City Council and Mayor

City of Hastings Leadership

From left: Councilmember Pemble, Councilmember Lawrence, Councilmember Leifeld, Mayor Fasbender, Councilmember Beck, Councilmember Vihrachoff and Councilmember Haus.

The Mayor and City Council are elected to represent the interests of Hastings' 22,000+ residents, making key decisions that shape the future of the City. Together, they set policies, approve the City’s annual budget and determine the annual property tax levy, one of the primary funding sources for City operations and services.

The City of Hastings is divided into four wards, each represented by an elected Council Member. In addition, two At-Large Council Members and the Mayor are elected to represent the entire community.

Each Council Member and the Mayor serve staggered four-year terms, ensuring continuity and leadership stability. Council Members may also be appointed by the Mayor to serve on various Council Committees, which focus on specific issues that require detailed attention and discussion.

The Hastings City Council is committed to fostering a culture of respectful, professional and constructive communication – both within the Council and in interactions with City staff and members of the public.

To support this commitment, the City Council has adopted a set of CORE Values that define the expectations we hold for ourselves and each other. These expectations represent a shared commitment to conduct ourselves in a manner that is focused, respectful and consistently aligned with our values. By upholding these standards, we aim to foster a collaborative, transparent and respectful environment in all of our interactions with fellow Councilmembers, City staff and the public.

Related Documents:

In 2023, City staff and the Hastings City Council collaborated to develop a forward-looking three-year Strategic Plan to guide the City's priorities and decision-making.

On September 5, 2023, the City Council officially approved the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan for the City of Hastings Government.

This plan focuses on five key strategic priorities:

Financial Resilience – Ensuring long-term fiscal stability and responsible budgeting
Operational Effectiveness – Enhancing internal processes and service delivery
Responsive Community Development – Supporting thoughtful growth that meets community needs
Infrastructure Sustainability – Investing in and maintaining vital public infrastructure
Strategic Communication – Fostering transparency, engagement and trust with the public

This Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap to align City operations with community goals and deliver meaningful results for Hastings residents.

View the full Strategic Plan (PDF)

Mary Fasbender

Mayor

Mary Fasbender has served as the Mayor of Hastings, Minnesota since 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. A lifelong resident of Hastings, she has dedicated much of her life to public service through both elected positions and community involvement.

Mayor Fasbender is also a long-time small business owner. She founded MDK Design for Hair at the age of 23 and has successfully operated the salon in Hastings for nearly four decades. Her entrepreneurial background and deep community ties have shaped her approach to leadership and civic engagement.

Prior to becoming Mayor, she served on several local boards and commissions. Her involvement in these groups reflects her longstanding commitment to thoughtful planning and inclusive governance. In 1998, Mayor Fasbender co-founded the Gobble Gait Thanksgiving Day Run, a charitable event that benefits Hastings Family Service. Since its inception, the race has raised over $2 million for the organization.

As Mayor, Fasbender prioritizes community engagement, responsible growth and preserving the City’s character. Her active and hands-on approach to leadership is marked by a focus on collaboration, transparency and ensuring that residents and businesses alike have a voice in Hastings’ future. She is especially committed to bridging the gap between city leadership, local organizations and the community to foster stronger partnerships and a more connected, inclusive Hastings.

Mayor Fasbender hold office hours weekly. Please contact the Mayor's office for an appointment.

Mondays: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fridays: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Contact Information:
651-587-4867
Email Mayor Mary