About mckayla

Hi, I'm McKayla

If you know me, you probably know that I really love Chaska. I was raised here and this community has always been home. It’s where I’ve built my life, my business, and so many of my favorite memories.

For the past almost eight years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Chaska City Council, representing Ward 3. I’ve learned a lot during that time; about local government, about leadership, and most importantly, about the people who make this community so special.

I believe local leadership should be practical, responsive, and focused on getting things done. That means listening to neighbors, asking questions, understanding the details, making thoughtful decisions, and being willing to do the work even when the answers aren’t always simple.

In addition to serving on the City Council, I currently serve as Chair of Southwest Transit, advocating for reliable and accessible transportation across the southwest metro.

I’m running for reelection because I still believe deeply in Chaska and in the work we’re doing here. We’ve built a strong foundation, and there’s still plenty of work ahead.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and I’d be honored to have your support for another term.

Read more below about my leadership, background, and service.

A dedicated leader

Current Council Leadership

Chaska City Council Member 2019-Present
Chair of Southwest Transit - 2026
Council Liaison to the Chaska Downtown Business Alliance
Council Designate to the Downtown Master Plan Taskforce
Alternate City Representative, Transportation Advisory Board (TAB)

Volunteer Involvement

Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota (WeMN) Event Director
Past President & Member - American Legion Auxiliary Unit 57
United Way Volunteer and Minneapolis office - company representative
Carver County Local News Founding Member (stepped away to avoid conflict of interest once off the ground)

Education

BS in Business Administration
BA in ASL/English Interpreting

growing up in chaska

I was lucky to be raised in Downtown Chaska with my childhood home across from the courthouse and my grandparents over on 2nd street. My (step) Grandma and my Grandpa instilled in me a love for Chaska at a very young age. My Grandma was a Teske and her family owned the historic Chaska Mill, though they had sold it by the time I was around we celebrated many milestones in that building. My Grandma was an artist, creating a Chaska coloring book that you can probably still see at the history center today - again instilling in me a love for Chaska from the start. I could go on and on about how much Chaska has shaped me, I sometimes joke Chaska and I grew up together...at least for the last few decades.

small business owner

I own a boutique wedding planning business with my sister, and we’ve been planning and executing weddings since 2019 — including several right here in Chaska. Weddings are a lot like local government in some ways: they require organization, logistics, problem-solving, flexibility, and a whole lot of heart. Running this business has given me a unique perspective and has made me a better city councilor along the way.

corporate by day

My career has also shaped the way I serve on the City Council. As a leader at a publicly traded company, I have spent more than a decade managing teams, making thoughtful decisions with real financial implications, and balancing both short-term needs and long-term goals. I understand the importance of being a good steward of resources, asking the right questions, and making decisions based on both the numbers and the people they impact.

That experience has made me a more fiscally responsible and skilled council member. I bring a perspective shaped by leadership, accountability, strategic planning, and a deep understanding that every dollar matters—whether it is a taxpayer dollar or a company dollar. I believe Chaska deserves leaders who are willing to thoughtfully evaluate our priorities, mindful budgetting, and plan for the future while remaining accountable to the people we serve.