Born and raised in South Minneapolis, Karen Jaeger has been a proud resident of Maple Grove for 27 years. However, she has gone far beyond simple citizenship. Jaeger has been elected, and re-elected, to the Maple Grove City Council for many terms. “There was nothing in Maple Grove when I started,” she says, recalling how much Maple Grove has changed.
During Jaeger’s terms, many landmarks were developed, including City Hall, downtown Maple Grove, Town Green and Arbor Lakes. “[Now] there’s everything in Maple Grove, you hardly have to leave it,” she says.
Over the years Jaeger has championed other areas of civic participation as well. She is a commissioner on the Shingle Creek West Mississippi Watershed Commission, liaison for the Maple Grove Park Board, a trustee for School District 279, and liaison to both the Planning Commission and the Lake Quality Commission.
Maple Grove police captain Dan Wills estimates that Jaeger has attended approximately 165 DARE graduations, where school students celebrate having completed a program of learning about decision making for safe and healthy living. “Quite impressive!” says Wills.
Also impressive is her impeccable record of never missing a council meeting. Sixteen years of perfect attendance is part and parcel of the ongoing care Jaeger shows for her beloved community. A dedication expressed in action.
Fun Fact
Karen Jaeger and her husband celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
Next month, meet Kristy Barnett and Judith Hanson, who joined Jaeger in service on the City Council beginning in January.
