Mayor Briggs Seeks Third Term |
As Mayor since January of 2017, Briggs has led a unified and effective City Council and collaborated with the City Manager and staff to complete significant road improvement projects; improve public safety by transitioning to a full-time fire department; and strengthen relationships with the county, state, other metro cities, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). Chairman Cole Miller commented on Mayor Briggs’ seeking a third term.
"The SMSC and the City of Prior Lake have partnered for many years; Mayor Briggs has been a big part of that said Tribal Chairman Cole Miller. The flag exchange that took place between our community and the city in 2023 is testament to the strength and commitment to our relationship." Briggs has led coalitions that have successfully changed legislation at the state level for the benefit of Prior Lake. He has demonstrated an ability to lead through challenges and polarization, finding ways to partner and deliver tax-reducing initiatives for the citizens of Prior Lake. |
Strong Communication, Trust and Collaboration
Briggs has prioritized transparent and authentic communication with residents, businesses, and fellow elected leaders to build trust and collaboration for the benefit of Prior Lake. Former Fire Chief and longtime Prior Lake businessperson Dave Chromy shared,
"By the force of his personality and daily interactions with so many, Mayor Briggs is both an ambassador for his city and a positive catalyst for moving forward. He is tireless and is always willing to “roll up his sleeves” and do the work himself, or by leading, cheering and recognizing the efforts of others!"
"By the force of his personality and daily interactions with so many, Mayor Briggs is both an ambassador for his city and a positive catalyst for moving forward. He is tireless and is always willing to “roll up his sleeves” and do the work himself, or by leading, cheering and recognizing the efforts of others!"
Effective Leadership
Mayor Briggs has presided over a City Council that has delivered consistent results for the community on projects, finances, and positive legislative policy change in St. Paul. In 2017, traffic was snarled in the downtown by an antiquated road system, investment(s) in the community were curtailed with debt concerns, and the City of Prior Lake stayed on the sidelines of legislative issues in St. Paul negatively impacting taxpayers.
Former Prior Lake City Councilor Annette Thompson reflected on her time serving with Mayor Briggs.
"Few know what Kirt Briggs has done, or will do, to serve the citizens of Prior Lake as Mayor- I do. I had the privilege of serving with Kirt Briggs for six years on City Council. He is a great leader. He works tirelessly for the citizens of Prior Lake, going above and beyond the job description of Mayor."
Business owner, teacher and community leader Katie Moras led an initiative protecting our youth from flavored vapes and other harmful substances.
"We were successful advancing a flavored vape ban in Prior Lake working closely with Mayor Briggs. He has strategically transformed Prior Lake in the last eight years through an attitude of teamwork, thoughtful personal relationships, and strong community partnerships. Well respected as a leader who remains focused on both state and local issues, Mayor Briggs fights for local residents and businesses and the overall health of Prior Lake and Scott County. Considering the decisions being made at the state level, we would be fortunate to have a seasoned leader continue to fight for us."
Former Prior Lake City Councilor Annette Thompson reflected on her time serving with Mayor Briggs.
"Few know what Kirt Briggs has done, or will do, to serve the citizens of Prior Lake as Mayor- I do. I had the privilege of serving with Kirt Briggs for six years on City Council. He is a great leader. He works tirelessly for the citizens of Prior Lake, going above and beyond the job description of Mayor."
Business owner, teacher and community leader Katie Moras led an initiative protecting our youth from flavored vapes and other harmful substances.
"We were successful advancing a flavored vape ban in Prior Lake working closely with Mayor Briggs. He has strategically transformed Prior Lake in the last eight years through an attitude of teamwork, thoughtful personal relationships, and strong community partnerships. Well respected as a leader who remains focused on both state and local issues, Mayor Briggs fights for local residents and businesses and the overall health of Prior Lake and Scott County. Considering the decisions being made at the state level, we would be fortunate to have a seasoned leader continue to fight for us."
Financial Stewardship and Downtown Reinvigoration
Today there is a vibrant Prior Lake downtown and the City is recognized for its fiscal strength having earned a AAA bond rating. Maintenance of Prior Lake infrastructure is getting caught up after years of under investment, a joint water treatment plant with the SMSC will guarantee water in droughts and save both parties millions of dollars, and most importantly School Resource Officers (SRO) have returned to schools for the safety of everyone.
Senator Eric Pratt of Prior Lake commented,
"Mayor Briggs is recognized as a strong and effective leader advocating for his community at home, and for all cities at the Capitol."
Representative Ben Bakeberg added,
"(Mayor) Briggs is front and center for Prior Lake and among his fellow Mayors. He builds broad coalitions of advocates when needed to create change. On the School Resource Officers bill this year, his efforts contributed mightily making it possible for our officers to return to school!"
Senator Eric Pratt of Prior Lake commented,
"Mayor Briggs is recognized as a strong and effective leader advocating for his community at home, and for all cities at the Capitol."
Representative Ben Bakeberg added,
"(Mayor) Briggs is front and center for Prior Lake and among his fellow Mayors. He builds broad coalitions of advocates when needed to create change. On the School Resource Officers bill this year, his efforts contributed mightily making it possible for our officers to return to school!"
Third Term Priorities
If elected to a third term, Briggs will work to further strengthen public safety and improve the economic health of Prior Lake.
We have seen the good we can do when we focus on the challenges we face in the City. While we now have 12 full-time fire fighters and a strong police department, I want to see this accomplishment move forward with a demonstrated resource commitment for our uniformed heroes.
Briggs also spoke of the many priorities to be served creating positive change and defending against damaging state legislation.
We have also seen change at the state level that brought our Police Officers back to school. We have had a “front row seat” to stop the damaging legislation giving developers the right to build in our neighborhoods and in our downtown, while, at the same time, muting our voices as property owners to protect the property we own and the community planning we have abided by for decades.
To the economic challenges that await, Briggs pointed out, Our 50+ parks are in need of investment. While the Parks Master Plan is complete, the pathway to paying for implementation is not yet clear: that needs focus!
These priorities within our city, and those outside impacting us, if honored to serve a third term, will be my focus for the next four years!
We have seen the good we can do when we focus on the challenges we face in the City. While we now have 12 full-time fire fighters and a strong police department, I want to see this accomplishment move forward with a demonstrated resource commitment for our uniformed heroes.
Briggs also spoke of the many priorities to be served creating positive change and defending against damaging state legislation.
We have also seen change at the state level that brought our Police Officers back to school. We have had a “front row seat” to stop the damaging legislation giving developers the right to build in our neighborhoods and in our downtown, while, at the same time, muting our voices as property owners to protect the property we own and the community planning we have abided by for decades.
To the economic challenges that await, Briggs pointed out, Our 50+ parks are in need of investment. While the Parks Master Plan is complete, the pathway to paying for implementation is not yet clear: that needs focus!
These priorities within our city, and those outside impacting us, if honored to serve a third term, will be my focus for the next four years!
