Tina Folch

Tina Folch became a council member of Hastings, Minnesota in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020. Her position on the council was as the representative of Ward 1, which is the geographic area to the east of Highway 61 running through Hastings.

During the 2018 election, Tina ran for House District 54B against incumbent Tony Jurgens, where she came close to winning the seat by capturing 49 percent of the vote. Then again in 2022, Tina ran to represent her home District of 41B only to lose again by the same margin against Shane Hudella.  In both instances, it was the closest a Democrat has come to taking the seat in 40 years

In addition to Tina’s history of public service and leadership, she has been active in a number of boards and groups working to better the community. In her role as a council member, she additionally served on the Dakota Broadband Board, the Governor’s Taskforce on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, the Hastings Arts Task Force and the District 200 Community Engagement Committee.

Tina has enjoyed volunteering with several non-profit groups, such as Hastings’ Football Connections and YMCA Boards, the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, and the Hastings Downtown Business Association. Additionally, she was an active member in local groups such as the American Association of University Women Hastings Chapter. Prior to moving into Hastings, Tina resided in southern Cottage Grove and served on its Planning Commission for three years.

Over her professional career, Tina has worked for state and local government conducting strategic planning and is an expert in good government administration. Having worked across the Minnesota Departments of Public Safety, Employment and Economic Development, and MnDOT, she has wide experience in working with law enforcement, public health, business, and transportation officials.

Tina has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History from St. Catherine University and a Master’s in Public Administration and Management from the Hamline University School of Business. In addition, she holds professional certifications in project management, emergency management, and as a public procurement officer. Presently, she lives in Hudson, Wisconsin with her new husband.