Mya Beck
Name: Mya Beck
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone:
Campaign Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: Mya Beck for Hastings City Council
Candidate Bio
I am a wife and young mother of a special needs son. I am proud of my work as an auditor for a top-ten audit firm in Minneapolis. Prior to becoming an auditor, I worked as a clerk for a credit union. I am eager to take my financial experience to city hall to find ways to keep taxes low while funding critical services within our city. I have also had the opportunity to learn from legislators and city councilors about what is important for our city and surrounding communities. I am excited to get to work on day one!
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I believe in working with everyone who has an idea or opinion. With the diverse views of residents and council members alike, I am excited to learn and build bridges to make our city a better place for everyone. In my opinion, the most important trait for a leader is communication. I look forward to communicate with business owners, public servants, and most importantly, the hard-working families and residents of Hastings.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
My number one priority will be to work with the state and county on new water treatment facilities while keeping our water bills low. If we stay the current course, Hastings residents will see an unaffordable increase in their water bills. I will work with our next state representative (regardless of party) to get resources and funding for cleaning our water.
My next priority will be improving the business climate in our city. We have unfortunately seen many aspiring businesses come and go. This problem will only get worse as the highway 61 project ensues. I will be a fierce advocate of local business in our city and will work tirelessly to encourage and foster new businesses.
My third priority will be ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for our parks. Cottage Grove has Woodridge Park, which includes safe and accessible surfacing, sensory equipment, and musical instruments that bring new visitors to our city. What’s most impressive is that this was done with the help of private businesses and the local Lion’s Club. Our city has amazing parks already, though I look forward to updating at least one of our parks to be more accessible for children of all needs and abilities.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Hastings?
I think the biggest challenge Hastings is facing currently is the inability to retain businesses in and around downtown. Conversely, the biggest opportunity for Hastings is tourism. River Town Days and similar events bring in tourists from around the cities every year. Encouraging local businesses to include others in these efforts and being able to really show off what Hastings has to offer is key to welcoming not only new businesses but also new shoppers/tourists!
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?
While there are opportunities for government to coordinate and help local businesses, it is better that permitting and zoning procedures be made as simple as possible for aspiring businessowners. I hope to be a friendly face for Hastings businesses that will help when possible and stay out of the way when needed.
The 2023-2024 legislative session saw an unprecedented amount of government growth and burden on Minnesota businesses. After speaking with state legislators on this issue, it is clear that businesses are uprooting and moving to Wisconsin – just miles away from our city border.
Some good things were accomplished at the Capitol this last session. Most of it, unfortunately, put a burden on consumers and businessowners. The metro sales tax increase and new delivery fee will incentive fewer sales made in and around our community. I would not be surprised if many in Hastings go to Wisconsin to shop.
How would you characterize the business climate in Hastings and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Hastings?
Hastings is in a great geographic location for tourist-oriented businesses. Unfortunately, many stores and restaurants cannot survive due to poor foot traffic and a lack of meaningful help staying afloat. I am excited to work with the City Council to come up with new tax incentives to bring new business to Minnesota. I also look forward to creating walking and parking alternatives for businesses on vermillion street during the Highway 61 construction project.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Hastings is blessed to have a strong police department that works with the County Sherriff. This year, the city brought on a new Community Service Officer (CSO) to help with the needs of law enforcement. While Hastings does not have crime rates as high as other cities, there are issues that need to be addressed. I will be glad to work with the police to learn what they need to tackle issues like the fentanyl crisis. This means hiring more officers if that is what the department needs.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
This is a question that would be better handled at the county and state level. However, I do believe the city has a role to play with new housing developments. Many areas of Hastings are currently being developed for new apartments and residential properties. The best thing the city can do is responsibly and quickly approve zoning proposals for new properties, provided they do not end up being a nuisance for current residents. With a high demand for housing comes high prices. Increasing the supply will decrease demand and eventually housing prices.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
The private sector has taken action to provide rental scooters to residents and tourists, which is great to see! Encouraging new programs like this in cooperation with the city is a great way to improve a variety of transportation. Most residents still use cars to get around, which should be encouraged. I do not believe that roads should be condensed in favor of bike lanes. Instead, we may consider improving our sidewalks.
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?
The City of Hastings already has little to work with when it comes to funding our city. Being a beautiful river town, Hastings has plenty of opportunities to capitalize on tourism. Events like RiverTown Days bring already bring funds and sales to our city and local businesses. Working with private groups to foster new tourism opportunities will help bolster our economy.
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?
While local units of government often know what is best for their communities, certain issues should be left to the state legislature. The Uber/Lyft wage conundrum we saw in Minneapolis is a prime example of excessive government overreach that almost drove several businesses out of the metro. While our city council needs to make our voices heard on these issues, I would not support any kind of local action that would push services and businesses out of our city.
Instead, I believe our city can focus on providing tax incentives to new business and making license opportunities more accessible to aspiring businesses. Similarly, our city can focus on maintaining our beautiful parks and making them more accessible.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone:
Campaign Website:
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: Mya Beck for Hastings City Council
Candidate Bio
I am a wife and young mother of a special needs son. I am proud of my work as an auditor for a top-ten audit firm in Minneapolis. Prior to becoming an auditor, I worked as a clerk for a credit union. I am eager to take my financial experience to city hall to find ways to keep taxes low while funding critical services within our city. I have also had the opportunity to learn from legislators and city councilors about what is important for our city and surrounding communities. I am excited to get to work on day one!
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I believe in working with everyone who has an idea or opinion. With the diverse views of residents and council members alike, I am excited to learn and build bridges to make our city a better place for everyone. In my opinion, the most important trait for a leader is communication. I look forward to communicate with business owners, public servants, and most importantly, the hard-working families and residents of Hastings.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
My number one priority will be to work with the state and county on new water treatment facilities while keeping our water bills low. If we stay the current course, Hastings residents will see an unaffordable increase in their water bills. I will work with our next state representative (regardless of party) to get resources and funding for cleaning our water.
My next priority will be improving the business climate in our city. We have unfortunately seen many aspiring businesses come and go. This problem will only get worse as the highway 61 project ensues. I will be a fierce advocate of local business in our city and will work tirelessly to encourage and foster new businesses.
My third priority will be ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for our parks. Cottage Grove has Woodridge Park, which includes safe and accessible surfacing, sensory equipment, and musical instruments that bring new visitors to our city. What’s most impressive is that this was done with the help of private businesses and the local Lion’s Club. Our city has amazing parks already, though I look forward to updating at least one of our parks to be more accessible for children of all needs and abilities.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Hastings?
I think the biggest challenge Hastings is facing currently is the inability to retain businesses in and around downtown. Conversely, the biggest opportunity for Hastings is tourism. River Town Days and similar events bring in tourists from around the cities every year. Encouraging local businesses to include others in these efforts and being able to really show off what Hastings has to offer is key to welcoming not only new businesses but also new shoppers/tourists!
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?
While there are opportunities for government to coordinate and help local businesses, it is better that permitting and zoning procedures be made as simple as possible for aspiring businessowners. I hope to be a friendly face for Hastings businesses that will help when possible and stay out of the way when needed.
The 2023-2024 legislative session saw an unprecedented amount of government growth and burden on Minnesota businesses. After speaking with state legislators on this issue, it is clear that businesses are uprooting and moving to Wisconsin – just miles away from our city border.
Some good things were accomplished at the Capitol this last session. Most of it, unfortunately, put a burden on consumers and businessowners. The metro sales tax increase and new delivery fee will incentive fewer sales made in and around our community. I would not be surprised if many in Hastings go to Wisconsin to shop.
How would you characterize the business climate in Hastings and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Hastings?
Hastings is in a great geographic location for tourist-oriented businesses. Unfortunately, many stores and restaurants cannot survive due to poor foot traffic and a lack of meaningful help staying afloat. I am excited to work with the City Council to come up with new tax incentives to bring new business to Minnesota. I also look forward to creating walking and parking alternatives for businesses on vermillion street during the Highway 61 construction project.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Hastings is blessed to have a strong police department that works with the County Sherriff. This year, the city brought on a new Community Service Officer (CSO) to help with the needs of law enforcement. While Hastings does not have crime rates as high as other cities, there are issues that need to be addressed. I will be glad to work with the police to learn what they need to tackle issues like the fentanyl crisis. This means hiring more officers if that is what the department needs.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
This is a question that would be better handled at the county and state level. However, I do believe the city has a role to play with new housing developments. Many areas of Hastings are currently being developed for new apartments and residential properties. The best thing the city can do is responsibly and quickly approve zoning proposals for new properties, provided they do not end up being a nuisance for current residents. With a high demand for housing comes high prices. Increasing the supply will decrease demand and eventually housing prices.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
The private sector has taken action to provide rental scooters to residents and tourists, which is great to see! Encouraging new programs like this in cooperation with the city is a great way to improve a variety of transportation. Most residents still use cars to get around, which should be encouraged. I do not believe that roads should be condensed in favor of bike lanes. Instead, we may consider improving our sidewalks.
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?
The City of Hastings already has little to work with when it comes to funding our city. Being a beautiful river town, Hastings has plenty of opportunities to capitalize on tourism. Events like RiverTown Days bring already bring funds and sales to our city and local businesses. Working with private groups to foster new tourism opportunities will help bolster our economy.
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?
While local units of government often know what is best for their communities, certain issues should be left to the state legislature. The Uber/Lyft wage conundrum we saw in Minneapolis is a prime example of excessive government overreach that almost drove several businesses out of the metro. While our city council needs to make our voices heard on these issues, I would not support any kind of local action that would push services and businesses out of our city.
Instead, I believe our city can focus on providing tax incentives to new business and making license opportunities more accessible to aspiring businesses. Similarly, our city can focus on maintaining our beautiful parks and making them more accessible.