Meet Carson
For Carson Benner, McMinnville isn't just where he lives, it's where he's built a business, raised a family, served his community, and invested decades of his life. His approach to leadership is simple: listen, understand the problem, and work with people to find practical solutions.
Rooted in McMinnville
Carson has spent decades building a life in McMinnville. It's where he raised his family, built Cellar Ridge Construction, and became deeply involved in the schools, organizations, and community that helped shape the city.
Over the years, Carson has served on the McMinnville School District Board and Budget Committee, chaired the McMinnville Economic Vitality Leadership Council, and supported organizations including Habitat for Humanity and the McMinnville Education Foundation.
Through those experiences, Carson has worked alongside families, educators, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and neighbors throughout McMinnville. They’ve shaped his approach to public service: listen first, understand the issue, and make practical decisions with the long-term health of the community in mind.
Experience That Matters
Owner
Cellar Ridge Construction
Nearly two decades leading a McMinnville-based construction company and working firsthand with housing, development, budgets and complex projects.
2006–Present
City Councilor, Ward 3
2026–Present
City of McMinnville
Serving Ward 3 and working on the issues facing McMinnville today.
McMinnville School District Board Member
District Board
Eight years of service helping guide decisions affecting McMinnville schools, families and taxpayers.
~8 Years
McMinnville School District Budget Committee Member
~12 Years
District Budget Committee
Twelve years of experience reviewing budgets and helping make responsible decisions about public resources.
Council Chair
Economic Vitality Council
Leadership focused on McMinnville's economic vitality and long-term prosperity.
2020–2026
Vice President of Materials
Evergreen Airlines
~15 Years
Managed complex operations, significant budgets and large-scale organizational responsibilities.
Nonprofit Service
McMinnville Habitat for Humanity
Board service supporting an organization working to expand access to safe, affordable housing in our community.
Community Service
EDUCATION
McMinnville Education Foundation
Board service supporting local students, educators and opportunities within McMinnville schools.
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
Citizens for Good Education
Supported three local school bond campaigns, helping advocate for investments in McMinnville's schools and students.
“McMinnville is at an inflection point. The decisions we make today will shape our community for decades to come.”
Carson Benner
WHY I’M RUNNING
McMinnville has important opportunities and difficult challenges ahead, from housing and economic development to infrastructure and responsible growth.
I’m running for City Council because I believe more than 30 years of business, management and community service have prepared me to help navigate this period of change. I want to bring that experience to the Council, help McMinnville grow thoughtfully, address our housing challenges and make the most of the opportunities ahead.
McMinnville is Home
For Carson, McMinnville isn't just where he works and serves — it's home. It's where he and his family have built their lives, formed lasting friendships and become part of the community they care deeply about.
That connection is a big part of why Carson believes so strongly in protecting what makes McMinnville special while planning thoughtfully for its future.