Lilia Hansen said she is proud of what has been accomplished since being elected mayor in 2022
The mayor of Fort St. John has announced she will seek a second term in office in the 2026 municipal election, pledging to build on progress made over the past four years while tackling challenges facing the community.
“Fort St. John is my home. It’s where I’ve built my career, raised my family, volunteered and had the incredible privilege of serving as Mayor,” Hansen said. “Four years ago, residents placed their trust in me to lead our community. I’m asking for the opportunity to continue that work.”
Hansen said her campaign will focus on experienced leadership, responsible decision-making and continuing to strengthen the community. She says economic development and community development must go hand in hand.
The mayor said attracting and retaining families, professionals, businesses and investment requires attention to a wide range of issues, including housing, recreation, public safety, health care, infrastructure, economic opportunities and overall quality of life.
“People don’t just choose a job. They choose a community,” Hansen said. “People choose where they want to raise a family, build a business, put down roots and belong.”
Hansen said affordability will remain a key consideration if she is re-elected, adding that investments in the city’s future must be balanced with protecting residents from rising costs.
She said her approach to municipal leadership emphasizes careful consideration of costs, risks, partnerships and long-term impacts when making decisions for the community.
During the campaign, Hansen said she plans to engage residents on issues including community safety, affordability, housing, health care advocacy, economic development, infrastructure and recreation.
As the campaign gets underway, Hansen said she intends to spend time listening to residents about what is working in the city and where they would like to see improvements.
“Most importantly, I’ll be listening,” Hansen said. “I want to hear what residents believe is working, what isn’t, and the kind of Fort St. John they want us to continue building together.”
The mayor’s campaign slogan is: “Proud of our progress. Ready for what’s next. Listening. Leading. Building Together.”
Hansen was elected mayor in 2022 after serving two terms on Fort St. John city council.
Her background includes business, economic development and community volunteer work, and she has lived in Fort St. John for 50 years.
-M. Popove CJDC-TV News
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