Election Day 2026
Vote Charles Boakai for Champlin City Council on November 3, 2026!
ABOUT THE CANDIDATE
About Charles Boakai
Meet Charles Boakai
My name is Charles Boakai, and I am proud to be a husband, father, community advocate, and candidate for Champlin City Council – Ward 4.
My journey has been shaped by a strong commitment to service, integrity, accountability, and helping people succeed. Throughout my professional career, I have had the opportunity to work with respected organizations, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo, where I have served in roles including Senior Compliance Analyst. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of responsible leadership, financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and the importance of protecting and serving the interests of individuals, families, and businesses. I have two degrees one in Criminal Justice and the second in Pre-Law and public policy.
As a professional, I have learned that effective leadership requires listening, attention to detail, transparency, and the courage to make responsible decisions. I want to bring those values to public service and help ensure that the voices of Ward 4 residents are heard and respected.
A Family Man
Beyond my professional career and public service, I am first and foremost a family man. I am married and blessed with three children, Charles, Siah, and Ernest. My family is my greatest motivation and reminds me every day why strong communities matter.
As a father, I want my children and every child in Champlin to grow up in a community that is safe, welcoming, economically strong, and full of opportunities. I believe our city should be a place where families can thrive, small businesses can grow, seniors can feel secure, and young people can see a bright future.
Why I Am Running
I am running for the Champlin City Council because I believe Ward 4 deserves leadership that listens, collaborates, and puts residents first.
MY VISION
Focused on What Matters Most
I Will Advocate for Public Safety
Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of the city government. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, whether they are walking their dog, raising a family, running a business, or enjoying one of our parks. As your City Council representative for Ward 4, I will work to make Champlin safer through partnership, prevention, and accountability.
I will advocate for:
- Strengthening our partnership with law enforcement by ensuring our police officers have the resources, training, and community support they need to protect residents while building trust through regular community engagement.
- Community policing initiatives that encourage officers and residents to work together to identify concerns, prevent crime, and build stronger relationships.
- Safer neighborhoods and parks through improved street lighting, traffic calming measures, pedestrian safety improvements, and increased attention to areas where residents have raised concerns.
- Youth crime prevention and mentorship programs support after-school activities, leadership development, and community partnerships that give young people positive opportunities and reduce the risk of crime.
- Emergency preparedness through strengthened coordination among police, fire, emergency medical services, schools, and neighborhood organizations so our city is ready to respond effectively during emergencies.
- Support for mental health and crisis response resources that connect individuals and families with appropriate services while helping first responders address situations safely and effectively.
- Transparent communication and resident engagement by encouraging regular public safety updates, neighborhood meetings, and opportunities for residents to share concerns and help shape local safety priorities.
I Will Advocate for a Better Community Center
A strong community center is more than just a building—it is the heart of a city. It brings people together, strengthens families, supports our youth, and creates opportunities for residents of all ages to learn, stay active, and build meaningful connections. As your Ward 4 City Council representative, I will advocate for expanding and improving Champlin’s community center to serve our growing community’s needs better.
I will work to:
- Expand community programs for children, teens, adults, seniors, and veterans, ensuring there are activities and resources for every stage of life.
- Invest in modern facilities that provide safe, accessible spaces for recreation, fitness, educational workshops, cultural events, and community gatherings.
- Create more opportunities for youth through after-school programs, leadership development, mentorship, sports, and career-readiness initiatives to keep young people engaged and on a positive path.
- Support local organizations and small businesses by making community spaces available for meetings, educational seminars, job fairs, health fairs, and community events.
- Seek state, county, federal, and private grant funding to improve facilities while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
- Ensure accessibility for all residents, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children.
Why It Matters
A better community center creates a stronger community. It helps reduce isolation, promotes healthier lifestyles, gives young people positive opportunities, supports local organizations, and provides a welcoming place where neighbors can connect. Investing in our community center is an investment in the future of Champlin. In this future, families thrive, seniors remain engaged, youth have opportunities to succeed, and every resident feels they belong.
I Will Advocate for Responsible Property Taxes
Every homeowner, senior citizen, veteran, and family deserves confidence that they can afford to stay in their home. While the City Council cannot control every part of a property tax bill, it can make responsible decisions about the city’s budget and tax levy. As your Ward 4 City Council representative, I will advocate for keeping property taxes as reasonable as possible while maintaining the high-quality services our residents expect.
I will work to:
- Support responsible budgeting by reviewing city spending carefully, eliminating waste, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
- Keep the city’s tax levy as low as practical while continuing to invest in public safety, infrastructure, and essential city services.
- Pursue grants and outside funding from state, federal, and private sources to help pay for projects without placing the full cost on local taxpayers.
- Encourage smart economic development that expands the city’s tax base by attracting new businesses and investment, helping reduce the tax burden on homeowners over time.
- Plan for infrastructure improvements to avoid costly emergency repairs and make the best use of public funds.
- Increase transparency by clearly explaining budget decisions and giving residents more opportunities to provide input before tax and spending decisions are made.
Why It Matters
Property taxes affect every resident, whether you own a home, rent an apartment, or operate a business. Rising taxes can make it harder for seniors to remain in their homes, place financial pressure on working families, and increase costs for local businesses. By managing city finances responsibly and encouraging economic growth, we can protect taxpayers while continuing to provide safe neighborhoods, quality parks, reliable infrastructure, and excellent public services.
My goal is simple: deliver value for every tax dollar, keep Champlin affordable, and ensure our city remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family
AS A POLICY
I believe Champlin residents deserve responsible property tax policies that balance the city’s financial needs with the realities families, homeowners, seniors, and local businesses face.
When the City of Champlin experiences a year in which there are no major capital expenditures or extraordinary purchases such as significant new police or fire equipment, major infrastructure projects, or other large one-time investments—the City Council should carefully evaluate whether a portion of the resulting savings can be returned to taxpayers through a property tax reduction or other form of property tax relief.
As a City Council member, I would advocate for:
- Annual review of city spending and available reserves before approving property tax increases.
- Responsible budgeting that distinguishes essential services from unnecessary or deferrable expenditures.
- Transparency about major purchases, capital projects, and the long-term financial impact on residents.
- Evaluation of property tax relief when the city’s financial position allows it without compromising essential services.
- Protection of public safety funding for police, firefighters, emergency services, and other critical city operations.
- Long-term financial planning so that today’s tax relief does not create a financial burden for residents tomorrow.
I Will Advocate for Youth Programs Through Community Partnerships
I believe one of the most effective ways to reduce crime is to invest in our youth. As your Ward 4 City Council representative, I will advocate for programs that provide young people with positive opportunities, strong mentors, and the resources they need to succeed.
How I Will Do This
- Partner with nonprofit organizations to expand youth mentorship, tutoring, leadership development, workforce training, and life-skills programs.
- Collaborate with local schools, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and community groups to identify the needs of young people and coordinate programs that make a lasting impact.
- Support after-school and summer programs that offer sports, arts, STEM education, and recreational activities in a safe environment.
- Encourage local businesses to offer internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities that prepare youth for future careers.
- Seek grants and outside funding to support youth initiatives and reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers.
- Promote volunteer and community service opportunities that help young people build leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of responsibility.
Why It Matters
When communities invest in young people, everyone benefits. By working together with nonprofits, schools, businesses, and law enforcement, we can give our youth the support they need to make positive choices, reduce crime, strengthen families, and prepare the next generation of leaders.
I Will Advocate for a More United and Peaceful Champlin
A strong community is built on trust, respect, and open communication. As your Ward 4 City Council representative, I will work to build a more united and peaceful Champlin where every resident feels welcomed, respected, and heard. I believe the best decisions are made when city leaders listen to the people they serve.
How I Will Do This
- Ensure residents’ voices are heard by encouraging meaningful public participation at City Council meetings, town halls, and community forums.
- Host regular Ward 4 listening sessions where residents can share concerns, ask questions, and offer ideas in an open and respectful environment.
- Advocate for greater transparency and accountability by supporting clear communication from the city government and timely responses to residents’ questions.
- Bring people together by supporting community events, neighborhood gatherings, and volunteer opportunities that strengthen relationships across Champlin.
- Encourage respectful dialogue by creating opportunities for residents with diverse perspectives to collaborate on solutions that benefit the entire community.
- Work collaboratively with community organizations, businesses, schools, and local leaders to address challenges and build a stronger city.
Why It Matters
When residents feel heard, they become more engaged in their community and have greater confidence in their local government. Open communication builds trust, reduces division, and leads to better decisions because they reflect the needs and priorities of the people. A united Champlin is a safer, stronger, and more welcoming place where families, businesses, and neighborhoods can thrive together.
My commitment is simple: I will listen, lead with integrity, and work every day to ensure that every voice matters as we build a stronger, more united Champlin.
Advocating Housing
For common sense property taxes for all residents
Advocating Public Safety
For a better public safety
Adocating Community
For better community center for all residents
Adocating for People & business
For families, veterans and local businesses
Adocating for Youth
For youth mentorship and capacity building in our schools and communities
Adocating for Unity
For a stronger, safer, and more united Champlin for all residents
WARD 4 FORWARD Launch
Saturday, July 18, 2026 • 2:00 PM
Kickoff Event & Community Meet & Greet
11115 Hampshire Court
East Champlin, MN 55326
Meet the candidate, learn about the vision for Ward 4, connect with neighbors, and find out how you can get involved. Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more thriving Champlin for all.
Your Voice. Your Community. Our Future.
Change doesn’t happen alone. It takes all of us working together to build a better Champlin. Reach out with your concerns, questions, or to join our volunteer team.
Follow the Campaign
Charles Boakai
Campaign 2026
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