Mike Supina

Name: Mike Supina
Public Office Sought: Eagan City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-706-0061
Website: www.Supina4Eagan.com
Twitter handle: @Supina4Eagan
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/supina4eagan
Candidate Bio
Public service is important to me and I've enjoyed serving Eagan in many roles through the years:
I grew up in New York City, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from MIT, and a Masters of Architecture from UC Berkeley before moving to Eagan with my wife Gina. We’ve raised three children in Eagan who have all benefited from District 196 public schools.
Professionally, I’ve worked as an architect for several Twin Cities firms and now consult independently. My work has encompassed commercial, retail, healthcare, senior living, workforce housing, and projects for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs both stateside and overseas. As a LEED Accredited Professional, I've always sought to incorporate sustainable design principles into every aspect of my work.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My purpose for running is to promote a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable Eagan which will require a full complement of council members that show up every day prepared, engaged, and ready to work. My priorities include:
How would you characterize the business climate in Eagan and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Needless to say we are treading new ground trying to navigate the business world in the COVID-19 era. But ordinarily, I consider Eagan’s business climate to be very attractive to existing and new business. We are particularly strong in certain economic sectors, such as retail. But there absolutely is room for improvement in our business climate. For example, the arts economy generates over $1 billion in economic impact statewide. Eagan has an enormous pent-up demand for arts and culture venues. And we have the people and the talent. But due to lack of studio, classroom, exhibit, and performance space, too many of Eagan’s arts dollars are being spent elsewhere; I’d like to see them remain right here in Eagan both for the economic impact and to improve the quality of life among those who live and work in Eagan.
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, Eagan?
The principal function of government is to maintain a safe and orderly environment conducive for people and businesses to live, work, play, and create. Local government can’t create jobs, but it can create a framework that encourages employers to move or grow new jobs here, for example, with the AccessEagan business fiber network, with housing options appropriate to the available jobs, and with transit service near large employers. The best strategy for attracting new businesses and retain existing ones is identical to attracting and retaining residents - remain ahead of the curve with regard to housing and transit options, public safety, sustainability, and community amenities.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Eagan (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 Eagan and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
In general, decisions made at the most local level possible are usually the most appropriate for any given community. That said, with regard to labor mandates for employers, the danger is in inadvertently creating an uneven playing field that disadvantages businesses within the boundaries of the community enacting them. While that may be less of a concern when a community is large enough to effectively function as a self-contained economic entity, Eagan is not in that category. For that reason it is in Eagan’s best interests for labor law to be dealt with on a statewide basis.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Public safety has been in the news lately and the current introspection has been overdue. The Eagan Police Department has been proactive in training officers in de-escalation tactics and response to mental health crises and other situations where a crime may not have yet been committed. I would like to see those efforts continue and expand.
Housing affordability has become more challenging in Eagan and nationally. I would like Eagan to continue its cooperative relationship with Dakota County CDA and perhaps also with nonprofit efforts such as the Noah Impact Fund to keep workforce housing in Eagan.
Few people know that Eagan is a net importer of commuters. Current transit serving Eagan works well to shuttle commuters to jobs in Minneapolis and St. Paul; we need transit to bring workers to the growing number of jobs here in Eagan, both from the urban centers and adjacent suburbs.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
What will you do to expand Eagan's tax base?
Similar to Question #4, we expand the tax base by attracting new businesses and expanding those already here. And we do that by creating a framework that encourages employers to move or grow new jobs here.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Few factors are more crucial to the success of a community than the quality of its public schools. My wife and I chose to live in Eagan 27 years ago, before we started our family, specifically because of the high quality of District 196 public schools and we have since raised three children here who have benefitted enormously from that choice. The City of Eagan is only indirectly involved in public school and higher education initiatives. But as a councilmember I would keep an open mind with regard to any opportunity for synergy with K-12 schools, nearby technical colleges, and the business community.
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 consider Eagan’s current level of service to be about where it should be. But as our city grows and changes, the types of services we deliver will follow suit. The value of the Eagan Forward visioning process from a few years back was that it recruited a wide spectrum of our neighbors to study many different aspects of our community and envision how the city can adapt to economic and demographic changes into the next few decades. I value the time and effort that these citizens invested and I think the work of the Eagan Forward action teams have been a useful starting point for determining adjustments in city services.
I hope to build upon Eagan’s engagement with other communities, agencies, and Dakota County to improve upon our record of connectivity, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Some examples: Eagan could work with Dakota Electric to set up a solar pilot project on a city-owned rooftop, which, if proven feasible, could be expanded to save energy and money. Eagan could work with MVTA to expand suburb-to-suburb commuting. Eagan could work with Dakota County to help identify families in crisis living in Eagan who are in need of county services. Governments work better when they work together to deliver, and not duplicate, services.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Eagan?
Leadership in government, community, and business is all linked. When women and BIPOC folks see themselves represented in leadership positions throughout the Eagan community they will feel more secure investing in a business in Eagan. I am currently studying how a Human Rights Advisory Commission could work in Eagan, as it has in some peer cities. I believe that such a commission could highlight how women, BIPOC folks, LGBTQ folks, and people with disabilities are an integral part of our community and that it could perhaps eventually become a pipeline for diversifying city government and Eagan's business environment.
The City of Eagan and our business community could also benefit from a small business round table where current minority- and women-owned business owners convene to discuss barriers they may have encountered starting their businesses in Eagan and how those impediments could be eliminated for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
What further policies can Eagan adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
It is in Eagan's interests to preserve our robust business community as much as possible through the pandemic crisis. Although the major recovery efforts necessary for businesses and workers should come at the state and federal level, local government has a role as well. For example, local governments could assign a champion to learn about the state and federal programs available and coach people through the application process if they need help. Local governments could also make more of an effort to source their purchasing from businesses within their communities.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
The Eagan City Council needs to keep pace with our changing economy and demographics. The current city council averages over 17 years of tenure. Such longevity risks bringing a perspective of the city that was locked in many years ago and hasn’t been refreshed since. I am seeking to energize the Eagan City Council with new expertise and fresh ideas in order to continue the excellence that Eagan enjoys in its governance, day-to-day operations, and quality of life as our city enters its next phase of growth.
Eagan is maturing to a full-fledged city; our institutions need to reflect that. When evaluating multiple worthy initiatives, my approach will be to ask: Is it sustainable? Does it promote wellness? Is it inclusive? Does it enhance connectivity? Does the outcome justify the cost?
Eagan has the people, the expertise, the creativity, and the resources to become whatever it envisions for itself. My vision is for Eagan to cultivate more home-grown institutions in the realms of arts and culture, entertainment, non-profits, and education, to accompany our already robust private sector. The critical element that must be addressed to achieve this is our perception of ourselves. Do we view Eagan as simply a bedroom community supplying workers to Minneapolis and St. Paul, or do we view it as a destination in its own right with an identity and culture all its own? My view is the latter and I think a growing number of Eagan residents agree.
Voters should feel free to call, text or email me with questions or visit my campaign website to learn more.
Public Office Sought: Eagan City Council
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-706-0061
Website: www.Supina4Eagan.com
Twitter handle: @Supina4Eagan
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/supina4eagan
Candidate Bio
Public service is important to me and I've enjoyed serving Eagan in many roles through the years:
- President, Eagan Kick-Start Rotary
- Board member, Eagan Kick-Start Rotary Foundation
- Secretary, Eagan Energy & Environment Commission
- Board member, Art Works
- Eagan Advisory Planning Commission
- Dakota County Planning Commission
- Dakota County Public Art Citizens Advisory Commission
- Eagan Police Department Citizens Academy
- Volunteer, Eastview Community Foundation
- Volunteer, The Open Door
I grew up in New York City, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from MIT, and a Masters of Architecture from UC Berkeley before moving to Eagan with my wife Gina. We’ve raised three children in Eagan who have all benefited from District 196 public schools.
Professionally, I’ve worked as an architect for several Twin Cities firms and now consult independently. My work has encompassed commercial, retail, healthcare, senior living, workforce housing, and projects for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs both stateside and overseas. As a LEED Accredited Professional, I've always sought to incorporate sustainable design principles into every aspect of my work.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My purpose for running is to promote a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable Eagan which will require a full complement of council members that show up every day prepared, engaged, and ready to work. My priorities include:
- Keep Eagan's property tax rate at or below that of peer cities. Eagan’s cost of government is significantly lower than that of similar Minnesota cities; Eagan residents and businesses benefit greatly when our cost of government remains lower than our neighbors and I intend to make sure that continues.
- As Eagan is a net importer of commuters, advocate for housing and transit development that serves those who work in Eagan.
- Propose that Eagan add a Human Rights Advisory Commission which would advise the City Council on matters of equity, inclusion, civil and human rights, and accessibility/universal design.
- Elevate Eagan's sustainability profile by drafting and adopting a Climate Action Plan and hiring a full-time dedicated sustainability coordinator.
How would you characterize the business climate in Eagan and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
Needless to say we are treading new ground trying to navigate the business world in the COVID-19 era. But ordinarily, I consider Eagan’s business climate to be very attractive to existing and new business. We are particularly strong in certain economic sectors, such as retail. But there absolutely is room for improvement in our business climate. For example, the arts economy generates over $1 billion in economic impact statewide. Eagan has an enormous pent-up demand for arts and culture venues. And we have the people and the talent. But due to lack of studio, classroom, exhibit, and performance space, too many of Eagan’s arts dollars are being spent elsewhere; I’d like to see them remain right here in Eagan both for the economic impact and to improve the quality of life among those who live and work in Eagan.
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, Eagan?
The principal function of government is to maintain a safe and orderly environment conducive for people and businesses to live, work, play, and create. Local government can’t create jobs, but it can create a framework that encourages employers to move or grow new jobs here, for example, with the AccessEagan business fiber network, with housing options appropriate to the available jobs, and with transit service near large employers. The best strategy for attracting new businesses and retain existing ones is identical to attracting and retaining residents - remain ahead of the curve with regard to housing and transit options, public safety, sustainability, and community amenities.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Eagan (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 Eagan and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
In general, decisions made at the most local level possible are usually the most appropriate for any given community. That said, with regard to labor mandates for employers, the danger is in inadvertently creating an uneven playing field that disadvantages businesses within the boundaries of the community enacting them. While that may be less of a concern when a community is large enough to effectively function as a self-contained economic entity, Eagan is not in that category. For that reason it is in Eagan’s best interests for labor law to be dealt with on a statewide basis.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
Public safety has been in the news lately and the current introspection has been overdue. The Eagan Police Department has been proactive in training officers in de-escalation tactics and response to mental health crises and other situations where a crime may not have yet been committed. I would like to see those efforts continue and expand.
Housing affordability has become more challenging in Eagan and nationally. I would like Eagan to continue its cooperative relationship with Dakota County CDA and perhaps also with nonprofit efforts such as the Noah Impact Fund to keep workforce housing in Eagan.
Few people know that Eagan is a net importer of commuters. Current transit serving Eagan works well to shuttle commuters to jobs in Minneapolis and St. Paul; we need transit to bring workers to the growing number of jobs here in Eagan, both from the urban centers and adjacent suburbs.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
- Keep Eagan's property tax rate at or below that of peer cities.
- Maintain Eagan's current level of excellence with regard to public safety.
- Continue Eagan's current fiscal approach of smart long-term investments and scheduled maintenance of city facilities and public works to get the most bang out of every city buck spent.
- Identify future needs, for example, due to new technologies, demographic trends, or climate change, and adjust public investments accordingly to remain ahead of the curve.
What will you do to expand Eagan's tax base?
Similar to Question #4, we expand the tax base by attracting new businesses and expanding those already here. And we do that by creating a framework that encourages employers to move or grow new jobs here.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Few factors are more crucial to the success of a community than the quality of its public schools. My wife and I chose to live in Eagan 27 years ago, before we started our family, specifically because of the high quality of District 196 public schools and we have since raised three children here who have benefitted enormously from that choice. The City of Eagan is only indirectly involved in public school and higher education initiatives. But as a councilmember I would keep an open mind with regard to any opportunity for synergy with K-12 schools, nearby technical colleges, and the business community.
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 consider Eagan’s current level of service to be about where it should be. But as our city grows and changes, the types of services we deliver will follow suit. The value of the Eagan Forward visioning process from a few years back was that it recruited a wide spectrum of our neighbors to study many different aspects of our community and envision how the city can adapt to economic and demographic changes into the next few decades. I value the time and effort that these citizens invested and I think the work of the Eagan Forward action teams have been a useful starting point for determining adjustments in city services.
I hope to build upon Eagan’s engagement with other communities, agencies, and Dakota County to improve upon our record of connectivity, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Some examples: Eagan could work with Dakota Electric to set up a solar pilot project on a city-owned rooftop, which, if proven feasible, could be expanded to save energy and money. Eagan could work with MVTA to expand suburb-to-suburb commuting. Eagan could work with Dakota County to help identify families in crisis living in Eagan who are in need of county services. Governments work better when they work together to deliver, and not duplicate, services.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Eagan?
Leadership in government, community, and business is all linked. When women and BIPOC folks see themselves represented in leadership positions throughout the Eagan community they will feel more secure investing in a business in Eagan. I am currently studying how a Human Rights Advisory Commission could work in Eagan, as it has in some peer cities. I believe that such a commission could highlight how women, BIPOC folks, LGBTQ folks, and people with disabilities are an integral part of our community and that it could perhaps eventually become a pipeline for diversifying city government and Eagan's business environment.
The City of Eagan and our business community could also benefit from a small business round table where current minority- and women-owned business owners convene to discuss barriers they may have encountered starting their businesses in Eagan and how those impediments could be eliminated for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
What further policies can Eagan adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
It is in Eagan's interests to preserve our robust business community as much as possible through the pandemic crisis. Although the major recovery efforts necessary for businesses and workers should come at the state and federal level, local government has a role as well. For example, local governments could assign a champion to learn about the state and federal programs available and coach people through the application process if they need help. Local governments could also make more of an effort to source their purchasing from businesses within their communities.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
The Eagan City Council needs to keep pace with our changing economy and demographics. The current city council averages over 17 years of tenure. Such longevity risks bringing a perspective of the city that was locked in many years ago and hasn’t been refreshed since. I am seeking to energize the Eagan City Council with new expertise and fresh ideas in order to continue the excellence that Eagan enjoys in its governance, day-to-day operations, and quality of life as our city enters its next phase of growth.
Eagan is maturing to a full-fledged city; our institutions need to reflect that. When evaluating multiple worthy initiatives, my approach will be to ask: Is it sustainable? Does it promote wellness? Is it inclusive? Does it enhance connectivity? Does the outcome justify the cost?
Eagan has the people, the expertise, the creativity, and the resources to become whatever it envisions for itself. My vision is for Eagan to cultivate more home-grown institutions in the realms of arts and culture, entertainment, non-profits, and education, to accompany our already robust private sector. The critical element that must be addressed to achieve this is our perception of ourselves. Do we view Eagan as simply a bedroom community supplying workers to Minneapolis and St. Paul, or do we view it as a destination in its own right with an identity and culture all its own? My view is the latter and I think a growing number of Eagan residents agree.
Voters should feel free to call, text or email me with questions or visit my campaign website to learn more.