The session, titled “Meet Your Local Elected Officials,” was held at New Ulm City Hall and featured Mayor Kathleen Backer along with City Council members Andrea Boettger, David Christian, Eric Warmka and Tom Schmitz. The discussion was moderated by Linda Heine, a member of the League of Women Voters of New Ulm.

League representatives said the series responds to growing interest from residents who want to better understand how local decisions are made and how state and federal actions affect city government.

“Tonight we are continuing our tradition of education for an informed electorate,” Heine said. “We encourage informed and active participation of citizens in government, and we influence public policy through education and advocacy.”

Unlike a regular council meeting, the event was structured as a conversation rather than a formal, agenda-driven session. Heine guided officials through prepared questions prompting them to reflect on highlights from the past year, outline priorities moving forward, and explain how state and federal actions influence city decision-making.

Mayor Kathleen Backer and New Ulm City Council members take part in the League of Women Voters’ “Meet Your Local Elected Officials” session Monday at City Hall. The event opened a new three‑part civic education series.

Mayor Backer, now in her fourth year, described the role of mayor as both leadership and collaborative, emphasizing the importance of working closely with council members and city staff. She outlined a vision for New Ulm centered on investment.

“The logo that’s used by many cities is ‘a great place to live, work and play.’ I see ‘invest’ as being a fourth word that we want to add to that,” Backer said.

She also shared an anecdote about discovering her statutory duty as the city’s “noxious weed inspector,” a responsibility she has since delegated to city staff.

Council members highlighted achievements from the past year. Ward 1 Councilor Christian pointed to the adoption of the city’s comprehensive plan and economic development strategic plan.

“A lot of work went into it,” Christian said.

From left: Councilor David Christian, Councilor Eric Warmka, Council President Andrea Boettger, Mayor Kathleen Backer and Councilor Tom Schmitz gather following Monday’s civic education event hosted by the League of Women Voters of New Ulm.

Ward 2 Councilor Warmka cited positive momentum in downtown New Ulm, crediting increased events and support for local businesses.

“I think our downtown has had a lot of real positive momentum,” Warmka said.

Council President Andrea Boettger, who also serves as treasurer of the Economic Development Authority, said she is proud of the city’s housing initiatives, including efforts to expand housing options through tiny homes and market-rate apartments.

“I am actually really proud of some of those programs,” Boettger said.

Ward 3 Councilor Schmitz emphasized the importance of housing diversity and sustainability, pointing to projects such as barndominiums and Garden Terrace 3.

Ward 2 Councilor Eric Warmka discusses downtown revitalization and infrastructure challenges during Monday’s civic education session hosted by the League of Women Voters of New Ulm.

Officials also discussed challenges facing the city. Warmka noted that aging infrastructure, including roads, utilities and public facilities, remains a significant concern as maintenance costs rise.

“Our roads, our utilities, our facilities, they’re all aging,” Warmka said.

Boettger raised concerns about proposed state legislation that could preempt local zoning authority.

“It’s taking away the ability of our local governments, our planning and our zoning, to make their own decisions,” she said.

Backer emphasized the need for equitable state funding for Greater Minnesota, citing delayed long-term care payments and infrastructure funding.

New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer answered questions during Monday’s civic education event hosted by the League of Women Voters. Backer discussed city initiatives and the importance of state funding for Greater Minnesota.

Christian criticized unfunded mandates from higher levels of government, including the Parental Leave Act.

“I despise unfunded mandates,” Christian said.

Despite challenges, officials expressed optimism about New Ulm’s future. Backer pointed to growth in tourism and investment, while Warmka cited strong local businesses, engaged nonprofits, and a collaborative council.

“I’m excited about the momentum New Ulm has right now,” Warmka said.

Boettger highlighted the completion of the Highway 14 expansion and the continued growth of downtown events.

Linda Heine, a member of the League of Women Voters of New Ulm, moderates Monday’s civic education event at City Hall. Heine guided officials through a structured conversation about city governance and public policy.

“New Ulm, for its size per capita, punches far above its weight class,” she said.

Council members also discussed less visible aspects of their roles. Schmitz said residents may not realize the extent of responsibilities beyond council meetings, including service on boards and commissions.

Christian said the time commitment involves numerous meetings and community engagements.

“It’s a lot of time and effort put into it behind the scenes,” Christian said.

Because the event was designed as an informational session rather than a forum, public questions were not taken.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that educates voters and encourages informed participation in government. The organization does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.

According to League organizers, this is the first time the New Ulm chapter has offered a series focused specifically on local elected officials.

“We’ve heard from people who say they don’t always know where to turn with questions or how decisions are made,” Heine said. “This series is meant to create a welcoming space for learning and dialogue.”

The remaining two events in the series will feature the ISD 88 New Ulm School Board and the Brown County Board of Commissioners. The school board session is scheduled for Feb. 9. Additional dates and details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Our goal is to make local government more accessible,” Heine said. “An informed community is a stronger community.