Additional Q-and-A with Lisa Toomey

Here’s candidate Q-and-A content in addition to what appeared in EPLN’s print Voter Guide, mailed to Eden Prairie homes in early October. We are repeating the Voter Guide’s introduction of the candidate.

Lisa Toomey

Website: www.lisatoomey4ep.com

Toomey, who lives at 14302 Stratford Road, is a 23-year Eden Prairie resident who is completing her first term on the Eden Prairie City Council, where she has gained experience in setting and enforcing policy. She said that council experience has prepared her to continue to effectively represent the citizens of Eden Prairie.

As a council member, she also represents the city on the 494 Commission, the Municipal Legislative Commission and the Southwest Corridor Management Committee.

Elsewhere in the community, she is president of the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention and Criminal Apprehension Fund and treasurer of The PROP Shop. She is also a longtime member of the Eden Prairie Lioness Lions Club and the Optimist Club. Toomey is past executive director for Meals on Wheels of Eden Prairie, has served as a board member for the Eden Prairie Education Advisory Council and Metro Meals on Wheels and has been on the city’s Planning Commission.

As of the Aug. 27 deadline for this publication, she had not received any endorsements or donations from groups.

EPLN: Eden Prairie has a Climate Action Plan that has a goal of achieving community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. Do you support the plan, and are there any changes you would propose?

TOOMEY: I support the Climate Action Plan that was adopted by the city. A Climate Action Plan is essential for guiding us toward sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. 

The council has recently adopted a sustainable building standard, which encourages all new construction to have EV charging capabilities as well as wiring for solar panels. We have numerous solar projects on top of city buildings; many of our city fleet, including a police car, are EV or hybrid, and a curbside residential organics program has been created. These are just a few of the ways in which the Climate Action Plan has been implemented.

Enacting this plan enables the city to mitigate environmental risks, protect public health, and promote economic growth through green jobs and innovation. Ultimately, we are ensuring our long-term well-being by preparing for future challenges.

EPLN: The City of Eden Prairie uses an Inclusionary Housing Policy to ensure that a small number of affordable units are part of any new multi-family housing development. What additional measures, if any, should the city OK to create more affordable housing for Eden Prairie’s workforce, including young teachers, police officers, and health-care workers?

TOOMEY: Over the past few years approximately 25 percent of all new multi-family housing that has been built has a component of affordable housing. That adds up to approximately 600 units that are considered affordable housing. 

The city currently offers housing rehab loans to maintain naturally occurring affordable housing. There is a first-time home buyers’ program that uses state funding and pooled tax increment financing funds. A community land trust has also been created through Community Development Block Grant money to support additional affordable housing.

I am committed to supporting our existing programs and collaborating with nonprofit organizations or private businesses to expand the availability of affordable housing in Eden Prairie. 

EPLN: In the city’s 2023 resident survey, when asked what they like least about Eden Prairie, respondents cited as No. 1 the need for improved or additional activities, shopping, dining, recreation, and parks. What should the City Council do to address this desire? 

TOOMEY: The city can encourage new businesses to come to Eden Prairie by supporting new buildings or adaptive use of an older building. The Asia Mall is an excellent example of adaptive use of an old building. They successfully adapted the Gander Mountain building into several new restaurants, businesses and even a grocery store. Maybe something like that could happen with the JC Penney building.

The city can also continue to encourage the development of mixed-use areas like the SouthWest Station. There, commercial spaces are integrated with residential spaces. I would be in favor of expanding upon this, particularly around the other light rail stations.

EPLN: How would you maintain impartiality and fairness, even when faced with issues that may conflict with your personal beliefs?

TOOMEY: When I make any decision as a council member, first and foremost, I ask myself if it will be beneficial for the residents. I have been elected and trusted to serve my neighbors’ best interests. 

My personal beliefs do not influence the responsibilities I have to the citizens of Eden Prairie. The residents of this city and their well-being is my No. 1 concern. I am always available to help. That is one of the main reasons that I originally wanted to run for City Council in 2020. I wanted to be able to help a broader community, and I hope to continue doing so.