I love being a Berea resident- I’ve lived here my entire adult life. I grew up in Pennsylvania and New York state, but moved to Berea in 1995 to attend Berea College. My husband Michael grew up in Berea, and we chose to stay here after we were married. I graduated in 2000 with a BA in English, and have been involved in many different kinds of work- I worked at an educational nonprofit for several years supporting parent engagement in public schools, wrote “The Knitted Slipper Book,” which was published by Abrams in 2013, and founded Native Bagel Company in 2016.

About — Katie Startzman for Berea City Council

Katie Startzman grew up in Pennsylvania and New York state and moved to Berea in 1995 to attend Berea College. She graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is married to Michael.

I graduated in 2000 with a BA in English, and have been involved in many different kinds of work- I worked at an educational nonprofit for several years supporting parent engagement in public schools, wrote “The Knitted Slipper Book,” which was published by Abrams in 2013, and founded Native Bagel Company in 2016. I love owning a business that is located in downtown Berea.

Katie Startzman owns Native Bagel Company in downtown Berea. She previously worked at an educational nonprofit supporting parent engagement in public schools and wrote “The Knitted Slipper Book.”

Katie owns Native Bagel Company in downtown Berea. She previously worked at an educational nonprofit supporting parent engagement in public schools and wrote “The Knitted Slipper Book.”

Katie Startzman, a current Berea City Council member since 2020, is running for re-election with a focus on downtown development, small business support, and community livability. Startzman is the owner of Native Bagel Co. and Nightjar and brings the perspective of a small business owner to the city council.

Who is running for City Council in Berea in 2024?

Katie currently serves as a Berea City Council member, a position she has held since 2020.

2026 Kentucky General Election

In a recent interview, she was asked about her priorities if re-elected. Startzman stated, "I want to focus on improving our parks and recreational facilities, as well as ensuring that our city remains affordable for all residents."

13 file for Berea City Council, 3 vie for mayor’s seat

Plans to improve parks and recreational facilities.

- Plans to improve parks and recreational facilities.

Public Services

Wants to ensure the city remains affordable for all residents.

- Wants to ensure the city remains affordable for all residents.

Housing & Urban Development

As of October 6, 2026, Katie Startzman’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Public Safety

When asked about her stance on the proposed bill regarding the increase in property taxes to fund local schools, Startzman responded, "I believe in supporting our schools, but we need to find a balance that does not overburden our residents. I will advocate for alternative funding sources to ensure our schools are adequately funded without raising taxes excessively."

Advocates for alternative school funding sources to avoid excessive tax increases while adequately funding schools.

- Advocates for alternative school funding sources to avoid excessive tax increases while adequately funding schools.

Education

Economy

Facebook

Instagram

Katie Startzman

As of October 6, 2026, Katie STARTZMAN’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Katie STARTZMAN

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Alex SIPPLE

Allison "Ali" Blair

Barry D. Poynter

Brooke King

Dan Sipple

John Payne

Leah Van Winkle

Mike Barnett

Regina Hudson

Ronnie Terrill

Steve Caudill

Teresa L. Wren

- City council members make up the legislative body of the city's government and are responsible for the public's health, safety, and welfare. Its legislative duties include enacting ordinances, levying taxes, and adopting a budget. 
- The city council has the authority to investigate all activities of the city government and its employees. 
- City councils in Kentucky typically have between 6 and 12 council members. They serve two-year terms except in Louisville and Lexington where some members serve four-year terms. 
- Council members can be elected to represent a single district or the city at-large. Elections take place in even-numbered years. 

Passes laws and regulations for your city.