Congratulations on winning the election! 

Winning your election is a big accomplishment and now you get to roll up your sleeves and get to work.  As your term begins, there will be moments when you will wonder what you go yourself into.  Governing a city is challenging - keeping streets plowed, water clean, parks maintained, and the budget balanced takes commitment and comes with a lot to learn.

As you get started, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Spend more time listening than talking.
• Learn what each department does and how it supports city operations.
• Treat city council service as a team effort and build strong relationships with city staff and fellow council members.
• Remember that not all cities are the same.  Learn what type of city you serve because that determines the legal authority of the council.
• Stay in your lane - the council sets policy and direction.  Staff carry's it out and runs the day-to-day operations.
• Ask questions and avoid assumptions.
• Pace yourself.  Make a list of current priorities and those you want to tackle down the road.
• Invest in learning and networking opportunities.  Be sure to sign up as a member of the League of MN Cities and attend their Elected Leaders Institute.