Joe Huss recently completed a nearly 40-year career in local government. Huss spent the last 20 years as the finance director for the City of Blaine. Prior to working in Blaine, Huss spent time in Bloomington, West Saint Paul, and Lino Lakes. Huss always took the approach that a city budget is “more than just a math problem to solve.” He knew that budget decisions at a city level could affect the day to day lives of those in the community.

Huss came to Blaine in 2003 just days after The Lakes development was approved. It was a good time to be starting in Blaine and there was much excitement about the future. Huss had a front row seat to the changes Blaine has experienced as the City transformed into a destination community and the economic driver of the north metro. As Joe reflects on his time in Blaine he is proud of several accomplishments. During the 2008 recession, Blaine was able to continue to provide services to the community, not lay off any employees, and continue to grow. The City implemented a pavement management program that financed the repair and maintenance of city streets at an accelerated pace. Joe’s most treasured accomplishment is elevating Blaine to a AAA-rated city. Being a AAA-rated city means that Blaine is rated as the highest performing and most dependable class of city in the eyes of the financial industry. This rating means that Blaine receives the lowest interest rates on bonds and has a very strong financial outlook.

When Joe started in Blaine 20 years ago, he did not think he would finish his career with the City. “It does not feel like I have been working at the same place for 20 years, as the City changed the work changed and new challenges emerged,” said Huss.

Just like 20 years ago when Joe started in Blaine he sees a similar level of excitement for Blaine’s next chapter, “Blaine has some really exciting things coming and the future is bright for this community.”