See all posts in the Mayor & Cities Corner series
(Mayor’s Corner is a regular feature where Carver County mayors share updates, insights, and messages with their communities. City of Carver Mayor Courtney Johnson is providing this week’s edition.)
First, I’d like to share a statement I read at our Jan. 20 City Council meeting:
“I know many in our community have strong feelings about the increased federal immigration enforcement across Minnesota. I respect that there are conflicting perspectives and differing opinions about what is going on. In my role as mayor of the City of Carver, I continue to work on behalf of the residents and businesses in our community, while advocating for compassion, peace and respect.
“The City of Carver does not participate in, provide personnel, offer equipment or provide other resources for federal immigration enforcement activities in the community, which has long been our policy. The City of Carver’s law enforcement continues to be a contractual partnership with the Carver County Sheriff’s Office. As always, if people in the community feel unsafe or need immediate public safety assistance, they should call 9-1-1. Trust and accountability are paramount to us and we remain committed to building and maintaining both. If you have specific concerns or questions regarding ICE presence in the City of Carver, they should be directed to our elected officials at the federal level.”
Public Safety Success Story
I want to share a recent success story. After learning from Fire Chief Tim Walsh in October of two serious accidents that resulted in the total loss of vehicles at the intersection of County Road 11 (Jonathan Carver Parkway) and County Road 44 (Big Woods Boulevard), which is a bit north of Fleet Farm, I asked Carver County Public Works to consider making improvements to that intersection.
A few days before Christmas, I was notified that flashing LED stop signs were installed to hopefully make this intersection safer before a roundabout is constructed there in 2028. I’m grateful for the quick action and am optimistic that these enhancements will contribute to a safer roadway.
Upcoming Priorities
Every year, the City Council and I determine the City of Carver’s legislative priorities for Minnesota’s upcoming legislative session. We share these priorities with our elected officials at the state and county level to advocate and ensure they know our expectations and have our best interests in mind as they do their work on behalf of the City of Carver.
Carver’s 2026 legislative priorities are:
- Support of local decision making
- Certified levee project funding
- Minnesota Paid Leave Law exemption for cities
- Public notice requirements in newspapers
- Support for suburban transit providers
This year, instead of just emailing our legislative priorities, I asked to have our state and county elected officials attend one of our first meetings of 2026.
At our Jan. 5 City Council meeting, we were joined by Minnesota State Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen and Carver County Commissioner John Fahey, where we had a great conversation. By having a direct discussion and working together respectfully and constructively, I know this will lead to better results.
It also allowed the council and I to both get and give feedback and ask questions in real time. Additional details on each of Carver’s legislative priorities can be found at cityofcarver.com/432/Legislative-Priorities.
Letter Response
Finally, I have heard from a small handful of City of Carver residents asking why I haven’t added my name to a letter that is circulating which is critical of state senators, state representatives, and Governor Walz about the fiscal direction of the State of Minnesota, including fraud issues in our state.
I have very strong concerns about fraud in the State of Minnesota, however, it is my preference to initiate and lead conversations with other elected leaders on this topic. Adding my name to a letter I didn’t write, and one that I don’t know where and how it will be shared or promoted, doesn’t allow for that.
By relying on the strong relationships I have built with other elected officials over the years and having direct conversations, like the ones I mentioned with Senator Gruenhagen, Representative Harder, and Commissioner Fahey, I know I’ll have better results.
In the end, my priority is ensuring the City of Carver’s local controls to prevent fraud are well positioned and implemented thoroughly. Please know the city follows best practices and has checks and balances in place to prevent fraud, which are reviewed annually through an independent audit.
As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns about anything that’s going on in our community, or if you want to participate in one of my “dinner with constituents” events where I’ll make chili and you can discuss whatever is on your mind, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you!
(Mayor Courtney Johnson; CJohnson@CityOfCarver.com; Cell: 612.702.7703.)
