Living in Carver County Podcast: Building a Better Society with Heather Tran

In this episode of Living in Carver County, Greg sits down with Heather Tran, co-founder of A Better Society, a Chanhassen-based nonprofit that’s redefining how communities come together to solve problems. Founded in 2008, A Better Society takes innovative social ideas, incubates them, and scales them into sustainable projects that strengthen local communities from the inside out.

Heather shares how their mission—to discover needs, collaborate on solutions, and activate sustainable outcomes—has led to meaningful partnerships and upstream thinking. Instead of simply reacting to challenges, Heather and her team are helping communities ask deeper questions: Why do these needs exist in the first place—and how can we prevent them?

We’ll talk about the organization’s unique data-driven approach to understanding community needs, how collaboration fuels real impact, and projects like Project Lin-kij, which connect people and resources in creative new ways.

If you’ve ever wondered how local innovation can create lasting change—or how you can be part of a more connected, compassionate Carver County—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the Living in Carver County Podcast, host Greg Anderson talks with David Brecht, Director of Finance & Operations for Eastern Carver County Schools (District 112), about the upcoming November 4th school funding referendum.

They discuss Minnesota’s state funding gap, how local referendums support classrooms in Chaska, Carver, Chanhassen, and Victoria, and how the proposal could affect homeowners’ property taxes. You’ll learn how housing growth, student enrollment, and inflation shape the district’s financial outlook.

It’s everything voters need to make an informed choice this fall.

Learn more at eccsvote.org, call 952-556-6107, or email [email protected]

Taylor Hubbard is the new Mayor of Chaska after years on the city council and time on the board of the Chaska Human Rights Commission. We talk about municipal projects underway as well as upcoming commercial development happening in Chaska. She has a huge heart for service, a sharp mind and commitment to the community.

Please refer to the City of Chaska's web site for information about new developments in Chaska at www.chaskamn.gov/174/Proposed-Developments

The South West Chamber of Commerce serves the cities of Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria & Carver as well as the broader Carver County area. Since combining the chambers several years ago, the combined efforts have been a force multiplier and enabled business to expand, network and collaborate across city boundaries to promote local business and commerce. Steve has brought a breath of varied work experience along with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. Steve shares the exciting events they have on the horizon.

Welcome back to Living In Carver County, the podcast that dives deep into the people, places, and stories that make our corner of Minnesota so vibrant. In this episode, we are spotlighting a powerful force in local journalism—one that’s bringing news back to the heart of our community.

Joining me is Mike Huang, board chair of Carver County Local News, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a bold mission: to restore a dedicated news operation to Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, and Victoria. In an era where local reporting is vanishing, this grassroots effort is stepping up to keep our residents informed—covering everything from city council meetings and school updates to sports scores and neighborhood events.

Fueled by volunteer subscriptions and community donations, Carver County Local News isn’t just reporting stories—it’s building a civic lifeline. In this episode, Mike shares the vision behind the organization, the challenges of launching a nonprofit newsroom, and why local journalism is essential to the health of our towns.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s explore how one group is rewriting the narrative for local news—right here in Carver County.

To scribe: http://cclocalnews.org

To donate: http://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_id=2GMD9J9LAM54S

Graham Johnson wanted to be a writer most of his life. He landed what he thought was going to be a dream job reporting for SW News on the Chaska Herald and Chanhassen Villager. Unfortunately for Graham and the community, the parent company decide to close both papers. We visit a little about the importance of local news and then dig into effective story telling. Graham is kind, thoughtful and gives some wonderful insights and crafting communication. Please enjoy this fun conversation and be sure to check out-https://carvercurrent.com/villager-tower for some local news with a flair by Rickie Schultz per Graham :-)

Have you ever read those thoughtful editorials about the human condition in the Chaska Herald or Chanhassen Villager? Doug and Lynn Nodland offer readers wisdom and assurance based on years of life experiences as accomplished professionals, Lynn in counseling and Doug practicing law. They now run a successful coaching business and work with clients of all ages but with a specialty with people going through profound live changes. Whether it is in caring for family members at end of life or people going through career or personal changes, they help clients navigate with grace and confidence. I invite you to really listen for their warmth and sage insights. To find out more and to read other columns they've published, visit them online at: