Heidi Omerza

Heidi Omerza is an American politician and business owner serving as the mayor of Ely, Minnesota. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she was first elected to the Ely City Council in 2012 before winning the mayoral office in 2017. Omerza is also a co-owner of a local retail business and has been actively involved in community development initiatives in the Iron Range region.

Early life and education

Heidi Omerza was born and raised in the Midwestern United States, with deep family roots in the community of Ely, Minnesota. She pursued her higher education at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she earned a degree that provided a foundation for her future career in business and public service. The economic and cultural environment of Saint Louis County and the broader Iron Range significantly influenced her perspective on community issues. Following her graduation, she returned to Ely to establish herself professionally and begin her involvement in local civic organizations.

Political career

Omerza's political career began with her election to the Ely City Council in 2012, where she served for several years focusing on local economic development and infrastructure projects. In 2017, she was elected mayor of Ely, Minnesota, succeeding Roger Skraba, and has since been re-elected to multiple terms. Her tenure has involved navigating key issues for the city, including tourism promotion tied to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, managing municipal budgets, and fostering relationships with state agencies like the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. As a DFL mayor in a historically politically competitive region, she has worked with officials such as U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Pete Stauber on matters affecting Northeastern Minnesota. Her administration has also been active in discussions surrounding economic diversification and environmental policy within the Iron Range.

Personal life

Heidi Omerza resides in Ely, Minnesota with her family and is a co-owner of a retail business in the city's downtown district. She is actively involved in numerous local organizations, including the Ely Chamber of Commerce and various community boards focused on heritage and economic development. Her personal and professional life is deeply connected to the civic and cultural fabric of the Saint Louis County area. Outside of her public and business roles, she participates in regional events and supports initiatives related to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Electoral history

* Ely City Council Election, 2012: Elected to her first term on the Ely City Council. * Mayoral Election, 2017: Elected Mayor of Ely, Minnesota, defeating incumbent Roger Skraba. * Mayoral Election, 2020: Re-elected as mayor. * Mayoral Election, 2024: Re-elected to another term, continuing her service in the city's top office.

See also

* List of mayors of Ely, Minnesota * Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party * Politics of Minnesota * Iron Range

Category:Mayors of places in Minnesota Category:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party politicians Category:University of Minnesota Duluth alumni Category:Living people