FAMILY

Raised by a small business owner and a semi-truck driver, Lakeville City Council member (2018-Present) Joshua Lee is married with two kids. Joshua and his family take pride in calling Lakeville home, and even built a multi-generational home to share with his parents. Living in a community that provides a caring home for all ages and stages of life is an important feature and benefit of Lakeville. The Lee family loves spending time together enjoying many of the amenities and events Lakeville has to offer. A few of their favorites include the beach at Antlers Park, the fishing pier at Casperson, the dog park at Ritter Farm Park as well as attending Pan-O-Prog and the Taste of Lakeville.

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COMMUNITY​​

Joshua is an active contributor within the Lakeville community. His reputation as a servant leader is seen through his involvement as a member of:

 

• Lakeville City Council

• Lakeville Police Reserves

• Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce

• Lakeville Rotary

• Lakeville Fire Relief Board (ex-officio)

 

Some of Joshua’s most rewarding moments, however, are the opportunities to build and support camaraderie through meaningful community events such as:

 

• Friends of the Environment Bike Rides

• Courageous Conversations

• One Book, One Lakeville

• National Night Out

• STOP the Trafficking 5K for Justice

• Neighborhood Chili Cook-offs

• Earth Day Watershed Cleanups

• MLK Make a Difference Day

• Taste of Lakeville

• Relay for Life

• International Day of Living Together in Peace

 

As a City Council member, Joshua has truly leaned into efforts that build upon three important Lakeville Community Values:

 

• Creating a sense of community and belonging

• Building and designing a connected community 

• Facilitating safety and well-being throughout the community

 

In fact, resident feedback indicates a continued desire to evaluate and evolve the ways in which we support Lakeville residents so that everyone feels a sense of welcome and belonging. This is particularly important as Lakeville continues to grow in its diversity and cultural richness!

 

LEADERSHIP

Joshua has a proven record of thoughtful and strategic decisions. Current and former colleagues agree that his strengths lie in listening deeply to the varied needs and differing perspectives of the community and developing solutions through collaboration and partnership. 

 

Over the last two  terms Joshua has had the opportunity to serve Lakeville on a variety of committees including:

 

• Chair, Housing & Redevelopment Authority

• Public Safety Committee

• Fire Relief Board

• Personnel Committee

• I-35 Solutions Alliance

• Liquor Committee

• Lakeville Community Conversations on Race Working Group

• Dakota Broadband Board

While in office, Joshua has successfully advocated for and supported:

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• Increased support of Fire Fighter personnel and infrastructure

• Financial sustainability policies that continue to lower tax-capacity rates and ensure long-term financial viability

• Industrial, commercial and residential economic strategies that resulted in record-breaking growth and development

• Pandemic responses that provided support and relief to local businesses and nonprofits

• Creating space for community concerns to be heard and responded to, particularly from youth and under-represented community groups

• Investment in public safety personnel, leave policies, mental health support and training facilities that improve staff morale and community safety