Lake City City Council: Justin Hawryluk

My name is Justin Hawryluk, and I’m running for City Council because I care deeply about our community’s future. As a fiscally conservative candidate, I believe in responsible stewardship — ensuring every dollar serves a purpose and strengthens Lake City for the long term.

My background is in operations, budgeting, and development, and I’ve spent my career making organizations run efficiently. Locally, I serve on the Utility Board and the Tourism Advisory Committee, and previously on the Chamber of Commerce Board as a past president. These roles have reinforced the importance of clear priorities, disciplined budgeting, and practical results.

We need to be honest about the pressures facing our city government and our residents. We have seen historic levy increases over the past several years as the current council has had to make difficult decisions to budget for our city services. But could we find the money in a different way — or in multiple ways — that doesn’t burden our residents? Why have the past several levy increases been so much greater than annual inflation? These annual increases have a real impact on families and homeowners. I believe we need to take a hard look at how we plan, how we budget, and how we prioritize so we can maintain essential services without putting additional strain on taxpayers.

Lake City’s natural beauty and small‑town character make us unique, and preserving that character while planning responsibly is essential. We need affordable housing, strong local businesses, and a city government that listens and acts with discipline.

Housing remains one of our biggest challenges. The city’s role is to create conditions where homes can be built — through zoning, permitting, and infrastructure that support starter homes, workforce housing, and senior housing. Streamlined processes and targeted zoning updates can help when they clearly benefit the community.

Growth and preservation must work together. We can welcome new families, support our schools and businesses, and strengthen our tax base — all while protecting the character that makes Lake City special.

Our existing businesses are the backbone of our community. The city must listen to them, remove unnecessary obstacles, and maintain the infrastructure and predictability that attract new employers.

Lake City is at a crossroads. Fiscal responsibility doesn’t mean standing still — it means investing wisely in the things that keep our community strong: housing, infrastructure, and business support.

I’m running because I want Lake City to thrive. I will bring discipline, transparency, and a practical mindset to the council, and I will work hard to ensure our community remains vibrant, economically viable and welcoming — a great place to visit and an even better place to live.

Thank you for caring about Lake City’s future.

Why are you running for city council?

I’m running for City Council because I care deeply about Lake City’s future. I’m fiscally conservative, and to me that means responsible stewardship — making sure every dollar we spend has a purpose and every decision strengthens our community for the long term. I want Lake City to thrive, not just today but for the next generation. We have incredible strengths, but we also face real challenges, and I believe my background in operations, budgeting, and development can help us navigate them with discipline, transparency, and a practical mindset.

What qualities or characteristics make you a good choice to represent Lake City and why?

I bring a combination of real‑world operational experience, financial discipline, and a deep commitment to Lake City. My career has centered on managing budgets, optimizing revenue, overseeing complex projects, and making organizations run efficiently. Locally, I’ve served on the Utility Board, the Tourism Advisory Committee, and previously on the Chamber of Commerce Board. These roles have taught me how to listen, collaborate, and stay focused on clear priorities. I’m steady, pragmatic, and solutions‑oriented — and I believe in strengthening Lake City without losing what makes it special.

What is the biggest issue facing Lake City at the moment and how do you propose to address it?

We need to strengthen the fundamentals that make a city appealing: reliable infrastructure, clear and predictable permitting, a supportive business environment, and a strong sense of community identity. That also means protecting and enhancing the natural assets that set Lake City apart — our lakefront, our scenery, and our small‑town character.

If we want new residents to choose Lake City, if we want new businesses to open here, and if we want existing businesses and industry to remain competitive, we must focus on making Lake City a vibrant, welcoming, and economically confident community. That requires disciplined planning, thoughtful zoning, and a city government that listens, responds, and acts with purpose.

What’s your vision for Lake City in four years and then in the long term?

In four years, I want Lake City to be a community where housing is more accessible, businesses feel supported, and residents see a city government that listens and plans with discipline. I want us to be a stronger version of the town we already are — vibrant, welcoming, and rooted in our natural assets.

Long term, my vision is a Lake City that continues to grow while preserving its small‑town charm, historic character, and lakefront beauty. I want a Lake City where visitors keep coming back, businesses thrive year‑round, and families choose to build their lives here because the community feels stable, sustainable, and full of opportunity.

How will you work to make that vision a reality?

I will bring fiscal responsibility, clear priorities, and disciplined planning to every decision. I’ll work collaboratively with residents, businesses, and developers to ensure our policies support growth rather than hinder it. I’ll advocate for streamlined permitting, thoughtful zoning, and infrastructure investments that make sense. I’ll listen carefully, communicate openly, and stay focused on outcomes. 

How can people reach you for more information about your candidacy?

Residents can reach me directly by email at juhawryluk@gmail.com