Your voice. Our community. Forward together.
Dear Neighbor,
As a mom raising two kids in Apple Valley, I know firsthand that strong, vibrant communities are built on a foundation of fellowship, safety, and mutual support. My name is Maggie Bruecken, and I’m running for Apple Valley City Council because I love this community and I want to make sure it remains a wonderful place for all of our neighbors to live, work, and grow.
For the past 18 years, my life and career have been defined by a simple mission: advocacy and service.
I started my career as a middle school language arts teacher in the East Metro at Crosswinds Arts and Science School. From the classroom, I transitioned to the nonprofit sector, working directly with educators to pass local and statewide education policies. Today, I serve as a project manager for Saint Paul Public Schools, where I get to support the development of amazing new programs like the East African Magnet School and the Afrocentric program at Benjamin E. Mays.
I am excited and committed to bring my background in listening and problem-solving to our local government. I am running for City Council to bring fresh energy and ideas to Apple Valley—building a council that truly serves our city by uniting our neighbors, elevating community needs, and driving meaningful impact for social and environmental change.
Uniting Our Neighbors & Fostering Belonging
Building a strong community starts with ensuring every resident feels like they belong. Apple Valley is beautifully diversifying across race, age, gender, and ability level, and our public spaces should reflect that. Just as I worked to bridge gaps in education, I will work to bridge gaps in our neighborhoods by transforming third spaces into vibrant, multi-generational hubs. In partnership with the community, I will unite our neighbors by:
• Evolving our senior center into an Active Lifestyle Center where activities and programming span across generations and bring our neighbors together.
• Rotating City Council listening sessions into our parks and community centers to bring the local government directly to the public.
Elevating Our Local Economy & Infrastructure
True belonging also means ensuring our infrastructure supports us and our economy lifts everyone up. Through my conversations with community members, I know there are pressing safety concerns regarding our busy intersections and county highways. I will actively engage residents to identify and collaborate on infrastructure solutions that keep our families safe.
At the same time, we need to lift up local entrepreneurs who are often boxed out by major corporate chains. I will advocate for updating underutilized portions of downtown Apple Valley parking lots into spaces where independently owned businesses can take root and thrive.
Driving Meaningful Environmental Impact
Finally, just as we nurture our relationships with one another, we must also care for the environment we share. True resilience starts at home, which is why I will work to make a tangible impact on sustainability in Apple Valley.
- I will revisit zoning laws to investigate how families can safely keep honeybees and backyard chickens.
- I will work to transition maintenance-heavy city turf grass into native pollinator gardens that protect our local biodiversity.
I have spent my entire career listening to people and turning those meaningful conversations into real, positive policy change. I am ready to do the exact same for Apple Valley—to elevate our economy, unite our neighbors, and make a lasting impact.
I would be incredibly honored to earn your vote this November.
Maggie Bruecken