Here’s my announcement video:
If you prefer text instead:
Verona Mayor Luke Diaz Announces Re-Election Bid
Luke Diaz, a homeowner, and former Epic employee, officially announced his re-election bid for Mayor of Verona.
Luke says, “I’m running for Mayor of Verona to keep our sense of community even as we grow. As Mayor, I’ve worked hard to support community spaces that Verona residents can enjoy.
I also want to see Verona keep developing a vibrant downtown with plenty of places to shop and eat.”
Luke lives in Verona with his wife Cheryl and son Tristan.
A selection of Luke’s accomplishments as Mayor:
Building Community
- Worked to establish Century School Park, which is a 2+ acre park in our downtown that is a focal point for community gatherings.
- Supported Badger Prairie Needs Network.
- Supported the second sheet of ice for the ice arena.
- Preserved two historically and culturally significant buildings (the Matts House and the New Century School Building).
- Supported the ArtHouse 360, which is a wonderful community center for people and the arts.
- Helped make year round Sunday hours happen at the Verona Library.
- Successfully advocated for more early voting hours to make it easier for every citizen in Verona to exercise their right to vote.
- Supported a new City of Verona community center (opening in 2026).
Protecting Our Environment
- Made the first city-owned solar power system happen.
- Worked to convert parts of the city’s vehicle fleet to cleaner electric vehicles.
- Supported the addition of native prairie, which provides wildlife habitat.
Economic Development
- Supported development in Verona that led to good family supporting jobs, including projects with ACS, Arrowhead Pharmaceutical, Costco, MilliporeSigma, and SSM (currently ongoing).
- Supported Verona businesses with a grant program during COVID.
- Helped a new business with an economic development loan: City loan helps coffee shop launch: Alice Good to take over space vacated by Tuvalu.
Fiscal Discipline
- Under Luke’s leadership, Verona improved its bond rating from aa2 to aa1.
- City debt has decreased overall during Luke’s time as Mayor.
- Held the line on property taxes while supporting essential City services.
The election is April 7th, 2026.
