The Metropolitan Council requires that the City submit a comprehensive plan for how it will evolve over the next 20 years given demographic changes, regional plans and our community’s vision for the future. It’s an opportunity and process that requires lots of engagement with residents, practicality and imagination, leadership and responsibility. Gillian’s roles representing the City and residents in light rail and open space, park, trail and community center planning have prepared me for this important plan.

Increased appeal and population of Golden Valley are opportunities with challenges. Affordability metro-wide is an issue, particuarly for those on fixed or lower incomes. Seniors should not have to leave their community when they face life changes. Gillian will work to keep our neighborhoods safe, vital, and desirable and with a variety of housing options.

Unified collection is a reoccurent issue with residents split on the options. Gillian will listen to residents and study other communities such as St. Paul and Bloomington to figure out if the time is right for Golden Valley to switch to a unified collection system. Many residents want organics collection. The Council should direct staff and a commission to study the ways in which we can add organics and reduce trash volume.

Residents want to get around the city and region on foot, bike and transit either for lesiure, errands, or commuting. The Bike and Pedestrian Taskforce, City staff, and the Three Rivers Park Distict have a great plan to add these sorts of connections and we should take steps to implement as much of it as possible as soon as possible.

As much as we value the large corporations and businesses that are well-established in Golden Valley, we know that a mix of small businesses, especially those locally-owned and unique, makes our City vital and special. Gillian will work to build relationships with small businesses to make sure City services are efficient and helpful so we remain a welcoming and business-friendly place.