Shelly Binsfeld is a business owner, environmental professional, lakeshore owner, community leader, and longtime Minnesota resident who is committed to protecting the values that make Elk River a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

As President of Rock Leaf Water Environmental, Shelly has built a successful Minnesota-based environmental and engineering company from the ground up, creating Minnesota jobs and serving communities across the state. Through her work, she has partnered with cities, state agencies, businesses, and residents to solve complex environmental, infrastructure, and public safety challenges.

Shelly also brings valuable public service experience through her seven years serving on the Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board, representing District 1 of Sherburne County. During her time on the board, she has been an active committee member dedicated to conservation, responsible land and water management, and protecting the natural resources that are important to local residents and future generations.

Shelly brings real-world leadership experience to the table. She understands budgeting, responsible growth, infrastructure planning, and the importance of balancing development with preserving Elk River’s natural resources and small-town character.

Her experience has taught her to ask thoughtful questions, study the full impact of decisions, listen to different perspectives, and work toward practical solutions that serve the community as a whole.

Shelly believes Elk River should remain a place where the next generation can afford to buy a home, build a career, and put down roots. She supports keeping taxes reasonable, encouraging attainable housing, and making responsible investments that provide lasting value to residents.

She also believes Elk River should be a community where people can enjoy more of their lives close to home—with strong schools and athletics/arts, essential stores and services, connected parks and trails, safe transportation for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and community events that strengthen Elk River’s small-town character.

As Elk River changes, Shelly believes city leaders must plan for residents at every stage of life, from young families to a growing population of retirees. She supports stronger collaboration with the school district, Sherburne County, and other community partners so shared goals can be better coordinated and taxpayer resources used wisely.

As your Ward 1 City Council representative, Shelly will work for:

• Low taxes and responsible spending

• Safe, connected transportation for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians

• Parks, lakes, and interconnecting trails for nature, exercise, pets, and family fun

• Transparency in zoning changes and careful decision-making

• Collaboration on shared missions with the school district and county

• A walkable small-town culture with essential stores, community events, and places to work and play

• Housing that allows young families to put down roots

• Accountability for city funds, projects, and investments

Shelly and her husband Tom have raised their family with strong values centered on faith, hard work, service, and community. She is actively involved in environmental stewardship, local initiatives, and mentoring small businesses throughout Minnesota.

As your Ward 1 City Council representative, Shelly will bring practical leadership, careful decision-making, and a commitment to asking the right questions, listening to residents, and finding solutions that are best for Elk River as a whole.

Vote Shelly Binsfeld for Elk River City Council – Ward 1.