Katie Hemmer has officially declared her candidacy for mayor of Jamestown in the upcoming primary election scheduled for June 9, 2026. Hemmer, who previously served as mayor from 2010 to 2018, emphasizes her commitment to fostering residential development, creating high-paying jobs, and enhancing local retail, dining, and recreational opportunities.
In her announcement, Hemmer stated, “Jamestown needs a mayor to welcome residential development, great-paying jobs and retail, restaurant and recreation options. I am that mayor.” She believes her extensive experience and established connections will enable her to eliminate barriers to growth and improve government efficiency.
Plans for Development and Tax Reform
Hemmer outlined her vision for Jamestown, focusing on reducing obstacles to development while also addressing the city’s budget. She asserted, “If you increase the total valuation through new builds and reduce spending, the burden of individual property tax is controlled.” She further noted that property taxes are excessively burdensome for residents across North Dakota. While acknowledging the state’s primary residence credit as a positive step, she insists that more comprehensive reforms are necessary.
As part of her campaign, Hemmer aims to be a “bold advocate” for statewide property tax reductions. She highlighted the urgent need for both housing and affordable housing, stressing that increasing supply is crucial. Hemmer plans to collaborate with developers, contractors, and real estate professionals to enhance the availability of residential options in Jamestown.
Commitment to Public Safety and Community Engagement
Public safety remains a top priority for Hemmer, who believes that establishing confidence in local investment is essential for both homeowners and larger developments. “The key to building confidence in Jamestown investment, whether that is home ownership or larger-scale development, is to have the very best public safety,” she remarked. Hemmer emphasized the importance of robust police and fire services, along with safe infrastructure, to ensure that residents and businesses feel secure.
In her current role as director of the Jamestown Regional Airport, Hemmer has successfully secured over $16 million in federal grants aimed at improving airport infrastructure. This experience has allowed her to build strong relationships with local and state officials, as well as U.S. representatives and senators, to support aviation policy and rural development initiatives.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hemmer is actively involved in the community. She serves as the girls golf coach at Jamestown High School and is a gymnastics official for the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA). Additionally, she holds a position on the board of directors for the Jamestown Country Club and is engaged with the JCC Youth Golf Foundation. Hemmer also contributes to her local church, St. James Basilica, as a musician and choir member.
Growing up in Jamestown, Hemmer is a dedicated community member and has two children, Camron, aged 19, and Keira, aged 14. She expressed her passion for the city, stating, “Jamestown is the community we call home. Home, where it’s safe to raise our families. Home, where our investments grow. Home, where our career opportunities flourish. Home, where we can stay to retire.”
For further details about Hemmer’s campaign and her vision for Jamestown, interested individuals can visit KatieforMayor.org.