Rosemount City Council Candidate Forum - September 30, 2026

The September 30, 2026, Rosemount City Council candidate forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Dakota County, featured four candidates for two council seats. The main capital-project discussion concerned the city’s proposed $75 million Build to Play plan, including a proposed $38 million two-sheet indoor ice arena. Incumbent candidates Tammy and Paul supported the plan and port authority bonding, while acknowledging concerns about the cost estimate; Justin supported putting the financing to a public referendum, and Ahmed emphasized resident input and transparency. Candidates referenced the failure of a 2016 $15 million athletic-facilities referendum. No procurement award, contract approval, or spending vote occurred at the forum.

Candidates also discussed Meta’s existing data center and the possibility of a second site. Several raised concerns about transparency and potential effects on water and electricity use, noise, and nearby residents; candidates described monitoring, studies under a city moratorium, and possible enforcement or escrow measures. Views on a second data center varied, and no project decision was made. Other topics included public safety, water quality and a possible dedicated treatment solution, affordable housing, economic development, and community engagement.