2.3.
| CC Work Session |
| Meeting Date: | 09/22/2026 |
| Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: |
Information
Title:
2026 Candidate Forums
Purpose/Background:
Mayor Heineman and Councilmember Olson requested this discussion.
Background
In 2024, Ramsey City Council provided consensus support to coordinate a Meet the Candidates Forum. The purpose for the City coordinated forum was to provide an opportunity for the public to be present in person during the forum, and to submit their questions to the candidates. Races included in the forum were the Mayor and local City Council seats, County Commissioner and State Representative (the State Senate seat was not on the ballot). The cost for the City to coordinate and host an open forum was in-kind staff time, volunteered time by the moderator and $200 paid to the audio/visual operator.
Currently, candidate forum opportunities for City Council seats are coordinated through the League of Women Voters and filmed for viewing by the audience via QCTV. This forum is not open to the public for in-person attendance. However, voters are able to submit their questions ahead of time for potential use to the candidates.
Background
In 2024, Ramsey City Council provided consensus support to coordinate a Meet the Candidates Forum. The purpose for the City coordinated forum was to provide an opportunity for the public to be present in person during the forum, and to submit their questions to the candidates. Races included in the forum were the Mayor and local City Council seats, County Commissioner and State Representative (the State Senate seat was not on the ballot). The cost for the City to coordinate and host an open forum was in-kind staff time, volunteered time by the moderator and $200 paid to the audio/visual operator.
Currently, candidate forum opportunities for City Council seats are coordinated through the League of Women Voters and filmed for viewing by the audience via QCTV. This forum is not open to the public for in-person attendance. However, voters are able to submit their questions ahead of time for potential use to the candidates.
Recommendation:
Staff holds no recommendation.
Outcome/Action:
Provide consensus support on whether the City coordinates/hosts candidate forums for the November 2026 General Election.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 09/17/2026 09:53 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Brian Hagen
- Started On:
- 09/14/2026 02:37 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 09/17/2026