Nicole Porter
Name: Nicole Porter
Public Office Sought: Falcon Heights City Council
Campaign Phone: none
Campaign Website:
Twitter Handle: @iamnicoleporter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnicoleporter
Candidate Bio
Nicole Porter is a marketing professional, artist, and homeowner in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, running for city council. Formerly an entertainment journalist and a published cookbook author, Nicole is an avid DIY-er and gifted project manager. As an entrepreneur, her self-titled housewares line Nicole Porter was featured in over 60 national and international magazines, including New York Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, InStyle, RedBook, Food & Wine Magazine, Essence, Everyday with Rachael Ray. Her “Feminist Folk” cut-and-sew dolls on Spoonflower remain some of the best-selling projects on the sustainable digital printing site.
Nicole Porter’s family has deep roots in the history of the great state of Minnesota. Born in Minneapolis to Ron and Lois Porter of Rogers, Minnesota, Nicole attended school in Burnsville then Elk River School Districts. She is a fourth-generation college graduate and received a Communications Degree from the University of Minnesota. Nicole volunteers with the Ronald McDonald Foundation of the Upper Midwest, providing caring support to families with seriously ill children. Nicole Porter is a huge fan of the Minnesota State Fair and a strong supporter of technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Minnesota has a great culture of “bootstraps” and do-it-yourself, and our citizens have the ability to build businesses that compete on the national stage. Major brands can start here, and my first priority would be to support initiatives that allowed entrepreneurs to try out their ideas. I enjoyed the more minor activities produced at the fairgrounds during the pandemic. We should find a way to support these programs and increase our tax base.
My second priority as a city council member would be to support intelligent changes to our zoning ordinances. Falcon Heights is changing, but it doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice the small-town feel of our community to big housing developers. I benefited from Minnesota’s affordable housing initiatives, and I’m grateful for it. That program set me on a path to eventually becoming a homeowner and a taxpayer. But I also saw how housing developers crammed as many units into a plan as possible without supporting those projects with proper management, parking, community spaces, or public utilities.
My third priority as a city council member would be to support residential gardens and urban greenspaces. In the last year, there has been much debate in Falcon Heights about edible front yard gardens. I come from a family of gardeners, and I believe that the arguments on this issue lack the nuance of a middle ground. For example, there are ornamental edibles like swiss chard, kale, and cabbage that would look beautiful in a front yard, thus appeasing both sides. Given the growing numbers of people experiencing food insecurity and water shortages, I believe that banning edible front yard gardens entirely penalizes our most vulnerable citizens. Our climate is changing. It’s time to re-evaluate how we think about our natural resources and existing systems.
How would you characterize the business climate in Falcon Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
I think Falcon Heights could benefit from developing itself as an “incubator” for small businesses. Most of our land is agricultural and privately owned, with comparatively little space for private building developments. Within our city limits, we have the benefit of the State Fairgrounds and the University of Minnesota. And although we have little jurisdiction over these entities, we could support initiatives that bring in more business to those locations in Falcon Heights.
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, Falcon Heights?
Minnesota has one of the best educated workforces nationwide. Falcon Heights sits close to three major business areas and several universities, which allows it to support a diverse range of business, public safety, and a low cost of living. I want to prioritize affordable housing for teachers, healthcare workers, transit operators, firefighters, and police officers. These people represent the backbone of our community.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Falcon 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 Falcon Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I support the minimum wage, sick time, and mandatory scheduling notice proposals on workers because I’ve lived it. I worked in restaurants and retail for most of my adult life. I know what it’s like to have to decide between paying rent or staying home when you’re ill. One of the goals of a business owner should be to provide a safe place of employment with jobs that support a living wage. I understand that these proposals affect many types of businesses and may not suit start-up business ventures. I’m most interested in learning and employing strategies that will benefit the employee and employer.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
As I outlined previously, I would like to prioritize affordable housing for teachers, health care workers, transit operators, firefighters, and police officers.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
My priorities for the Falcon Heights City budget are small business and neighborhood development, accelerated action on climate change, and public safety. Currently, our city has an agreement with Ramsey County to provide our police. I pose that we may also provide additional support by enforcing parking restrictions and speed cameras to make our streets safer.
What will you do to expand Falcon Heights’ tax base?
I believe that small businesses, not corporations make communities. According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated median household income in our area is $75,660, with 13.4% in poverty. I want to eliminate the preferential treatment of corporations, as well as curb current city tax expenditures in the form of deductions, exclusions, credits provided for them. I want to raise the productive economic activity of mid and low-income that lowers tax rates for labor income. This translates into more money spent locally with more business growth
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Beyond prioritizing affordable housing for educators, I would like to provide supplemental educational resources to our library and educational institutions. When I was in college at the University of Minnesota, I was a tutor with the Homework Helper Program funded through the Minneapolis Public Library. In the program, I tutored K-12 students in Mathematics, English, and Science. We also provided resume assistance to adults. Not only did the program help me finance my education, but I was also able to impact the next generation of Minnesotans directly. I think that supporting initiatives like this would significantly ensure our city develops and retains an educated workforce.
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?
While I’m still relatively new to Falcon Heights, with any service, I think it’s essential to make sure we are making the best use of our tax dollars. I’m a marketing manager in my everyday life, and much of my job is finding new and creative ways to serve more people for less money.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Falcon Heights?
The City Council could promote the participation of minority and women-owned businesses in city spending. Our government needs to expand opportunities, unlock homegrown talent, and become more inclusive.
What further policies can Falcon Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I think it’s always important to follow the science and do what we can as individuals to support local businesses. I spent many years waiting tables, and I can tell you it’s so important to treat service people like people. If you can get vaccinated do so, but also wear your mask, wash your hands, and be kind.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
There’s so much about Falcon Heights that I love, which is why I’ve made the city my home. I look forward to the opportunity to represent my neighbors in our local government.
Public Office Sought: Falcon Heights City Council
Campaign Phone: none
Campaign Website:
Twitter Handle: @iamnicoleporter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnicoleporter
Candidate Bio
Nicole Porter is a marketing professional, artist, and homeowner in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, running for city council. Formerly an entertainment journalist and a published cookbook author, Nicole is an avid DIY-er and gifted project manager. As an entrepreneur, her self-titled housewares line Nicole Porter was featured in over 60 national and international magazines, including New York Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, InStyle, RedBook, Food & Wine Magazine, Essence, Everyday with Rachael Ray. Her “Feminist Folk” cut-and-sew dolls on Spoonflower remain some of the best-selling projects on the sustainable digital printing site.
Nicole Porter’s family has deep roots in the history of the great state of Minnesota. Born in Minneapolis to Ron and Lois Porter of Rogers, Minnesota, Nicole attended school in Burnsville then Elk River School Districts. She is a fourth-generation college graduate and received a Communications Degree from the University of Minnesota. Nicole volunteers with the Ronald McDonald Foundation of the Upper Midwest, providing caring support to families with seriously ill children. Nicole Porter is a huge fan of the Minnesota State Fair and a strong supporter of technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Minnesota has a great culture of “bootstraps” and do-it-yourself, and our citizens have the ability to build businesses that compete on the national stage. Major brands can start here, and my first priority would be to support initiatives that allowed entrepreneurs to try out their ideas. I enjoyed the more minor activities produced at the fairgrounds during the pandemic. We should find a way to support these programs and increase our tax base.
My second priority as a city council member would be to support intelligent changes to our zoning ordinances. Falcon Heights is changing, but it doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice the small-town feel of our community to big housing developers. I benefited from Minnesota’s affordable housing initiatives, and I’m grateful for it. That program set me on a path to eventually becoming a homeowner and a taxpayer. But I also saw how housing developers crammed as many units into a plan as possible without supporting those projects with proper management, parking, community spaces, or public utilities.
My third priority as a city council member would be to support residential gardens and urban greenspaces. In the last year, there has been much debate in Falcon Heights about edible front yard gardens. I come from a family of gardeners, and I believe that the arguments on this issue lack the nuance of a middle ground. For example, there are ornamental edibles like swiss chard, kale, and cabbage that would look beautiful in a front yard, thus appeasing both sides. Given the growing numbers of people experiencing food insecurity and water shortages, I believe that banning edible front yard gardens entirely penalizes our most vulnerable citizens. Our climate is changing. It’s time to re-evaluate how we think about our natural resources and existing systems.
How would you characterize the business climate in Falcon Heights and what is the role of businesses supporting quality of life issues in the community?
I think Falcon Heights could benefit from developing itself as an “incubator” for small businesses. Most of our land is agricultural and privately owned, with comparatively little space for private building developments. Within our city limits, we have the benefit of the State Fairgrounds and the University of Minnesota. And although we have little jurisdiction over these entities, we could support initiatives that bring in more business to those locations in Falcon Heights.
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, Falcon Heights?
Minnesota has one of the best educated workforces nationwide. Falcon Heights sits close to three major business areas and several universities, which allows it to support a diverse range of business, public safety, and a low cost of living. I want to prioritize affordable housing for teachers, healthcare workers, transit operators, firefighters, and police officers. These people represent the backbone of our community.
Do you support any other specific employment-related proposals in Falcon 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 Falcon Heights and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I support the minimum wage, sick time, and mandatory scheduling notice proposals on workers because I’ve lived it. I worked in restaurants and retail for most of my adult life. I know what it’s like to have to decide between paying rent or staying home when you’re ill. One of the goals of a business owner should be to provide a safe place of employment with jobs that support a living wage. I understand that these proposals affect many types of businesses and may not suit start-up business ventures. I’m most interested in learning and employing strategies that will benefit the employee and employer.
What are your strategies to address public safety, housing, and transportation issues facing your community?
As I outlined previously, I would like to prioritize affordable housing for teachers, health care workers, transit operators, firefighters, and police officers.
What are your priorities for the City’s budget?
My priorities for the Falcon Heights City budget are small business and neighborhood development, accelerated action on climate change, and public safety. Currently, our city has an agreement with Ramsey County to provide our police. I pose that we may also provide additional support by enforcing parking restrictions and speed cameras to make our streets safer.
What will you do to expand Falcon Heights’ tax base?
I believe that small businesses, not corporations make communities. According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated median household income in our area is $75,660, with 13.4% in poverty. I want to eliminate the preferential treatment of corporations, as well as curb current city tax expenditures in the form of deductions, exclusions, credits provided for them. I want to raise the productive economic activity of mid and low-income that lowers tax rates for labor income. This translates into more money spent locally with more business growth
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Beyond prioritizing affordable housing for educators, I would like to provide supplemental educational resources to our library and educational institutions. When I was in college at the University of Minnesota, I was a tutor with the Homework Helper Program funded through the Minneapolis Public Library. In the program, I tutored K-12 students in Mathematics, English, and Science. We also provided resume assistance to adults. Not only did the program help me finance my education, but I was also able to impact the next generation of Minnesotans directly. I think that supporting initiatives like this would significantly ensure our city develops and retains an educated workforce.
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?
While I’m still relatively new to Falcon Heights, with any service, I think it’s essential to make sure we are making the best use of our tax dollars. I’m a marketing manager in my everyday life, and much of my job is finding new and creative ways to serve more people for less money.
What is the role of the City Council in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses in Falcon Heights?
The City Council could promote the participation of minority and women-owned businesses in city spending. Our government needs to expand opportunities, unlock homegrown talent, and become more inclusive.
What further policies can Falcon Heights adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I think it’s always important to follow the science and do what we can as individuals to support local businesses. I spent many years waiting tables, and I can tell you it’s so important to treat service people like people. If you can get vaccinated do so, but also wear your mask, wash your hands, and be kind.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
There’s so much about Falcon Heights that I love, which is why I’ve made the city my home. I look forward to the opportunity to represent my neighbors in our local government.