The City of Forest Lake
20,611 call Forest Lake home, according to the 2020 census, growing by 2,235 since 2010. Located in Washington County, the city surrounds its namesake, 2,270-acre Forest Lake. From its founding in 1893 as a village, Forest Lake became a city during 1974 in accordance with a state law designed to encourage uniformity in municipal government. In 2001, the city of Forest Lake merged with Forest Lake Township.
The city of Forest Lake employs more than 60 full-time employees working in one of several departments: administration, finance, community development, fire, police, parks, and public works.
A five-member City Council governs the city and includes the mayor and four council members. Council membersat-large are elected during even-numbered years for staggered, four-year terms, with the mayor serving a two-year term. The mayor presides at meetings and represents the city during civic and community functions. Each elected member has equal voting power. Mayor Blake Roberts took office in January 2025, and was
Reader’ s Choice Winner 10 years in a row!
Incredible selection of
Wines, Beer & Spirits Imported & Domestic
Where Your Party Starts!
Best Selection & Friendly Staff Every Day! 1107 S. Lake St. ~ Forest Lake 651-464-7130
Page 8
2023 2025 joined by elected council members Hannah Valento( elected first in 2020, and re-elected in 2024), Leif Erickson( elected first in 2022), and Jeff Larson( elected first in 2024). Kevin Miller was appointed to serve the remainder of Roberts’ council term in January 2025.
The City Council meets at 7 p. m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Forest Lake City Center. City Council workshops are held the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p. m. in the community room in the City Center; all workshops and regular meetings are open to the public. The council holds extra meetings in August to prepare the following year’ s budget.
A seven-member Planning Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council, making recommendations on planning, zoning, and variance matters, including all commercial and residential development. The City Council appoints members to the Planning Commission for staggered three-year terms.
The council appoints citizens to serve on the various commissions that guide economic development, parks and recreation, and the airport.
The Forest Lake city staff is headed by newly hired city administrator Mark Statz, while department leads include city clerk Jolleen Chaika, Community Development Director Abbi Wittman, Public Works Director Dave Adams, and Park and Recreation coordinator Kyle Young.
The Forest Lake Police Department is located in the Forest Lake City Center complex, and Chief Rick Peterson serves as the director of public safety / police chief.
Police Department hours are 8 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. Monday through Friday. The phone numbers are 651-464-5877 during business hours and 651-439-9381 after hours. Dial
FOREST LAKE see Page 9
Forest Lake Community Guide • February, 2026