Joshua Lee
Name: Joshua Lee
Public Office Sought: Lakeville City Council
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 763-245-3677
Campaign Website: www.votelee.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/VoteJoshuaLee/
Candidate Bio
My wife and I moved to Lakeville in 2014 to plant roots within a community that valued education, safety, and its natural resources. That same year I started my public service as a Police Reserve and was elected to City Council in 2018.
As an active member of the community, I understand the diverse wants and needs of our residents, businesses and non-profit communities. Within my first term, I have leaned into efforts that build upon three important Lakeville Community Values:
Creating a sense of community and belonging
Building and designing a connected community
Facilitating safety and well-being throughout the community
I am proud to have successfully advocated for and supported:
Financial sustainability policies that maintain the lowest tax-capacity rates in the county;
Economic strategies that resulted in record-breaking growth and development;
Pandemic responses that supported local businesses and nonprofits;
Space for community concerns to be heard and responded to, particularly from youth and under-represented community groups;
Investment in public safety personnel, leave policies, mental health support and training facilities that improve staff morale and community safety.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
If elected to a second term, my top three priorities would include:
Safety & Wellbeing – As policy makers for our community, it is important to proactively engage with community leaders to stay abreast of upcoming issues and concerns. In my first term, community members identified potential concerns around mental health, safe routes to school and pension support for firefighters. Each of these concerns was met with genuine care and responses that are now seen as examples for our region and comparison cities. Moving forward, I would like to continue expanding these programs while also focusing on funding for a public safety training facility and creating engagement opportunities for our youth.
Sustainable Growth – Lakeville is the fastest growing city in Minnesota and likely one of the fastest in the region. I am proud of the intentional design and implementation of the city’s comprehensive plan as this growth was planned and expected. City staff have worked diligently to incorporate community input into the comprehensive plan and it has resulted in a well-balanced combination of agricultural, residential, commercial and industrial development. However, now is the time to secure our plans for a fully developed Lakeville. With input from the community and advisory boards, we need to be ready for our next chapter as a city.
Sense of Community – Creating a sense of community and belonging within Lakeville is something we are all a part of. Community and belonging is not just about creating inclusive policies, encouraging diverse community events or constructing parks and trails that connect us to each other. Each member of our community is a part of the culture that we create. If elected to a second term, I will continue to be an intentional listener, particularly to those who feel that their voices are not being heard; I will continue to lift up opportunities that challenge our perspectives and strengthen our relationships; and, I will ensure that we continue to prioritize city design that fosters positive community connections.
How would you characterize the business climate in Lakeville and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Strong, engaged and rapidly growing! Lakeville benefits from an active Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. The business community is well connected to city advisory boards and community initiatives. Lakeville businesses understand the symbiotic relationship it has with the community which is exemplified in their support of our schools, community events and local non-profits such as 360 Communities, the Lakeville Lions and Lakeville Rotary.
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, Lakeville?
The city’s role in attracting and retaining jobs is multifaceted.
First, it requires a reputation and culture that incentivizes businesses to work with the city. Over the years, city staff have received many well-deserved accolades and awards for their relationships with business owners and their helpfulness in walking them through the development processes from start to finish. Maintaining this reputation requires a willingness to go above and beyond, using various funding tools (ie. TIF) to assist businesses in their development and expansion ventures.
The city also has a role in supporting a housing market that provides opportunities for families at all stages of life to live, work and play here.
Finally, the city has a role in collaborative efforts with the Chamber of Commerce and Lakeville schools districts to ensure we have a skilled workforce. Currently this partnership successfully exists through the Lakeville Works program.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
Addressing the labor shortage requires a multifaceted approach, as well. One of the best ways to support this shortage locally is by investing in our youth and demonstrating the value and benefits of all career pathways. As an administrator at St. Olaf College, I have first-hand knowledge of the positive impact that mentorships, internships and apprenticeships have on students. However, college is not the path for all high school graduates. In fact, there are many meaningful and prosperable ways to earn a living without a college degree. As a council member, I will continue to invest in our youth and support programs that showcase and provide hands-on experiences with local businesses. By doing so we encourage graduates to utilize their talents in Lakeville while supporting local businesses with a skilled workforce.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Lakeville (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 Lakeville and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Fair and equitable employment policies are important issues for state and federal legislators to weigh in on. At the municipal level, however, I do not believe these issues should not fall within our purview.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you propose to address public safety issues facing your community?
As a former Community Service Officer and Police Reserve, public safety is a passion area for me. I have had the privilege to sit on the Public Safety Committee, Fire Relief Board and Personnel Committee; each prioritizing different, but important, aspects of public safety. Our public safety departments will continue to require funding and support to maintain adequate staffing as our population grows. Ensuring that we properly recruit, onboard, train and support our public safety staff will ultimately foster a healthy working environment. This, in turn, will enhance the community engagement initiatives that already exist and create opportunities to expand their scope and outreach.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
At the moment, the most pressing housing issue is a lack of inventory which is driving up the purchase price of homes at every level. Lakeville, alone, will not be able to meet the housing demand that is required in the metro-area. However, we can continue to do our part by developing a wide variety of housing stock, so that residents at all stages and ages of life can find a home here.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address transportation issues facing your community? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
As a member of the I-35 Solutions Alliance, I have had the opportunity to take part in and enhance the long-term vision for the I-35 corridor. This partnership of cities and transportation agencies support the funding and operation of a “robust multimodal transportation system” to not only decrease congestion and improve safety, but to provide accessibility to seniors and those living with mobility challenges. While the pandemic certainly changed traffic and usage patterns, the demand still exists to re-open the Kenrick Park and Ride, expand the MnPASS lanes south of Burnsville and modernize the CSAH 50 interchange.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
My key priorities for the City budget are to maintain our AAA bond rating, continue to make progress on the Financial Sustainability and Resiliency Policy, and to strategically invest in high-quality public services (ie. EAB treatments, on-demand water use technology, pavement preservation treatments).
What will you do to expand Lakeville’s tax base?
The industrial park is one of our key economic opportunities and one that other cities envy. Commercial development, throughout the city, will likely drive commerce and tourism which ends up benefiting everyone. If elected to a second term, I will advocate for creative community development strategies that incentivize new businesses to choose Lakeville.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Lakeville is known for its K-12 education. These entities include three public school districts and several private institutions. The partnerships our schools have with the Chamber and local businesses is second to none. Our opportunity for growth lies in partnerships with community colleges and skilled-trade institutions. Lakeville has led the way in creating opportunities for our youth and I believe we can do more to invest in our young adults.
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 am proud to be a part of a community that values quality and efficiency. The City of Lakeville manages its budget well and takes every opportunity to seek grant funding to supplementally support programs and initiatives. We also take part in several cooperative agreements (joint powers agreements) that financially support our public services. One opportunity currently on the horizon is the redevelopment of a storage facility in Airlake to become a regional public safety training facility.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Lakeville?
Increasing minority and women-owned businesses in Lakeville is an inherent priority within our community values. The City of Lakeville continues to grow and become more diverse. As such, it is an important endeavor that our services, staffing, advisory boards and policies meet the needs and reflect the identities of Lakeville residents. In my time on Council, I have successfully advocated for added emphasis to, and strategic planning around, creating a sense of community and belonging. While there is still much work to be done, the community is taking an active approach toward creating benchmarks and developing means for assessing progress in this area.
What further policies can Lakeville adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Lakeville utilized much of its CAREs Act and ARP funding to directly support local businesses and nonprofits. The remaining dollars exist in a fund balance that will be utilized to mitigate economic uncertainties in the future. One industry that continues to lag is the hospitality and tourism sector. As a Council, I believe we can continue to invest in strategies that highlight Lakeville as a destination to visit and explore.
Public Office Sought: Lakeville City Council
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 763-245-3677
Campaign Website: www.votelee.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/VoteJoshuaLee/
Candidate Bio
My wife and I moved to Lakeville in 2014 to plant roots within a community that valued education, safety, and its natural resources. That same year I started my public service as a Police Reserve and was elected to City Council in 2018.
As an active member of the community, I understand the diverse wants and needs of our residents, businesses and non-profit communities. Within my first term, I have leaned into efforts that build upon three important Lakeville Community Values:
Creating a sense of community and belonging
Building and designing a connected community
Facilitating safety and well-being throughout the community
I am proud to have successfully advocated for and supported:
Financial sustainability policies that maintain the lowest tax-capacity rates in the county;
Economic strategies that resulted in record-breaking growth and development;
Pandemic responses that supported local businesses and nonprofits;
Space for community concerns to be heard and responded to, particularly from youth and under-represented community groups;
Investment in public safety personnel, leave policies, mental health support and training facilities that improve staff morale and community safety.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
If elected to a second term, my top three priorities would include:
Safety & Wellbeing – As policy makers for our community, it is important to proactively engage with community leaders to stay abreast of upcoming issues and concerns. In my first term, community members identified potential concerns around mental health, safe routes to school and pension support for firefighters. Each of these concerns was met with genuine care and responses that are now seen as examples for our region and comparison cities. Moving forward, I would like to continue expanding these programs while also focusing on funding for a public safety training facility and creating engagement opportunities for our youth.
Sustainable Growth – Lakeville is the fastest growing city in Minnesota and likely one of the fastest in the region. I am proud of the intentional design and implementation of the city’s comprehensive plan as this growth was planned and expected. City staff have worked diligently to incorporate community input into the comprehensive plan and it has resulted in a well-balanced combination of agricultural, residential, commercial and industrial development. However, now is the time to secure our plans for a fully developed Lakeville. With input from the community and advisory boards, we need to be ready for our next chapter as a city.
Sense of Community – Creating a sense of community and belonging within Lakeville is something we are all a part of. Community and belonging is not just about creating inclusive policies, encouraging diverse community events or constructing parks and trails that connect us to each other. Each member of our community is a part of the culture that we create. If elected to a second term, I will continue to be an intentional listener, particularly to those who feel that their voices are not being heard; I will continue to lift up opportunities that challenge our perspectives and strengthen our relationships; and, I will ensure that we continue to prioritize city design that fosters positive community connections.
How would you characterize the business climate in Lakeville and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Strong, engaged and rapidly growing! Lakeville benefits from an active Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. The business community is well connected to city advisory boards and community initiatives. Lakeville businesses understand the symbiotic relationship it has with the community which is exemplified in their support of our schools, community events and local non-profits such as 360 Communities, the Lakeville Lions and Lakeville Rotary.
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, Lakeville?
The city’s role in attracting and retaining jobs is multifaceted.
First, it requires a reputation and culture that incentivizes businesses to work with the city. Over the years, city staff have received many well-deserved accolades and awards for their relationships with business owners and their helpfulness in walking them through the development processes from start to finish. Maintaining this reputation requires a willingness to go above and beyond, using various funding tools (ie. TIF) to assist businesses in their development and expansion ventures.
The city also has a role in supporting a housing market that provides opportunities for families at all stages of life to live, work and play here.
Finally, the city has a role in collaborative efforts with the Chamber of Commerce and Lakeville schools districts to ensure we have a skilled workforce. Currently this partnership successfully exists through the Lakeville Works program.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address the labor shortage?
Addressing the labor shortage requires a multifaceted approach, as well. One of the best ways to support this shortage locally is by investing in our youth and demonstrating the value and benefits of all career pathways. As an administrator at St. Olaf College, I have first-hand knowledge of the positive impact that mentorships, internships and apprenticeships have on students. However, college is not the path for all high school graduates. In fact, there are many meaningful and prosperable ways to earn a living without a college degree. As a council member, I will continue to invest in our youth and support programs that showcase and provide hands-on experiences with local businesses. By doing so we encourage graduates to utilize their talents in Lakeville while supporting local businesses with a skilled workforce.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals in Lakeville (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 Lakeville and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
Fair and equitable employment policies are important issues for state and federal legislators to weigh in on. At the municipal level, however, I do not believe these issues should not fall within our purview.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you propose to address public safety issues facing your community?
As a former Community Service Officer and Police Reserve, public safety is a passion area for me. I have had the privilege to sit on the Public Safety Committee, Fire Relief Board and Personnel Committee; each prioritizing different, but important, aspects of public safety. Our public safety departments will continue to require funding and support to maintain adequate staffing as our population grows. Ensuring that we properly recruit, onboard, train and support our public safety staff will ultimately foster a healthy working environment. This, in turn, will enhance the community engagement initiatives that already exist and create opportunities to expand their scope and outreach.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address housing issues facing your community?
At the moment, the most pressing housing issue is a lack of inventory which is driving up the purchase price of homes at every level. Lakeville, alone, will not be able to meet the housing demand that is required in the metro-area. However, we can continue to do our part by developing a wide variety of housing stock, so that residents at all stages and ages of life can find a home here.
What strategies or policies would you propose to address transportation issues facing your community? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
As a member of the I-35 Solutions Alliance, I have had the opportunity to take part in and enhance the long-term vision for the I-35 corridor. This partnership of cities and transportation agencies support the funding and operation of a “robust multimodal transportation system” to not only decrease congestion and improve safety, but to provide accessibility to seniors and those living with mobility challenges. While the pandemic certainly changed traffic and usage patterns, the demand still exists to re-open the Kenrick Park and Ride, expand the MnPASS lanes south of Burnsville and modernize the CSAH 50 interchange.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
My key priorities for the City budget are to maintain our AAA bond rating, continue to make progress on the Financial Sustainability and Resiliency Policy, and to strategically invest in high-quality public services (ie. EAB treatments, on-demand water use technology, pavement preservation treatments).
What will you do to expand Lakeville’s tax base?
The industrial park is one of our key economic opportunities and one that other cities envy. Commercial development, throughout the city, will likely drive commerce and tourism which ends up benefiting everyone. If elected to a second term, I will advocate for creative community development strategies that incentivize new businesses to choose Lakeville.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Lakeville is known for its K-12 education. These entities include three public school districts and several private institutions. The partnerships our schools have with the Chamber and local businesses is second to none. Our opportunity for growth lies in partnerships with community colleges and skilled-trade institutions. Lakeville has led the way in creating opportunities for our youth and I believe we can do more to invest in our young adults.
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 am proud to be a part of a community that values quality and efficiency. The City of Lakeville manages its budget well and takes every opportunity to seek grant funding to supplementally support programs and initiatives. We also take part in several cooperative agreements (joint powers agreements) that financially support our public services. One opportunity currently on the horizon is the redevelopment of a storage facility in Airlake to become a regional public safety training facility.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Lakeville?
Increasing minority and women-owned businesses in Lakeville is an inherent priority within our community values. The City of Lakeville continues to grow and become more diverse. As such, it is an important endeavor that our services, staffing, advisory boards and policies meet the needs and reflect the identities of Lakeville residents. In my time on Council, I have successfully advocated for added emphasis to, and strategic planning around, creating a sense of community and belonging. While there is still much work to be done, the community is taking an active approach toward creating benchmarks and developing means for assessing progress in this area.
What further policies can Lakeville adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Lakeville utilized much of its CAREs Act and ARP funding to directly support local businesses and nonprofits. The remaining dollars exist in a fund balance that will be utilized to mitigate economic uncertainties in the future. One industry that continues to lag is the hospitality and tourism sector. As a Council, I believe we can continue to invest in strategies that highlight Lakeville as a destination to visit and explore.