2024 Chanhassen City Council Candidate
“My experience on the council, combined with my work as a small business owner, equips me with practical knowledge and a collaborative approach. I’ve demonstrated the ability to manage budgets, guide responsible development, and engage in open dialogue with residents to ensure their needs are met. I’m committed to making Chanhassen a community we’re all proud to call home.”
— Josh Kimber
Name: Josh Kimber
Website: KimberForChanhassen.com
Email address: josh@kimberforchanhassen.com
Home community and how long have you lived in your community:
Chanhassen, 15 years
Previous leadership experience:
Parks and Rec Task Force
In what community, state, or national organizations have you been involved?
Chanhassen City Council, Southwest Transit Commission
How have you prepared to serve well in this office:
I’ve prepared to serve in this office through my experience on the council and the Parks and Rec Task force, where I’ve gained valuable insight into city operations, budgeting, and community development. My background working with businesses has sharpened my skills in managing resources and making impactful decisions. I stay engaged with residents, listen to their concerns, and continually seek ways to improve our community.
What do you view as the three top priorities for the City and how would you address these?
1. Managing growth through smart development.
2. Building a strong community by supporting local businesses and fostering connections among residents.
3. Maintaining infrastructure through careful budgeting and planning.
These priorities will be addressed through community engagement, balanced budgeting, and thoughtful planning to ensure Chanhassen remains a vibrant and thriving city while preserving its unique character.
What differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
My experience on the council, combined with my work as a small business owner, equips me with practical knowledge and a collaborative approach. I’ve demonstrated the ability to manage budgets, guide responsible development, and engage in open dialogue with residents to ensure their needs are met. I’m committed to making Chanhassen a community we’re all proud to call home.
How would you plan to balance growth and development while maintaining the character of the city?
I support development that aligns with Chanhassen’s character, ensuring projects fit our community’s vision. By working closely with developers and incorporating resident feedback, we can achieve growth that enhances our city while preserving its charm and values.
What is your approach to managing the city’s budget and fiscal priorities?
My approach is to prioritize essential services, infrastructure, and development projects while maintaining fiscal discipline. We must continue to be proactive in seeking diverse funding sources, like grants and partnerships, and manage the budget to minimize the financial burden on residents.
What measures, if any, should the city pursue to create more affordable housing for the workforce (including young teachers, police officers, health-care workers) and for seniors on limited incomes?
I support exploring more options for mixed-income housing when it makes sense for the city and its residents. Any affordable housing must align with Chanhassen’s infrastructure and growth plans, ensuring it’s located in areas that can support development while meeting the needs of essential workers and preserving our city’s character.
What, if anything, should the city do to provide additional or improved activities, shopping, dining, recreation, and parks?
The city should continue listening to residents’ needs and finding cost-effective solutions to meet them. For example, the new Senior Center, part of the Civic Plaza project, was developed in response to the growing demand for expanded and dedicated space for senior activities. By expanding these facilities, the City will better serve this active and growing segment of our community.
If a competitive business climate is important to you, what should the city do to remove barriers so that businesses can move into the city and current businesses can grow?
The city should listen to businesses and understand their challenges, working to create a more business-friendly environment. Last year, the Council learned about unexpected water and sewer connection fees that were burdening new businesses. In response, we found a way to waive these fees for some, saving over $11,000 and supporting their growth. Continuing to address these concerns will help foster a competitive business climate in Chanhassen.
What, if anything, should the city do to increase transparency?
Building trust with residents requires clear communication, open forums, and utilizing technology to live-stream meetings and share decision-making processes. I’m committed to transparency and accessibility—if residents have concerns, they should feel free to reach out to me directly by email or phone. Engaging in meaningful dialogue ensures accountability and helps address community needs effectively.
Where do you envision the city in the next five to 10 years?
In five to 10 years, I envision Chanhassen as a thriving community with a balance of modern infrastructure, expanded recreation opportunities, and vibrant and diverse local businesses. Through responsible growth and strong community engagement, we will preserve our small-town charm while evolving to meet future needs.
