Teresa Miller
Name: Teresa Miller
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-214-7110
Campaign Website: www.teresamillerlittlecanada.wordpress.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I have been privileged to serve one full term on the Little Canada City Council and in that time, I have gone zero to one hundred in terms of knowledge and experience. I have availed myself of the extensive training provided to new Council members, as well as further educating myself in the areas of city budgets, public financing, strategic planning, city ordinances and zoning, public works, infrastructure, development, and redevelopment, to name a few. I have never missed a Council meeting, workshop, or planning session.
I have brought a fresh perspective to a previously long-serving Council and advocated for change in the form of affordable housing – some already built during my tenure, some pending, and better walkability and biking access, especially back and forth from the east and west sides of town on Little Canada Road as divided by 35E. I have advocated for an indoor public gathering space, and I hope to see public engagement starting for that in the near future. Our land acquisition activities have been preparing for this, as well as other potential redevelopment activities. I am also a proponent of significantly increased public transportation in Little Canada.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I bring a collaborative and inclusive leadership style that draws on diverse perspectives to achieve common goals. My approach is shaped by both professional experiences and personal challenges, particularly as the mother of a son with severe autism. I believe in harnessing the collective wisdom of teams and stakeholders. By actively seeking input from various sources, including residents, City staff, fellow council members, and experts, I facilitate comprehensive problem-solving that addresses multiple viewpoints. A cornerstone of my leadership is the ability to truly hear and understand different, sometimes conflicting perspectives. This skill, honed through navigating complex decisions for my son's care, allows me to synthesize diverse opinions into cohesive strategies. My personal experiences have deepened my empathy and commitment to inclusivity. I strive to ensure that all community members, especially those with diverse needs, are represented in decision-making processes, and I aim to lead in a way that not only solves immediate issues but also strengthens our community's capacity for future challenges.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
(a) Accessory Dwelling Units are certainly a top priority that I want to see added to our City Ordinances in Little Canada. This is the one of the most consistently raised issue among residents in the last four years. It also addresses critical needs such as metro area housing shortages, the trend toward multi-generational family living and the desire for residents to age in place while maintaining community ties, while simultaneously creating potential affordable housing options and more creatively utilizing existing infrastructure.
This initiative is largely independent of the state's economic outlook for 2025, making it a robust priority. It could potentially stimulate local construction and provide additional income streams for homeowners.
(b) Expanded public transportation options are critical for Little Canada to reduce carbon emissions, provide safer and more efficient transportation options for seniors and individuals with limited mobility, and to significantly decrease traffic congestion. I would look to collaborate with the state and Metropolitan Council to explore options, as well as seek out innovative solutions such as micro-transit or on demand services.
While the state's optimistic economic outlook for 2025 is favorable for this initiative, we'll need to carefully plan for long-term sustainability. We'll explore public-private partnerships and phased implementation to manage costs effectively.
(c) I propose engagement with Little Canada businesses, finding ways to revitalize the Rice Street Corridor by increasing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the area, supporting our existing businesses and attracting new ones, increasing accessibility to pedestrians and cyclists, and creating a vibrant community center space that attracts more visitors, and implementing zoning changes to facilitate more mixed-used development.
This initiative is more sensitive to economic conditions. The positive outlook for 2025 is encouraging, but we'll need to:
While these priorities are distinct, they are interconnected in creating a more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable Little Canada. We'll approach them holistically, looking for synergies (e.g., transit-oriented development along Rice Street) and opportunities to leverage resources efficiently.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Little Canada?
Little Canada faces a significant challenge in its lack of a well-defined and unified city center. This issue stems from several factors:
Conversely, this same challenge presents Little Canada with a unique and exciting opportunity to reimagine and create a vibrant, modern city center that serves the needs of its increasingly diverse community by the following actions:
By addressing this challenge, we have the opportunity to not just create a physical city center, but to forge a stronger community identity and sense of place for Little Canada. This new heart of the city could become a source of pride for residents, a draw for visitors, and a catalyst for economic growth.
This reimagined downtown could serve as a model for other suburban communities facing similar challenges, showcasing how thoughtful urban planning can transform and unify a city.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
Ideal collaboration between government and the business community is crucial for addressing complex challenges such as education, housing, and workforce development. This partnership should be characterized by:
How would you characterize the business climate in Little Canada and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Little Canada?
Despite the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Little Canada's business climate has demonstrated resilience and stability. This speaks to the underlying strength of our local economy and the adaptability of our business community. Little Canada benefits from a mix of small local businesses, retail establishments, and some larger employers. This diversity helps insulate our local economy from sector-specific downturns. Our proximity to both St. Paul and Minneapolis, coupled with easy access to major highways like I-35E, positions Little Canada advantageously for businesses looking to serve the broader Twin Cities market. There also exists a strong sense of community in Little Canada, which often translates to loyal customer bases for local businesses. Despite its general stability, our business
Given this characterization, I believe the city should play an active and multifaceted role in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses through:
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Public safety is indeed a critical concern and a significant budgetary commitment for Little Canada, encompassing more than half of our budget. Recognizing the ongoing challenges of staffing shortages and the need for a more community-oriented approach, I propose a multifaceted strategy to enhance public safety through the following:
Community-Focused Policing Model -- Implement a dedicated team of officers specifically assigned to Little Canada, fostering familiarity and trust with residents and businesses.
Encourage regular, positive interactions between officers and community members through:
Collaborative Crime Prevention:
Explore Future Technology Integration such as:
Mental Health and Social Services Partnership:
Youth Engagement and Prevention:
Data-Driven Policing:
Community Education and Empowerment:
Traffic Safety Initiatives:
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment:
Continuous Improvement and Accountability:
By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a comprehensive approach to public safety that goes beyond traditional policing. This model emphasizes prevention, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving. The goal is to not only reduce crime but also to build a stronger, more resilient community where residents feel safe, respected, and actively involved in maintaining the well-being of Little Canada.
This approach recognizes that public safety is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the community. By fostering positive relationships, leveraging technology, and addressing root causes of crime, we can work towards a safer Little Canada while also building trust and understanding between our police force and the diverse communities they serve.
It's important to note that implementing these strategies will require ongoing evaluation and adjustment based on community feedback and evolving needs. We must remain flexible and responsive, always striving to balance effective law enforcement with community values and expectations.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Addressing housing shortages and affordability is a critical issue for Little Canada, as it is for many communities. Our approach needs to be multifaceted, innovative, and responsive to the unique characteristics of our city. Here are some expanded ideas and strategies:
Implementation of these strategies will require careful planning, community engagement, and ongoing evaluation. It's important to recognize that as Little Canada approaches being fully built, our focus will indeed need to shift more towards redevelopment and creative use of existing spaces.
While the changes in the tax structure may require us to be more innovative in how we incentivize and support affordable housing development, by taking a comprehensive approach that combines new development, redevelopment, policy changes, and community partnerships, we can work towards ensuring that Little Canada remains an affordable and accessible community for residents of all income levels. This not only addresses our housing needs but also contributes to the overall economic health and diversity of our city.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Improving transportation options and safety in Little Canada is crucial for enhancing our community's livability, accessibility, and economic vitality. Our approach should be comprehensive, addressing the needs of all transportation modes.
Public Transit Enhancements:
Pedestrian Infrastructure:
Cycling Infrastructure:
Trail Network Expansion:
Road Safety Improvements:
Complete Streets Policy:
Safe Routes to School:
Transit-Oriented Development:
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure:
Transportation Demand Management:
Regional Collaboration:
Community Education and Engagement:
Funding Strategies:
Performance Monitoring:
By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a more balanced, safe, and efficient transportation system in Little Canada. This approach recognizes that transportation is not just about moving vehicles, but about connecting people to opportunities, enhancing quality of life, and building a more sustainable and resilient community.
Our goal is to transform Little Canada into a place where residents have real choices in how they move around, whether it's by foot, bike, bus, or car. By improving safety and accessibility for all modes of transportation, we can create a more inclusive, healthy, and vibrant community for all our residents.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
Little Canada has been very thoughtful and judicious in its use of federal COVID-19 relief funding. The initial CARES Act funding that was received went exclusively to payroll for public health and safety, which was necessary to keep the city up and running safely at a critical time. The ARPA funds received were primarily used for for the complete renovation of Rondeau Park Playground, with the remainder spent on the Pioneer Park Project, which was the best way to use the funds in a way that would benefit the entire community.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
The delineation of responsibilities between state and local governments is crucial for efficient governance and effective policy implementation. While there are areas of overlap, each level of government has its distinct role, which I feel should be laid out in the following format:
State Government Responsibilities:
(1) Broad Policy Framework:
(3) Intergovernmental Relations: Managing relationships with the federal government and other states.
Local Government Responsibilities:
Areas Where Cities are Additionally in a Unique Position to Take the Lead:
In conclusion, while the state provides the overarching framework, cities play a crucial role in tailoring policies to local needs and often serve as laboratories for innovative governance. The key is to maintain a balance where state policies provide consistency and economies of scale, while local governments have the flexibility to address the unique needs and preferences of their communities. This approach allows for both standardization where necessary and innovation where possible, ultimately serving the diverse needs of Minnesota's residents most effectively.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-214-7110
Campaign Website: www.teresamillerlittlecanada.wordpress.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
I have been privileged to serve one full term on the Little Canada City Council and in that time, I have gone zero to one hundred in terms of knowledge and experience. I have availed myself of the extensive training provided to new Council members, as well as further educating myself in the areas of city budgets, public financing, strategic planning, city ordinances and zoning, public works, infrastructure, development, and redevelopment, to name a few. I have never missed a Council meeting, workshop, or planning session.
I have brought a fresh perspective to a previously long-serving Council and advocated for change in the form of affordable housing – some already built during my tenure, some pending, and better walkability and biking access, especially back and forth from the east and west sides of town on Little Canada Road as divided by 35E. I have advocated for an indoor public gathering space, and I hope to see public engagement starting for that in the near future. Our land acquisition activities have been preparing for this, as well as other potential redevelopment activities. I am also a proponent of significantly increased public transportation in Little Canada.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I bring a collaborative and inclusive leadership style that draws on diverse perspectives to achieve common goals. My approach is shaped by both professional experiences and personal challenges, particularly as the mother of a son with severe autism. I believe in harnessing the collective wisdom of teams and stakeholders. By actively seeking input from various sources, including residents, City staff, fellow council members, and experts, I facilitate comprehensive problem-solving that addresses multiple viewpoints. A cornerstone of my leadership is the ability to truly hear and understand different, sometimes conflicting perspectives. This skill, honed through navigating complex decisions for my son's care, allows me to synthesize diverse opinions into cohesive strategies. My personal experiences have deepened my empathy and commitment to inclusivity. I strive to ensure that all community members, especially those with diverse needs, are represented in decision-making processes, and I aim to lead in a way that not only solves immediate issues but also strengthens our community's capacity for future challenges.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
(a) Accessory Dwelling Units are certainly a top priority that I want to see added to our City Ordinances in Little Canada. This is the one of the most consistently raised issue among residents in the last four years. It also addresses critical needs such as metro area housing shortages, the trend toward multi-generational family living and the desire for residents to age in place while maintaining community ties, while simultaneously creating potential affordable housing options and more creatively utilizing existing infrastructure.
This initiative is largely independent of the state's economic outlook for 2025, making it a robust priority. It could potentially stimulate local construction and provide additional income streams for homeowners.
(b) Expanded public transportation options are critical for Little Canada to reduce carbon emissions, provide safer and more efficient transportation options for seniors and individuals with limited mobility, and to significantly decrease traffic congestion. I would look to collaborate with the state and Metropolitan Council to explore options, as well as seek out innovative solutions such as micro-transit or on demand services.
While the state's optimistic economic outlook for 2025 is favorable for this initiative, we'll need to carefully plan for long-term sustainability. We'll explore public-private partnerships and phased implementation to manage costs effectively.
(c) I propose engagement with Little Canada businesses, finding ways to revitalize the Rice Street Corridor by increasing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the area, supporting our existing businesses and attracting new ones, increasing accessibility to pedestrians and cyclists, and creating a vibrant community center space that attracts more visitors, and implementing zoning changes to facilitate more mixed-used development.
This initiative is more sensitive to economic conditions. The positive outlook for 2025 is encouraging, but we'll need to:
- Develop a phased approach to manage costs
- Seek diverse funding sources, including state and federal grants
- Encourage private investment through strategic public improvements
- Monitor economic indicators and adjust plans as necessary
While these priorities are distinct, they are interconnected in creating a more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable Little Canada. We'll approach them holistically, looking for synergies (e.g., transit-oriented development along Rice Street) and opportunities to leverage resources efficiently.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Little Canada?
Little Canada faces a significant challenge in its lack of a well-defined and unified city center. This issue stems from several factors:
- Geographic Division: The city is bisected by Interstate 35E, which creates a physical and psychological barrier between different parts of the community.
- Absence of a Traditional Downtown: Unlike many cities that grew organically around a central hub, Little Canada lacks a historical downtown area that would naturally serve as a focal point for community activities and commerce.
- Rice Street Corridor Fragmentation: While the Rice Street commercial corridor could potentially function as a downtown area, it currently lacks the cohesion and aesthetic appeal typically associated with a vibrant city center.
- Community Identity: The absence of a clear center can make it challenging for residents to develop a strong sense of place and community identity.
- Economic Implications: Without a central business district, the city may be missing out on opportunities for concentrated economic development and tax revenue.
Conversely, this same challenge presents Little Canada with a unique and exciting opportunity to reimagine and create a vibrant, modern city center that serves the needs of its increasingly diverse community by the following actions:
- Working closely with local businesses, residents, and urban planners to develop a shared vision for a new city center.
- Design a city center that combines commercial, residential, and community spaces by zoning for mixed use development.
- Incorporate elements that foster community engagement and cultural identity, such as a year-round community center space where public art installations, local events, the farmers’ market, and perhaps a winter market could be held.
- Implement modern urban planning principles that prioritize green space and sustainability, walkability, and bike-friendly sidewalks, and Smart-City technologies for improved services and connectivity.
- Bridging the Divide by developing strategies to mitigate the divisive effect of I-35E, such as creating pedestrian and bike-friendly overpass or underpass, implementing consistent signage and streetscaping on both sides of the highway, and organizing additional events that encourage residents from all parts of the city to come together.
- Explore tax incentives, grants, or public-private partnerships to encourage investment in the new city center.
- Phased Implementation: Develop a long-term, phased plan that allows for gradual development and adjustment based on community feedback and changing needs.
By addressing this challenge, we have the opportunity to not just create a physical city center, but to forge a stronger community identity and sense of place for Little Canada. This new heart of the city could become a source of pride for residents, a draw for visitors, and a catalyst for economic growth.
This reimagined downtown could serve as a model for other suburban communities facing similar challenges, showcasing how thoughtful urban planning can transform and unify a city.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
Ideal collaboration between government and the business community is crucial for addressing complex challenges such as education, housing, and workforce development. This partnership should be characterized by:
- Transparent Communication: Open dialogue between policymakers and business leaders to ensure mutual understanding of challenges and potential solutions.
- Shared Goal-Setting: Collaborative establishment of objectives that benefit both the public good and economic growth.
- Leveraging Strengths: Utilizing the innovation and efficiency of the private sector alongside the regulatory power and public resources of the government.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Joint efforts to collect and analyze relevant data to inform policy and business strategies.
- Flexible Policies: Creating regulations that achieve public goals while allowing businesses room for innovation and growth.
- Long-Term Vision: Focusing on sustainable solutions that address immediate needs and future challenges.
How would you characterize the business climate in Little Canada and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Little Canada?
Despite the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Little Canada's business climate has demonstrated resilience and stability. This speaks to the underlying strength of our local economy and the adaptability of our business community. Little Canada benefits from a mix of small local businesses, retail establishments, and some larger employers. This diversity helps insulate our local economy from sector-specific downturns. Our proximity to both St. Paul and Minneapolis, coupled with easy access to major highways like I-35E, positions Little Canada advantageously for businesses looking to serve the broader Twin Cities market. There also exists a strong sense of community in Little Canada, which often translates to loyal customer bases for local businesses. Despite its general stability, our business
Given this characterization, I believe the city should play an active and multifaceted role in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses through:
- Infrastructure and internet connectivity improvement
- City Center Development, focusing on mixed-use zoning and development.
- Rice Street Corridor Revitalization
- Explore Economic Incentives for Businesses – Targeted tax incentives or abatements.
- Workforce Development – partnering with local schools and community colleges to develop jobs that align with the business needs of Little Canada.
- Marketing and Promotion – Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote Little Canada as a business-friendly community, and expand our “Shop Local” campaign efforts.
- Business Retention Program -- Regular check-ins with existing businesses to understand their needs and challenges and to help them to expand or adapt to changing market conditions.
- Implement Sustainability Initiatives and Green Business Practices -- Attract environmentally conscious business and appeal to the growing demographic of eco-aware consumers.
- Foster Ongoing Community Engagement activities to ensure that economic development efforts align with community values and needs.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
Public safety is indeed a critical concern and a significant budgetary commitment for Little Canada, encompassing more than half of our budget. Recognizing the ongoing challenges of staffing shortages and the need for a more community-oriented approach, I propose a multifaceted strategy to enhance public safety through the following:
Community-Focused Policing Model -- Implement a dedicated team of officers specifically assigned to Little Canada, fostering familiarity and trust with residents and businesses.
Encourage regular, positive interactions between officers and community members through:
- Community events and forums
- School visits and youth engagement programs
- Business check-ins and neighborhood walks
- Encourage officer training in the areas of community policing techniques, emphasizing de-escalation, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills.
Collaborative Crime Prevention:
- Establish and support Neighborhood Watch programs, empowering residents to be active partners in community safety.
- Create a Business Watch program, connecting local businesses in a network to share information and prevent crime.
- Implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in urban planning and development to naturally deter criminal activity.
Explore Future Technology Integration such as:
- Automated license plate readers at key entry points
- Public safety cameras in high-traffic areas (with clear privacy guidelines)
- Emergency alert systems for rapid community communication
Mental Health and Social Services Partnership:
- Increase the uses of a co-responder model, pairing mental health professionals with police officers for certain calls.
- Establish further partnerships with local mental health and social service organizations to provide alternatives to law enforcement response when appropriate.
Youth Engagement and Prevention:
- Expand after-school and summer programs to keep youth engaged and deter potential delinquency.
- Implement mentorship programs pairing at-risk youth with positive role models, including police officers.
Data-Driven Policing:
- Utilize crime data analytics to identify patterns and allocate resources more effectively.
- Regularly assess and report on key performance indicators to ensure transparency and accountability.
Community Education and Empowerment:
- Offer regular community safety workshops on topics like personal safety, fraud prevention, and emergency preparedness.
Traffic Safety Initiatives:
- Implement traffic calming measures in residential areas and near schools.
- Increase enforcement of speeding and distracted driving laws.
- Improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to enhance safety for all road users.
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment:
- Partner with local health organizations to provide education on substance abuse prevention.
- Support access to treatment programs as an alternative to incarceration for non-violent drug offenses.
Continuous Improvement and Accountability:
- Establish a citizen advisory board to provide community input on public safety policies and practices.
- Implement regular community surveys to assess satisfaction with public safety services and identify areas for improvement.
- Ensure transparency through regular public reporting of police activities, use of force incidents, and complaint resolutions.
By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a comprehensive approach to public safety that goes beyond traditional policing. This model emphasizes prevention, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving. The goal is to not only reduce crime but also to build a stronger, more resilient community where residents feel safe, respected, and actively involved in maintaining the well-being of Little Canada.
This approach recognizes that public safety is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the community. By fostering positive relationships, leveraging technology, and addressing root causes of crime, we can work towards a safer Little Canada while also building trust and understanding between our police force and the diverse communities they serve.
It's important to note that implementing these strategies will require ongoing evaluation and adjustment based on community feedback and evolving needs. We must remain flexible and responsive, always striving to balance effective law enforcement with community values and expectations.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Addressing housing shortages and affordability is a critical issue for Little Canada, as it is for many communities. Our approach needs to be multifaceted, innovative, and responsive to the unique characteristics of our city. Here are some expanded ideas and strategies:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Implement and promote ADU-friendly policies, including streamlined permitting processes and clear guidelines for homeowners.
- Affordable Multi-Family Housing: Continue to work closely with developers interested in providing affordable multi-family housing options. Explore the use of tax incentives or density bonuses to encourage the inclusion of affordable units in new developments. Partner with non-profit housing organizations to develop and manage affordable housing projects.
- Zoning and Land Use Updates: Review and revise zoning ordinances to allow for smaller minimum lot sizes where appropriate, higher density developments in strategic locations, mixed-use developments that combine residential and commercial spaces, and implement form-based codes in certain areas to ensure new developments fit with the community's character while allowing for greater density.
- Focus on Redevelopment: Identify underutilized or vacant properties for potential redevelopment into housing, create a brownfield redevelopment program to transform former industrial or commercial sites into residential areas, and explore adaptive reuse of non-residential buildings (e.g., old office buildings or warehouses) for housing purposes.
- Transit-Oriented Development: Encourage higher-density housing development near public transit routes to improve affordability and reduce transportation costs for residents.
- Housing Preservation: Help low-income homeowners avail themselves of programs that help maintain and repair their homes, prevent displacement and preserve naturally occurring affordable housing.
- Tiny Home Communities: Explore potential zoning changes to allow for tiny home communities, providing an affordable housing option for individuals and small families.
- Senior Housing Initiatives: Develop policies to support aging in place, including home modification programs and zoning for senior-friendly housing options.
- Green Building Incentives: Offer incentives for energy-efficient and sustainable housing developments, which can reduce long-term costs for residents.
Implementation of these strategies will require careful planning, community engagement, and ongoing evaluation. It's important to recognize that as Little Canada approaches being fully built, our focus will indeed need to shift more towards redevelopment and creative use of existing spaces.
While the changes in the tax structure may require us to be more innovative in how we incentivize and support affordable housing development, by taking a comprehensive approach that combines new development, redevelopment, policy changes, and community partnerships, we can work towards ensuring that Little Canada remains an affordable and accessible community for residents of all income levels. This not only addresses our housing needs but also contributes to the overall economic health and diversity of our city.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Improving transportation options and safety in Little Canada is crucial for enhancing our community's livability, accessibility, and economic vitality. Our approach should be comprehensive, addressing the needs of all transportation modes.
Public Transit Enhancements:
- Advocate for increased bus service frequency and coverage in Little Canada. Work with Metro Transit to install more bus shelters, ensuring they are well-lit, weather-protected, and accessible for all users.
- Explore the feasibility of additional Park-and-Ride locations, particularly near major arterials or highway access points.
- Implement real-time arrival information displays at key bus stops.
- Advocate for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or express bus options connecting Little Canada to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Pedestrian Infrastructure:
- Prioritize the completion of sidewalks along Rice Street from County Road B2 to South Owasso Boulevard, enhancing safety and connectivity.
- Conduct a comprehensive sidewalk audit to identify gaps in the network and prioritize new sidewalk construction.
- Implement a sidewalk maintenance program to ensure existing walkways remain safe and accessible.
- Install pedestrian-scale lighting along key walking routes to improve safety and comfort.
Cycling Infrastructure:
- Develop a citywide bicycle master plan to create a connected network of bike lanes, paths, and trails.
- Proceed with the consideration of cycling lanes on Labore Road, ensuring robust community engagement in the planning process.
- Install bike racks and storage facilities at key destinations, including parks, commercial areas, and transit stops.
- Explore the possibility of a bike-share program, potentially in partnership with neighboring communities.
Trail Network Expansion:
- Complete the trail connection from Thunder Bay/Westwinds Park to Pioneer Park, creating a flagship recreational and transportation corridor.
- Identify opportunities for additional trail connections, particularly those that can serve both recreational and commuter purposes.
- Ensure trail designs accommodate multiple user types, including cyclists, pedestrians, and those with mobility devices.
Road Safety Improvements:
- Implement traffic calming measures in residential areas and near schools, parks, and community centers.
- Conduct regular safety audits of major intersections and corridors, addressing identified issues promptly.
- Explore the use of roundabouts at appropriate intersections to improve traffic flow and safety.
- Enhance street lighting, particularly at intersections and pedestrian crossings.
Complete Streets Policy:
- Adopt and implement a Complete Streets policy to ensure that all future road projects consider the needs of all users - pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists.
Safe Routes to School:
- Partner with local schools to develop and implement Safe Routes to School programs, encouraging walking and biking for students.
- Prioritize infrastructure improvements near schools to enhance safety for children.
Transit-Oriented Development:
- Encourage higher-density, mixed-use development near transit stops to increase ridership and improve the viability of expanded transit services.
- Accessibility Improvements:
- Ensure all transportation infrastructure meets or exceeds ADA requirements.
- Implement audible pedestrian signals at key intersections to assist visually impaired residents.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure:
- Install EV charging stations at key public locations to support the transition to electric vehicles.
- Seek out incentive programs for businesses who install EV charging stations.
Transportation Demand Management:
- Work with major employers in Little Canada to implement transportation demand management strategies, such as carpooling programs or transit pass subsidies.
Regional Collaboration:
- Coordinate with neighboring communities and regional planning agencies to ensure our transportation improvements align with broader regional goals and networks.
Community Education and Engagement:
- Develop a comprehensive community outreach program to educate residents about transportation options and gather feedback on proposed improvements.
- Host regular "Open Streets" events to showcase the potential of our streets as public spaces and encourage active transportation.
Funding Strategies:
- Actively pursue state and federal grants for transportation improvements.
- Explore the possibility of a dedicated local funding source for active transportation projects.
Performance Monitoring:
- Implement regular data collection and analysis to track the usage and safety of our transportation network, using this information to guide future investments and improvements.
By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a more balanced, safe, and efficient transportation system in Little Canada. This approach recognizes that transportation is not just about moving vehicles, but about connecting people to opportunities, enhancing quality of life, and building a more sustainable and resilient community.
Our goal is to transform Little Canada into a place where residents have real choices in how they move around, whether it's by foot, bike, bus, or car. By improving safety and accessibility for all modes of transportation, we can create a more inclusive, healthy, and vibrant community for all our residents.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
Little Canada has been very thoughtful and judicious in its use of federal COVID-19 relief funding. The initial CARES Act funding that was received went exclusively to payroll for public health and safety, which was necessary to keep the city up and running safely at a critical time. The ARPA funds received were primarily used for for the complete renovation of Rondeau Park Playground, with the remainder spent on the Pioneer Park Project, which was the best way to use the funds in a way that would benefit the entire community.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
The delineation of responsibilities between state and local governments is crucial for efficient governance and effective policy implementation. While there are areas of overlap, each level of government has its distinct role, which I feel should be laid out in the following format:
State Government Responsibilities:
(1) Broad Policy Framework:
- Road and bridge infrastructure for major highways and interstates
- Statewide transportation systems (e.g., light rail, interstate highways)
- Education policy and standards
- Insurance regulations
- Healthcare policy and Medicaid administration
- Taxation frameworks
- Environmental protection standards
- Labor laws and worker protections
- Criminal justice system oversight
(3) Intergovernmental Relations: Managing relationships with the federal government and other states.
Local Government Responsibilities:
- Zoning and Land Use: As you noted, zoning decisions should primarily be made at the local level, as cities understand their unique needs and character.
- Local Ordinances: Cities should have the authority to create and enforce local ordinances that address specific community needs.
- City Taxes: While operating within state guidelines, cities should have some discretion in local tax policies to fund municipal services.
- Public Safety: Day-to-day law enforcement and fire protection.
- Local Infrastructure: Maintenance of local roads, parks, and public spaces.
- Community Development: Economic development initiatives, neighborhood revitalization, and local business support.
- Waste Management: Trash collection, recycling programs, and local environmental initiatives.
- Local Cannabis Oversight: While operating within the state framework, cities should have discretion in overseeing local cannabis businesses.
Areas Where Cities are Additionally in a Unique Position to Take the Lead:
- Climate Change Adaptation: Cities can often move more quickly than states to implement climate resilience strategies tailored to local conditions.
- Affordable Housing Initiatives: While state support is crucial, cities can lead in creating innovative housing solutions that fit their specific demographics and real estate markets.
- Community Policing and Public Safety Reform: Cities can pioneer new approaches to public safety that reflect their community's values and needs.
- Local Economic Development: Cities can create targeted programs to attract businesses and support local entrepreneurs.
- Smart City Initiatives: Implementing technology solutions for traffic management, energy efficiency, and public service delivery.
- Participatory Budgeting: Engaging residents directly in deciding how to allocate portions of the city budget.
- Equity and Inclusion Programs: Developing initiatives to promote equity and inclusion that reflect the specific diversity of the local community.
- Public Health Initiatives: While operating within state guidelines, cities can implement targeted public health programs addressing local health disparities.
- Arts and Culture: Developing programs to support local artists and cultural institutions that reflect the community's unique character.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing local sustainability programs like urban farming, community solar projects, or plastic bag bans.
In conclusion, while the state provides the overarching framework, cities play a crucial role in tailoring policies to local needs and often serve as laboratories for innovative governance. The key is to maintain a balance where state policies provide consistency and economies of scale, while local governments have the flexibility to address the unique needs and preferences of their communities. This approach allows for both standardization where necessary and innovation where possible, ultimately serving the diverse needs of Minnesota's residents most effectively.