Chenayi Shava (Ogunbanjo)
Name: Chenayi Shava (Ogunbanjo)
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612.351.0623
Campaign Website:
Instagram Handle: @chenayiforoakdale
TikTok Handle: @chenayiforoakdale
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/chenayi4oakdalecitycouncil
Candidate Bio
I bring experience, resilience & 20+ years of public service as a teacher, dedicated to empowering students, families, and communities. I am currently pursuing my third degree: a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Leadership, strengthening my skills in leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and community-centered decision-making.
My life experiences have shaped me into an adaptable, open-minded, and resilient leader. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, attended university in Canada, and have called the United States home since 2017. Living across three countries has given me a deep appreciation for different perspectives, cultures, experiences, and ways of thinking—qualities I believe are essential in serving a diverse community like Oakdale.
I have worn many hats throughout my journey: educator, student, mentor, community advocate, parent, and leader. I have overcome hardships that strengthened my perseverance and taught me the importance of showing up, listening, and finding solutions even when circumstances are challenging.
As a woman of color, I am proud to be a model of resilience, possibility, and leadership for other women and young people who may not always see themselves represented in civic leadership. I am ready to bring a fresh perspective, new energy, and thoughtful leadership to Oakdale.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Above all, I will listen. I would bring a collaborative, practical, and servant-leadership style to the City Council—grounded in listening, accountability, and getting things done.
As an educator, coach, and mentor, I’ve spent years planning, problem-solving, encouraging others, managing different needs, and bringing people together. Mentoring young teachers has strengthened my ability to coach, communicate, give honest feedback, and help others grow. Being close to young people every day also gives me a real understanding of their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future. I’ve also planned and chaperoned school trips locally and overseas, which has taught me to anticipate challenges, manage details, stay calm when plans change, and make sure everyone is safe and supported. And being a mom and wife has taught me patience, compromise, budgeting, multitasking, and the importance of listening before acting.
These everyday experiences have built leadership skills that are sometimes overlooked. I would bring that perspective, along with my experience living and working across three countries, informs me to lead with integrity, resilience, and compassion, ensuring every voice and every family feels heard and valued.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Above all, I will listen. I am a listening leader. Before making decisions, I want to hear directly from Oakdale residents about what is working, what is not, and what matters most to their families.
What is the biggest challenge facing Oakdale right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The city of Oakdale is working on updating its Comprehensive Plan and has conducted extensive studies and has increased public engagement for this purpose. Oakdale has many (re)development opportunities regarding business, parks and trails, housing, and intentional infrastructure that will create a more connected and greater Oakdale. Oakdale is in a position of strength, and this election is not just about the next 4 years but an opportunity to shape what the next 20-25 years of Oakdale will look like. It's an opportunity to build an affordable Oakdale, where kids are able to safely walk and bike, older residents remain, and businesses thrive— and every resident feels that they have a voice and belong in Oakdale.
How would you characterize the business climate in Oakdale, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
I currently serve on the Planning and Development Commission, and we regularly listen to businesses who bring proposals with the intention of growing our city and solving some of the challenges we have.
Oakdale is currently positioned for growth, is healthy, and is steadily becoming diverse because of its existing foundation that covers sectors such as health, retail, technology, distribution, and professional services. However, like all cities across the state, difficulty filling certain positions remains a challenge that I see as a major positive for Oakdale since it is growing and the bustling housing market is adding to our need for employable residents.
The role of local government is, first, to be a thoughtful partners that make it easier for businesses to access applications for permits, ordinances, and zoning, as well as development opportunities. The business moves of Oakdale need to have economic and everyday benefits to residents.
Secondly, the local government needs to retain and help existing businesses grow or expand by partnering with them and helping them understand the ordinances of Oakdale.
Third, the local government needs to build career pathways between businesses and educational institutions, County Workforce, and the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce so that we have a strong local workforce pipeline. This can take so many forms, and listening to the community for ideas of how to do this would empower our city because we have many highly skilled and learned residents in Oakdale.
Finally, the city’s business surveys found that our employees commute from a 10-mile radius; therefore, housing, transportation, and childcare have to be factored into the business model of Oakdale.
The success of our business climate is connected to family success and Oakdale growth.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
During door knocking, residents have shared with me concerns about drivers exceeding speed limits, mailbox hit-and-runs, vehicles crashing into cars parked in driveways, and an increase in break-ins at some apartment complexes. As a mother, every family should feel safe to walk on the streets, let their children play outside, and know our homes are protected. To increase safety, we need to work closely with law enforcement, improve traffic safety solutions, and cut the problems in the bud before they become bigger.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability, and how do you view the role of rent control policies in that process?
I believe Oakdale needs more housing choices for young families, working families, seniors, and those who want to stay in our community. We should support thoughtful development, a mix of housing types, and partnerships that create more attainable housing.
I see rent control as one tool that should be considered carefully, but not the primary solution. As a mother, wife, and educator, I believe everyone should have a fair opportunity to call Oakdale home, and we need solutions that protect renters today while building affordable options for tomorrow.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
I want Oakdale’s streets to be safe for everyone—drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. Through door-knocking, I’ve heard concerns about speeding, racing, mailbox hit-and-runs, and vehicles hitting cars in driveways. I would prioritize safer crossings, sidewalks and bike connections, traffic-calming measures, and better coordination with county and regional partners. Safe streets mean families can walk, bike, drive, and get where they need to go with confidence
Residential property owners across the region are feeling significant strain from rising property tax bills. How would you approach balancing fiscal responsibility with the demand for services when setting the city levy?
I know that rising property taxes are putting real pressure on family budgets, and I think the city has to be just as careful with residents’ money as families are with their own. When setting the levy, I would look closely at what we truly need, where we can be more efficient, and whether residents are getting real value from the services we provide. We need to keep investing in safe streets, public safety, parks, and essential services while making sure we’re not asking families to carry more than they can afford
What are the two or three issues where you believe city government is best positioned to lead — and why the city rather than the state or county?
I believe city government is in the best position to lead on safe streets and neighborhoods, responsible growth and housing, and strong youth and community engagement because these are the things residents experience every day. My priorities are about making Oakdale a place where families can raise their children, young people can build their future, and older adults can stay and retire with confidence. Every Family. Every Voice. Oakdale Together. That means listening to our residents, investing wisely, and making sure everyone has a place in Oakdale’s future.
What does real taxpayer transparency look like to you, and what specific steps would you take to achieve it — both in terms of financial reporting and public engagement?
To me, real taxpayer transparency means residents should be able to easily understand where their tax dollars are going and why. I would support clear, simple budget updates, making financial information easy to find online, and creating more opportunities for residents to ask questions and give input before major spending decisions are made. Transparency shouldn’t require a finance degree—it should be clear, accessible, and a two-way conversation between City Hall and the people who pay the bills.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612.351.0623
Campaign Website:
Instagram Handle: @chenayiforoakdale
TikTok Handle: @chenayiforoakdale
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/chenayi4oakdalecitycouncil
Candidate Bio
I bring experience, resilience & 20+ years of public service as a teacher, dedicated to empowering students, families, and communities. I am currently pursuing my third degree: a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Leadership, strengthening my skills in leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and community-centered decision-making.
My life experiences have shaped me into an adaptable, open-minded, and resilient leader. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, attended university in Canada, and have called the United States home since 2017. Living across three countries has given me a deep appreciation for different perspectives, cultures, experiences, and ways of thinking—qualities I believe are essential in serving a diverse community like Oakdale.
I have worn many hats throughout my journey: educator, student, mentor, community advocate, parent, and leader. I have overcome hardships that strengthened my perseverance and taught me the importance of showing up, listening, and finding solutions even when circumstances are challenging.
As a woman of color, I am proud to be a model of resilience, possibility, and leadership for other women and young people who may not always see themselves represented in civic leadership. I am ready to bring a fresh perspective, new energy, and thoughtful leadership to Oakdale.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Above all, I will listen. I would bring a collaborative, practical, and servant-leadership style to the City Council—grounded in listening, accountability, and getting things done.
As an educator, coach, and mentor, I’ve spent years planning, problem-solving, encouraging others, managing different needs, and bringing people together. Mentoring young teachers has strengthened my ability to coach, communicate, give honest feedback, and help others grow. Being close to young people every day also gives me a real understanding of their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future. I’ve also planned and chaperoned school trips locally and overseas, which has taught me to anticipate challenges, manage details, stay calm when plans change, and make sure everyone is safe and supported. And being a mom and wife has taught me patience, compromise, budgeting, multitasking, and the importance of listening before acting.
These everyday experiences have built leadership skills that are sometimes overlooked. I would bring that perspective, along with my experience living and working across three countries, informs me to lead with integrity, resilience, and compassion, ensuring every voice and every family feels heard and valued.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Above all, I will listen. I am a listening leader. Before making decisions, I want to hear directly from Oakdale residents about what is working, what is not, and what matters most to their families.
- Safe streets and neighborhoods: Residents should feel safe walking, biking, and driving around Oakdale. A simple first step is to listen to residents about problem areas, identify the most common speeding concerns, and work with city staff on quick, low-cost solutions such as better signage, targeted enforcement, and traffic-calming measures where appropriate.
- Youth civic engagement: Young people should have a seat at the table. We can start small by creating regular opportunities for Oakdale youth to meet with city leaders, share ideas, and learn how local government works—using existing schools and community spaces rather than creating expensive new programs.
- Affordable housing and representative government: Housing costs affect families across our community. I would listen to residents, landlords, renters, and local organizations and look for practical ways to support housing options without placing unnecessary costs on taxpayers. I will also make sure residents know how to participate in city decisions. With uncertainty in our state, we need to listen first, prioritize wisely, use existing resources, and focus on solutions that make a difference without creating unnecessary costs.
What is the biggest challenge facing Oakdale right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The city of Oakdale is working on updating its Comprehensive Plan and has conducted extensive studies and has increased public engagement for this purpose. Oakdale has many (re)development opportunities regarding business, parks and trails, housing, and intentional infrastructure that will create a more connected and greater Oakdale. Oakdale is in a position of strength, and this election is not just about the next 4 years but an opportunity to shape what the next 20-25 years of Oakdale will look like. It's an opportunity to build an affordable Oakdale, where kids are able to safely walk and bike, older residents remain, and businesses thrive— and every resident feels that they have a voice and belong in Oakdale.
How would you characterize the business climate in Oakdale, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
I currently serve on the Planning and Development Commission, and we regularly listen to businesses who bring proposals with the intention of growing our city and solving some of the challenges we have.
Oakdale is currently positioned for growth, is healthy, and is steadily becoming diverse because of its existing foundation that covers sectors such as health, retail, technology, distribution, and professional services. However, like all cities across the state, difficulty filling certain positions remains a challenge that I see as a major positive for Oakdale since it is growing and the bustling housing market is adding to our need for employable residents.
The role of local government is, first, to be a thoughtful partners that make it easier for businesses to access applications for permits, ordinances, and zoning, as well as development opportunities. The business moves of Oakdale need to have economic and everyday benefits to residents.
Secondly, the local government needs to retain and help existing businesses grow or expand by partnering with them and helping them understand the ordinances of Oakdale.
Third, the local government needs to build career pathways between businesses and educational institutions, County Workforce, and the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce so that we have a strong local workforce pipeline. This can take so many forms, and listening to the community for ideas of how to do this would empower our city because we have many highly skilled and learned residents in Oakdale.
Finally, the city’s business surveys found that our employees commute from a 10-mile radius; therefore, housing, transportation, and childcare have to be factored into the business model of Oakdale.
The success of our business climate is connected to family success and Oakdale growth.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
During door knocking, residents have shared with me concerns about drivers exceeding speed limits, mailbox hit-and-runs, vehicles crashing into cars parked in driveways, and an increase in break-ins at some apartment complexes. As a mother, every family should feel safe to walk on the streets, let their children play outside, and know our homes are protected. To increase safety, we need to work closely with law enforcement, improve traffic safety solutions, and cut the problems in the bud before they become bigger.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability, and how do you view the role of rent control policies in that process?
I believe Oakdale needs more housing choices for young families, working families, seniors, and those who want to stay in our community. We should support thoughtful development, a mix of housing types, and partnerships that create more attainable housing.
I see rent control as one tool that should be considered carefully, but not the primary solution. As a mother, wife, and educator, I believe everyone should have a fair opportunity to call Oakdale home, and we need solutions that protect renters today while building affordable options for tomorrow.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
I want Oakdale’s streets to be safe for everyone—drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. Through door-knocking, I’ve heard concerns about speeding, racing, mailbox hit-and-runs, and vehicles hitting cars in driveways. I would prioritize safer crossings, sidewalks and bike connections, traffic-calming measures, and better coordination with county and regional partners. Safe streets mean families can walk, bike, drive, and get where they need to go with confidence
Residential property owners across the region are feeling significant strain from rising property tax bills. How would you approach balancing fiscal responsibility with the demand for services when setting the city levy?
I know that rising property taxes are putting real pressure on family budgets, and I think the city has to be just as careful with residents’ money as families are with their own. When setting the levy, I would look closely at what we truly need, where we can be more efficient, and whether residents are getting real value from the services we provide. We need to keep investing in safe streets, public safety, parks, and essential services while making sure we’re not asking families to carry more than they can afford
What are the two or three issues where you believe city government is best positioned to lead — and why the city rather than the state or county?
I believe city government is in the best position to lead on safe streets and neighborhoods, responsible growth and housing, and strong youth and community engagement because these are the things residents experience every day. My priorities are about making Oakdale a place where families can raise their children, young people can build their future, and older adults can stay and retire with confidence. Every Family. Every Voice. Oakdale Together. That means listening to our residents, investing wisely, and making sure everyone has a place in Oakdale’s future.
What does real taxpayer transparency look like to you, and what specific steps would you take to achieve it — both in terms of financial reporting and public engagement?
To me, real taxpayer transparency means residents should be able to easily understand where their tax dollars are going and why. I would support clear, simple budget updates, making financial information easy to find online, and creating more opportunities for residents to ask questions and give input before major spending decisions are made. Transparency shouldn’t require a finance degree—it should be clear, accessible, and a two-way conversation between City Hall and the people who pay the bills.