I invite you to follow my Facebook page to stay in the loop!
Jesse Lara's City Council Facebook Page
About Me
As a resident of Shakopee for the past 17 years, my family and I have enjoyed watching our city maintain its small-town charm while enjoying the many new amenities established in recent years. I had the privilege of serving on the Shakopee Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments and Appeals for two years before being elected to the City Council. I’ve greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn about the thoughtful processes that shape our wonderful city
Why I am running for Re-election?
- To continue to provide current and future residents reasons to take pride in calling Shakopee their home.
- To bring a balanced view.
- I will approach each issue with an open perspective, thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo when necessary.
-
To bridge the gap of not being heard and the feeling of no access.
- I am committed to fostering positive conversations, about your concerns, and ensuring that everyone feels they have a voice. has a voice.
I am for...
Continued support for Downtown Shakopee
Downtown is the heart of our city, and a thriving downtown is essential to a strong community. The current initiatives to draw attention to our downtown are positively impacting not only our citizens but also tourism. Local entrepreneurs believe in and invest in downtown Shakopee, and I will continue to champion and support this vibrant area.
Parks and Recreation
I believe Shakopee can take great pride in our Parks and Recreation! These spaces provide an essential outlet for our youth, older adults, and everyone in between to stay active, socialize, and strengthen our sense of community. Parks and Recreation also play a crucial role in attracting new residents and businesses to our city. With that in mind, I wholeheartedly support our Parks and Recreation department.
Fire and Police Departments
It goes without saying that these departments are extremely vital to our community, and they have my full support.
Economic Development
I am an advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The planned Innovation HUB will help bring a spotlight to our area while fostering economic development.
Since taking office...
- I drafted a program that was adopted by the Scott County CDA that enables Shakopee Homeowners to make safety-oriented repairs to their homes, while keeping tax dollars in Shakopee!
- Annually voted in favor to keep the Economic Development Authority funded.
- Voted in favor the hiring of 9 additional full-time firefighters, and the police union contract.
- Supported SandVenture, Huber Park, and other park projects
Star Tribune Article
The above link will bring you to the recent Star Tribune article about the Shakopee City Council Race.
I will add, that my comments regarding Southbridge were taken out to context. I had mentioned I would like to see the two potential projects in the works to actually happen. The City Council has no control of that. The question asked me if there were any projects that are stalled ect.
Better Understand Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
2024 City Council Candidate Forum
2024 City Council Candidate Forum
Another award won for Shakopee!
Meet the Candidate - Jesse Lara
The above link will bring you to Jesse's 2024 'Meet the Candidate' interview, brought to you by the Shakopee Chamber and Visitors Bureau.
Here is the link to see the portion of property taxes paid by you for city provided services, and how they are spent.