2024 Chaska Mayoral Candidate
“Serving as a city councilmember for the past five years has provided me with a understanding of the city’s planning procedures, budgetary practices, and departmental operations to make informed and thoughtful decisions on behalf of the community. Furthermore, my unique perspective as a small business owner, wife and mother lends a collaborative approach in the important decisions that impact and benefit the growth of our community.”
— Taylor Hubbard
Name: Taylor Hubbard
Website: taylor4chaska.org
Email address: taylor4chaska@gmail.com
Home community and how long have you lived in your community:
My community is Chaska, and I’ve lived here for the past 20 years with my husband, Martin, and son, Ethan.
Previous leadership experience:
For the past five years, I have served as the Ward 2 representative on Chaska City Council and Economic Development Commission. I am an appointed trustee for the Chaska Fire Relief Association, overseeing the pension plan for Chaska firefighters. I was a liaison on the Chaska Community Center and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan community task forces. Prior to joining the council, I served as vice chair of the Chaska Human Rights Commission from 2008 to 2014. I have also served on a Photography Association board of directors, serving as the organization’s president in 2011. I was an advisory board member for the Professional Photography Department at Hennepin Technical College.
In what community, state, or national organizations have you been involved?
Chaska’s Christmas in May organization; Chaska Police Department’s Heros & Helpers; Carver County food distribution drives; Chaska’s Communities of Belonging group; Chaska Friends of the Library; Chamber of Commerce member; Rotary Club.
How have you prepared to serve well in this office:
As a current Chaska council member, I have a comprehensive understanding of the city’s operations, planning and budgeting processes. Prior to the council, the Chaska Human Rights Commission gave me an opportunity to engage with our community. I own/operate a successful storefront business for the past 14 years. Business ownership has given me extensive experience in financial planning, operations, promotional marketing, customer service and employee relations. I am deeply committed to lifting the voices of all Chaska residents to shape a community they desire by intentionally listening, learning and engaging. As mayor, I will work tirelessly for the benefit of our community.
What do you view as the three top priorities for the City and how would you address these?
1. Drive smart residential, commercial and industrial growth. Communities thrive when they have an effective balance of these sectors as they provide jobs, available housing and retail options. As taxpayers, we all benefit from strategic growth through the generation of additional tax revenue, which helps to alleviate the financial burden on existing taxpayers.
2. Revitalization of our historic downtown. Community members have expressed support for our existing businesses and a desire for additional dining and retail experiences. Our local businesses are an integral part of our success as they provide job opportunities and cultural vibrancy. As a city, we need to actively attract new businesses and support existing ones by offering grant/loan opportunities and to collaborate with our economic organizations, including the Southwest Metro Chamber and Chaska Downtown Business Alliance.
3. Reinvestment in our city facilities. Residents rely on well-kept streets, dependable utilities, and responsive public safety services; all of which depend on the adequacy of our facilities. Many of our current facilities were built when Chaska’s population was around 10,000. And now, with nearly 30,000 residents, these services are struggling to support the increased demands of our community. To ensure we continue to provide efficient services and accommodate future growth, it is crucial to invest in updating and expanding our facilities.
What differentiates you from the other candidate(s)?
Serving as a city councilmember for the past five years has provided me with a understanding of the city’s planning procedures, budgetary practices, and departmental operations to make informed and thoughtful decisions on behalf of the community. Furthermore, my unique perspective as a small business owner, wife and mother lends a collaborative approach in the important decisions that impact and benefit the growth of our community.
How would you plan to balance growth and development while maintaining the character of the city?
Chaska’s identity is rooted in its mission to be “The Best Small Town in Minnesota.” We achieve this through effective planning and zoning of physical infrastructure, like buildings and developments, as well as by cultivating a vibrant community with social amenities that engage and enrich our diverse community. While population size is a factor, what truly matters is the sense of belonging and connection within the community.
What is your approach to managing the city’s budget and fiscal priorities?
The city holds an annual planning session where both the council and city staff come together to review and establish strategic goals for the community. This collaborative event has led to transformative improvements, contributing to what makes Chaska an exceptional place to live. Our annual budget reflects these priorities and is extensively reviewed by the council. I believe that maintaining a fiscally responsible budget is being a good steward of taxpayer money while ensuring the city remains financially solvent and capable of meeting the needs of its 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?
It should be our priority to continue providing affordable housing. As our community continues to grow, the city should strategically partner with land developers to create mixed-density neighborhood developments. Existing residents often communicate their desire to remain in Chaska as their family grows or downsizes. Providing a multitude of housing options, will accommodate those needs and provide available housing options for incoming new residents. I also believe the City should encourage economic development that provides living wages to their employees so they have the ability to reside within the same community as their employment. In doing so, they will create dynamic communities that thrive.
What, if anything, should the city do to provide additional or improved activities, shopping, dining, recreation, and parks?
The city plays a vital role in developing the infrastructure and fostering a community environment. Projects like the reconstruction of Highway 41 through downtown are designed to create a safer, more walkable and retail-friendly environment. Redevelopment initiatives, such as City Square West, will transform the heart of downtown Chaska into a regional tourism destination. We need our local chamber to organize more Chaska-focused retail events and establish a dedicated local tourism bureau. Chaska is set to host several prestigious national sporting events in the coming years, which will draw spectators from around the world. It is essential to promote our local businesses and position Chaska as a premier tourism destination as these events offer a valuable opportunity to boost our local economy.
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 council has introduced several effective grant programs and low-interest loans to support both new and established businesses in the downtown corridor. These initiatives provide funds to invest in business facades and help cover upfront utility costs. Additionally, economic tools such as tax increment financing (TIF), tax abatement, Chaska’s energy rebate programs, and various county/state programs are available on a case-by-case basis. I believe the city could further enhance its support by implementing a matching grant program specifically for start-up businesses to aid in the unique vibrancy they bring to our community.
What, if anything, should the city do to increase transparency?
Transparency is achieved by clear communication and consistent standard operating procedures. Utilizing a range of communication methods such as print, digital and in-person will effectively reach our diverse community. Communication channels need to deliver essential information, such as upcoming development projects. In the absence of a local newspaper, distributing a printed quarterly newsletter to every home will ensure accurate updates and boost community engagement. Technology could further enhance our ability to address city issues quickly and gather real-time community feedback. Lastly, it is crucial for city employees and the council to remain actively involved within the community. Attending events, visiting businesses, and engaging with residents are essential for maintaining strong connections and upholding the City’s hometown feel.
Where do you envision the city in the next five to 10 years?
I envision a bright future for Chaska over the next decade. Our community will approach full population, with the last areas of open development being completed. Downtown will thrive with dynamic economic growth, offering residents ample opportunities to shop, work and enjoy recreational activities. City facilities — including the public safety campus, municipal service building, library, and city hall — will be fully operational, effectively serving our community’s needs. Throughout this growth, our core community values will remain steadfast, ensuring that Chaska continues to be a welcoming hometown for everyone.
