Elk River Area Chamber Announces 2026 Candidate Forum Schedule

Elk River Area Chamber Announces 2026 Candidate Forum Schedule

The Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce will host a series of five free candidate forums this fall, giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking local and state office.

All candidates in the participating races have been invited. Questions will be posed by moderators and will focus on economic conditions, business priorities and other issues affecting our local communities.

Candidate Forum Schedule

Wednesday, September 23 – Minnesota Senate District 30 & Elk River City Council Elk River City Hall 13065 Orono Parkway NW, Elk River Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. – Minnesota Senate District 30 Approximately 7:15 p.m. – Elk River City Council

Tuesday, September 29 – Otsego City Council Otsego Prairie Center 8915 75th Street NE, Otsego Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Forum begins at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 6 – Zimmerman City Council Zimmerman City Hall 12980 Fremont Avenue, Zimmerman Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Forum begins at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 7 – ISD 728 School Board Zabee Theater, Elk River High School 900 School Street NW, Elk River Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Forum begins at 7:00 p.m.

Doors will open 30 minutes before each forum to provide an opportunity for candidates and community members to meet one another before the formal program begins.

Questions and Forum Format

Forum questions are developed in advance and posed by Chamber moderators. While the forum schedule typically does not allow time for questions directly from the audience, a form will be available for attendees to submit suggested questions for consideration.

Informational and Nonpartisan

The Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse candidates. The forums are intended to provide voters with information about the candidates and their positions on issues important to the community.

Because these are public information forums rather than campaign events, the Chamber respectfully asks that campaign signs, flyers, buttons, badges and other campaign materials not be displayed during the forums.

Commitment to Civility

The Elk River Area Chamber Board of Directors has adopted a Civility Pledge calling for respectful disagreement and constructive civic engagement. Candidates, audience members and community members are encouraged to support the pledge and help create an environment where differing viewpoints can be discussed respectfully.

A copy of the Elk River Area Chamber Civility Pledge is attached.

Attend in Person or Watch Online

All forums are FREE and open to the public. Each forum will also be recorded and made available on the Chamber’s website (www.elkriverchamber.org) and YouTube channel so voters who are unable to attend can watch the conversations and stay informed.

For additional information, visit the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce website or contact the Chamber office.

Contact: Debbi Rydberg

Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce 763-441-3110 eracc@elkriverchamber.org www.elkriverchamber.org