Laurel Deneen for City Council

Laurel Deneen for

Columbia Heights City Council

Why I am running

for City Council

Since I became a resident, our city's tight-knit and diverse community has warmly welcomed my family, giving us the chance to become actively involved. I've had the privilege of meeting many residents and discussing what matters to them, both through my volunteer activities and in my role as a city planning commissioner. As Columbia Heights grows, I strongly believe in the importance of equitable and sustainable development. It's thrilling to see our area moving towards the future, but it's crucial that we include our family-owned businesses and residents in these transformative discussions. My goal is to ensure that our local businesses can thrive and expand, and that our residents have access to both affordable and varied housing options. I am committed to being a part of making this vision a reality.

My decision to run for City Council stems from my unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Columbia Heights residents. My unique blend of professional expertise, community involvement, and personal dedication positions me as a candidate deeply invested in the city’s future.

Professional and Purposeful

Championing Equitable and Sustainable Development

I am committed to driving equitable and sustainable development in Columbia Heights. It's crucial for me to ensure that our community's growth benefits everyone. This means supporting our local family-owned businesses and advocating for a range of affordable housing options. I believe in balancing our city's development with maintaining its unique character.

Enhancing Community Involvement

I strongly believe in the power of community involvement. As a member of the City Council, I will work towards increasing resident participation in city planning and local events. It's important to me that every voice is heard and that we all have a stake in shaping the future of our city.

Supporting Local Business Growth

Supporting the growth and sustainability of local businesses in Columbia Heights is a key priority for me. I aim to create an environment where these businesses can thrive and adapt. Implementing supportive policies and initiatives will be at the forefront of my efforts to keep our local economy vibrant and resilient.

Focusing on Education and Youth Programs

My volunteer work has shown me the importance of strong education and youth programs. As part of the City Council, I will advocate for enhancing these programs. It's essential that we provide our children and young people with the best opportunities for learning and personal growth, building a strong foundation for the future of our community.

Meet Laurel

Laurel Deneen's vision for Columbia Heights is centered around equitable and sustainable development, ensuring that family-owned businesses and residents are key players in the city's future growth. She advocates for maintaining the vitality of local businesses and expanding diverse housing opportunities. Her commitment to the community is evident through her involvement in organizing Columbia Heights PRIDE and volunteering at Valley View Elementary School with Every Meal. She also enjoys serving on the Columbia Heights City Planning Commission, where she applies her professional expertise to important city development issues.

Deeply rooted in the Kordiak Park neighborhood with her husband Mike and their pets, Laurel's personal life reflects her strong connection to the community. Her interests in design and geek culture further demonstrate her diverse engagement with community activities. Her decision to run for City Council springs from a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of Columbia Heights residents, combining her professional skills, community engagement, and personal dedication to make a lasting impact on the city's future.

Building Together: A Stronger, Inclusive Columbia Heights!

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Professional Background

Laurel Deneen's role with the Metropolitan Airports Commission, and her previous tenure at the Metropolitan Council, specifically on Metro Transit Light Rail projects, has uniquely positioned her as an ideal candidate for a city council position. Her extensive experience in these roles has honed her expertise in crucial areas such as infrastructure improvement, economic development, and funding management.

Having actively participated in transit projects, Laurel has contributed to the enhancement of the city's infrastructure, contributing to its growth and connectivity. Her involvement in economic development initiatives associated with these projects underscores her commitment to creating job opportunities and attracting businesses to the area.

A standout aspect of Laurel's career is her adept handling of collaboration with other municipalities and navigating right-of-way matters. These experiences have not only showcased her diplomatic and leadership skills but have also given her a unique perspective on fostering inter-community relationships. The collaborative nature of transit projects often involves intricate coordination with diverse stakeholders, highlighting Laurel's ability to work effectively with various entities to achieve shared goals.

Moreover, Laurel's role in funding management within the Metropolitan Council demonstrates her financial acumen and resourcefulness. Successfully managing contracts and overseeing budget allocations for transit projects underscores her commitment to responsible financial stewardship.

Beyond the technical aspects of her work, Laurel's engagement with local communities, particularly in matters related to right-of-way, reflects her dedication to ensuring that the voices and concerns of residents are heard and addressed. This community-centric approach aligns with the core responsibilities of a city council person, emphasizing Laurel's commitment to representing and advocating for the interests of her constituents.

Endorsements

“Laurel is a steadfast volunteer and organizer in Columbia Heights and has proven over and over again that she shows up and does the hard work. As the city continues to move in an exciting direction, Laurel would be a fantastic representative of the community with her thoughtful, inclusive, and forward-thinking mindset. I would be honored to collaborate with Laurel on the council and continue moving Heights forward!”

Councilmember Justice Spriggs, Columbia Heights.

“Laurel is a fantastic leader and volunteer in our city. Her experience on our Planning Commission and working with MetroTransit make her a great choice for Columbia Heights City Council. Laurel loves our city and makes awesome events like Columbia Heights Pride and the Monarch Festival happen. I am proud to endorse Laurel!”

Councilmember Rachel James, Columbia Heights.

“I am pleased to endorse Laurel Deneen for the Columbia Heights City Council. Laurel has consistently proven herself as a dedicated and passionate advocate for our community, exhibiting an unwavering commitment to making our city a better place for all.

Laurel’s exceptional dedication is evident through her involvement in various community initiatives. Serving on the Planning Commission and being an integral member of HeightsNEXT showcase her willingness to take on crucial responsibilities for the betterment of our city. Her selfless contributions, including volunteerism at events such as the Columbia Heights Pride and Monarch festivals, exemplify her genuine care for our community’s well-being.

What sets Laurel apart is her profound dedication to creating an equitable city and fostering a community that embraces diversity. Her passion for social justice and understanding of the extensive research and effort required to effect positive change make her an invaluable asset to any council.

I wholeheartedly believe that Laurel Deneen’s unwavering commitment, passion, and experience make her an excellent candidate for the Columbia Heights City Council. Her vision aligns seamlessly with the ongoing efforts to establish a more equitable, socially conscious, and progressive council. I am confident that Laurel will be an exceptional partner in our shared mission to create a brighter future for all residents of Columbia Heights.”

Mayor Amáda Márquez-Simula, Columbia Heights.

Working with Laurel on the Planning Commission has been a pleasure. She does her homework on every matter that hits our desk, pushes to get the best out of every decision and truly cares about bringing everyone in Heights into the process. She’s set a wonderful example for anybody thinking about getting involved in our city.

Over the years, she’s learned valuable insight about how our city functions and what redevelopments are in the pipeline. With her background at the Metropolitan Council she understands what it takes to make Columbia Heights a more attractive place for all residents and business owners—and will be an excellent addition to the City Council.

Tom Kaiser - City Planning Commissioner

I am proud to endorse Laurel Deneen for Columbia Heights Council. She is a community leader with the many community events she’s helped plan for the enrichment of everyone in Columbia Heights. She is kind, thoughtful, prepared and organized. Laurel's time on the planning commission these past few years have proven her passion and desire for sustainable and equitable development. Laurel will take that knowledge with her to the council. I know she will work hard for everyone in our city with her decisions on the council. I know she wants to move Heights forward with ethical, equitable representation. Please join me in voting for Laurel Deneen for Columbia Heights City Council.

Jennifer Pyper-Muno, She/Her

27 year resident and small business owner in Columbia Heights