Matt Mills
Name: Matt Mills
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone:
Campaign Website: https://mattmills4igh.com/
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590226499164
Candidate Bio
I served on the IGH Environmental Commission for three years and have also served on my HOA board. Professionally, I bring more than 10 years of business experience managing projects focused on efficiency, accountability, and responsible spending. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how thoughtful leadership and practical decision-making can deliver real results for the community.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I believe effective leadership starts with listening and collaboration. If elected, I would work to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made through thoughtful discussion and cooperation. It is important to understand the perspectives and needs of all parties involved to find practical, common-sense solutions. When consensus cannot be reached, I will make decisive decisions and remain transparent with residents about how and why those decisions were made.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
My three main priorities are improving our city’s infrastructure, attracting and supporting small businesses, and reducing excessive spending on large-scale projects. With growing uncertainty around state and federal funding, it is more important than ever that we focus our budget on practical, common-sense investments that directly benefit residents, rather than costly capital projects that place additional strain on taxpayers.
What is the biggest challenge facing Inver Grove Heights right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
There is a growing disconnect between our current city government and the residents it is meant to serve. Too often, decisions that directly impact taxpayers are made without meaningful community input or feedback. We need greater transparency, stronger communication, and a city council that actively listens to and engages with the people of our community.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
While Inver Grove Heights has seen an increase in large chain businesses choosing to locate here, we have struggled to attract the small businesses that help define and strengthen a community. Small businesses are often more connected to the needs of residents and make a greater impact on the local economy by reinvesting in the community. Unfortunately, our current communication with prospective businesses includes outdated information and references to resources that are no longer available. We need to do a better job of showing entrepreneurs that Inver Grove Heights values their ideas and investments, not just large corporations.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
While we are fortunate to live in a generally safe community, I believe there should be more opportunities for interaction between our public safety officers and residents. National Night Out is a great example of how positive relationships can be built between law enforcement and the community, but we should encourage more of these interactions throughout the year. When residents have the opportunity to know the people who serve and protect them, it strengthens trust and reinforces the idea that our public safety officers are partners in keeping our community safe. I would also like to see more community representatives throughout the city working to build strong relationships with residents. The stronger our sense of community and connection, the lower the risk of crime and the safer our neighborhoods become.
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?
First, to help address rent control concerns, we should update residential zoning to allow for medium- to high-density housing developments, including affordable townhomes. The city should also partner with organizations that build affordable single-family housing to expand homeownership opportunities. Additionally, we need to review local codes and regulations to ensure landlords cannot impose unreasonable rent increases that make housing unaffordable for tenants.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
We need to invest in our streets and infrastructure. Many areas of the city have roads in significant disrepair, creating daily frustrations for drivers and negatively impacting our community. Improving our roads will be a top priority for me if elected. Additionally, while we are fortunate to have many wonderful walking and biking trails throughout the city, I would like to see enhanced safety features added, including better lighting and emergency call poles. Our residents should feel safe enjoying our parks and trails at any time of day.
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?
As stated previously, the city should focus on essential priorities rather than pursuing large capital projects that may not be immediately necessary. By pausing or phasing these projects until appropriate state or federal funding becomes available, we can help reduce the burden on local taxpayers and ensure that residents are not paying for avoidable or premature expenditures.
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?
My first priority is affordable housing. This is an issue that requires strong local leadership, and I believe our city should take a more active role in leading the conversation and advancing solutions that reflect the needs of our community. While counties and the state can provide important funding and support, it is municipalities that ultimately shape growth through planning, zoning, and development decisions. We need to work collaboratively with residents, developers, and regional partners to encourage housing options that are affordable, sustainable, and consistent with the character of our city. That includes supporting responsible development, improving communication with the community, and ensuring that teachers, first responders, young families, and seniors can all afford to live in the community they serve and care about. My second priority is economic development. Economic development begins at the local level, and cities should take the lead in creating an environment where businesses want to invest, expand, and succeed. While counties and the state provide valuable support through workforce programs, grants, and infrastructure funding, municipalities are the primary point of contact for most businesses considering a new location. As such, we have a responsibility to ensure our processes are clear, responsive, and business-friendly while still protecting the long-term interests of our community.
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?
One of the central tenets of my campaign is a commitment to transparency in local government. Elected leaders are public servants, and it is essential that the City Council operates with clarity, openness, and accountability in every decision it makes. The council should communicate its plans for the city in a straightforward and accessible way, remain receptive to feedback from residents, and be willing to adjust course when the community expresses concerns or raises valid objections. Good governance requires listening as much as it requires leading. I also believe the city should provide regular financial updates, including quarterly reports, to keep residents informed about how public funds are being spent. Taxpayer dollars belong to the community, and residents deserve clear, timely information about how those resources are allocated and what outcomes they are producing.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone:
Campaign Website: https://mattmills4igh.com/
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590226499164
Candidate Bio
I served on the IGH Environmental Commission for three years and have also served on my HOA board. Professionally, I bring more than 10 years of business experience managing projects focused on efficiency, accountability, and responsible spending. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how thoughtful leadership and practical decision-making can deliver real results for the community.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I believe effective leadership starts with listening and collaboration. If elected, I would work to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made through thoughtful discussion and cooperation. It is important to understand the perspectives and needs of all parties involved to find practical, common-sense solutions. When consensus cannot be reached, I will make decisive decisions and remain transparent with residents about how and why those decisions were made.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
My three main priorities are improving our city’s infrastructure, attracting and supporting small businesses, and reducing excessive spending on large-scale projects. With growing uncertainty around state and federal funding, it is more important than ever that we focus our budget on practical, common-sense investments that directly benefit residents, rather than costly capital projects that place additional strain on taxpayers.
What is the biggest challenge facing Inver Grove Heights right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
There is a growing disconnect between our current city government and the residents it is meant to serve. Too often, decisions that directly impact taxpayers are made without meaningful community input or feedback. We need greater transparency, stronger communication, and a city council that actively listens to and engages with the people of our community.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
While Inver Grove Heights has seen an increase in large chain businesses choosing to locate here, we have struggled to attract the small businesses that help define and strengthen a community. Small businesses are often more connected to the needs of residents and make a greater impact on the local economy by reinvesting in the community. Unfortunately, our current communication with prospective businesses includes outdated information and references to resources that are no longer available. We need to do a better job of showing entrepreneurs that Inver Grove Heights values their ideas and investments, not just large corporations.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
While we are fortunate to live in a generally safe community, I believe there should be more opportunities for interaction between our public safety officers and residents. National Night Out is a great example of how positive relationships can be built between law enforcement and the community, but we should encourage more of these interactions throughout the year. When residents have the opportunity to know the people who serve and protect them, it strengthens trust and reinforces the idea that our public safety officers are partners in keeping our community safe. I would also like to see more community representatives throughout the city working to build strong relationships with residents. The stronger our sense of community and connection, the lower the risk of crime and the safer our neighborhoods become.
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?
First, to help address rent control concerns, we should update residential zoning to allow for medium- to high-density housing developments, including affordable townhomes. The city should also partner with organizations that build affordable single-family housing to expand homeownership opportunities. Additionally, we need to review local codes and regulations to ensure landlords cannot impose unreasonable rent increases that make housing unaffordable for tenants.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
We need to invest in our streets and infrastructure. Many areas of the city have roads in significant disrepair, creating daily frustrations for drivers and negatively impacting our community. Improving our roads will be a top priority for me if elected. Additionally, while we are fortunate to have many wonderful walking and biking trails throughout the city, I would like to see enhanced safety features added, including better lighting and emergency call poles. Our residents should feel safe enjoying our parks and trails at any time of day.
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?
As stated previously, the city should focus on essential priorities rather than pursuing large capital projects that may not be immediately necessary. By pausing or phasing these projects until appropriate state or federal funding becomes available, we can help reduce the burden on local taxpayers and ensure that residents are not paying for avoidable or premature expenditures.
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?
My first priority is affordable housing. This is an issue that requires strong local leadership, and I believe our city should take a more active role in leading the conversation and advancing solutions that reflect the needs of our community. While counties and the state can provide important funding and support, it is municipalities that ultimately shape growth through planning, zoning, and development decisions. We need to work collaboratively with residents, developers, and regional partners to encourage housing options that are affordable, sustainable, and consistent with the character of our city. That includes supporting responsible development, improving communication with the community, and ensuring that teachers, first responders, young families, and seniors can all afford to live in the community they serve and care about. My second priority is economic development. Economic development begins at the local level, and cities should take the lead in creating an environment where businesses want to invest, expand, and succeed. While counties and the state provide valuable support through workforce programs, grants, and infrastructure funding, municipalities are the primary point of contact for most businesses considering a new location. As such, we have a responsibility to ensure our processes are clear, responsive, and business-friendly while still protecting the long-term interests of our community.
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?
One of the central tenets of my campaign is a commitment to transparency in local government. Elected leaders are public servants, and it is essential that the City Council operates with clarity, openness, and accountability in every decision it makes. The council should communicate its plans for the city in a straightforward and accessible way, remain receptive to feedback from residents, and be willing to adjust course when the community expresses concerns or raises valid objections. Good governance requires listening as much as it requires leading. I also believe the city should provide regular financial updates, including quarterly reports, to keep residents informed about how public funds are being spent. Taxpayer dollars belong to the community, and residents deserve clear, timely information about how those resources are allocated and what outcomes they are producing.