Minnetonka interviews two candidates for Planning Commission seats
The Minnetonka City Council held interviews on September 2 for one or two open Planning Commission positions, hearing from candidates Jordan Lambert and Cindy Ali about their qualifications and vision for the city's future development decisions.
The council conducted a special study session to evaluate the two applicants, asking them standardized questions about their experience, approach to public feedback, and understanding of diversity and equity issues in planning. A final decision is pending after the mayor reviews written feedback from council members.
Lambert, who has a background in construction and patient advocacy, emphasized her experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership at the state PTA level. She cited the proposed QuickTrip development as a concrete example of how planning decisions affect communities, particularly regarding food access and environmental concerns in low-income neighborhoods. "What one seemingly small decision can impact the greater overall environmentally speaking, DEI," Lambert said, noting that while Minnetonka is "doing things in such a great manner, there's always room for improvement."
Ali, who works in public policy and public health for the City of Minneapolis, stressed the importance of community engagement beyond formal channels. She highlighted a challenge many residents face: not knowing when planning decisions are being made. "Not everything on the website is going to be seen," Ali said, arguing that proactive outreach is essential to ensure all voices are heard.
Both candidates discussed how they would handle contentious public feedback on land use decisions. They emphasized the need to listen carefully, stay grounded in facts, and maintain professionalism even when community members disagree with planning recommendations. Ali noted the importance of supporting fellow commissioners while adhering to city policies and ordinances.
The council will now review the candidates' responses and the mayor's recommendation before making a final appointment decision.
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Votes (1)
Interviews for Minnetonka Planning Commission Appointments
The council conducted interviews for one or two open Planning Commission seats. Two applicants, Jordan Lambert and Cindy Ali, presented their qualifications, experiences, and perspectives on key issues relevant to the commission. Discussions covered their abilities to handle difficult public feedback, integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into planning decisions, and address individual and group challenges within the commission structure. Both candidates demonstrated strong community involvement and a commitment to public service. Jordan Lambert highlighted her background in construction, patient advocacy, and DEI leadership at the state PTA level, using the QuickTrip development as an example of planning impacts. Cindy Ali emphasized her public policy and public health background with the City of Minneapolis, stressing the importance of community engagement and understanding city processes.
Notable Quotes (4)
So, I I appreciate that the City of Minnetonka focuses so much on environment, DEI initiatives, and how everything overlaps cuz that's how it should be for it to be efficient and circling back to planning commission, I uh I'm actually part of the QuickTrip proposed development. And though I had already had planning commission on my mindset 3 years prior to that, it really solidified the importance of this to me and how much what one seemingly small decision can impact the greater overall environmentally speaking, DEI, uh and it just kind of showcased that though uh you guys are doing things in such a great manner, there's always room for improvement and I think I can bring that additional viewpoints to the table.
On the surface, you wouldn't think it's an equity issue, but it is when you're putting unhealthy food in front of low-income families and not offering them alternative solutions. So, I I think I can offer that perspective of sometimes it seems like we're doing right by giving them affordable options, and we're not looking at we're not giving them healthy options, which then lead to XYZ for health effects, which I bring in that health care side of things and the medical side of things.
Not everybody has ideologies and especially even maybe on the board you might not agree on certain things but being sure that you have your team's back and understand that at the end of the day city policies is first and your team and your work that you're doing is a part of so just hearing what the community has to say and not taking it to heart but at the same time have your facts and making sure that you understand what you're speaking on.
I always feel like a lot of people don't know um when these stuff are happening, and I tell my kids a lot, 'Not everything on the website is going to be seen. Not everything that you post on social media is going to be seen. You see, half of stuff in my department I didn't know until I started working in it. So, until you're in it and seeing what's happening, you really don't know what what is happening.'
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
City planning document mentioned by Jordan Lambert as being on her radar.
Specific development proposal cited by Jordan Lambert to illustrate impacts of planning decisions and DEI issues like black plastic recycling and healthy food access.
Cindy Ali mentioned the importance of adhering to city policies when making decisions.
Cindy Ali mentioned reviewing ordinances as part of understanding city processes.
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Other Topics from This Document
Candidate Qualifications and Experience
Navigating Public Feedback on Land Use Items
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Planning
Challenges for Commissioners
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