Nicole Mitchell
Name: Nicole Mitchell
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-440-1773
Campaign Website: NicoleMitchell.org
Twitter handle: @NicoleM_MN
Facebook Page: @NicoleForWoodbury
Candidate Bio
My family moved to Woodbury 40 years ago, when I was in elementary school, and I graduated from Woodbury H.S. I later chose to raise my family here. I am a longtime volunteer including as a previous Woodbury Ambassador, serving as a foster parent to 7 children over 6+ years, volunteering as an election judge, PTO president at my children’s school, and helping at the local food bank.
My public service additionally includes 32 years in the military, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard after flying into storms as an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter. I have over 30 years’ experience as a broadcast meteorologist, translating complex data into clear information for the public while educating people about climate and environmental issues and earning law degree along the way.
Finally, I served three sessions as a MN State Senator representing Woodbury, where I fought for local infrastructure, public safety investments, and clean water. I prioritized helping residents on issues ranging from business licensing, HOA issues, even healthcare reform, while translating their ideas into legislation.
I hope to bring a unique combination of leadership, legislative experience, work ethic, and deep local roots to the Woodbury City Council.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As a former military commander, I follow a service-leadership philosophy. To me, that means leading with empathy, listening first, and acting as a careful steward of public resources, including taxpayer dollars. It also means valuing the success of the team and the community over personal recognition.
I have led teams in high-stakes environments, from military missions to legislative negotiations, and I believe the best decisions are grounded in data, expert input, and community feedback.
On the City Council, I would bring that same approach: listening carefully, fostering transparent dialogue, and focusing on practical solutions that reflect the community’s voice rather than partisanship.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Making science-based decisions: As a scientist, I will work with experts to understand problems and make sound decisions, not political ones. During my legislative work, I co-authored bills to prevent further PFAS contamination of our water and served as a member of Minnesota’s Clean Water Council. With my background in climate and water protection, I will protect our resources and build on the work the city has already done to keep our water clean. This includes halting any additional AI data centers in Woodbury without public input.
Keeping costs low: As costs rise, property tax increases place an additional burden on working families. From 2023 to 2025, among other investments and tax savings, I helped secure $7.5 million in state funds for the Central Park renovation and $3.3 million in public safety investments — dollars saved from coming out of property taxes. I plan to leveraging state and federal funding opportunities when possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility in how Woodbury spends your tax dollars.
Greater transparency: Getting information about city decisions and where elected officials stand on issues should be easy. I support open meetings, four-year retention of City Council videos, rather than the current four months, and minimizing the use of consent agendas that reduce public engagement. I am always willing to explain issues and hear feedback from community members. I also support transitioning Woodbury to ward representation, so all residents actually have a voice with the council.
What is the biggest challenge facing Woodbury right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
Biggest Challenge: Managing Rapid Growth While Protecting Quality of Life. When my family moved to Woodbury there were fewer than 20,000 residents. Now it’s over 80,000. With Woodbury’s rapid growth, there is more pressure on local infrastructure, property taxes, traffic congestion, and clean water resources that need to be addressed now, not wait until problems hit a tipping point.
Greatest Opportunity: Building a Sustainable, Connected Community. Woodbury’s top-tier schools, thriving commercial sectors, and extensive park systems make us a wonderful place to live. Our opportunity lies in smart planning that attracts high-paying local jobs, while also keeping Woodbury affordable for young families and seniors. We also need to ensure all our residents, including our vibrant immigrant community, feel welcomed and included in our city.
How would you characterize the business climate in Woodbury, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Woodbury has a healthy business climate, supported by its location in the east metro, access to interstate connections, and a population of over 80,000 residents. The city’s retail, restaurant, health care, professional service, and small-business sectors draw customers and workers from across the region.
City government should support that momentum by keeping permitting predictable, communicating clearly with businesses, and partnering with local schools, regional colleges, and employers to better align workforce training with real job needs. At the same time, growth needs to be well planned. The city should be careful with zoning changes that affect nearby neighborhoods, and I do not believe high-water-use businesses such as AI data centers should receive lower water rates than homeowners.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
My stepfather actually spent 20 years on the Woodbury Fire Department when I was younger so I have seen first-hand how Woodbury’s Public Safety Department has grown and changed over the years.
I think we need to ensure competitive pay, advanced training, and modern equipment for police, fire, and EMS personnel, to help attract and retain good workers. I strongly support embedding social workers or mental health experts on calls that have a mental health component. And, I think we need to stay on top of emerging issues such as e-bikes and speeds and safety on our trail.
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?
Minnesota’s housing shortage and lack of affordable housing are issues I worked on during my time in the State Legislature. I believe we need a broader mix of housing options and more flexibility for homeowners who want to use their property to meet family or community needs. For example, when a lot is large enough, families should have the option to build a small accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, for an aging parent, adult child, caregiver, or extended family member.
I also hear from many young families and seniors while door-knocking that they want smaller starter homes and retirement options that fit more modest budgets.
I am generally cautious about broad rent-control policies because they can discourage new housing development and make it harder to address the overall housing shortage. However, I have also worked with seniors in Woodbury who were at risk of losing their homes after proposed rent increases of 12.5 percent. In those situations, I believe there should be targeted protections for residents in affordable housing, especially seniors on fixed incomes, so they are protected from excessive or predatory increases while still allowing housing providers to maintain their properties responsibly.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Improving transportation safety in Woodbury starts with safer street crossings, especially near schools, parks, and busy trail connections. The city should continue identifying high-conflict crossings and using proven tools such as better lighting, clearer striping, traffic-calming designs, and pedestrian-activated crossing signals where appropriate.
Just as important, Woodbury should keep building a connected trail and sidewalk network so residents can safely walk, bike, and roll between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas. Because Woodbury’s transportation system includes city streets, Washington County roads, and nearby state and interstate corridors, including I-94 and I-494, the City Council needs to work closely with county and state partners to plan ahead for traffic flow as Woodbury continues to grow. The city’s own transportation planning identifies safety, congestion reduction, transit access, and non-motorized connections as long-term priorities, so I would focus on projects that improve daily safety while also preparing for future growth.
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?
Rising property taxes are a genuine concern, in fact this is one of the top issues I hear about when out talking to residents.
First, there needs to be increased transparency in the budgeting process to help residents better understand how levy decisions are made and how city dollars are being used. I would prioritize core municipal responsibilities first, including public safety, clean water, roads, parks, and basic infrastructure, so taxpayers can see that essential services are being funded before new initiatives are added. I also support using long-term, multi-year budgeting and financial forecasting to anticipate future costs, avoid sudden tax spikes, and give residents clearer information earlier in the process. That should include plain-language budget summaries, public explanations of major cost drivers, and accessible opportunities for residents to provide input before final levy decisions are made.
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?
Municipal utilities and clean water, because Woodbury directly manages much of its water infrastructure and is closest to residents’ concerns about water quality, reliability, and cost. The city can act quickly on PFAS mitigation, well planning, conservation efforts, and long-term infrastructure investments, while coordinating with state and county partners when broader funding or regulatory support is needed.
Local parks, trails, and community spaces, because these amenities are planned, maintained, and used most directly at the local level. Woodbury can make decisions that reflect neighborhood needs, improve trail connections, maintain safe and accessible park facilities, and ensure community spaces serve families, seniors, youth sports, and residents of all backgrounds.
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 has two parts: first, showing residents clearly how the city is being a good steward of their tax dollars; and second, making sure city government is open and accountable in all of its decisions.
On the financial side, that means providing better financial reporting through plain-language budget summaries and interactive online dashboards that show how city dollars are collected and spent. It also means giving residents more meaningful opportunities to participate before major budget decisions are made, including accessible budget listening sessions before preliminary levy votes, digital surveys, and town halls where residents can ask questions and offer input.
More broadly, transparency means keeping meetings open to the public, improving data practices such retaining City Council videos for a longer period of time, and making sure residents are informed early about major issues that could affect the community, such as AI data centers or other significant development proposals.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 612-440-1773
Campaign Website: NicoleMitchell.org
Twitter handle: @NicoleM_MN
Facebook Page: @NicoleForWoodbury
Candidate Bio
My family moved to Woodbury 40 years ago, when I was in elementary school, and I graduated from Woodbury H.S. I later chose to raise my family here. I am a longtime volunteer including as a previous Woodbury Ambassador, serving as a foster parent to 7 children over 6+ years, volunteering as an election judge, PTO president at my children’s school, and helping at the local food bank.
My public service additionally includes 32 years in the military, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard after flying into storms as an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter. I have over 30 years’ experience as a broadcast meteorologist, translating complex data into clear information for the public while educating people about climate and environmental issues and earning law degree along the way.
Finally, I served three sessions as a MN State Senator representing Woodbury, where I fought for local infrastructure, public safety investments, and clean water. I prioritized helping residents on issues ranging from business licensing, HOA issues, even healthcare reform, while translating their ideas into legislation.
I hope to bring a unique combination of leadership, legislative experience, work ethic, and deep local roots to the Woodbury City Council.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As a former military commander, I follow a service-leadership philosophy. To me, that means leading with empathy, listening first, and acting as a careful steward of public resources, including taxpayer dollars. It also means valuing the success of the team and the community over personal recognition.
I have led teams in high-stakes environments, from military missions to legislative negotiations, and I believe the best decisions are grounded in data, expert input, and community feedback.
On the City Council, I would bring that same approach: listening carefully, fostering transparent dialogue, and focusing on practical solutions that reflect the community’s voice rather than partisanship.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Making science-based decisions: As a scientist, I will work with experts to understand problems and make sound decisions, not political ones. During my legislative work, I co-authored bills to prevent further PFAS contamination of our water and served as a member of Minnesota’s Clean Water Council. With my background in climate and water protection, I will protect our resources and build on the work the city has already done to keep our water clean. This includes halting any additional AI data centers in Woodbury without public input.
Keeping costs low: As costs rise, property tax increases place an additional burden on working families. From 2023 to 2025, among other investments and tax savings, I helped secure $7.5 million in state funds for the Central Park renovation and $3.3 million in public safety investments — dollars saved from coming out of property taxes. I plan to leveraging state and federal funding opportunities when possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility in how Woodbury spends your tax dollars.
Greater transparency: Getting information about city decisions and where elected officials stand on issues should be easy. I support open meetings, four-year retention of City Council videos, rather than the current four months, and minimizing the use of consent agendas that reduce public engagement. I am always willing to explain issues and hear feedback from community members. I also support transitioning Woodbury to ward representation, so all residents actually have a voice with the council.
What is the biggest challenge facing Woodbury right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
Biggest Challenge: Managing Rapid Growth While Protecting Quality of Life. When my family moved to Woodbury there were fewer than 20,000 residents. Now it’s over 80,000. With Woodbury’s rapid growth, there is more pressure on local infrastructure, property taxes, traffic congestion, and clean water resources that need to be addressed now, not wait until problems hit a tipping point.
Greatest Opportunity: Building a Sustainable, Connected Community. Woodbury’s top-tier schools, thriving commercial sectors, and extensive park systems make us a wonderful place to live. Our opportunity lies in smart planning that attracts high-paying local jobs, while also keeping Woodbury affordable for young families and seniors. We also need to ensure all our residents, including our vibrant immigrant community, feel welcomed and included in our city.
How would you characterize the business climate in Woodbury, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Woodbury has a healthy business climate, supported by its location in the east metro, access to interstate connections, and a population of over 80,000 residents. The city’s retail, restaurant, health care, professional service, and small-business sectors draw customers and workers from across the region.
City government should support that momentum by keeping permitting predictable, communicating clearly with businesses, and partnering with local schools, regional colleges, and employers to better align workforce training with real job needs. At the same time, growth needs to be well planned. The city should be careful with zoning changes that affect nearby neighborhoods, and I do not believe high-water-use businesses such as AI data centers should receive lower water rates than homeowners.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
My stepfather actually spent 20 years on the Woodbury Fire Department when I was younger so I have seen first-hand how Woodbury’s Public Safety Department has grown and changed over the years.
I think we need to ensure competitive pay, advanced training, and modern equipment for police, fire, and EMS personnel, to help attract and retain good workers. I strongly support embedding social workers or mental health experts on calls that have a mental health component. And, I think we need to stay on top of emerging issues such as e-bikes and speeds and safety on our trail.
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?
Minnesota’s housing shortage and lack of affordable housing are issues I worked on during my time in the State Legislature. I believe we need a broader mix of housing options and more flexibility for homeowners who want to use their property to meet family or community needs. For example, when a lot is large enough, families should have the option to build a small accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, for an aging parent, adult child, caregiver, or extended family member.
I also hear from many young families and seniors while door-knocking that they want smaller starter homes and retirement options that fit more modest budgets.
I am generally cautious about broad rent-control policies because they can discourage new housing development and make it harder to address the overall housing shortage. However, I have also worked with seniors in Woodbury who were at risk of losing their homes after proposed rent increases of 12.5 percent. In those situations, I believe there should be targeted protections for residents in affordable housing, especially seniors on fixed incomes, so they are protected from excessive or predatory increases while still allowing housing providers to maintain their properties responsibly.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Improving transportation safety in Woodbury starts with safer street crossings, especially near schools, parks, and busy trail connections. The city should continue identifying high-conflict crossings and using proven tools such as better lighting, clearer striping, traffic-calming designs, and pedestrian-activated crossing signals where appropriate.
Just as important, Woodbury should keep building a connected trail and sidewalk network so residents can safely walk, bike, and roll between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas. Because Woodbury’s transportation system includes city streets, Washington County roads, and nearby state and interstate corridors, including I-94 and I-494, the City Council needs to work closely with county and state partners to plan ahead for traffic flow as Woodbury continues to grow. The city’s own transportation planning identifies safety, congestion reduction, transit access, and non-motorized connections as long-term priorities, so I would focus on projects that improve daily safety while also preparing for future growth.
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?
Rising property taxes are a genuine concern, in fact this is one of the top issues I hear about when out talking to residents.
First, there needs to be increased transparency in the budgeting process to help residents better understand how levy decisions are made and how city dollars are being used. I would prioritize core municipal responsibilities first, including public safety, clean water, roads, parks, and basic infrastructure, so taxpayers can see that essential services are being funded before new initiatives are added. I also support using long-term, multi-year budgeting and financial forecasting to anticipate future costs, avoid sudden tax spikes, and give residents clearer information earlier in the process. That should include plain-language budget summaries, public explanations of major cost drivers, and accessible opportunities for residents to provide input before final levy decisions are made.
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?
Municipal utilities and clean water, because Woodbury directly manages much of its water infrastructure and is closest to residents’ concerns about water quality, reliability, and cost. The city can act quickly on PFAS mitigation, well planning, conservation efforts, and long-term infrastructure investments, while coordinating with state and county partners when broader funding or regulatory support is needed.
Local parks, trails, and community spaces, because these amenities are planned, maintained, and used most directly at the local level. Woodbury can make decisions that reflect neighborhood needs, improve trail connections, maintain safe and accessible park facilities, and ensure community spaces serve families, seniors, youth sports, and residents of all backgrounds.
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 has two parts: first, showing residents clearly how the city is being a good steward of their tax dollars; and second, making sure city government is open and accountable in all of its decisions.
On the financial side, that means providing better financial reporting through plain-language budget summaries and interactive online dashboards that show how city dollars are collected and spent. It also means giving residents more meaningful opportunities to participate before major budget decisions are made, including accessible budget listening sessions before preliminary levy votes, digital surveys, and town halls where residents can ask questions and offer input.
More broadly, transparency means keeping meetings open to the public, improving data practices such retaining City Council videos for a longer period of time, and making sure residents are informed early about major issues that could affect the community, such as AI data centers or other significant development proposals.