Rachel Braaten is running for Mayor of Crystal, Minnesota.

Rachel has had training through the Mississippi National River and Recreational Area in how to lead habitat restoration groups, and as a member of the Environmental Quality Commission, hosted the Volunteer Habitat Restoration Program in 2022 in Bassett Creek Park, and in 2023 in Hagemeister Pond Nature Area. Through Rachel's efforts, the Volunteer Habitat Restoration Program has received funding through Hennepin County and also from the Minnesota Women of Today Foundation. From these grants, thousands of dollars have been allocated toward tools and consultation with a habitat restoration specialist, for all of Crystal's nature areas.

From learning how to make candles from reusable wax, to growing a garden in 1999, Rachel has been a long-time environmentalist. More recently, in her involvement with the Women of Today, Rachel wrote a monthly newsletter called Eco-Minute to help inform members about environmental issues and actions they can take to improve their impact on the environment. She also explained and encouraged composting in that organization.

In 2012 Rachel was appointed to the Environmental Quality Commission of Crystal, MN.