Stephanie Levine
Name: Stephanie Levine
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-686-0340
Campaign Website: stephanie4mayor.com
Instagram Handle: stephanielevine4mayor
Facebook Page: Stephanie Levine for Mayor of Mendota Heights
Candidate Bio
It is a joy and an honor to serve as the mayor of Mendota Heights, and I look forward to serving a fourth term! My husband, Jimmy, and I have proudly called Mendota Heights home for over 34 years and could not have asked for a better community to help raise our three kids. My background in finance and community organizing has allowed me to serve the community in a variety of leadership roles.
I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the Universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota, respectively, and spent 15 years working as an actuary. I’m a proven leader with experience at the city, county and state levels, including the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission and the ISD 197 School Board. I’m also a Commissioner for St. Paul Regional Water Services and a trustee of the Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association.
I am dedicated to building on the many accomplishments of the past six years. My priorities are providing efficient and effective city services, addressing infrastructure needs – including the Police Station/City Hall – and maintaining transparent, ethical, fiscally responsible leadership. I will work to protect and sustain the natural character that makes Mendota Heights a special community.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As a proven leader serving as mayor for (almost) 6 years, I do my work with joy. I love this community and am so grateful to be serving our residents.
I bring a collaborative style to the office of mayor. I work to find consensus and focus on providing efficient and effective city services to our residents. I want not only the work we do, but HOW we do it, to serve as an example of good governance - where differences are respected and opinions are valued.
I like to call our city “flyover country”. We stay out of the limelight and focus on the work to keep Mendota Heights the wonderful gem that it is.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
If elected, my top 3 priorities will be
I want to thank the State of Minnesota for the $4 million allocation in the bonding bill that passed in May for our Police Station/City Hall Municipal Campus Project. We are also waiting to hear from the federal government on an additional $800,000 for this project.
State and federal funding does not impact our city coffers as much as other communities. Mendota Heights is a net “giver”, meaning our city contributes funds that help support other cities (through equalization and fiscal disparities).
What is the biggest challenge facing Mendota Heights right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
Mendota Heights is a mature city, with a relatively stable population and aging infrastructure. Most notably, we must address the condition of our current Police Station/City Hall through the Police Station/City Hall Municipal Campus Project.
We can no longer “kick the can down the road”. Every year we delay this project will cost taxpayers millions more and eventually the city will no longer be able to support a Mendota Heights Police Department. Addressing this need now, while we can, is both a fiscal responsibility and a public safety priority.
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?
Mendota Heights is strategically located and well-suited for businesses of all kinds. Our industrial district and business park are very important to our tax base. Our “downtown area” mix of retail, business and restaurants enhance the quality of life for our residents.
Business owners appreciate the low taxes and high-quality, responsive city services. One issue I hear is the lack of reliable cell phone service. With many people working from home and landlines becoming obsolete, we are working to resolve this issue.
During my term in office, I have been very intentional in supporting our businesses. Some priorities include revitalizing our business park, the Sustainable Mendota Heights Business Program, and welcoming new businesses to our community. I am especially proud that we welcomed two new restaurants to Mendota Heights in August!
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Mendota Heights is “a bridge away” from both Minneapolis and St. Paul, a few minutes from the airport and on a rail line. Public safety is a top priority, and our city boasts outstanding Police, Fire and Public Works Departments – and I’m not just saying that because I’m the Mayor! We are one of the few cities to boast a Volunteer Paid-On-Call Fire Department with our resident fire fighters providing outstanding service. Our police department provides a rapid response to our needs on our worst day. Our public works is famous for having plowed our streets before the “last flakes fly”. We address public safety by making sure our public safety workers have the support they need.
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?
As a smaller city with limited staff resources, we have partnered with Dakota County to address housing issues (including LAHA- Local Affordable Housing Aid program).
We want people to be able to stay in their homes, if that is their choice. We also passed an ordinance that limits short-term rentals to homesteaded properties. This allows homeowners to rent their properties but does not allow companies to purchase homes for the purpose of short-term rentals.
We have a lack of affordable housing in Mendota Heights, and one way to alleviate that is through NOAH - naturally occurring affordable housing. We have had several market-rate apartments open recently, which, in turn, is making our older apartment buildings more affordable while freeing up existing homes for new families.
Our residents want to stay in Mendota Heights. Having a path to “age in the city” can help open up housing for more young families. Rent control is not a tool that is being considered by the city of Mendota Heights.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Mendota Heights maintains city roads on a 25-year cycle, and we just completed that cycle two years ago. This plan ensures that our roads (and sewers) are continually updated and maintained, providing high-quality infrastructure that our residents expect.
Additionally, we have an extensive trail system for pedestrians and bikers, and have partnered with Dakota County on the River-to-River Greenway in Valley Park, which will open in September.
We must address emerging issues such as e-bikes, as well as long term issues such as lack of safe trails along state roads that run through our city (Dodd Road and Delaware Avenue). We are working with Dakota County to address the lack of public transit and are eager for the “micro transit” option that will be available to our residents in the near future.
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?
Mendota Heights has a long history of fiscal prudence, and I am very proud of the city’s AAA bond rating, which is rare for a city of our size. We also have lower property taxes than our surrounding cities, which attracts residents and businesses to our community.
The current economic climate is tough for many of our residents. We are seeing tax increases at many levels, and we are aware of the impact they have on our community, especially those on fixed incomes.
As mayor, I have worked to minimize property tax increases through prudent budgeting and diversifying our sources of income – through grants, state and federal funding. I am very proud that Mendota Heights received $4 million dollars during the last legislative session from the Minnesota State legislature bonding bill- one of the few cities to receive this type of funding!
My goal is to keep property taxes as low as possible while maintaining excellent city services. I am proud of the fact that we have some of the lowest city property taxes in the area, even with anticipated increases due to the Police Station/City Hall Municipal Project.
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?
We are best positioned to lead in our core areas of responsibility: Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Sustainability, Planning and Development and Elections.
Each level of government has their area of focus and expertise. While our residents rely on the state, county and federal government for essential services, they rely on us to provide city services that impact their daily lives.
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?
I’m a rule follower by nature, and in my role as mayor I follow the law. The framework is in place to be transparent and open to public engagement – from the Open Meeting Law, Public Hearings, Community Engagement, Communications, etc.
During my time as mayor, we have increased our public presence through Monthly Coffee with the Council, an expanded social media presence on Instagram and Facebook, and publications such as the Heights Highlights and Friday News. When our residents call the city or the mayor, they speak with an actual person, not a voicemail. I generally respond to emails and phone calls within 24 hours and am available for meetings – or even walks – with residents.
Regarding financial reporting, we have clean audits and a AAA Bond Rating. Those are important measures of fiscal responsibility and transparency, and they are what our residents expect!
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-686-0340
Campaign Website: stephanie4mayor.com
Instagram Handle: stephanielevine4mayor
Facebook Page: Stephanie Levine for Mayor of Mendota Heights
Candidate Bio
It is a joy and an honor to serve as the mayor of Mendota Heights, and I look forward to serving a fourth term! My husband, Jimmy, and I have proudly called Mendota Heights home for over 34 years and could not have asked for a better community to help raise our three kids. My background in finance and community organizing has allowed me to serve the community in a variety of leadership roles.
I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the Universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota, respectively, and spent 15 years working as an actuary. I’m a proven leader with experience at the city, county and state levels, including the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission and the ISD 197 School Board. I’m also a Commissioner for St. Paul Regional Water Services and a trustee of the Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association.
I am dedicated to building on the many accomplishments of the past six years. My priorities are providing efficient and effective city services, addressing infrastructure needs – including the Police Station/City Hall – and maintaining transparent, ethical, fiscally responsible leadership. I will work to protect and sustain the natural character that makes Mendota Heights a special community.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
As a proven leader serving as mayor for (almost) 6 years, I do my work with joy. I love this community and am so grateful to be serving our residents.
I bring a collaborative style to the office of mayor. I work to find consensus and focus on providing efficient and effective city services to our residents. I want not only the work we do, but HOW we do it, to serve as an example of good governance - where differences are respected and opinions are valued.
I like to call our city “flyover country”. We stay out of the limelight and focus on the work to keep Mendota Heights the wonderful gem that it is.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
If elected, my top 3 priorities will be
- Continue to provide efficient and effective public services
- Prudent and responsible use of taxpayer dollars
- Secure the Mendota Heights Police Department/City Hall for future generations through the Municipal Campus Project
I want to thank the State of Minnesota for the $4 million allocation in the bonding bill that passed in May for our Police Station/City Hall Municipal Campus Project. We are also waiting to hear from the federal government on an additional $800,000 for this project.
State and federal funding does not impact our city coffers as much as other communities. Mendota Heights is a net “giver”, meaning our city contributes funds that help support other cities (through equalization and fiscal disparities).
What is the biggest challenge facing Mendota Heights right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
Mendota Heights is a mature city, with a relatively stable population and aging infrastructure. Most notably, we must address the condition of our current Police Station/City Hall through the Police Station/City Hall Municipal Campus Project.
We can no longer “kick the can down the road”. Every year we delay this project will cost taxpayers millions more and eventually the city will no longer be able to support a Mendota Heights Police Department. Addressing this need now, while we can, is both a fiscal responsibility and a public safety priority.
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?
Mendota Heights is strategically located and well-suited for businesses of all kinds. Our industrial district and business park are very important to our tax base. Our “downtown area” mix of retail, business and restaurants enhance the quality of life for our residents.
Business owners appreciate the low taxes and high-quality, responsive city services. One issue I hear is the lack of reliable cell phone service. With many people working from home and landlines becoming obsolete, we are working to resolve this issue.
During my term in office, I have been very intentional in supporting our businesses. Some priorities include revitalizing our business park, the Sustainable Mendota Heights Business Program, and welcoming new businesses to our community. I am especially proud that we welcomed two new restaurants to Mendota Heights in August!
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Mendota Heights is “a bridge away” from both Minneapolis and St. Paul, a few minutes from the airport and on a rail line. Public safety is a top priority, and our city boasts outstanding Police, Fire and Public Works Departments – and I’m not just saying that because I’m the Mayor! We are one of the few cities to boast a Volunteer Paid-On-Call Fire Department with our resident fire fighters providing outstanding service. Our police department provides a rapid response to our needs on our worst day. Our public works is famous for having plowed our streets before the “last flakes fly”. We address public safety by making sure our public safety workers have the support they need.
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?
As a smaller city with limited staff resources, we have partnered with Dakota County to address housing issues (including LAHA- Local Affordable Housing Aid program).
We want people to be able to stay in their homes, if that is their choice. We also passed an ordinance that limits short-term rentals to homesteaded properties. This allows homeowners to rent their properties but does not allow companies to purchase homes for the purpose of short-term rentals.
We have a lack of affordable housing in Mendota Heights, and one way to alleviate that is through NOAH - naturally occurring affordable housing. We have had several market-rate apartments open recently, which, in turn, is making our older apartment buildings more affordable while freeing up existing homes for new families.
Our residents want to stay in Mendota Heights. Having a path to “age in the city” can help open up housing for more young families. Rent control is not a tool that is being considered by the city of Mendota Heights.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
Mendota Heights maintains city roads on a 25-year cycle, and we just completed that cycle two years ago. This plan ensures that our roads (and sewers) are continually updated and maintained, providing high-quality infrastructure that our residents expect.
Additionally, we have an extensive trail system for pedestrians and bikers, and have partnered with Dakota County on the River-to-River Greenway in Valley Park, which will open in September.
We must address emerging issues such as e-bikes, as well as long term issues such as lack of safe trails along state roads that run through our city (Dodd Road and Delaware Avenue). We are working with Dakota County to address the lack of public transit and are eager for the “micro transit” option that will be available to our residents in the near future.
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?
Mendota Heights has a long history of fiscal prudence, and I am very proud of the city’s AAA bond rating, which is rare for a city of our size. We also have lower property taxes than our surrounding cities, which attracts residents and businesses to our community.
The current economic climate is tough for many of our residents. We are seeing tax increases at many levels, and we are aware of the impact they have on our community, especially those on fixed incomes.
As mayor, I have worked to minimize property tax increases through prudent budgeting and diversifying our sources of income – through grants, state and federal funding. I am very proud that Mendota Heights received $4 million dollars during the last legislative session from the Minnesota State legislature bonding bill- one of the few cities to receive this type of funding!
My goal is to keep property taxes as low as possible while maintaining excellent city services. I am proud of the fact that we have some of the lowest city property taxes in the area, even with anticipated increases due to the Police Station/City Hall Municipal Project.
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?
We are best positioned to lead in our core areas of responsibility: Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Sustainability, Planning and Development and Elections.
Each level of government has their area of focus and expertise. While our residents rely on the state, county and federal government for essential services, they rely on us to provide city services that impact their daily lives.
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?
I’m a rule follower by nature, and in my role as mayor I follow the law. The framework is in place to be transparent and open to public engagement – from the Open Meeting Law, Public Hearings, Community Engagement, Communications, etc.
During my time as mayor, we have increased our public presence through Monthly Coffee with the Council, an expanded social media presence on Instagram and Facebook, and publications such as the Heights Highlights and Friday News. When our residents call the city or the mayor, they speak with an actual person, not a voicemail. I generally respond to emails and phone calls within 24 hours and am available for meetings – or even walks – with residents.
Regarding financial reporting, we have clean audits and a AAA Bond Rating. Those are important measures of fiscal responsibility and transparency, and they are what our residents expect!