07/22/2026
Last week, the Faribault Chamber of Commerce interviewed Faribault City Council, candidates. 🎤🎥
Seeing and/or hearing myself recorded literally makes my skin crawl 🐛
Since not knowing if I was able to properly articulate myself during my camera induced black out - I wanted to also share my answers here to ensure my thoughts are relayed efficiently. 😆
Introduction:
For those who don’t yet know me - my name is Kameron Gustafson. I'm the daughter of Tony and Gail Gillen. I was born and raised just outside the Faribault city limits near Fox Lake.
I attended Faribault Public Schools and graduated from Faribault High School in 2007.
My husband, Matt, is the son of Jay and Amy Gustafson, and together, we have three children.
Over the past few years, I found myself asking how I could become more deeply involved in and give back to our community. Serving on the Park and Recreation Advisory Board verified for me that local government isn't just about meetings and budgets; it's about improving everyday life for all residents.
Why are you running for City Council?:
As someone who has called Faribault home my entire life, I'm running for City Council because I believe Faribault deserves leaders who listen, ask thoughtful questions, and make decisions based on what's best for the entire community.
I want to support local families and businesses, maintain strong city services, and ensure Faribault grows responsibly while remaining a place people are proud to call home.
What is your take on housing needs in Faribault and how do we inspire more home ownership opportunities?:
Strong neighborhoods begin with strong homes. Homeownership is often an avenue to achieve housing stability and build wealth. More than 60% of Faribault's housing is over 40 years old, and many homeowners face the challenge of keeping up with costly repairs. I will support practical programs that help residents invest in their homes. At the same time, we need a broader range of housing choices so people at every stage of life can afford to live in Faribault. New development should complement existing neighborhoods. Mixed-Use downtown housing increases downtown activity, supports local restaurants and shops and creates housing without expanding boundaries. Infill development fills vacant lots and underutilized parcels rather than continuing to expand, outwards. These approaches lower infrastructure costs, make better use of existing utilities and increase our tax base. By encouraging reinvestment in existing neighborhoods while promoting thoughtful, well-designed new housing, we can strengthen property values, expand housing opportunities, and ensure Faribault remains a community where residents choose to live.
What are your goals for the city specifically relating to Vision 2040?:
I plan to utilize Community Vision 2040’s core values and strategic priorities as a guiding compass for city decisions, as its creation intended. I fully support projects that preserve the integrity of the city and align with our historic character and natural amenities. I will work to attract and retain businesses that provide jobs, strengthen our tax base, and promote tourism. I plan to ensure that community plans, ordinances and services are in the best interest of the community and that they do not needlessly discourage or hinder success. I will work to enhance collaboration between city sectors, residents, businesses and developers, and to streamline joint efforts, where and when appropriate. I will remain open to new ideas, new ways of thinking and new opportunities to strengthen our economy and enhance our quality of life.
What audacious idea would you pursue for Faribault if money was not an issue?:
My audacious idea for Faribault if money weren’t an issue would be generational investment built around four pillars:
1. Every neighborhood thrives through housing rehab, infrastructure, and parks.
2. Every family succeeds with childcare, education, recreation, and community services.
3. Every entrepreneur has opportunity through business development and workforce investment.
4. Every resident is connected by trails, the river, parks, and a vibrant downtown area.
Our water access also allows for potential riverwalks, kayak launches, festivals on the waterfront, updated fishing piers, pedestrian bridges and connecting the area through the trail system.
The most transformative projects create a virtuous cycle. Better housing attracts residents. More residents support local businesses. Thriving businesses expand the tax base, and increased revenue funds better amenities, which in turn, attracts more residents and employers.
For a city like Faribault, an audacious vision isn't about becoming the biggest city in Minnesota. It's about becoming the best small city in Minnesota. A place known for exceptional quality of life, strong neighborhoods, beautiful public spaces, thriving local businesses, and a deep sense of community.
Closing:
In closing - local government works best when we focus on solving problems, respecting different perspectives and opinions, and working together, to move forward.
City Council is a nonpartisan office, and that's exactly how I intend to serve. I am not a politician. I don't come from any type of political background. I come from a family that believes in hard work, community, and showing up when it matters.
I look forward to meeting more people throughout this campaign and earning your support – one conversation at a time.
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