Ben's Journey & Expertise
My life and career have been defined by a passion for building—not just high-quality structures, but strong, resilient communities. My path from local parent to Planning Commissioner reflects a deep-rooted dedication to the future of Arden Hills.
Proven Leadership
As a Planning Commissioner, I consistently advocate for smart planning strategies that balance fiscal responsibility, common sense adaptation to today's needs, and the preservation of our neighborhood character. As a business leader in the local twin cities community, I understand what it takes to build the right teams, hold them accountable, stay on schedule, and on budget.
Vision for The Future
An architect and builder by trade, I understand the technical complexities of infrastructure, sustainable development, green financing, and long-term urban planning. To do this right, I will listen to the needs and wants of Arden Hills residents to create a vision for the future that best serves our community; and I've helped other communities to do this for decades.
Deep Community Roots
As a father of two young boys, I am personally invested in ensuring Arden Hills remains a premier destination for families, defined by thriving parks and top-tier schools. As a volunteer student-athlete coach for the Mounds View / Totino Grace / Irondale Mountain Bike Race Team, I support and teach our youth that they can be a part of a team, do hard things, and have a good time. I also maintain a large City Park Trail Native Pollinator Garden along the trail near Hazelnut Park.
Personal Background
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Arden Hills resident for 9 years
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Live with my wife, Sara, and our two young sons
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Children attend Valentine Hills Elementary and Highview Middle School
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Masters of Architecture, University of Minnesota
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Bachelor of Architecture, The Ohio State University
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Designed and built my family's Net Zero Ready Home with on-site renewable energy.
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I enjoy fixing old things, talking with neighbors, continually learning, watching football, skiing, and riding on trails.
My Community Experience
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Arden Hills Planning Commissioner
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Mounds View Public Schools student‑athlete coach
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Installed and maintain a 2,000‑square‑foot pollinator garden on the Diagonal Trail adjacent to Hazelnut Park
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Arden Hills Parks and Recreation soccer coach
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AIA Minnesota Architectural Foundation Board Member
Professional Background
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Sustainability & Affordability: Led city, county, and sustainability guidelines planning and approvals for 147 zero‑carbon, affordable, owner‑occupied homes for Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities at The Heights in Saint Paul.
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Business Leadership: Principal (business unit leader) for a large 200+ person architecture firm, where I lead and build teams to help tackle the problems of Twin City communities.
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Leading by Example: I designed and built my family’s net‑zero‑ready home, featuring high efficiency, renewable energy, and a pollinator garden.
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Housing: Architect for over 2,000 built mixed‑use housing units in the Twin Cities area, with a focus on market‑rate apartments with integrated affordability.
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Planning: Master planning for Mayo Clinic’s Rochester Scottsdale, and administrative campuses, and replacement hospitals in Korea, Dubai, Qatar, Kentucky, Seattle, Fargo, and Minneapolis.
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Leading Through Complexity: Design and Construction Manager for U.S. Bank Stadium’s world’s largest pivot doors, leading multiple design and construction teams by creating an atmosphere of collaboration, teamwork, and trust.
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Management: I use my construction management training and experience to effectively manage risk, change, schedule, safety, schedule, quality, and budgets.
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Public Works Technology: As a member and active contributor to the American Public Works Association, I understand the digital tools and information management systems that cities use to manage budgets, create high ROI maintenance plans, and to do more with less.