion across the state and region. As we address these topics, it’s essential to balance what’s right for businesses, individuals and the city.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Public safety: Safety is foundational for quality of life and requires a partnership between local government, city staff, key departments like police and fire, businesses, and IGH residents. As a City Councilor, I’ll focus on strengthened partnership throughout these entities to build trust and ensure safety for all. Additionally, I’ll explore how other cities are expanding their use of technology to advance public safety, identifying new possibilities for Inver Grove Heights. Finally, I’ll support initiates such as the Safety and Mental Health Alternative Response Training (SMART) Center, designed for crisis intervention training, and available to public safety partners.
Transportation: Today, cities are completely interconnected, which requires a regional approach to transportation planning as related to roadways and bike paths. On City Council, I’ll work with neighboring communities, the county and state to ensure our residents’ needs are a top priority in all modes of transportation planning.
Housing: As a City Councilor, my goal will be to support new development that meets evolving needs — housing options for seniors and empty nesters, young adults who have grown up here and want to continue to call IGH home, and those seeking affordable choices.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
With the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve experienced shutdowns of city programs that bring in revenue. Yet, there’s a need for major road repairs and other infrastructure projects. In times of crisis, the tendency is to pull back on spending; however, it’s often the best time to borrow money and labor rates are frequently reduced. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of a balanced budget and the need to prioritize spending, and on City Council, I will prioritize responsible spending – and borrowing – to ensure we meet the needs of our residents.
What will you do to expand Inver Grove Heights’ tax base?
Strengthening our tax base requires a strengthening of the entire community. Strategic housing development, a diverse business culture, and community improvements can take IGH to new heights. High quality schools attract residents to our city which increases home values strengthening our tax base. It’s the combination of all these efforts that lead to a strong financial position for IGH.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I believe strong schools are the cornerstone of a community, and I support the current joint programs between the city and school districts (such as use of facilities for high school sports). I will seek continued opportunities to partner with our School Boards and superintendent on programs that strengthen our community.
Inver Hills Community College is of true value to our community, especially with the current recession and coronavirus pandemic. With unclear plans for the Fall opening of many colleges and universities, Inver Hills creates an opportunity for young adults to continue their education while staying safely close to home. As local businesses have shifted focus, the opportunity exists for partnerships with Inver Hills for retraining of staff.
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?
I support the annual budgeting process in the city, which includes an assessment and prioritization of services and programs.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Inver Grove Heights?
As a female owner of a small business, who mentors other women business owners, I’m a big believer in sharing success stories as a way to inspire and educate. I’ll support communications highlighting business owned by women and BIPOC (black, Indigenous, People of Color) as a starting point. Small Business Saturday, for example, creates an opportunity to promote local BIPOC- and women-owned businesses. As a City Councilor, I’ll celebrate, support, and advocate for all businesses in our community.
What further policies can Inver Grove Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
We are in the midst of the quickest and most severe recession in U.S. history. To expedite recovery, ensuring a thriving business community in the long term, we must support all the small businesses that meet our residents’ needs. As a member of City Council -- the Economic Development Authority in IGH -- I’ll strive for innovative and creative approaches to keep our businesses alive through the recession so they can thrive in the future.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
When I go to the polls, I consider a candidate’s skills and experiences. To this end:
- I guarantee the residents of IGH that I will work hard for them as a City Councilor, digging into issues and asking tough questions to ensure we are making well thought out decisions for our community.
- Based on my eight years of experience on Planning Commission, I will ensure we balance the future vision for the city with the needs of our residents.
- I will leverage my effective communication skills to ensure all our residents are heard and to keep them informed on city business.
- I will proactively seek opportunities to strengthen our city and make IGH a place people can live, work, and play safely and healthfully.