Mayor Deshler's 2025 State of the City Address
Posted on 04/02/2025
State of the City Address
Mayor Julie Deshler
City of Crystal, Minnesota
April 2, 2025
Dear Crystal Residents,
It is an honor to present my first State of the City address as your new mayor. This is an exciting time for Crystal, and your city council and I are filled with optimism as we work together to help build a vibrant, thriving community that not only meets the needs of all residents but also strengthens the solid foundation laid by both past and current leadership, city staff, and the efforts of our dedicated community members.
Together, we’ve made significant strides in key areas, including enhancing public safety, developing vibrant community parks, investing in recreation facilities, and improving our city’s infrastructure and services. While these achievements are worthy of celebration, we recognize that important work lies ahead.
Enhancing Quality of Life
As we look to the city’s future, I am committed to making improvements that will enhance our quality of life. One priority is improving our streetscape's cleanliness and appearance, creating a more welcoming environment that will attract new business and investment. By supporting our existing businesses and attracting new ones, we will create more job opportunities and help our community flourish. This means investing in community development initiatives that support local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and other projects.
Supporting Public Safety
I am also dedicated to ensuring our neighborhoods remain safe and secure, with a strong commitment to supporting our police, fire, and emergency services personnel who work tirelessly around the clock to protect us. Their dedication and bravery are the backbone of our community’s safety, and it is essential that we continue to provide them with the resources, training, and support they need to carry out their critical roles effectively. We will prioritize strengthening public safety partnerships, investing in the latest technologies, and ensuring our first responders have everything they need to respond quickly and efficiently in times of need. Together, we will work to foster a sense of security and trust, making Crystal a place where every resident can feel safe and protected.
Ensuring Fair and Sustainable Utilities
Additionally, I plan to request a thorough review of our city’s water rates to ensure they are not only fair and equitable for all residents but also financially sustainable in the long term. This review will consider the needs of our community and the importance of maintaining a reliable water infrastructure. By analyzing usage patterns, exploring alternative pricing structures, and considering the financial impacts on households of all income levels, we can create a water rate system that balances affordability with the necessary investments in water quality, conservation, and infrastructure maintenance. Our goal is to ensure that residents are not overburdened by rising costs while continuing to provide high-quality, dependable service for years to come.
Shaping Our Future
Finally, I believe in the fundamental importance of community engagement as we chart the course for Crystal’s future. Every resident must have a voice in shaping the decisions that affect their lives and our community. To that end, your city council is eager to launch a long-term visioning process that will provide ongoing opportunities for you to share your ideas, concerns, and hopes. Through a public process, we will work collaboratively to identify the priorities that matter most to you.
You’ll be hearing from us soon in the hope that you will work alongside us to create a forward-thinking plan that reflects the diverse values, needs, and dreams of our residents, ensuring that Crystal moves forward in a way that aligns with the vision of our community.
Gratitude and Thanks
The future of Crystal is bright, and we will shape it together. By prioritizing improvements in public safety, economic development, fair utility rates, and meaningful community engagement, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant city.
I am truly excited to work with each of you. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making Crystal a better place to live, work, and play.
Sincerely,
Mayor Julie Deshler
City of Crystal, Minn.