About Jess Birken
Hi I'm Jess — Arden Hills resident, small business owner, attorney and mom to two kids 20 and 17. I've lived in the area for over 20 years and have called Arden Hills home since 2020. I'm running for City Council because Arden Hills is a community worth investing in, and I want to help keep it moving in the right direction. Over the past year our sense of connectedness and community has been amazing, let's keep that going!
My legal career was built on people skills and solving complex problems. As a current member of the Arden Hills Planning Commission, I already have a front-row seat to the decisions shaping this city. The decisions coming up for Arden Hills are some of the most consequential in years. I want to make sure this community comes out of them stronger.
What am I all about?
My life:
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20 years living in or near Arden Hills
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Mom of 2 kids
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Parent in ISD 621 since 2010
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Volunteer for Irondale robotics team
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Volunteer for FIRST Robotics
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Small business owner
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Love to camp and be outside
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Friendly, extraverted, genuine
My Professional Experience
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Practicing attorney for over 18 years
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Trained mediator (transformative model)
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Arden Hills Planning Commissioner
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Frequent public speaker / podcaster
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Past Mounds View Planning Commissioner
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Past Mounds View Economic Development Cmr.
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Check out my LinkedIn profile for more
My Governance Approach:
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Listen
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Consider everyone's perspective
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Act in the best interest of the community
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Plan for tomorrow, not just today
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Support our outstanding schools
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Balance business interests with community good
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Protect privacy and property rights
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Protect natural resources
I'm For:
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Developing parks and trail systems
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Adding walkable / bikeable community elements
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Smart development of Rice Creek Commons
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Ensuring we have housing for everyone
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Planning for our expenses realistically
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Barring development of data centers, prisons etc.
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Reducing light pollution
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Keeping our town a nice place to live
Why Vote Yes for Jess?
A Budget That Works for Everyone
Good government means spending public money carefully and being honest about tradeoffs. I'll bring the same analytical approach to the City budget that I bring to my legal work. Arden Hills is catching up on years of deferred maintenance, and that has real costs.
My approach: I'll ask hard questions, get clarity on what we're getting for what we spend, and make sure we're investing in the right priorities without overextending. Vote for me if you want us to plan ahead instead of kicking things down the road.
Responsible Development at Rice Creek Commons
Rice Creek Commons (formerly TCCAP) is the most significant project Arden Hills will take on in a generation. The 427-acre former Army ammunition plant site has the potential to bring housing, jobs, tax revenue, green space, and lasting community value...if we get it right.
My approach: I want Rice Creek Commons to benefit the people who already live here. Vote for me and I'll work to prevent any data centers or prisons locating here. I'll work to ensure we add housing options that everyone can afford, and that doesn't compromise what makes Arden Hills a charming place to live now.
Parks, Trails, and a Greener Arden Hills
Arden Hills has great parks and trails, and there's real momentum to make them even better. The City has been working toward an updated Parks Master Plan and new trail connections. We can and should finish the trail connections, and invest in our parks in ways that are sustainable.
My approach: We need to keep working on removing invasive species both on land (i.e. buckthorn) and in our waters. Vote for me to ensure we protect our natural resources. I want to see Round Lake (off Hwy 96) finally cleaned up. Let's keep protecting the natural spaces that make this community feel like home.
Supporting Our Schools
Our district is one of the top districts in the state and a reason many families move to Arden Hills. Strong schools are a direct reflection of a healthy community that values every resident. While the City doesn't run the schools, it has a supporting role to play.
My approach: Test scores aren't everything. As a parent in ISD 621 I've seen first hand what outstanding music, art, industrial and STEM education / extracurriculars do for developing minds. Our district is building future leaders and workers for our community. As a Councilmember I'll work to support retention and development of these key aspects of our district's programming.