Jason Baskin
MN · Austin City Council Member, Ward 2
Austin City Council member for Ward 2 since 2019 and president of the Austin Port Authority, with an MBA from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. His priorities are adding housing and growing the local economy.
Where Jason Baskin stands, based on their records
Supports
Environment and Public Health (10 records), Government Efficiency (12 records), Public Safety and Crime Control (12 records),
Mixed record
Government Spending Reduction (5 support · 34 oppose), Public Infrastructure (24 support · 1 oppose)
Track record
Track record — Environment and Public Health
Environment and Public Health · 10 support
Moved approval of the MnDOT agreement for a Cedar River pedestrian bridge near I-90. The council unanimously approved entirely state-funded construction with city maintenance responsibilities. Voted to accept a $490,000 DNR flood-mitigation grant. The council unanimously approved a $1,023,500 property acquisition, environmental review and demolition budget, including $533,500 in local sales tax funds. Voted to accept a $96,581.82 MPCA stormwater resilience grant for the Ellis Ditch study. The council unanimously committed $9,658.18 in stormwater utility funds toward the $106,240 study.
May 18, 2026Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved approval of a $13,945 MPCA grant agreement for identifying and reducing PFAS sources, with a 10 percent city match supplied through staff labor. The council unanimously approved the agreement.
October 7, 2024Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $2,764,000 Wapasha Construction contract for wastewater digester work and a $120,000 SEH inspection contract. The council unanimously approved both contracts. Supported allocating $1,159,298 in state public safety aid to squad cameras and fire equipment, including $104,300 for cameras. The council unanimously approved the allocation and a $725,000 transfer from the fire fleet fund to the capital improvements revolving fund. Supported renewing the Lansing landfill leachate discharge agreement with pollutant limits and requirements for a PFAS implementation plan. The council unanimously approved the agreement.
December 18, 2023Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to draft a temporary ban (moratorium) on cannabis businesses. The council then adopted the moratorium and a cannabis use ordinance, each 7–0.
August 21, 2023Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to deny renewal of Wing Bazaar's food license. The council approved the denial 6–0 after police reported unsanitary conditions and a drug-related search warrant at the business.
January 17, 2023Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported an edible-cannabinoid licensing and inspection ordinance and moved approval of its license fee. The council unanimously adopted the regulation, which prohibited sales to people under 21.
September 6, 2022Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $100,008,000 Rice Lake contract to expand wastewater treatment and reduce phosphorus. The council unanimously awarded construction and adopted sewer-rate increases through 2026. Supported a $5,190,000 SEH inspection contract, approved 6–1, and $269,300 in materials testing, approved unanimously. He abstained on the separate Hormel cost-share agreement.
August 1, 2022Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported acceptance and allocation of $1.927 million in state CARES funding for pandemic expenses and eligible public-safety payroll. The council unanimously approved the allocation. Voted for a resolution recommending face coverings to combat COVID-19.
July 20, 2020Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to require dental offices to use amalgam separators and meet reporting rules to limit mercury entering the sewer system.
May 4, 2020Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to raise Austin's minimum tobacco purchasing age to 21.
April 1, 2019Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Track record — Government Efficiency
Government Efficiency · 12 support
Moved $69,052.01 in police network upgrades following the county ransomware attack. The council unanimously approved that funding, $12,220 in phone upgrades and managed network services at $8,750 per month. Moved a three-year property tax abatement for rehabilitation of the proposed 23-unit Wescott apartment complex. The council unanimously approved abatements of 100, 66 and 33 percent based on $2,185,900 of property value.
January 5, 2026Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted for charter amendments placing police personnel under the city administrator, clarifying civil citation authority and clarifying council, Park Board and city staff responsibilities for parks. Each amendment passed unanimously, including the mayor’s vote.
November 17, 2025Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved approval of a $1,500,000 Local Road Improvement Program grant agreement for Oakland Avenue and First Avenue Southwest. The council unanimously approved that agreement and a $300,000 active transportation grant agreement. Moved to replace the Director of Administrative Services role with a Finance Director role and redistribute its duties, which passed 5–2. He also moved reassignment of City Recorder duties to the clerk and administrator, which passed 6–1.
September 15, 2025Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported Thompson Sanitation’s transfer-station lease, which retained public waste-disposal access and increased public hours after the prior operator stopped service. The council unanimously approved the lease.
June 3, 2024Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to repeal city licensing requirements for plumbers, mechanical amusement devices, pool tables and bowling. The council unanimously approved the repeal. Supported a $42,216,633 general obligation wastewater revenue note at an interest rate of 1.912 percent. The council unanimously approved the financing.
February 6, 2023Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to correct employee health insurance rates and supported refunds of premiums overcharged in 2019–2021. The council unanimously approved the corrections and reimbursement.
March 21, 2022Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported revised city wards, precincts and polling places after the 2020 census. The council unanimously adopted the ward plan, which moved annexed Turtle Creek territory from Ward 1 to Ward 2.
March 7, 2022Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to consolidate the 2020 city election polling location at the Holiday Inn during the COVID-19 emergency. Voted to let the city administrator temporarily approve outdoor seating for bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 emergency.
June 1, 2020Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported adoption of HUD COVID-19 waivers for housing inspection and interview timelines. The HRA board approved the waivers for use during the pandemic.
May 21, 2020Supports Government Efficiency
Source: austinhra.org
Moved approval of a policy letting sewer connection charges be paid through property tax assessments over ten years.
March 2, 2020Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to include early-completion incentives in bid documents for city street projects. The council unanimously approved the change.
January 21, 2020Supports Government Efficiency
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to raise HRA procurement thresholds from $3,500 to $10,000 for micro purchases and from $100,000 to $250,000 for small purchases. The board approved the changes. Seconded a policy allowing HRA staff to approve child-care start-up grant applications and reimbursements between board meetings. The board approved the delegation.
May 16, 2019Supports Government Efficiency
Source: austinhra.org
Track record — Government Spending Reduction
Government Spending Reduction · 5 support · 34 oppose
Moved approval of the MnDOT agreement for a Cedar River pedestrian bridge near I-90. The council unanimously approved entirely state-funded construction with city maintenance responsibilities. Voted to accept a $490,000 DNR flood-mitigation grant. The council unanimously approved a $1,023,500 property acquisition, environmental review and demolition budget, including $533,500 in local sales tax funds. Voted to accept a $96,581.82 MPCA stormwater resilience grant for the Ellis Ditch study. The council unanimously committed $9,658.18 in stormwater utility funds toward the $106,240 study.
May 18, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded a grant application for a three-year Nature Center intern and naturalist program with a $99,105 county match. The council unanimously approved the application to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.
March 2, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved $69,052.01 in police network upgrades following the county ransomware attack. The council unanimously approved that funding, $12,220 in phone upgrades and managed network services at $8,750 per month. Moved a three-year property tax abatement for rehabilitation of the proposed 23-unit Wescott apartment complex. The council unanimously approved abatements of 100, 66 and 33 percent based on $2,185,900 of property value.
January 5, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved adoption of Austin’s $51,571,292 budget for 2026. The council approved the budget and the $10,535,000 property tax levy by unanimous votes.
December 15, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved adoption of a voluntary employee separation incentive capped at $20,000 per participant in cash, employer-paid health coverage or a combination. The council approved the policy 3–2. Moved renewal of Austin’s housing tax-abatement program for 2026–2028. The council unanimously approved the renewal. Seconded the preliminary Joint Law Enforcement Center agreement with Mower County, setting Austin’s building cost share at 14.89 percent and assigning city responsibility for information technology and records staffing. The council approved the agreement 5–0.
October 6, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved approval of a $1,500,000 Local Road Improvement Program grant agreement for Oakland Avenue and First Avenue Southwest. The council unanimously approved that agreement and a $300,000 active transportation grant agreement. Moved to replace the Director of Administrative Services role with a Finance Director role and redistribute its duties, which passed 5–2. He also moved reassignment of City Recorder duties to the clerk and administrator, which passed 6–1.
September 15, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to select MetLife coverage for required paid family and medical leave at 0.79 percent of taxable wages, below the state plan's 0.88 percent and guaranteed for two years. The council unanimously approved equal city and employee shares of the premium.
August 4, 2025Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to approve city funding for a housing project by Austin's Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The motion passed 5–0, with one member abstaining.
June 16, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved a $7,885,568.23 wastewater-treatment levee construction contract with Ulland Brothers, including the riverbed open-cut alternative. The council unanimously approved the award.
May 5, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded $46,500 in city funding for an accessible Paramount Theater entrance and curb changes. The council unanimously approved the contribution toward the $93,000 project.
April 21, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved a $400,000 budget adjustment to buy a police Bearcat armored vehicle to replace an aging military Humvee. The council unanimously approved the funding. Voted to extend sewer summer averaging to six months, including October. The council unanimously approved using the lower of actual consumption or average winter usage during the expanded period.
January 21, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to transfer $1 million from the General Fund and accept a $250,000 foundation grant for ash-tree removal. The council unanimously approved the funding and a $183,428.14 contract for removing 325 trees, grinding stumps and restoring city property.
January 6, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to oppose a city letter supporting the Southern Minnesota Regional Passenger Rail Initiative. The council work session approved his motion 3–1; he cited taxpayer costs, staff time and possible city subsidies.
November 18, 2024Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to convert 79 uncontrolled four-way intersections and 11 uncontrolled T-intersections to two-way stops. The council approved the traffic-control change. Supported police hiring incentives of $7,500 in two installments and an increase in employee referral incentives from $1,000 to $2,000. The council unanimously approved the recruitment policies.
October 21, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved approval of a $13,945 MPCA grant agreement for identifying and reducing PFAS sources, with a 10 percent city match supplied through staff labor. The council unanimously approved the agreement.
October 7, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a development agreement allowing up to $3.3 million in tax-increment reimbursement at 4 percent interest for Mill on Main’s second phase. The council unanimously approved the agreement for the proposed 103 market-rate apartments.
September 16, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Spoke at the Minnesota State Capitol press conference supporting a $20 million bonding request for the Minnesota Bioimaging Center. He represented the Port Authority, the project’s fiscal agent and host.
April 2, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: hi.umn.edu
Seconded a $982,458 contract with Minger Construction for the Driesner sanitary sewer siphon. The council unanimously awarded the contract, funded equally by local-option sales tax and wastewater funds. Supported a 7 percent increase in street assessment rates for 2024. The council unanimously adopted the rates charged to adjacent property owners.
January 16, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $2,764,000 Wapasha Construction contract for wastewater digester work and a $120,000 SEH inspection contract. The council unanimously approved both contracts. Supported allocating $1,159,298 in state public safety aid to squad cameras and fire equipment, including $104,300 for cameras. The council unanimously approved the allocation and a $725,000 transfer from the fire fleet fund to the capital improvements revolving fund. Supported renewing the Lansing landfill leachate discharge agreement with pollutant limits and requirements for a PFAS implementation plan. The council unanimously approved the agreement.
December 18, 2023Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported allocating $120,070 in state affordable housing aid to an HRA rehabilitation program, subject to the program's conditions. The council approved the allocation 6–0.
October 16, 2023Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to add two patrol officers immediately and include the positions in the 2024 budget. The council approved the motion.
June 20, 2023Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported establishing Tax Increment Financing District 17 for First and Third's affordable housing project. The council unanimously approved the district and financing that included a $615,000 city loan, $300,000 from the building fund and $540,000 from excess District 11 funds.
May 1, 2023Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to repeal city licensing requirements for plumbers, mechanical amusement devices, pool tables and bowling. The council unanimously approved the repeal. Supported a $42,216,633 general obligation wastewater revenue note at an interest rate of 1.912 percent. The council unanimously approved the financing.
February 6, 2023Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded acceptance of foundation grants including $61,000 for library hotspot data and $50,000 for a Library Technology Coordinator. The council unanimously accepted the grants.
November 21, 2022Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to budget $700,000 for the public library remodeling project, with $100,000 repaid from Wienke funds. The council approved the budget motion.
October 3, 2022Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $100,008,000 Rice Lake contract to expand wastewater treatment and reduce phosphorus. The council unanimously awarded construction and adopted sewer-rate increases through 2026. Supported a $5,190,000 SEH inspection contract, approved 6–1, and $269,300 in materials testing, approved unanimously. He abstained on the separate Hormel cost-share agreement.
August 1, 2022Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $1,421,250 appropriation for the local match to a federal EDA grant for Creekside Business Park infrastructure. The council unanimously approved the budget adjustment.
June 6, 2022Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to fund a $30,000 housing analysis contract to identify ways to generate additional housing in Austin.
July 19, 2021Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $457,406.15 contract for street and pedestrian-crossing changes between Austin High School and Pacelli High School. The council unanimously approved signal removal, street closure, lighting and crossing improvements.
June 7, 2021Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted against retaining the Nature Ridge Phase 1 sidewalk connection in the 2022 capital plan. The council kept the project by a 5–2 vote. Voted to join Project Lifesaver, providing tracking services for autistic Austin residents.
September 21, 2020Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to authorize DCA to administer an additional $200,000 in city pandemic relief for qualifying small businesses.
September 8, 2020Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported acceptance and allocation of $1.927 million in state CARES funding for pandemic expenses and eligible public-safety payroll. The council unanimously approved the allocation. Voted for a resolution recommending face coverings to combat COVID-19.
July 20, 2020Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Cast the sole vote against the Austin Employees Association's three-year labor agreement, saying its wage increases were financially unsustainable.
April 6, 2020Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Introduced a resolution accepting a $788,052 HUD capital grant and a five-year public-housing improvement plan. The HRA board approved the resolution.
October 17, 2019Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: austinhra.org
Supported the $4,883,280.67 Turtle Creek flood control construction award and associated inspection and testing contracts. The council unanimously approved the project.
May 20, 2019Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to reject all bids for 6th Street NE reconstruction and return the project to the five-year capital plan. The council approved his motion.
April 15, 2019Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to commit up to $475,000 in city funding, including a $285,000 property purchase, for KSMQ's downtown public television station project.
January 22, 2019Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to allocate up to $600 for a public human-trafficking program with Jerome Elam. The Human Rights Commission approved the motion.
June 27, 2016Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded a motion to pay $2,120 for the Diversity Council's Facing Race project. The Human Rights Commission approved the expense for community education on racial inclusion.
February 23, 2015Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 12 support
Moved authorization to hire a temporary full-time firefighter because the fire station was short staffed. The council approved his motion. Seconded adoption of the ordinance authorizing Austin Utilities’ ground lease to SMMPA for a proposed natural-gas energy station. The council unanimously adopted the ordinance. Voted to award a $507,555 contract for eight pickleball courts, approve a $30,000 building-fund amendment and reallocate $50,000 in capital funds for project expenses. Each council vote was unanimous.
March 16, 2026Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved $69,052.01 in police network upgrades following the county ransomware attack. The council unanimously approved that funding, $12,220 in phone upgrades and managed network services at $8,750 per month. Moved a three-year property tax abatement for rehabilitation of the proposed 23-unit Wescott apartment complex. The council unanimously approved abatements of 100, 66 and 33 percent based on $2,185,900 of property value.
January 5, 2026Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved adoption of a voluntary employee separation incentive capped at $20,000 per participant in cash, employer-paid health coverage or a combination. The council approved the policy 3–2. Moved renewal of Austin’s housing tax-abatement program for 2026–2028. The council unanimously approved the renewal. Seconded the preliminary Joint Law Enforcement Center agreement with Mower County, setting Austin’s building cost share at 14.89 percent and assigning city responsibility for information technology and records staffing. The council approved the agreement 5–0.
October 6, 2025Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved a $400,000 budget adjustment to buy a police Bearcat armored vehicle to replace an aging military Humvee. The council unanimously approved the funding. Voted to extend sewer summer averaging to six months, including October. The council unanimously approved using the lower of actual consumption or average winter usage during the expanded period.
January 21, 2025Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to convert 79 uncontrolled four-way intersections and 11 uncontrolled T-intersections to two-way stops. The council approved the traffic-control change. Supported police hiring incentives of $7,500 in two installments and an increase in employee referral incentives from $1,000 to $2,000. The council unanimously approved the recruitment policies.
October 21, 2024Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $2,764,000 Wapasha Construction contract for wastewater digester work and a $120,000 SEH inspection contract. The council unanimously approved both contracts. Supported allocating $1,159,298 in state public safety aid to squad cameras and fire equipment, including $104,300 for cameras. The council unanimously approved the allocation and a $725,000 transfer from the fire fleet fund to the capital improvements revolving fund. Supported renewing the Lansing landfill leachate discharge agreement with pollutant limits and requirements for a PFAS implementation plan. The council unanimously approved the agreement.
December 18, 2023Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to add two patrol officers immediately and include the positions in the 2024 budget. The council approved the motion.
June 20, 2023Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to deny renewal of Wing Bazaar's food license. The council approved the denial 6–0 after police reported unsanitary conditions and a drug-related search warrant at the business.
January 17, 2023Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted against retaining the Nature Ridge Phase 1 sidewalk connection in the 2022 capital plan. The council kept the project by a 5–2 vote. Voted to join Project Lifesaver, providing tracking services for autistic Austin residents.
September 21, 2020Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported acceptance and allocation of $1.927 million in state CARES funding for pandemic expenses and eligible public-safety payroll. The council unanimously approved the allocation. Voted for a resolution recommending face coverings to combat COVID-19.
July 20, 2020Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to require registration of vacant buildings and set a $120 fee to support public-safety regulation.
June 15, 2020Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to allocate up to $600 for a public human-trafficking program with Jerome Elam. The Human Rights Commission approved the motion.
June 27, 2016Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Track record — Housing Affordability
Housing Affordability · 11 support
Moved $69,052.01 in police network upgrades following the county ransomware attack. The council unanimously approved that funding, $12,220 in phone upgrades and managed network services at $8,750 per month. Moved a three-year property tax abatement for rehabilitation of the proposed 23-unit Wescott apartment complex. The council unanimously approved abatements of 100, 66 and 33 percent based on $2,185,900 of property value.
January 5, 2026Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved adoption of a voluntary employee separation incentive capped at $20,000 per participant in cash, employer-paid health coverage or a combination. The council approved the policy 3–2. Moved renewal of Austin’s housing tax-abatement program for 2026–2028. The council unanimously approved the renewal. Seconded the preliminary Joint Law Enforcement Center agreement with Mower County, setting Austin’s building cost share at 14.89 percent and assigning city responsibility for information technology and records staffing. The council approved the agreement 5–0.
October 6, 2025Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to approve city funding for a housing project by Austin's Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The motion passed 5–0, with one member abstaining.
June 16, 2025Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a development agreement allowing up to $3.3 million in tax-increment reimbursement at 4 percent interest for Mill on Main’s second phase. The council unanimously approved the agreement for the proposed 103 market-rate apartments.
September 16, 2024Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported allocating $120,070 in state affordable housing aid to an HRA rehabilitation program, subject to the program's conditions. The council approved the allocation 6–0.
October 16, 2023Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported establishing Tax Increment Financing District 17 for First and Third's affordable housing project. The council unanimously approved the district and financing that included a $615,000 city loan, $300,000 from the building fund and $540,000 from excess District 11 funds.
May 1, 2023Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to approve sale of the former YMCA parcels to Stencil for its proposed 91-unit apartment development. The Port Authority unanimously approved the sale.
September 7, 2021Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to fund a $30,000 housing analysis contract to identify ways to generate additional housing in Austin.
July 19, 2021Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported the tax-credit application for the proposed 30-unit River Bend Townhomes development. The council unanimously approved the support resolution.
July 6, 2020Supports Housing Affordability
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Introduced a resolution accepting a $788,052 HUD capital grant and a five-year public-housing improvement plan. The HRA board approved the resolution.
October 17, 2019Supports Housing Affordability
Source: austinhra.org
Supported an affordability covenant reserving nine Flats on 21 apartments for households earning no more than 60 percent of area median income. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved its enforcement role.
April 25, 2019Supports Housing Affordability
Source: austinhra.org
Track record — Social Programs and Welfare
Social Programs and Welfare · 1 support
Introduced a resolution accepting a $788,052 HUD capital grant and a five-year public-housing improvement plan. The HRA board approved the resolution.
October 17, 2019Supports Social Programs and Welfare
Source: austinhra.org
Track record — Civil Rights
Civil Rights · 6 support
Seconded $46,500 in city funding for an accessible Paramount Theater entrance and curb changes. The council unanimously approved the contribution toward the $93,000 project.
April 21, 2025Supports Civil Rights
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Served on the mayor-appointed task force that produced Austin's Strategic Welcoming Plan. The published report addressed barriers to multicultural leadership and interaction between communities.
May 21, 2018Supports Civil Rights
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Facilitated a public discussion about barriers to making Austin more welcoming. About 40 to 50 people attended the April 19 discussion.
April 19, 2017Supports Civil Rights
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved for the Human Rights Commission to sponsor and promote Sara Karki's Know Your Rights symposium. The commission unanimously approved sponsorship without a funding commitment.
March 27, 2017Supports Civil Rights
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Worked with Riverland's police program to identify recruitment barriers between its diverse student body and Austin police employment. The Human Rights Commission recorded his work and the police department's receptiveness.
March 28, 2016Supports Civil Rights
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded a motion to pay $2,120 for the Diversity Council's Facing Race project. The Human Rights Commission approved the expense for community education on racial inclusion.
February 23, 2015Supports Civil Rights
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Track record — Public Infrastructure
Public Infrastructure · 24 support · 1 oppose
Supported the I-90 Business Park plat covering about 25 acres with industrial lots, road right-of-way, drainage easements, ponds and wetlands. The Port Authority unanimously approved the plat with administrative edits.
June 10, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved approval of the MnDOT agreement for a Cedar River pedestrian bridge near I-90. The council unanimously approved entirely state-funded construction with city maintenance responsibilities. Voted to accept a $490,000 DNR flood-mitigation grant. The council unanimously approved a $1,023,500 property acquisition, environmental review and demolition budget, including $533,500 in local sales tax funds. Voted to accept a $96,581.82 MPCA stormwater resilience grant for the Ellis Ditch study. The council unanimously committed $9,658.18 in stormwater utility funds toward the $106,240 study.
May 18, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved authorization to hire a temporary full-time firefighter because the fire station was short staffed. The council approved his motion. Seconded adoption of the ordinance authorizing Austin Utilities’ ground lease to SMMPA for a proposed natural-gas energy station. The council unanimously adopted the ordinance. Voted to award a $507,555 contract for eight pickleball courts, approve a $30,000 building-fund amendment and reallocate $50,000 in capital funds for project expenses. Each council vote was unanimous.
March 16, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved $69,052.01 in police network upgrades following the county ransomware attack. The council unanimously approved that funding, $12,220 in phone upgrades and managed network services at $8,750 per month. Moved a three-year property tax abatement for rehabilitation of the proposed 23-unit Wescott apartment complex. The council unanimously approved abatements of 100, 66 and 33 percent based on $2,185,900 of property value.
January 5, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved approval of a $1,500,000 Local Road Improvement Program grant agreement for Oakland Avenue and First Avenue Southwest. The council unanimously approved that agreement and a $300,000 active transportation grant agreement. Moved to replace the Director of Administrative Services role with a Finance Director role and redistribute its duties, which passed 5–2. He also moved reassignment of City Recorder duties to the clerk and administrator, which passed 6–1.
September 15, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved a $7,885,568.23 wastewater-treatment levee construction contract with Ulland Brothers, including the riverbed open-cut alternative. The council unanimously approved the award.
May 5, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded $46,500 in city funding for an accessible Paramount Theater entrance and curb changes. The council unanimously approved the contribution toward the $93,000 project.
April 21, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to transfer $1 million from the General Fund and accept a $250,000 foundation grant for ash-tree removal. The council unanimously approved the funding and a $183,428.14 contract for removing 325 trees, grinding stumps and restoring city property.
January 6, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to convert 79 uncontrolled four-way intersections and 11 uncontrolled T-intersections to two-way stops. The council approved the traffic-control change. Supported police hiring incentives of $7,500 in two installments and an increase in employee referral incentives from $1,000 to $2,000. The council unanimously approved the recruitment policies.
October 21, 2024Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved an $83,575 preliminary engineering design contract for the whitewater recreation project. The council approved the contract 6–1.
July 15, 2024Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported Thompson Sanitation’s transfer-station lease, which retained public waste-disposal access and increased public hours after the prior operator stopped service. The council unanimously approved the lease.
June 3, 2024Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported advancing southwest street reconstruction Project 24101 without sidewalks, which passed 5–2. He also moved to remove the project's Highway 105 connection, and the council approved that motion.
February 20, 2024Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded a $982,458 contract with Minger Construction for the Driesner sanitary sewer siphon. The council unanimously awarded the contract, funded equally by local-option sales tax and wastewater funds. Supported a 7 percent increase in street assessment rates for 2024. The council unanimously adopted the rates charged to adjacent property owners.
January 16, 2024Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $2,764,000 Wapasha Construction contract for wastewater digester work and a $120,000 SEH inspection contract. The council unanimously approved both contracts. Supported allocating $1,159,298 in state public safety aid to squad cameras and fire equipment, including $104,300 for cameras. The council unanimously approved the allocation and a $725,000 transfer from the fire fleet fund to the capital improvements revolving fund. Supported renewing the Lansing landfill leachate discharge agreement with pollutant limits and requirements for a PFAS implementation plan. The council unanimously approved the agreement.
December 18, 2023Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to repeal city licensing requirements for plumbers, mechanical amusement devices, pool tables and bowling. The council unanimously approved the repeal. Supported a $42,216,633 general obligation wastewater revenue note at an interest rate of 1.912 percent. The council unanimously approved the financing.
February 6, 2023Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded acceptance of foundation grants including $61,000 for library hotspot data and $50,000 for a Library Technology Coordinator. The council unanimously accepted the grants.
November 21, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to budget $700,000 for the public library remodeling project, with $100,000 repaid from Wienke funds. The council approved the budget motion.
October 3, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved municipal consent for the I-90 Austin Bridges Improvement Project. The council unanimously approved the bridge layouts after a public hearing.
September 19, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $100,008,000 Rice Lake contract to expand wastewater treatment and reduce phosphorus. The council unanimously awarded construction and adopted sewer-rate increases through 2026. Supported a $5,190,000 SEH inspection contract, approved 6–1, and $269,300 in materials testing, approved unanimously. He abstained on the separate Hormel cost-share agreement.
August 1, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $1,421,250 appropriation for the local match to a federal EDA grant for Creekside Business Park infrastructure. The council unanimously approved the budget adjustment.
June 6, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported a $457,406.15 contract for street and pedestrian-crossing changes between Austin High School and Pacelli High School. The council unanimously approved signal removal, street closure, lighting and crossing improvements.
June 7, 2021Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted against retaining the Nature Ridge Phase 1 sidewalk connection in the 2022 capital plan. The council kept the project by a 5–2 vote. Voted to join Project Lifesaver, providing tracking services for autistic Austin residents.
September 21, 2020Opposes Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to include early-completion incentives in bid documents for city street projects. The council unanimously approved the change.
January 21, 2020Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Seconded a recreation center lease amendment expanding Youth Activity Center access from grades 5–12 to grades 2–12. The council unanimously approved the amendment and quarterly installments of the existing $100,000 annual city payment.
January 21, 2020Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported the $4,883,280.67 Turtle Creek flood control construction award and associated inspection and testing contracts. The council unanimously approved the project.
May 20, 2019Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Track record — General
General · 22 records
Cast the sole vote against a three-year HomeServe warranty marketing agreement, which passed 5–1. He questioned private use of the city logo and responsibility for customer concerns.
February 2, 2026
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Cast the sole vote against forwarding revised point-of-sale sewer and sump-pump inspection rules for March 1 implementation. The recommendation passed 5–1 and included ten-year inspections, a 180-day repair window and removal of the licensed-plumber requirement for sewer televising.
January 5, 2026
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to leave city ordinances unchanged instead of adding a use that permitted an overnight shelter. The motion passed 4–1; he cited missing security details and consistency with the Comprehensive Plan.
November 17, 2025
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Received Austin High School’s Distinguished Alumni honor. The school recognized him on the morning of its September 26 community snack-packing event.
September 26, 2024
Source: hormelfoods.com
Supported repeal of MetroNet’s cable franchise and a settlement after its cable service ended. The council unanimously approved both measures while fiber service continued under right-of-way terms.
August 5, 2024
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Supported raising the wage qualification for the $3,000 Grow Austin incentive from 180 to 220 percent of poverty and excluding benefits from wage calculations. The council unanimously approved the eligibility changes.
March 18, 2024
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Elected president of Austin’s Port Authority after its previous president stepped down. The board unanimously selected him.
March 14, 2023
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Cast the sole vote against immediate first-reading adoption of tobacco ordinance changes removing underage possession penalties and aligning administrative penalties with state law. His nay prevented unanimous adoption at that meeting.
June 20, 2022
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Promoted to director of corporate strategy at Hormel Foods. The University of Minnesota’s Carlson School reported the promotion in its alumni class notes.
October 8, 2021
Source: carlsonschool.umn.edu
Cast the sole vote against removing Dan Mueller from the Human Rights Commission, citing the precedent for city boards. Voted to collect $262,792.90 in deferred sewer assessments and $55,206.90 in deferred water assessments over ten years without interest.
July 6, 2021
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to approve sale of two Creekside Business Park parcels to NuTek for $10 plus road-extension costs under a private redevelopment agreement. The Port Authority approved the agreement unanimously.
January 27, 2021
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Cast the sole vote against a $1 monthly hydrant-maintenance fee per sewer connection, arguing that the General Fund should cover the cost.
December 7, 2020
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Served as the Hormel Foods marketing director credited on the team that launched the Pour On chili advertising campaign. BBDO’s published creative credits identified his role.
January 20, 2020
Source: bbdomw.com
Voted to accept an 11-acre land donation north of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.
October 21, 2019
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted against a proposed winter alternate-side parking ordinance covering November 15 through March 15; the recommendation failed 3-4.
September 3, 2019
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved approval of up to $85,000 in city tax abatement for a proposed downtown hotel, citing downtown revitalization.
August 19, 2019
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Moved to recommend ordinance changes allowing transportation network companies to operate in Austin.
June 17, 2019
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Voted to establish Austin's Culture and Arts Commission to promote community arts and provide another route to grant opportunities.
February 4, 2019
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Elected secretary of Austin’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The board selected him to serve in its leadership role.
January 24, 2019
Source: austinhra.org
Delivered meals to homebound seniors in San Antonio with a fellow Hormel employee, H-E-B and the local Meals on Wheels program. He participated in the October delivery effort described in Hormel’s November report.
November 8, 2017
Source: hormelfoods.com
Joined Austin's Sustainability Task Force after the City Council appointed him to a term ending December 31, 2016.
February 2, 2015
Source: ci.austin.mn.us
Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma at the University of Minnesota Duluth as a master’s student. The business honor society admitted students in the top 20 percent of accredited master’s programs.
April 29, 2013
Source: lsbe.d.umn.edu
Past race Jason Baskin ran in:
- City Council Member Ward 2 · November 3, 2026 · Austin city, Minnesota · incumbent