ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Service and Impact
Learn more about Jason's history of Service and Volunteer work for Delano.
As a City Councilor of Delano - 12 Years
Promoted Business Growth
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During Jason Franzen’s time in office from 2013 to 2023, Delano added 885 new jobs — representing 36.7% job growth. This significantly outperformed Wright County’s 25.5% and Minnesota’s 8.3% over the same period, all while preserving the city’s small-town charm.
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Since 2019 alone, the West Metro Business Park has seen more than 160 jobs created or relocated to Delano and Wright County, generating over $40 million in new taxable market value.
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The Delano Industrial Park remains fully occupied, with numerous expansions facilitated over the past 15 years that have added more than $60 million in taxable market value.
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Known as a “Business Guardian,” Jason has been a strong and consistent advocate for lower business taxes and reduced government regulations that allow local employers to thrive.
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Jason was an early supporter of bringing a railroad spur into the Northwest Business Park. This project aims to attract additional businesses while helping take trucks off local roads.
Protected Delano From Child Predators
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Jason ensured Delano adopted the strongest possible residency restrictions for child predators, maximizing the required distance they must live from schools, parks, and other places where children gather.
Protecting Families And Downtown Businesses
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On Marijuana Dispensaries, Jason pushed back against some City Council members who believed a 300-foot separation from schools and daycares was sufficient. His view prevailed, resulting in stronger protections: a 1,000-foot buffer from schools and a 500-foot buffer from daycares. These common-sense restrictions are appreciated by families and downtown Delano businesses alike.
Stood Up Against Subsided Solar Fields
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Convinced the past mayor and council to use legal action against the county to prevent a subsided solar field intruding on our Northwest Business Park.
Track record of Fiscal Restraint
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Jason has worked hard to keep residents’ hard-earned money in their own pockets instead of funding unnecessary government spending. He has consistently opposed overly ambitious spending plans that would raise costs for Delano families.
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He has saved Delano taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars through careful budget oversight. This includes speaking out forcefully against a proposed second city-owned liquor store, saving taxpayers $250,000, and successfully advocating against the 9th Street connection in Woods Creek, which preserved another $400,000.
Pushed For Public Safety And Well-Being
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Jason served as the City’s liaison for major highway improvements, particularly on Highway 12. He lobbied hard—both individually and collectively with local leaders, including the Commissioner and the Governor—to secure these important upgrades with MnDOT.
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As the City’s Public Safety liaison, Jason has built strong, trusted relationships with local law enforcement. He is relied upon to make sound, responsible decisions on public safety policy and budgeting.
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Jason worked closely with city engineers to protect Delano from flooding. One of his first votes on the Council helped create a new flood wall to safeguard homes and businesses.
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For the Delano Splashpad, Jason advocated for heated water and pushed to have the area fully fenced, recognizing that toddlers would be the primary users.
Listened To His Constituents
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Jason has personally door-knocked the entire Delano community during every term he was elected — even when he ran unopposed.
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He does this to directly hear residents’ concerns and better understand what matters most to them. When constituents disagree with him, Jason listens carefully, works to see things from their perspective — much like Charlie Kirk — and often discovers the root cause of their concerns.
Collaborated With State, County, And Federal Officials
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Jason has been a strong advocate for Delano by actively communicating with other elected officials and speaking up at meetings on key city and regional issues, including highway improvements, public safety, and water quality.
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He has traveled to the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul and to Washington, D.C., to represent Delano’s interests on these important matters.
As Board Member
Served on City and County Boards and Task Forces (TF)
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City: Public Safety, DASA Hockey Board, Firefighter Relief, Park and Rec, Delano Municipal Utilities, Historical Society, and Economic Development TF
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County: Public Health TF, Health and Human Services TF, Solar Power TF, County EMS Board
Civic Involvement
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Past Delano Lions member, as well as its Secretary
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Delano Sportsman Club member and advocate.
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Festivals of Nations participant
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Delano Historical Society
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Polish-English Newspaper Kurier Polski of Minnesota 10 years, owner/writer.
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American Conference of Polish Culture, and its liaison for public schools(advocating for Polish Americans and their cultural contribution)
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IPN-Institute of the National Memory ie(Polish National Archives) -educational consultant for educational materials for children.
