Kurt Weber
Name: Kurt Weber
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-399-6213
Campaign Website: kurtforardenhills.com
Twitter handle: N/A
Facebook Page: N/A
Candidate Bio
As a candidate for city council, I bring a strong background in public service, academic expertise, and a deep commitment to our community. My family, including three daughters in Mounds View Schools and my wife, an emergency dispatcher, fuels my dedication to Arden Hills.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Sociology of Law from the University of Minnesota, which equips me with a solid understanding of the societal dynamics that shape policy and community development. My career with Hennepin County has been centered on public service, including project delivery, managing Right of Way and utility construction, and developing fiber optics networks—experience that will be crucial as we enter the construction phase of Rice Creek Commons.
Both serving on and chairing the Arden Hills Planning Commission has provided me with invaluable insights into city governance, ensuring responsible growth and infrastructure development. I have participated in and led discussions regarding Rice Creek Commons, the development of the new fire station, and code and zoning changes, among others.
I am eager to bring my experience and passion for public service to the city council, where I will advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of our community.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As a City Council member, I would bring a leadership style focused on collaboration with staff and colleagues, while actively involving the community in decision-making. By fostering open dialogue and encouraging diverse perspectives, I aim to build consensus and develop solutions that truly reflect the needs and desires of our residents. In addition, I will emphasize the need to promote civility and collaborative communication at Council meetings and in other public venues where Arden Hills needs to participate in a constructive manner.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
My top three priorities if elected are the responsible development of Rice Creek Commons, enhancing and developing the city’s parks and trails, and strengthening community engagement and services. This includes the critical need for the new fire station to ensure public safety and enhance community services. The biggest impact of the state’s economy would certainly be on the development of Rice Creek Commons, although a poor economic outlook could also hamper park and trail development and community services to a lesser degree. I believe that partnering with Ramsey County and seeking other strategic partnerships could help us find alternative funding sources to keep these projects moving forward.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Arden Hills?
One of the biggest challenges facing Arden Hills is managing growth while preserving the community’s character and quality of life. As we move forward with significant developments like Rice Creek Commons, we must balance encouraging economic development with ensuring that expansion does not strain our existing infrastructure, increase traffic congestion, or lead to overdevelopment that detracts from the small-town feel our residents cherish. Maintaining this balance requires careful planning, ongoing community engagement, and a commitment to sustainable practices focused on long-term benefits.
The biggest opportunity for Arden Hills lies in the potential of Rice Creek Commons. This project presents a unique chance to shape the future of our city in alignment with our values and aspirations. By thoughtfully designing this development, we can create a vibrant community with a balanced mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods centered around a town center—a place where young and old can live, work, and play. I am committed to ensuring that Arden Hills has a seat at the table to address key issues, including impacts on taxpayers, housing, traffic, schools, and public safety. I would also note that the third update of the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) has again determined that Rice Creek Commons can accommodate the proposed development scenarios without adverse environmental or transportation impacts, consistent with findings from the 2014 and 2019 reviews. Protecting the interests of Arden Hills residents while bringing jobs and vitality to our city is my top priority.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
Effective collaboration between government and businesses involves working closely and openly to address key issues that matter to our residents, such as economic prosperity, public safety, and the fiscally responsible development of Rice Creek Commons. Government can offer support and funding, while businesses bring valuable ideas and resources to the table. By working together, we can create solutions that benefit everyone in the community.
The 2023-2024 Minnesota Legislative Session included significant investments in education, affordable housing, and workforce development. For example, funding supported schools and programs to help teachers and early education efforts, addressed the housing shortage through housing initiatives, and invested in job training and apprenticeships to enhance workforce skills.
Looking ahead, Minnesota’s economic outlook for the 2024-2025 biennium is strong, with a projected budget surplus of $3.715 billion. This positive fiscal situation allows for continued investment in critical areas.
How would you characterize the business climate in Arden Hills and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Arden Hills?
The business climate in Arden Hills is generally positive, with a mix of established local businesses and potential for growth, especially with new developments like Rice Creek Commons and vacancies along Lexington Avenue. Our city's strategic location and strong community spirit are key assets. We must focus on attracting new businesses to fill these empty buildings on Lexington Avenue to maximize our economic potential. I look forward to working with city staff to develop strategies that attract new businesses and enhance our economic landscape, resulting in job creation and growth in Arden Hills.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
To enhance public safety in Arden Hills, I would focus on strengthening our community’s readiness. I would support programs that help residents stay informed and involved in local safety efforts, such as safety workshops and neighborhood watch groups. I strongly support developing the Lake Johanna Fire Station Headquarters in Arden Hills. The fire department has identified that adding a new station and training facility here would improve service to our city. These upgrades will significantly enhance fire safety and response times in our community. Finally, I would work to improve the overall quality of life by keeping public areas well-lit, enhancing traffic safety, and ensuring that parks and recreational areas are safe for everyone.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Ramsey County plans to develop Rice Creek Commons with a town center surrounded by a mix of residential homes, businesses, and retail spaces. A key aspect of this plan is ensuring that at least 20% of the housing meets affordability goals, including both rental and owner-occupied units. Although this represents a smaller portion of the overall development, it plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant and diverse community.
Providing a range of housing options will support local businesses by offering a dependable workforce and enabling essential workers to live closer to their jobs, which in turn enhances their quality of life and contributes to overall stability within Rice Creek Commons and Arden Hills.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Many of the more challenging areas for safe travel in Arden Hills are located on the Ramsey County roads that pass through our city. It’s important that we work together with the county to develop safer paths for bikers and pedestrians, which could involve adding more trails and well-marked crosswalks, especially in high-traffic areas. By collaborating with Ramsey County, we can identify key areas for improvement and implement solutions that enhance safety for everyone.
In addition to improving safety on existing roads, I believe it is vital to ensure that busing options are available to all residents, including those who will be living within Rice Creek Commons. It is essential that the city works with Metro Transit to provide reliable and accessible transportation options.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
My focus will be on ensuring that the city continues to operate within its means. This means carefully evaluating spending priorities and focusing on essential services. I will work to identify long-term funding sources, promote efficient use of existing resources, and explore opportunities for public-private partnerships. By planning ahead, we can maintain fiscal stability and ensure that essential services remain strong.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
Local governments should focus on issues that directly affect their communities, such as zoning, public safety, and infrastructure. These are areas where local knowledge and quick action are essential. On the other hand, the state government is better suited to handle broader issues like transportation regulations, minimum wage laws, and statewide programs that need uniformity across regions.
Sometimes, cities may need to take the lead on specific issues that require a tailored approach, like developing parks or offering local business incentives. However, it’s crucial for cities to work closely with state and county governments to ensure that policies are consistent, efficient, and beneficial for everyone.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-399-6213
Campaign Website: kurtforardenhills.com
Twitter handle: N/A
Facebook Page: N/A
Candidate Bio
As a candidate for city council, I bring a strong background in public service, academic expertise, and a deep commitment to our community. My family, including three daughters in Mounds View Schools and my wife, an emergency dispatcher, fuels my dedication to Arden Hills.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Sociology of Law from the University of Minnesota, which equips me with a solid understanding of the societal dynamics that shape policy and community development. My career with Hennepin County has been centered on public service, including project delivery, managing Right of Way and utility construction, and developing fiber optics networks—experience that will be crucial as we enter the construction phase of Rice Creek Commons.
Both serving on and chairing the Arden Hills Planning Commission has provided me with invaluable insights into city governance, ensuring responsible growth and infrastructure development. I have participated in and led discussions regarding Rice Creek Commons, the development of the new fire station, and code and zoning changes, among others.
I am eager to bring my experience and passion for public service to the city council, where I will advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of our community.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As a City Council member, I would bring a leadership style focused on collaboration with staff and colleagues, while actively involving the community in decision-making. By fostering open dialogue and encouraging diverse perspectives, I aim to build consensus and develop solutions that truly reflect the needs and desires of our residents. In addition, I will emphasize the need to promote civility and collaborative communication at Council meetings and in other public venues where Arden Hills needs to participate in a constructive manner.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
My top three priorities if elected are the responsible development of Rice Creek Commons, enhancing and developing the city’s parks and trails, and strengthening community engagement and services. This includes the critical need for the new fire station to ensure public safety and enhance community services. The biggest impact of the state’s economy would certainly be on the development of Rice Creek Commons, although a poor economic outlook could also hamper park and trail development and community services to a lesser degree. I believe that partnering with Ramsey County and seeking other strategic partnerships could help us find alternative funding sources to keep these projects moving forward.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Arden Hills?
One of the biggest challenges facing Arden Hills is managing growth while preserving the community’s character and quality of life. As we move forward with significant developments like Rice Creek Commons, we must balance encouraging economic development with ensuring that expansion does not strain our existing infrastructure, increase traffic congestion, or lead to overdevelopment that detracts from the small-town feel our residents cherish. Maintaining this balance requires careful planning, ongoing community engagement, and a commitment to sustainable practices focused on long-term benefits.
The biggest opportunity for Arden Hills lies in the potential of Rice Creek Commons. This project presents a unique chance to shape the future of our city in alignment with our values and aspirations. By thoughtfully designing this development, we can create a vibrant community with a balanced mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods centered around a town center—a place where young and old can live, work, and play. I am committed to ensuring that Arden Hills has a seat at the table to address key issues, including impacts on taxpayers, housing, traffic, schools, and public safety. I would also note that the third update of the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) has again determined that Rice Creek Commons can accommodate the proposed development scenarios without adverse environmental or transportation impacts, consistent with findings from the 2014 and 2019 reviews. Protecting the interests of Arden Hills residents while bringing jobs and vitality to our city is my top priority.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
Effective collaboration between government and businesses involves working closely and openly to address key issues that matter to our residents, such as economic prosperity, public safety, and the fiscally responsible development of Rice Creek Commons. Government can offer support and funding, while businesses bring valuable ideas and resources to the table. By working together, we can create solutions that benefit everyone in the community.
The 2023-2024 Minnesota Legislative Session included significant investments in education, affordable housing, and workforce development. For example, funding supported schools and programs to help teachers and early education efforts, addressed the housing shortage through housing initiatives, and invested in job training and apprenticeships to enhance workforce skills.
Looking ahead, Minnesota’s economic outlook for the 2024-2025 biennium is strong, with a projected budget surplus of $3.715 billion. This positive fiscal situation allows for continued investment in critical areas.
How would you characterize the business climate in Arden Hills and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Arden Hills?
The business climate in Arden Hills is generally positive, with a mix of established local businesses and potential for growth, especially with new developments like Rice Creek Commons and vacancies along Lexington Avenue. Our city's strategic location and strong community spirit are key assets. We must focus on attracting new businesses to fill these empty buildings on Lexington Avenue to maximize our economic potential. I look forward to working with city staff to develop strategies that attract new businesses and enhance our economic landscape, resulting in job creation and growth in Arden Hills.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
To enhance public safety in Arden Hills, I would focus on strengthening our community’s readiness. I would support programs that help residents stay informed and involved in local safety efforts, such as safety workshops and neighborhood watch groups. I strongly support developing the Lake Johanna Fire Station Headquarters in Arden Hills. The fire department has identified that adding a new station and training facility here would improve service to our city. These upgrades will significantly enhance fire safety and response times in our community. Finally, I would work to improve the overall quality of life by keeping public areas well-lit, enhancing traffic safety, and ensuring that parks and recreational areas are safe for everyone.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Ramsey County plans to develop Rice Creek Commons with a town center surrounded by a mix of residential homes, businesses, and retail spaces. A key aspect of this plan is ensuring that at least 20% of the housing meets affordability goals, including both rental and owner-occupied units. Although this represents a smaller portion of the overall development, it plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant and diverse community.
Providing a range of housing options will support local businesses by offering a dependable workforce and enabling essential workers to live closer to their jobs, which in turn enhances their quality of life and contributes to overall stability within Rice Creek Commons and Arden Hills.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Many of the more challenging areas for safe travel in Arden Hills are located on the Ramsey County roads that pass through our city. It’s important that we work together with the county to develop safer paths for bikers and pedestrians, which could involve adding more trails and well-marked crosswalks, especially in high-traffic areas. By collaborating with Ramsey County, we can identify key areas for improvement and implement solutions that enhance safety for everyone.
In addition to improving safety on existing roads, I believe it is vital to ensure that busing options are available to all residents, including those who will be living within Rice Creek Commons. It is essential that the city works with Metro Transit to provide reliable and accessible transportation options.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
My focus will be on ensuring that the city continues to operate within its means. This means carefully evaluating spending priorities and focusing on essential services. I will work to identify long-term funding sources, promote efficient use of existing resources, and explore opportunities for public-private partnerships. By planning ahead, we can maintain fiscal stability and ensure that essential services remain strong.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
Local governments should focus on issues that directly affect their communities, such as zoning, public safety, and infrastructure. These are areas where local knowledge and quick action are essential. On the other hand, the state government is better suited to handle broader issues like transportation regulations, minimum wage laws, and statewide programs that need uniformity across regions.
Sometimes, cities may need to take the lead on specific issues that require a tailored approach, like developing parks or offering local business incentives. However, it’s crucial for cities to work closely with state and county governments to ensure that policies are consistent, efficient, and beneficial for everyone.