My husband and I fell in love with St Louis Park, its people, and its values when we first moved here in 2021. Since then, I’ve increasingly gotten involved in the community first leading efforts to restart the Bronx Park neighborhood association, then serving on the city’s Human Rights Commission. In addition, I bring valuable professional experiences to the council. As an organizational psychologist working in change management, I help organizations transform daily. I am trained to analyze large, complex data and distill those into and effectively communicate actionable insights. I’ll examine city issues with a fresh perspective, an inquisitive eye, and genuine curiosity to make smart, data-informed decisions that serve our residents.
1) Diverse and affordable housing: Unaffordable housing creates inequity. I support expanding mid-tier housing options and funding programs to make housing in SLP more accessible.
2) Improving infrastructure: As city infrastructure nears its end of life, I’ll work to reimagine how we develop roads, sidewalks, and trails that safely work for everybody.
3) Deepen community engagement: I advocate for new and creative ways to support our neighborhoods and residents in building connective community.
I believe local government works best when it listens actively to its constituents, takes bold action on behalf of residents, and brings people together. As a council member, I’ll commit to holding at least bi-annual town halls with Ward 1 residents and actively work with our six neighborhood associations to hear directly from constituents. Residents will always have a direct line of communication to reach out to me to share their most pressing issues, express concerns, and celebrate successes.
It’s constituents’ duty to ensure their representatives are representing their best interests. As a council member, I’ll work to make city decisions clear and accessible in frequent, direct communication with Ward 1 residents, hold regular listening sessions, and ensure residents can easily track council actions and spending. I’ll prioritize open dialogue, timely updates, and accountable decision-making so neighbors feel informed, heard, and confident in how our city is governed.
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website
www.sarahmsteffen.com
Raised in Edina, I studied community health promotion at UMN School of Public Health after completing my bachelor’s degree at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. I moved back to MN in 2020. I have advocated for Minnesotans in many roles, including with the MN DFL Party, NAMI MN, Voyageur Outward Bound School and now Minnesota Community Care.
City policy impacts all aspects of our health. From access to parks, to walkability, safety, and city services and infrastructure, policy determines how we get around and the nature of our environment. As your city council member, I will work for health equity reforms, stronger policies to address disparities, and support for the small businesses and employees who drive our city’s economy.
One of my top priorities will be supporting small businesses. I envision a farmers market in the Walker Lake business district that will help bring patrons to the area on weekends.
As part of the Vision 4.0 planning process, residents have shared their hopes for the future in SLP. Two themes that stick out as priorities are access to affordable housing and community safety. I will prioritize affordable housing and affordability more generally. In addition, health and safety are a top priority.
I aim to engage with all members of our community by hosting and attending a variety of community events. I am also always available to meet with community members in person or virtually. During the campaign season, I will also be door knocking in Ward 1: Birchwood, Bronx Park, Fern Hill, Lake Forest, Sorensen, and Triangle neighborhoods.
It is important for the city council to listen to residents when setting strategic priorities for the city. Every 10 years, the City of St. Louis Park reviews and updates the strategic priorities that staff use to guide planning and decision-making over the next decade. The Vision 4.0 process is coming to a close at the end of 2025, and the next city council will be setting new strategic priorities in early 2026. It is important and the city council incorporates the community’s priorities.
