Mayor Steve Downer

Steve Downer, Mayor

Phone: 612-961-9638
Email Steve Downer

Mayor's Message

Biography

My name is Steve Downer. Lisa and I were married in 1982. Lisa is a former school teacher. I retired in 2022 after a 32-year career with the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association. I now work occasionally at Gilchrist Orchard.

My work with city-owned electric utilities led to my interest in serving on the council. I served from 2008-2014 and again from 2016 to the present. I have also served on numerous Buffalo commissions and boards.

Lisa and I have lived in Buffalo since 1990. Our four kids (Paul, Michael, Brian and Nina) graduated from Buffalo High School and all married Buffalo graduates. We are blessed with 13 grandchildren—some within easy walking distance.

Along with council and other local government involvement, I am a member of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) board. MMPA is the wholesale electric power supplier to Buffalo Municipal Utilities. 

Outside of city business, I formerly chaired the Salvation Army HeatShare Advisory Board and the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Buffalo Committee. I am a former member of the Blandin Foundation Broadband Advisory Board. Before my public involvement I was a youth sports coach (baseball, hockey and softball) and BYHA board officer. 

Lisa and I are active in the Buffalo Covenant Church.

I enjoy being involved with the the city and the good people of Buffalo. I promise to listen, work to find the best solutions, and be a good steward of our limited resources.