Apply these five practical standards to evaluate city council proposals, tax increases, and local development plans.
The Levy Test
The Response-Time Test
The Built-Out Test
Does it raise the property tax levy faster than inflation? A disciplined position makes inflation the benchmark - not other city levies - and forces any increase above it to justify why it's necessary.
Does it protect or improve police and fire response times as the first priority of the budget — not as a justification for a levy increase?
Does it treat Eden Prairie as a largely built-out suburb where land is scarce — or assume growth can be re-zoned into existence? Redevelopment must justify neighborhood impacts.
The Pay-Its-Own-Way Test
The Process-Predictability Test
Does new development cover its own infrastructure and service costs, or load them onto current taxpayers?
Does it give residents and business owners a predictable, transparent approval process — or let the council override owner and neighborhood objections in service of a long-range plan?
One 5-point vote test can't guarantee outcomes, but it can set a standard for accountability for Eden Prairie.
Thoughtful stewardship requires transparent metrics that safeguard taxpayer dollars, protect public safety, and respect existing neighborhoods.
Support Disciplined Leadership
Join neighbors across Eden Prairie in bringing disciplined spending and transparent decision-making to our city council.