Anoka County Board, District 6: Julie Jeppson seeks second term with AFL-CIO endorsement

Julie Jeppson: Securing funds for badly needed improvements to Highway 65

By Steve Share, Minneapolis Labor Review editor

BLAINE — “Your local government is your government that impacts your life 24-7,” says Julie Jeppson.

Jeppson is running for a second term for the District 6 seat on the Anoka County Board with AFL-CIO endorsement.

District 6 includes Blaine and part of Spring Lake Park.

Jeppson previously served as a member of the Blaine City Council, winning election to two terms before winning election to the County Board in 2022.

During Jeppson’s time on the Blaine City Council, and now as County Commissioner, seeking funding for Highway 65 improvements has been one of her top priorities. “Raising dollars for Highway 65 — that’s a big reason why I ran,” she says.

“We secured a little over $200 million through 14 different state and federal agencies in two years,” she reports. “That’s ridiculously fast.”

Construction is set to begin in 2026. “It’s going to be one of the biggest and most complex highway projects in the region,” she says.

When Jeppson ran for County Board two years ago, Highway 65 concerns were the top issue residents shared with her when doorknocking.

“People were dying on our streets and I didn’t find that acceptable,” Jeppson says.

Now, she says, identifying the needs for arterial road improvements will be a next focus.

Jeppson says an important role for elected officials is maintaining public infrastructure. “You need to spend money in order to maintain your investments, your assets.” If not, she says, “the bill will come eventually” with even more costly repairs. What’s best for taxpayers, she says, is planned spending on infrastructure over time.

The new Anoka County jail currently under discussion “is going to be a huge expense that’s going to be taxpayer-funded,” she says. She’s working to ensure the “best, safest solution for all — including inmates, their families, surrounding communities, and our staff.”

“Unions are the backbone of our community,” Jeppson says. “They absolutely have my utmost respect… They’re the ones building the buildings, building the roads, plowing the streets.”

As an elected official, Jeppson makes transparency a top concern. “I actively listen to my community.”

A Blaine resident since 2004, Jeppson and  husband Nate have two children.

Website:
jeppsonforcommissioner.com