2026 Chanhassen City Council Candidate

“An informed citizenry comes through repeated individual small steps over a long period of time. The absence of the institution of the printed newspaper is a hurdle that we must figure out. I like the communications approach that has been taken by the City of Chanhassen, and I would support more efforts for engagement through vibrant social media.”

— Denny Laufenburger —

Name: Denny Laufenburger
Website: https://denny4chan.com/
Email address: denny4chan@gmail.com
City of residence: Chanhassen

Professional and volunteer background: 

U.S. Navy veteran, retired from 40 years of executive leadership in sales, marketing and public relations in high tech computer industry; 11 years as Planning Commission, Council member and mayor of Chanhassen; eight years, Leadership Board of Westwood Community Church, five as Board chair. Sixteen years as sports announcer for Chanhassen High School and amateur sports teams; 12 years as coordinator for Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches All-Star Series. Governor Appointee to Legislative Salary Council, 2023, ’25 and ’27. Served 16 years as volunteer reader for Radio Talking Book, Minnesota State Services for the Blind.

What makes you the best candidate in this race: 

I’m the most experienced in city government, actively engaged in the community. As a retiree, I’m fully available to do the extensive work and research needed to understand the issues. I represent a significant and growing population of the community. I know the importance of being able to communicate and substantiate a position on the key issues of growth in our community.

What would be your top 3 priorities if elected to City Council: 

• Ensure that the 2050 Comprehensive Plan is a fair and reasonable plan for the future of our community.
• Carefully guide and ensure cost-benefit completion and operation of the new Community Center.
• Work with business and commercial entities to find ways to reduce over-regulation where possible in Chanhassen.

With future growth projected for your community, what factors do you feel are important to consider as opportunities arise: 

First and foremost, the safety of our citizens and business. Maintaining the character and quality of life for which the residents have chosen Chanhassen as a place to raise their families.

What does good civic leadership look like to you: 

Active engagement in different elements of the community. Not just City Hall. Availability to be present during city functions and neighborhood celebrations. Active participation in civic, neighborhood, school and philanthropic organizations.

What would you suggest would help to build an informed and engaged citizenry: 

An informed citizenry comes through repeated individual small steps over a long period of time. The absence of the institution of the printed newspaper is a hurdle that we must figure out. I like the communications approach that has been taken by the City of Chanhassen, and I would support more efforts for engagement through vibrant social media.

What is your vision for the future of the city and how would you achieve that vision: 

That Chanhassen would continue to be an attraction for tourism, for businesses that hire local employees, that population growth would continue over the next 30 years to about 35,000, that we would continually be regarded as a safe community with lots of natural spaces to maintain and enjoy!

How would you address, if at all, ongoing property tax increases: 

By controlling growth in spending; supporting development that is good for the community that spreads the budget burden to a growing tax base. Strongly advocating for county and school district spending restraint.

With so much attention focused on state and national issues, how will you engage the community to increase awareness of local issues: 

I think that Chanhassen has done a great job to offer their citizens opportunity to learn and engage. But civic engagement and pride have taken a back seat lately as the polarized country spouts anonymously on social media about the ills of the state, nation and the world. The house we should be most concerned about in the country is not the White House. It is “Our House,” our community.