BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY THROUGH ACCOUNTABILITY & TRUST
4 Years is Enough
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE?
You've had four years of this. Now it's time to look at where we are, what needs to change, and what comes next.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE ISSUES.
MY COMMITMENT TO CHANGE.
Read where I stand, what I believe needs to be addressed, and the commitments I'm making for the future.
I am dedicated to North Branch's future; my platform focuses on absolute financial transparency, protecting local community organizations, and restoring vital regional partnerships. A city thrives when its leadership manages resources wisely, protects taxpayers, and treats every collaborative relationship with professional respect.
Strengthening Relationships with Neighboring Agencies
4. REBUILDING TRUST WITH REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
THE ISSUE:
Publicly negative comments on social media have seriously damaged our working relationships with Chisago County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
MY COMMITMENT:
I am committed to rebuilding relationships. Repairing and rebuilding relationships with surrounding agencies and partners is essential. Collaboration reduces costs, improves effi ciency, and strengthens our regional standing.
Responsible Economic Growth & Use of TIF
3. RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
THE ISSUE:
Granting long-term Tax Increment Financing (TIF) exemptions for up to 20 years on completely undeveloped 'bare land' deprives our city, local school district, and county of essential tax revenues required for public services.
MY COMMITMENT:
TIF incentives must be strictly reserved for their original purpose: to bring blighted, abandoned, or heavily contaminated downtown properties back to life. I will not use long-term tax breaks to subsidize development on raw land. New developments should pay their fair share of taxes from day one.
Protecting Community Organizations from Unfair Financial Burdens
2. SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL NON-PROFITS
THE ISSUE:
The current administration's 10% tax on charitable gambling net proceeds directly skims funds away from local non-profit organizations, including domestic abuse shelters, youth sports/hockey associations, and student organizations.
MY COMMITMENT:
I advocate for protecting our non-profits. Rather than balancing the city budget on the backs of volunteer organizations that serve our youth and vulnerable residents. We must implement responsible financial management that does not negatively impact others in our community.
Address Revenue Shortfalls
1. BALANCE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
THE ISSUE:
The Issue: The sale of North Branch Water & Light removed a consistent, long-term municipal revenue source that could have been transferred back to the general levy to offset local property tax burdens for everyone within the city (not just those on the system)
MY COMMITMENT:
I will work hard to protect city assets, maximize our current revenue potential, and explore new revenue options.
VOTE FOR FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY & COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP
I do NOT support Flock Cameras today, I will not support them tomorrow
The Flock camera debate in North Branch is a good example of why listening to residents must be part of the decision-making process from the beginning. Decisions that affect the community should not be made without first understanding the concerns, priorities, and perspectives of the residents who live there. In this case, residents pushed hard enough to get city leaders to take a closer look at the decision and the contract involved. The community pressure forced leadership to see that Flock was not the right choice for our community. However, the city was then left facing significant costs to get out of the contract. Costs that could have been avoided or reduced if the contract and its implications had been fully understood before the decision was made.
I served as Director of Public Works and Utilities for the City of North Branch and on the North Branch Township Board, including my current role as appointed clerk. In these roles, I have gained extensive experience with infrastructure, utilities, budgeting, planning, and community development, along with a strong network of colleagues and professionals I can rely on for additional perspective.
My approach will be to make informed decisions in our residents' best interest by listening to residents, gathering the facts, and considering the financial and long-term impacts. I believe residents should feel heard and know that I value their input.
I do not support Data Centers
Our business park was established 25 years ago with a clear purpose: to create good jobs and opportunities for the residents of North Branch. Our business park should bring in businesses that hire our residents, strengthen our local economy, and make responsible use of our infrastructure and utilities.
Our land. Our utilities. Our future. Our jobs.
North Branch deserves growth that works for our community.
Deep Root =
Strong Branches
Williams has deep roots in North Branch and a desire to serve the community.
Shawn Williams is running for Mayor because he believes in a city that works for everyone — a city with safe neighborhoods, accessible housing, and thriving commercial growth. With his extensive municipal background he has the experience to deliver real results.
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Working to balance revenue and expenditures
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Bring commercial growth
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Investing in infrastructure
Williams is asking for your support to build a strong future together.
PRIORITIES
Provide strong leadership that make important decisions that positively benefit all residents
No Flock Cameras
I do NOT support Flock cameras today, and will not support Flock cameras tomorrow
Revenue Shortfalls
North Branch is facing a revenue shortfall from poor decisions by past councils
Strong Partnerships
Repair relationships with our neighboring agencies
Community Growth
Promote initiatives to stimulate economic growth
Strategic Decisions
Balance revenue and expenditures to meet the needs of the CIP
Make Your Voice Heard!
Shawn Williams has proudly called North Branch home for more than 40 years.
With over three decades of dedicated service to the city of North Branch, including serving as Director of Public Works and Utilities, Shawn has spent his career working to keep the community strong, safe, and moving forward.
As Director of Public Works and Utilities, Shawn oversaw essential city services, infrastructure improvements, and long-term planning efforts that directly impacted residents’ daily lives. His leadership focused on responsible budgeting, maintaining reliable services, and ensuring the city’s resources were managed efficiently and transparently. His decades of hands-on experience in city operations, combined with his roots in the community, provide him with a unique understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing North Branch. Shawn is running for Mayor to improve the city’s foundation, prioritizing fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment, and thoughtful growth while making sure the decisions of this council benefit all the residents of North Branch.
EXPERIENCE THAT MATTERS
40+ Years
30+
Years
30+ Years
In Our Community
Working for the
City of North Branch
Clerk for
North Branch Township
Responsible Financial Decisions
Debt to Liquidity Ratio
The city has excess cash savings that could be used to offset the budget.
Stabilize Property Taxes
Increase Liquor Store square footage to maximize revenue. This will increase the transfer of funds to lower the general tax levy.
Responsible Investment
Money in investments should always be optimized to maximize the return.
Having your voice heard is a vital part of creating a strong community.
Please send Shawn a message with your thought about making our community better for all residents.