Issues and Priorities

As your mayor it is my job to tackle the issues that face our city and to represent all of our residents in city affairs. I do this by listening to people, discovering opportunities for improvement, and leveraging professional, state, and federal relationships to get the job done.

Improving Safety on Central and University Avenues

I will partner with MnDOT and other local stakeholders to implement traffic calming measures, enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, and reduce accidents, making these key corridors safer for everyone.

Securing Funding for the Public Works/Municipal Building

I will work closely with state and federal elected officials and agencies to secure funding for the modernization of our Public Works and Municipal facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of our community and support efficient city operations.

Increasing Diversity and Accessibility Among City Staff

I will prioritize hiring diverse staff, expanding language accessibility within city services, and supporting workers’ rights to create a workforce that reflects and serves our community effectively and equitably.

An honest wage

Did you know? The largest piece of the city’s budget (40%) is staff salaries. One of the reasons our taxes increase is to ensure that our municipal employees are paid fairly each year.

Future Vision

Amáda Márquez Simula for Mayor of Columbia Heights
  • I will continue to bring state and federal funding to Columbia Heights by partnering and co-governing with other elected officials. Sourcing these funds from outside the city prevents additional property taxes.
  • I will encourage more economic development and bring more businesses to Columbia Heights.
  • I will continue to work towards improved safety, including better uncontrolled intersections, legible house numbers, cleared sidewalks in winter, and other ongoing measures.
  • I will continue to work towards providing government transparency including improved meeting documentation, improved online meeting access and participation, better public signage and project tracking, and more online access to public documents such as property records.
  • I will continue to work towards environmental sustainability, including replacing city vehicles with EVs as appropriate, eliminating neonictinoid plants, adding composting to all city buildings, switching food containers from styrofoam to compostable materials, and replenishing the city trees with ample biodiversity.
  • I would love to see improvements and additions to our parks and amenities, including repairs, signage upgrades, a possible skate park, a possible community center, a possible dog park, a possible accessible playground, and long overdue permanent soccer fields.
  • I will continue to bring representation to Columbia Heights residents, including advocating for renters, advocating for seniors, honoring our indigenous citizens and neighbors, embracing our cultural diversity, combating wage theft, and updating language in city documentation to be more inclusive.