Just The Facts - Mayor Elizabeth Kautz

Looking for straight facts? Then this section is for you ....

Here we will attempt to present you with basic, factual information about Burnsville and the challenges that face us.

Burnsville Performing Arts Center

The Performing Arts Center will be adjacent to Burnsville's picturesque Nicollet Commons Park

On December 18, 2006 the Burnsville City Council voted to build the Performing Arts Center (PAC) that will host a wide range of concerts, theater, dance and other entertainment. It includes a 1,000 seat main theatre with a 150 seat black box theatre, and space for visual arts displays, multi purpose rooms, and meeting and event spaces.

How is it funded? Will it increase the tax burden on citizens? No! There is significant misinformation around this issue. Taxes are not being raised to pay for this. In 2000-01 the City received a $4 million grant through the Livable Communities Act to help purchase land for both the Performing Arts Center and Nicollet Commons Park. The cost of the Performing Arts Center is $20 million and is being funded with $16 million in bonds, host fees from the land fill, an existing Economic Development levy, and when Tax Increment Financing District 1 and 2 decertify the increased taxes will be used to pay the bonds.

Why is it good for Burnsville? As areas of our City age and fall into decline, it is important to re-invest in high quality developments that will attract businesses and families to our community. It keeps home values up, and ultimately increases the tax base which allows the City to provide more amenities and better services without raising taxes. (For example, before the Heart of the City, that area drew $246,000 in taxes for the City. Now it will draw nearly $1.5 million.)

How did the Council decide on a Performing Arts Center? Were citizens involved in the decision and do the citizens want this? The Council authorized purchase of the land in 1998 for the purpose of creating a Performing Arts Center after a thorough visioning process which involved many citizens and city stakeholder groups (1994 Partnerships for Tomorrow Project.) More recently, a 2005 survey of Burnsville residents reported that 83% agree that arts and culture are somewhat or very important to preserving Burnsville’s quality of life.

Burnsville residents satisfied with Quality of Life

Residents gather in Nicollet Commons Park to partake in the annual "All That Jazz" festival

In a recent community survey, Burnsville residents responded favorably to a series of questions regarding Quality of Life.

- 95% of residents rate Burnsville’s Quality of life “good” or “excellent"
- 85% of residents believe the City is “heading in the right direction”
- Over 90% feel pride & ownership of their neighborhood
- Over 75% of residents feel they they receive good or excellent service value for their property taxes

Community Preservation and Development

Do you want a mayor who is committed to redeveloping aging areas without raising taxes?

Mayor Kautz has spearheaded the development of Burnsville's Heart of the City, and the in process Northwest River Quadrant Re-development without increasing the individual tax burden of our citizens or leveraging the future taxpayers with debt.

Do you want a mayor who preserves the environmental assets of our community for future generations?

Mayor Kautz has put environmental stewardship as a top priority during her tenure. Burnsville is an innovative leader in creative and effective Natural Resource Plans.

What your Burnsville neighbors are saying about Mayor Kautz .... "The Heart of the City project has transformed an area you simply drove through into a destination for shoppers, diners, and entertainment. Empty lots and the abandoned K-mart site now generate tax dollars for the community and provide jobs. The opening of the Performing Arts Center will attract even more people to the area.” - Deb Burrell

Leadership and Management

Do you want a mayor that works full time at Burnsville's part time mayor's job?

Mayor Kautz is truly dedicated to serving Burnsville. Her interest is in serving Burnsville and not as a stepping stone for other offices.

Do you want a mayor who is well positioned to attract global business?

Mayor Kautz has a proven track record of forging Partnerships with regional, state and national organizations.

Do you want a mayor who is the President Elect of US Conference of Mayors?

Mayor Elizabeth Kautz was elected Second Vice President for the United States Conference of Mayors. The post positions Mayor Kautz on a three year ascent to eventually lead the national organization in starting in June 2010.

Do you want a mayor who understands sounds financial management, works to reduce debt and keep expenses low?

During Mayor Kautz's tenure, the City's debt has been reduced from $100 million to below $40 million. Burnsville has also earned an AA1 rating from Moody's. Furthermore, under Mayor Elizabeth’s leadership an Infrastructure Trust Fund was established to ensure that our City’s infrastructure needs are addressed without borrowing money.

Public Safety & Quality of Life

Do you want a mayor who ensures the highest quality and most responsive police and fire services for our City?

Mayor Kautz has made Public Safety a top priority throughout her tenure. Since 1995, serious crime is down 30% and crime in general has dropped 15%.

Do you want a mayor who fights for better transportation for south of the river residents?

Transportation and Infrastructure improvements are an ongoing endeavor requiring funding from local, county, state and national sources. Mayor Kautz has a proven track record in maintaining and upgrading our critical infrastructure.

Do you want a mayor who leads initiatives in our community to create healthier citizens?

The Healthy Cities initiative, launched in 2007, has set the wheels in motion to transform Burnsville into becoming one of the the healthiest cities in America. Through Partnerships with public and private organizations, Mayor Kautz has laid the foundation for Burnsville to achieve this ambitious goal.

Do you enjoy outdoor concerts, beautiful family-friend parks, and a vibrant community gathering place?

From the vibrant Burnsville Youth Garage to the family friendly parks and green spaces such as Heart of the City, Mayor Kautz champions the things that make Burnsville a great place to live.

Neighbor to Neighbor: what Burnsville citizens are are saying about Mayor Kautz .... “Kautz runs the city like a first-class business. Her depth of knowledge about programs and funding to benefit Burnsville is reaping huge benefits for every one of us. In today’s world, cities change or get left behind, and we are so fortunate Kautz is leading the way.”
- Cheryl Morton