Sally Lorberbaum
Name: Sally Lorberbaum
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-503-5564
Campaign Website: SallyforCouncil.com
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084330846412
Candidate Bio
My husband and I moved to Mendota Heights 46 years ago to raise our family. We discovered a wonderfully dynamic community and I was drawn into public service. My children grew up knowing their mom was a committed public servant and they supported my dedication to the city.
Since 1994, I have served Mendota Heights in the following capacities:
Although I began my career as a math teacher, I decided to get an MBA from the University of Minnesota. I used my teaching creds and experience to become a training manager for a Fortune 500 company before leaving to become vice-president and lead project manager for a national financial services provider.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
My preferred leadership style is Democratic. In taking responsibility for my decisions and my contributions to public debate, I value
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Safety and Security: Community’s safety and security is my top priority. Technology changes every day. Our city services require these improvements to ensure residents and businesses thrive in a safe and secure environment. I am committed to:
Fiscal Responsibility I support a balanced budget that reflects both the needs of the city and respects the financial limitations of our residents. I support:
Planning, Development and Community Building: Experience matters. Mendota Heights is known for its high quality of life, low taxes, and rapid snow plowing, which have helped us to maintain and enhance our property values. At the same time, I am committed to:
What is the biggest challenge facing Mendota Heights right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The Municipal Campus Building Project is Mendota Height’s biggest challenge. City hall and the lower-level police headquarters are in need of repair and expansion. There is an active debate in the city concerning repair or rebuild. As I write this, there are more questions to be asked and answered.
Some of the immediate needs include:
How would you characterize the business climate in Mendota Heights, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Our business climate continues to grow stronger. This summer, two new restaurants opened. A clear understanding of businesses needs and wants must be ongoing if we want them to support our community.
The industrial area suffered during the pandemic. The questions are, “What can we do to attract companies to Mendota Heights?” and “What can we provide that other cities cannot.” We have some terrific selling points:
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Inadequate cell phone coverage is the most pressing need in Mendota Heights right now. Poor quality cell phone reception impacts not just the residents, but our emergency services as well. Plans for a new cell tower have been held back by permit and location issues. This is a must fix item on the immediate agenda.
Click here and scroll to page 69 to read the Aug. 5, 2026 Mendota Heights city council packet.
Keep in mind the population of people experiencing homelessness in neighboring cities is a real issue. While it is not one the most pressing safety challenges in Mendota Heights at this time, I do need to be aware of what nearby cities are experiencing.
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?
We continue to work with the developers who wish to add housing to our city.
We are nearly fully developed. Land for options, such as these, will become harder and harder to find in Mendota Heights. In the future we will need to rely more heavily on surrounding cities to help us address both housing shortages and affordability.
I do not support rent control policies. There are alternatives.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Metro Transit plans to roll out a microbus option that will pick up residents and take them to nearby retail and grocery stores, libraries and transportation hubs.
I favor ongoing communications and programming to alert our residents about safe bicycling/e-bike practices and rules. Concerns about recreational etiquette have been brought to the council as a safety issue. Parents and all riders must learn the rules and regulations that govern the use of our trails, walking paths, and sidewalks.
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?
We must continue to provide our residents with the services they need, while working to restrict unnecessary expenditures and delaying purchases where reasonable. My fiscal priority list includes
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?
Police and Fire: Each year we look at the option of decommissioning our police and fire, and providing the services jointly with one or more cities or Dakota County. The result would likely be a cost savings. I strongly believe that Mendota Heights should keep these services at the local City of Mendota Heights level.
Housing and zoning: The City’s job is to understand the needs and characters of our neighborhoods.
Parks & Recreation and Trails:
The Mendota Heights Park & Recreation Commission works in tandem with city officials to address the needs of the community as well as the desired uses of parks and trails. This team approach is possible because they live in Mendota Heights. A great example is how the city made room for pickleball as its popularity increased. Responsiveness to the recreational aspects of the community makes Mendota Heights a great place to live. The importance of green space, including the Par 3 golf course, along with safe playgrounds, hiking and walking trails, and bicycle lanes/trails all contribute to the high quality of life we enjoy.
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?
Public engagement is critical to making sound decisions. The public has a right to be heard and we all benefit by listening and addressing concerns. We have residents who take an active part in municipal life, taking the time to share their views regarding how city decisions impact them directly.
Real taxpayer transparency means
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-503-5564
Campaign Website: SallyforCouncil.com
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084330846412
Candidate Bio
My husband and I moved to Mendota Heights 46 years ago to raise our family. We discovered a wonderfully dynamic community and I was drawn into public service. My children grew up knowing their mom was a committed public servant and they supported my dedication to the city.
Since 1994, I have served Mendota Heights in the following capacities:
- Elected to City Council in 2022
- Representative to Town Square TV Commission board – 4 years
- Planning Commission – 14 years, 5 years as chair
- Airport Relations Commission – 13 years, 6 years as vice-chair or co-chair
- Dakota County’s Special Board of Tax Appeals – 3 years as chair
Although I began my career as a math teacher, I decided to get an MBA from the University of Minnesota. I used my teaching creds and experience to become a training manager for a Fortune 500 company before leaving to become vice-president and lead project manager for a national financial services provider.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
My preferred leadership style is Democratic. In taking responsibility for my decisions and my contributions to public debate, I value
- The voices of our residents
- The opinions and observations of our staff and subject matter experts
- Complete transparency and information accessibility
- New ideas and collaboration
- Flexibility when better solutions are proposed
- Time and timeliness when working on hard decisions
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Safety and Security: Community’s safety and security is my top priority. Technology changes every day. Our city services require these improvements to ensure residents and businesses thrive in a safe and secure environment. I am committed to:
- Providing our police and fire fighters with the environment and tools they need to provide top-tier community policing, security, and fire-fighting responses
- Delivering reliable cell phone coverage
- Ensuring aircraft use agreed upon flight paths
Fiscal Responsibility I support a balanced budget that reflects both the needs of the city and respects the financial limitations of our residents. I support:
- A budget, balancing current expenses with revenue
- Building reserves to address long-term strategic plans
- Preservation of our historically low taxes
- Responsible actions that maintain the City’s AAA bond rating
- Continual comprehensive examination and evaluation of costs associated with the remediation of our police station and city hall
Planning, Development and Community Building: Experience matters. Mendota Heights is known for its high quality of life, low taxes, and rapid snow plowing, which have helped us to maintain and enhance our property values. At the same time, I am committed to:
- Life-cycle housing options
- Evolving traffic patterns
- Maintenance of parks and trails
- Expanded age-appropriate social connections
- Strong relationships with our state, county, neighbor cities, and school district representatives
What is the biggest challenge facing Mendota Heights right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The Municipal Campus Building Project is Mendota Height’s biggest challenge. City hall and the lower-level police headquarters are in need of repair and expansion. There is an active debate in the city concerning repair or rebuild. As I write this, there are more questions to be asked and answered.
Some of the immediate needs include:
- Moisture and mold remediation and repair throughout the building, especially on the lower level
- Additional office space is needed throughout
- Decision about the future of Mertensotto Field
- Upgrades for improved security and on-site police technology
- OSHA and handicap accessibility challenges
How would you characterize the business climate in Mendota Heights, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
Our business climate continues to grow stronger. This summer, two new restaurants opened. A clear understanding of businesses needs and wants must be ongoing if we want them to support our community.
The industrial area suffered during the pandemic. The questions are, “What can we do to attract companies to Mendota Heights?” and “What can we provide that other cities cannot.” We have some terrific selling points:
- Proximity to MSP airport
- Easy access to major freeways
- Lower property taxes
- A variety of housing options and prices
- Good schools
- Speedy residential and commercial snow removal
- Great parks and trails throughout the city
- A safe and vibrant community
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Inadequate cell phone coverage is the most pressing need in Mendota Heights right now. Poor quality cell phone reception impacts not just the residents, but our emergency services as well. Plans for a new cell tower have been held back by permit and location issues. This is a must fix item on the immediate agenda.
Click here and scroll to page 69 to read the Aug. 5, 2026 Mendota Heights city council packet.
Keep in mind the population of people experiencing homelessness in neighboring cities is a real issue. While it is not one the most pressing safety challenges in Mendota Heights at this time, I do need to be aware of what nearby cities are experiencing.
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?
We continue to work with the developers who wish to add housing to our city.
- The City recently approved the construction of a new 84-unit multi-family apartment complex within Lexington Heights.
- The Retreat at Mendota Village, a 74-unit rental home development expects occupancy starting Oct. 1, 2026.
We are nearly fully developed. Land for options, such as these, will become harder and harder to find in Mendota Heights. In the future we will need to rely more heavily on surrounding cities to help us address both housing shortages and affordability.
I do not support rent control policies. There are alternatives.
- In 2023, a 0.25% metro area sales tax was passed by the MN Legislature to fund rental assistance and Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA). LAHA provides annual allocations to metro cities and counties and is designed to foster affordable housing development and preservation of sites. LAHA distributions began in 2024 and continue to be distributed to Mendota Heights residents each year. LAHA programs include
- An enhanced single-family home improvement loan program
- A radon mitigation grant program
- A preservation and new construction gap financing program.
- Currently, the city is looking at the viability of using LAHA funds for rent and mortgage support.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Metro Transit plans to roll out a microbus option that will pick up residents and take them to nearby retail and grocery stores, libraries and transportation hubs.
I favor ongoing communications and programming to alert our residents about safe bicycling/e-bike practices and rules. Concerns about recreational etiquette have been brought to the council as a safety issue. Parents and all riders must learn the rules and regulations that govern the use of our trails, walking paths, and sidewalks.
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?
We must continue to provide our residents with the services they need, while working to restrict unnecessary expenditures and delaying purchases where reasonable. My fiscal priority list includes
- Providing residents with needed public safety services such as police, fire and public works
- Looking for low-cost, high-value, long-term solutions for addressing our Police Department and City Hall project
- Paying our staff a competitive wage
- Maintaining our facilities, parks, trails, lakes, creeks, and wetlands
- Ongoing evaluation of our recreational programs’ costs, benefits, and attendance
- Setting aside money for the unexpected each year so it is available when needed
- Maintaining our AAA bond rating
- Being open to creative problem solving
- Prioritizing long-term value purchases
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?
Police and Fire: Each year we look at the option of decommissioning our police and fire, and providing the services jointly with one or more cities or Dakota County. The result would likely be a cost savings. I strongly believe that Mendota Heights should keep these services at the local City of Mendota Heights level.
- The MHPD police uses a “community policing” attitude that has evolved in Mendota Heights. Procedures, policy, and expectations differ by city.
- The MHPD has a positive relationship with residents and businesses; they know us and we know them.
- Our fire fighters are our neighbors.
- The town has established a good rapport with the Mendota Heights Police Department. They are accessible, friendly, and good at hearing concerns.
- Police and firefighters in a centralized location outside of Mendota Heights may result in slower response times in an emergency.
Housing and zoning: The City’s job is to understand the needs and characters of our neighborhoods.
- City designed ordinances must be written to protect the character of our neighborhoods. We must keep our current:
- Minimum lot size within each zoning district.
- Restrictions on the number and type of structures permitted on an existing lot based on lot size, setbacks and zoning district.
- Number and types of structures allowed on a single lot.
- I firmly believe that size and density of lots should be determined by those who live in the city.
Parks & Recreation and Trails:
The Mendota Heights Park & Recreation Commission works in tandem with city officials to address the needs of the community as well as the desired uses of parks and trails. This team approach is possible because they live in Mendota Heights. A great example is how the city made room for pickleball as its popularity increased. Responsiveness to the recreational aspects of the community makes Mendota Heights a great place to live. The importance of green space, including the Par 3 golf course, along with safe playgrounds, hiking and walking trails, and bicycle lanes/trails all contribute to the high quality of life we enjoy.
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?
Public engagement is critical to making sound decisions. The public has a right to be heard and we all benefit by listening and addressing concerns. We have residents who take an active part in municipal life, taking the time to share their views regarding how city decisions impact them directly.
Real taxpayer transparency means
- Open meetings
- Advanced notice is distributed to the public regarding the meeting topic, date, location, and start time
- Meetings residents can attend, speak on a topic, watch live on television or stream
- The public has access to meeting minutes and playback of session recordings
- Easy access to information including but not limited to
- Copies of claim payments
- Contract and bid information
- Proposed expenditures, budget details and levy information
- Complete meeting packets, including draft resolutions and staff recommendations both before and after decisions are made
- Utilization of multiple communication paths
- Access to Staff and elected officials via e-mail, phone, text, USPS mail or in person.
- Staff and elected officials receive communications from taxpayers and the wider community, and respond in a timely manner.
- Public Hearings and Focus Groups with open discussion on current city issues.
- Meeting locations vary based on topic, facility availability, and audience.
- A Public Comments time during city council and commission meeting on any topic not on the agenda.