RE-ELECT HANNA VALENTO
for Forest Lake City Council
ABOUT ME
I have called Forest Lake my community for over twenty years, and have served our community as a City Council Member since 2021.
I grew up in the rural areas of Hugo. My mom is a secretary at a trucking company and my dad is a local semi-truck driver. I have two siblings, one of which is my twin brother. We all graduated from the Forest Lake school district.
I live in Forest Lake with my husband, Luke, our two dogs, and three cats. Luke is a Gas Fitter for Xcel Energy and has lived in the community his whole life (we ended up going to pre-school together).
Currently, as a licensed attorney, I am the Legal and Policy Counsel for the Chief Executive for the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. In my role, I review and draft legislation, contracts, agreements, letters, Executive Orders, and more for the Chief Executive.
I am a proven and experienced leader, and I am committed to our community. I look forward to the work we can continue to get done together!
VISION FOR OUR COMMUNITY
FOLLOW OUR 10-YEAR BUDGET PLAN
It was my second year on City Council when our Finance Director, with the help of other staff, created a 10-year budget plan. This plan has helped Forest Lake move from being reactive to proactive. We are finally able to properly budget for the amenities the community wants and needs such as roads, parks, downtown aesthetics, and more.
When I’m elected, I will continue to support the 10-year budget plan, while remaining fiscally responsible.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Forest Lake has seen a steady growth of economic development throughout the last few years. Since my time on the Council, we have approved the Community Development Director position to ensure there is a dedicated employee who works directly with developers. I have also supported the transition to adding an online permitting program so our community members have modern, easy access to obtaining the permits they need. Last, with the help of the community, we approved a Downtown Plan. The Plan seeks redevelopment and revitalization to our downtown. It's a tall task, but I will continue to seek and approve opportunities that benefit our downtown.
I have supported, and will continue to support economic development and the redevelopment of downtown for our community.
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
The City of Forest Lake's Administration has been underfunded for years. Historically, we have cut several positions and made one employee do the work of three people. For the last four years, we have been focusing on proper staffing numbers and proper organization for a city our size. We are currently searching for a new city administrator to take us to the next level.
As a City Council Member, I will advocate for strong internal organization to ensure our community is receiving the services needed and requested.
IN THE PRESS
YOUNGEST COUNCILWOMAN-ELECT
"In January, the 26-year-old legislative assistant and lawyer will become the youngest person, and certainly the youngest woman, to be sworn into the council. Valento will also now be one of four women representing the five-seat council, alongside Mayor Mara Bain, and Councilwomen Kathy Bystrom and Kelly Monson."
