Ward 1 · Stillwater City Council
Re-Elect Ryan Collins
Experience. Trust. Leadership. Integrity. Dedication.
Who I Am
A neighbor who has earned your trust
In Collins’s nearly eight year tenure representing Stillwater’s first ward, he implemented Stillwater’s first predatory offender ordinance to protect children. He also advocated for reduced speed limits near schools, which were made effective last year. As the 2024-25 Mahtomedi Teacher of the Year and the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year semifinalist, Collins demonstrates steadfast commitment to the safety and wellbeing of every resident he serves, reflecting a lifetime of public commitment bridging the classroom and the council chamber.
"My approach has always been the same: listen first, act thoughtfully, and stay accountable to the people I serve."
Eight years of getting things done
When PFAS contamination was discovered in Stillwater’s drinking water, Collins responded swiftly alongside fellow council members and staff to secure grants and funding for the city’s first water treatment plant which began operation in May 2026; construction on a second plant will begin later this year.
Collins has built a record of putting taxpayer dollars efficiently to work for the community. He supported a comprehensive long-range financial plan designed to ensure fiscal sustainability, strategic investment in infrastructure, and responsible stewardship of public resources for projects such as downtown streetlights, a new library roof, the Chestnut Street Plaza, updated park equipment, and upkeep on city owned facilities.
He advocated for necessary work to improve Lily Lake’s water quality, and in partnership with the Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization, the lake was successfully removed from the impaired waters list. Collins also supported the replacement of more than 500 trees in the wake of Emerald Ash Borer.
A ban on cryptocurrency machines was established in Stillwater last year to protect residents from financial harm. This initiative helped pave the way for a statewide ban at the legislature, effectively making Collins and fellow council members statewide leaders on an issue important to all Minnesotans.
"The future of Stillwater is strong. While we stand upon our city’s storied legacy, it is our residents that give Stillwater its vitality. I value the input of my constituents and it is a privilege to work on their behalf. Representing the people of this city has been an honor, and I look forward to continuing the positive momentum and accomplishments in my next term"
— Ryan Collins
What I've Supported
Issues that matter
Keeping Stillwater Safe
Community safety starts with having the right people in place. Our Fire Department and Police Department have undergone a comprehensive risk and staffing assessment evaluating response times and staffing levels to ensure Stillwater is prepared for emergencies. It is vital to keep pace with our growing community’s needs. Public safety is something we plan for, so residents can count on fast, reliable help when it matters most.
Roads and Infrastructure
On January 6, 2026, City Council approved special assessment policy changes to significantly reduce costs for homeowners. Under the new policy, resident cost-share for street reconstruction projects dropped from 70% to just 35%; mill-and-overlay (resurfacing) assessments dropped from 80% to 50%. The city will also tap utility funds to further reduce costs. This means real savings for families facing street improvement assessments in the years ahead, a direct response to resident concerns about affordability.
A New Lakeview Hospital
The new HealthPartners Lakeview Hospital is more than a building, it’s an investment in our community’s future. This $400 million, six-story campus at Highway 36 and Manning Avenue will nearly double its capacity with expanded emergency care, a cancer center, cardiac care, orthopedics, and a family birth center. A top-notch facility means shorter drives in emergencies, world-class care close to home, and a stronger, healthier Stillwater for generations to come. This is what investing in our community looks like.
Parks and Green Space
Families need places to gather. Kids need places to play, and our community needs green space to breathe. On July 7, 2026, City Council passed and adopted a parks master plan that will serve as a guide for the next 20 years. This is the first time the city has had such a document. Our community has more than 40 parks for our residents and visitors to enjoy.
Testimonials
What the community is saying
“I have had the pleasure of working with Ryan on our council for the past eight years. Ryan is a great asset to our city; he is compassionate, deliberate, and dedicated to understanding the needs of our residents and the issues facing our community. In addition, he is exceptionally well-informed about our history and serves on the Board of the Washington County Historical Society. He has also served on our planning commission before being elected to the council in 2018. We're very lucky to have Ryan on our council.”
Ted Kozlowski
Mayor of Stillwater and Ward 1 Resident
“Councilmember Collins is a dedicated leader for the City of Stillwater. I have had the opportunity to work alongside him on the Library Board, where I have seen firsthand how prepared, thoughtful, and engaged he is. I appreciate his willingness to listen to different perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and work collaboratively to make decisions that serve our community well. I am proud to support Councilmember Collins and look forward to seeing him continue his service to the City of Stillwater.”
Bethany Cox
Washington County Commissioner and Resident of Stillwater
“I had the honor and privilege to serve with Ryan Collins as a City Council member for six years. Ryan does his homework and research on every issue. He loves Stillwater and listens to residents, staff, and fellow council members, then he makes his decisions on what’s best for Stillwater. I highly endorse Ryan Collins for Ward 1 City Council.”
Dave Junker
Former Ward 1 and Ward 2 City Council Member
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