Drew's Top Priorities for Lakeville
Infrastructure & Public Services
Drew Boxrud believes that the best way to address issues is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. With proper planning and maintenance, a city’s infrastructure can be preserved for decades. Ensuring the consistent upkeep of city-owned infrastructure is his top priority. Drew emphasizes the importance of maintaining these assets regardless of budget constraints to avoid higher costs down the road.
Lakeville has already made progress by limiting the number of garbage and recycling haulers, reducing street wear caused by heavy vehicles. Drew supports continuing this approach by contracting a smaller group of haulers through competitive bids every few years, ensuring long-term benefits for residents.
Additionally, Drew advocates for expanding the use of grants to supplement the city’s finances. If Lakeville does not already have a dedicated grant specialist, hiring one would be a valuable investment to navigate the complexities of various funding agencies.
With his background in civil engineering, Drew is well-versed in these principles and is committed to applying them to ensure the long-term health, efficiency, and sustainability of Lakeville's infrastructure.
Public Safety & Crime Prevention
Drew Boxrud is a strong advocate for first responders, having worked in a 911 center for over 14 years in various roles. He recognizes the unique and shared challenges faced by Police, Fire, and EMS departments. Lakeville has already made significant strides in improving fire and rescue services with the implementation of full-time duty crews, yielding positive results. Drew supports the continuation of these efforts and encourages accelerating the process where economically feasible.
With his experience at Allina Health EMS, which provides ambulance services to the Apple Valley/Lakeville/Farmington (ALF) area, Drew is confident in the quality of service provided and advocates for maintaining this partnership as long as it remains mutually beneficial.
Drew also understands the importance of retaining and attracting staff across all first responder services, which is why he emphasizes the need for competitive pay, benefits, and a positive working environment. He commends Lakeville’s police department for its innovative recruitment efforts, including the grant-funded cadet program. The department's integration of social workers, domestic abuse advocates, and crisis response workers alongside officers enhances Lakeville's appeal to new candidates. Drew believes that this forward-thinking approach must continue to ensure the city remains a leader in public safety and service excellence.
Environmental Sustainability
Drew Boxrud’s vision for environmental sustainability focuses on proactive measures that ensure the long-term health and resilience of Lakeville’s natural resources. He believes that responsible growth and development should go hand in hand with protecting the environment for future generations.
Drew advocates for expanding green spaces and protecting existing parks and wetlands, ensuring that these natural assets are preserved amidst urban development. He supports promoting sustainable practices such as energy efficiency in city operations, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, and implementing environmentally friendly building standards for new developments.
Water conservation and quality are key aspects of Drew’s sustainability plan. He supports initiatives that reduce water consumption and prevent pollution in the city’s lakes, streams, and wetlands. Additionally, he sees opportunities in improving waste management by further encouraging recycling and composting programs and exploring innovative technologies to reduce landfill contributions.
Drew’s civil engineering background has given him firsthand experience with sustainable infrastructure planning. He is committed to applying these principles to Lakeville, ensuring that the city grows in an environmentally responsible manner while creating a healthier, greener community for all residents.