Stephanie Holmes
Age: 49
Occupation and employer: Organizational Development Specialist at NPPD
Years living in Auburn: 10
Family: Husband: Kenny and son: Brady, plus our cat, Asta!
Education:
Master’s Degree: College Student Personnel Administration
Bachelor’s Degree: Human Resource Management
Associate of Applied Science Degree: Business Administration
Previously elected or appointed public service, including boards, commissions and committees:
Planning Committee member
Nemaha County Leadership Class #7 Alumni
NPPD Wellness Committee Member
Nemaha Valley Street Rods Car Club Committee Member
Why are you seeking the office of mayor? In your view, what is the role of the mayor and what specifically would you do differently than the city is doing now?
The mayor serves as the city’s chief elected leader, responsible for guiding policy, ensuring transparent governance, and fostering a healthy civic environment. I’m seeking the office because I believe Auburn benefits when residents feel safe to speak up and participate. To me, the mayor’s role is to build trust, encourage collaboration, and communicate clearly. I would focus on creating psychological safety in meetings, strengthening partnerships, and improving transparency so people understand decisions and feel genuinely welcomed in the process.
Housing came up repeatedly during the primary candidate conversations, and both of you have called for more of it. Be specific: what tools would you use, whether that is zoning changes, city-assisted infrastructure for new lots, redevelopment of existing properties, partnerships or grants? What can the city realistically deliver in a four-year term?
Auburn needs more affordable and attainable housing, and the city has several tools to use or research further. I would prioritize rehabilitating existing homes, review the vacant lots in the Westgate addition, and assess zoning regulations to determine affordability. The city can leverage the Vacant Housing Rehabilitation Grant and pursue state and federal grants, CRA resources, and TIF funds when appropriate. Partnerships with builders, landlords, nonprofits, and lenders can expand workforce and income qualified units. Realistic four year progress comes from aligning plans with the budget, redeveloping existing properties, and providing clear public updates, with focus groups helping to ensure community priorities guide decisions.
Vacant downtown buildings, water supplies, workforce recruitment, Tax Increment Financing and childcare availability all surfaced during the primary as issues important to voters. Pick the one you consider most urgent and describe what the city can do about it, including reasoning, costs and who else would need to be at the table.
Vacancy and damaged downtown buildings are the most urgent issues. The city can use TIF or CRA funds, pursue grants, and ensure business owners know about available programs while assisting them through the application process. Partnering with Grow Auburn and the Chamber can support shared projects like beautification days, redevelopment planning, and business retention efforts. Committees should provide regular updates at council meetings with clear timelines, costs, and progress. Coordinating these efforts with the budget and maintaining transparent communication will help restore downtown vitality and strengthen longterm economic growth.
What should residents be able to expect from your administration in terms of access to information, whether that is budget documents, meeting materials or answers to questions? Is there anything about how the city communicates now that you would change?
Residents should expect open, honest, and accessible communication. Budget documents and meeting materials should be clear, detailed, and easy to find. I would improve how the city shares information by offering monthly newsletters or meeting recaps with key agenda items, increasing transparency and closing current gaps in communication. An opendoor approach and clear timelines for decisions help build trust. My goal is for residents to always understand what’s happening, why it matters, and how to get answers to their questions.
Is there anything else you’d like voters in Auburn to know?
I want Auburn residents to know I’m committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and collaboration. Public service runs deep in my family. My father, Randy Rohrs, served 12 years as county commissioner, and my aunt, Joann Rohrs, served 27 years as the Nemaha County Clerk. I’m ready to listen, have difficult conversations, uncover challenges, and find solutions together using informed, data driven decisions. This community helped shape who I am, and I’m dedicated to building a future we are proud to share. Auburn is ready for change, and I’m asking for your vote!
