The 2023 Minneapolis City Council Housing Questionnaire Responses

September 6, 2023

In advance of the 2023 City Council elections, Neighbors for More Neighbors partnered with Inquilinxs Unidxs, MCCD (Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers), and WedgeLIVE to sponsor a questionnaire to help voters understand where each candidate stands on issues that shape whether every person can find and afford a home in Minneapolis.

We submitted, refined, and selected these questions and invited campaigns of all candidates to respond. We will continue to accept responses and thank those who have participated. Their responses are published verbatim.

For information on the 2023 November elections, click here.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

Housing is a human right, and basic decency requires us to put people over profits. We are in the middle of a housing crisis and addressing it will require a broad range of policy solutions. My goal is simple: Every single person who wants to make a home in Minneapolis should be able to do so. For me, every policy solution that gets us toward that goal is on the table. That includes passing rent stabilization and strengthening our renter-first policies while expanding homeownership opportunities

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

The fact that encampments are the best option for many people is a direct consequence of policy failures across multiple levels of government. City Council needs to work in active partnership with the county and state governments to coordinate the services and resources it takes to help people who are currently living in the encampments into permanent housing — in a way that addresses all of their underlying needs.

Currently, 89% of all parcels (58% by area) in the city do not allow commercial uses on them due to our zoning code. Historically, cities did not segregate commercial land-use from residential land-use so heavily. One way to create complete, walkable neighborhoods is to legalize local commercial uses within our neighborhoods. Would you support allowing low-impact small businesses (coffee shop, restaurant, corner store, yarn store) throughout more of our city? [Yes/No]

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

Covid-19 has forever changed the way we live and work. Our land use planning should reflect these changes. Centralizing all commercial activity downtown no longer makes sense for a workforce that works from home. Subsidizing car-centric infrastructure that forces people to drive for their household errands is unsustainable for a world on the brink of climate catastrophe. Expanding commercial uses is an important strategy for tackling both of these challenges.

Across the country, we are seeing more progressive zoning code reform as metropolitan areas seek to accommodate their growing populations in the urban core rather than the sprawling suburbs. One such policy exists in Washington (state), which recently legalized six-plexes near major transit stops (within a half-mile). Do you support increasing the allowed density near (i.e. 1/4 mile or 1/2 mile radius) major transit (LRT, BRT, and aBRT) stops in Minneapolis? [Yes/No]

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

There is currently a mismatch between our density goals and the current state of our transportation system. Increasing density and including mixed-use development along our transit corridors will allow more people to live car-lite or even car-free. This, in turn, will reduce congestion, carbon emissions, and spark economic growth along these corridors. Moreover, it will improve quality of life, enhance equity, and create more vibrant and connected communities.

On June 28, 2023, the Minneapolis City Council voted 5-4 (1 abstaining, 3 absent) to block a rent stabilization policy from continuing to committee for further discussion, making it unlikely that residents will see any form of rent stabilization on the ballot in 2023. Do you support a rent stabilization policy? [Yes/No]

Yes

Voters overwhelmingly supported the ballot amendment that allows City Council to pass a rent stabilization policy. I was disheartened when the opportunity to pass a policy was blocked this year, but I am committed to working with my colleagues on City Council and the mayor to honor the effort of the work group and bring a rent stabilization policy forward during our next term. I am also committed to strengthening and expanding renter protections as well as investing in enforcement.

On February 15th, 2022, the BIHZ committee directed staff to draft a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) policy. These policies gives renters the opportunity to buy their building if the building owner decides to sell, requiring that renters of a building have the ‘first right of refusal’ on the building they live in. Do you support a TOPA policy in Minneapolis? [Yes/No]

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

BIPOC folks have been historically excluded from the benefits of homeownership, which has prevented the opportunity for generational wealth building. We have a moral obligation to right that wrong. TOPA is the type of intentional policy that can directly address the historical harms of redlining and racial covenants that prevented so many people benefiting from home ownership.

It is estimated that, of the 80,000+ renter households in Minneapolis, more than 45% are housing cost-burdened or paying more than 30% of their income towards their housing. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) is a critical program that helps finance the production, preservation, and stabilization of deeply affordable rental housing in Minneapolis. Do you support increasing the funding for this program? [Yes/No]

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

We can’t address the housing crisis we’re in without building more homes. We need to prioritize policies that make housing affordable to people who make 30 percent of area median income — for Minneapolis in 2022 – 2023, that is annual income of $26,100 a year for a single person, or $37,250 for a family of four. This is a practical benchmark to shoot for in housing policies and the AHTF is a critical tool for building more deeply affordable housing.

Candidate has not responded yet.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?
My vision is safe and secure housing for all through a housing-first policy. I will fight to pass rent control with a 3% cap on increases; pass the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA); enact just-cause eviction; expand and revamp vacancy fees to include commercial and residential properties; establish a public-housing levy; increase coordination with the county, state, and nonprofits to provide unhoused residents with permanent housing and wrap-around social services.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]
Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?
Minneapolis must halt encampment evictions immediately and seek humane alternatives for unhoused individuals. No one believes encampments are suitable housing, but brutal encampment evictions only shuffle residents to new sites and cost of millions of dollars. A housing-first approach centers the humanity of unsheltered people and prioritizes support services. Public health experts, the Biden Administration and cities from Houston to St. Paul have successfully adopted a housing-first approach.

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.
These businesses should exist near transit corridors and high-density residential developments as part of a truly walkable “15 minute” city. However, the City must prioritize independent businesses. When corporate franchises snap up vacant properties or developers allow commercial spaces in new mixed-use developments to sit empty, it’s a missed opportunity to support local businesses, put money back into the community, and allow our neighbors to work at and run businesses near their homes.

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.
Ending climate change, pollution, and sprawl requires greater housing density in urban areas. Higher residential density near businesses and transit ensures fewer trips by car, shorter commutes, and tremendous savings on costly and unsustainable auto infrastructure. Higher residential density will also cultivate a greater sense of community vibrancy for those who choose to live closer to other people, enhancing residents’ sense of neighborhood vitality, sense of belonging, and mental health.

If you do support a rent stabilization policy, elaborate on what kind of policy you would be able to support (inflation adjustment, rent banking, just cause protection, vacancy decontrol, new construction exemptions, etc.). If you do not support any form of rent stabilization, please elaborate why.
Voters gave us a mandate to pass rent control with Question 3 in 2021. I’ll fight for strong rent control policy to keep our neighbors in their homes, and reject watered-down policy with carve-outs and loopholes for landlords. 46% of Ward 2 renters live in buildings built in the last 20 years and would be unprotected if exemptions were made for newer development. Vacancy decontrol incentivizes evictions to force out long-term renters. I’ll insist on a 3% cap on annual increases, no exceptions.

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.
Our communities are stronger when our neighbors who rent are able to invest in their housing. Empowering tenants to purchase their units will increase their pride of ownership and sense of belonging in their property and neighborhood.

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?
We must de-commodify affordable housing through rent control, public housing, and exploring a public bank coupled with a social housing development authority. We should ensure our city’s wealthiest residents support housing our most vulnerable residents via increased taxes for corporations and the rich and a vacancy fee on empty homes.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?
My long term vision for a more equitable Minneapolis is to grow our affordable and deeply affordable housing stock. I have voted for bonds and tax increment financing in support of this goal. I support the successful 4d Program, the More Representation Minneapolis initiative, Stable Homes, Stable Schools, and NOAH preservation strategies. I will continue to do whatever I can to transition people experiencing homelessness out of encampments and into temporary and, eventually, long-term housing.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]
No

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?
We must balance the needs of unsheltered individuals, community members, and businesses owners.We must continue our efforts to educate all on the options available to the unhoused for healthier and more humane forms of shelter. The American Indian Community Development Corporation, Avivo, Downtown Improvement District, Hennepin County Healthcare for the Homeless, Hennepin County Streets to Housing, The Link, Metro Transit Homeless Action Team, and Simpson Housing are my partners in connection.

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.
I believe that low-impact small businesses are appropriate in many neighborhoods and point to the North Loop, East Hennepin, and NE Arts District neighborhoods in my own Ward 3 as examples of neighborhoods in which the intermingling of housing, retail, and small businesses is driving neighborhood vitality.

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.
I support the 2040 Plan and its increase in the allowed density near major transit stops in Minneapolis because of its favorable impacts on the climate, equity, livability and vitality of our neighborhoods.

If you do support a rent stabilization policy, elaborate on what kind of policy you would be able to support (inflation adjustment, rent banking, just cause protection, vacancy decontrol, new construction exemptions, etc.). If you do not support any form of rent stabilization, please elaborate why.
The City Council recently received a staff report on rent stabilization which recommended not developing a rent stabilization policy. They instead recommended increasing programs such as guaranteed basic income, expanding our Stable Homes, Stable Schools and NOAH preservation programs, soliciting more state and federal aid for rental assistance, constructing more affordable housing, and continuing our Inclusionary Zoning program to help our rent-burdened neighbors.

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.
On February 15th 2022, I joined the members of the BIHZ Committee in voting to refer this to staff and I am eagerly awaiting the results. This is another opportunity for us to increase home ownership.

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?
As Council Member for Ward 3, I recently voted on increases to a total of $16.8 million in 2023 and $18 million in 2024 for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, helping to preserve and produce hundreds of housing units that are affordable to homes with incomes at or below 50% AMI. It will be funded through a combination of several federal and state funds as well as money from the general fund. Housing is a human right.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

Imagine MPHA, whose budget’s eclipsed by overdue retrofits, paid up by a (Inclusive Financing) pilot program freeing them to build mini-unit housing for unhoused residents, with co-located medical, mental, occupational and social services. Also, CPED partners luxury & low-cost developers (in permitting) to make integrated projects (think 25%). The low-cost firms take the cost of their sections, while MPHA subsidizes. When the building sells, the developers each get a proportion of proceeds.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

Our city needs to plan for these encampments and prepare (well ahead of time) proper havens for them (so we can direct folk where services are), in the meantime, until mini-unit housing with co-located medical and mental health, occupational and social services are in place. These are our neighbors. They deserve dignity, compassion and the considerations the rest of us take for granted. Planning the least we owe them, we need to live up to the values we hear about in pretty campaign speeches.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

Low impact businesses, from coffee shops to grocery stores to business incubators belong integrated into every rental property with more than 4 floors of living units. They should be permitted at least and made more mandatory in larger (especially primarily luxury) developments. We need to get serious about density and we need to get serious about preparing the services and business support needed for thriving well integrated communities.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

For environmental, commercial needs and ease of access for our neighbors (and ourselves). Transit-oriented development ensures ease and facility of mobility for more and more people at less and less cost in both economic and environmental senses. This promotes density, in general, and promotes access to commerce for far more without needing everyone to spend thousands of dollars a year on auto loans, insurance and fuel costs, meanwhile increasing the housing supply.

Yes

As a renter who has a highly positive and longstanding (22 years) relationship with my outstanding landlords, I want there to be a balance of reasonable profitability and compassionate affordability. My neighbors wish to age-in-place. In that interest, I support Framework 5 as proposed by the Rent Stabilization Work Group. While I’m open to more conversations on this topic, I do support Framework 5 and its 3% cap. We need this solution to displacement and gentrification, and we need it now.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

Displacement is one of the biggest enemies of stable communities. We need to combat it with our every effort. We need to both create ordinances to ensure TOPA policy, but also generate public-private partnerships to ensure seed capitol is readily available to make TOPA the most convenient and attractive option in the long run. Renters in Minneapolis have often literally been left out in the cold when financial matters impact landlords. We should bring an end to that history.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

I bring two solutions: one is bringing an Inclusive Energy Financing pilot program to the MPHA, to eliminate much of their current budget shortfalls by fast-tracking energy efficiency retrofits and paying for them over time. While the second is a combination of Tax-Increment Financing Districts on downtown properties and an annual 3% dividend paid back from the Convention Center intake rather than refunding the advertising budget. These should shore up funds quickly for housing solutions.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

My vision is to invest in public safety and affordable housing. I would like to create an “ecosystem” of wrap-around services that address public safety issues before, during, and after incidents happen. I would like to see our Office of Community Safety and other partners collaborate to serve our community’s public health and safety needs. I would like to see the creation of more housing. This means partnering with developers to create new housing and maintain existing housing options.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

Every person has the right to stable, affordable and safe housing and no one should have to live outside. Encampments pose serious public health and safety issues for both those living in them and those living near them. I don’t believe encampments are a legitimate way to address homelessness. This is not just a city issue. State, county, and city governments need to continue to invest in and expand services for getting people off the streets–not keeping them there.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

I agree that our neighborhoods and city need more commercial opportunities. Ward 4 has few options for families to go out for dinner, coffee, or just to get groceries. I support creating more opportunities for small businesses to exist throughout more of our city, however, I also think neighbors and the experts need to be looped into the process and consulted prior. I think anywhere in the city where the experts and neighbors are on board is appropriate for low-impact small businesses.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

I think it is important for there to be more housing options near high-frequency transit since a large proportion of our population relies on public transit to get around. If there is a greater supply of housing near transit, it means more people will be able to take advantage of it.

Rent control might have a short-term positive impact for some renters, but it will make the problem worse in the long run. For the last 20 years, the average rent in Minneapolis increased between 1.5% and 2.5% each year, so a 3% yearly cap would mean a higher-than-average increase. We need actual solutions: increasing rental assistance, preserving affordable housing, reducing cost barriers for developing low-income housing, holding landlords accountable and supporting higher density housing.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

A Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act policy would allow a lot of people in my community to become first-time homeowners and build inter-generational wealth. However, I will defer to the experts since I do not have all the facts for the potential benefits and consequences of a policy like this.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund has been instrumental in the production, preservation, and stabilization of deeply affordable housing in Minneapolis. I have seen it in action and can confirm that it is highly effective. I support increasing the funding for it.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

First, we have to get rid of people in office who are bought and paid for. We have to put people in seats that speak the “voice” of the people and not money, then we can start to build a better Minneapolis. As long as we have “pay to play” members, there will continue to be problems. The equitable way is to get rid of Mayor Frey and most of the current city council leadership and replace them with people like me who “actually” care for the people and do the work for the people.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

It’s Housing Advocacy Organization’s job to help people get stable and permanent housing, not Council Members. What we can do is write policies that will help to protect them from eviction and abuse from landlords. The city is a slumlord, and they should never evict anyone from encampments because there are “land acknowledgements,” and if the city knows this land belongs to indigenous people, give them their land back and help pay for what they need.

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

Minneapolis has enough coffee shops, restaurants, and corner stores. Minneapolis needs to use money that was allocated to build housing for indigenous people some years ago and start the infrastructure for that. My question to the “Mayor” is what happened to the $40M that was allocated for this project? I would like to know.

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

Instead of building that Upper Harbor Terminal, which no one wants, they could use that land to build tri-plexes, duplexes, etc. Minneapolis has plenty of land, plenty of abandoned houses and buildings that are not being occupied and remodel these vacancies to help curve the population of homelessness.

Rent stabilization is not important right now. Homelessness is. Everything is set up against tenants, i.e., courts, police, landlords, Minnesota Department of Housing, and even the city. No one is being held accountable. We need solid representation of what it means for tenants to be protected and then we can talk about rent stabilization. In addition, let’s come up with something that helps lower rent by 3% instead of increasing it. Protect the renter first!

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

[No Response]

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

I don’t support increasing “affordable housing funding” because it hasn’t worked in the past and where is the money that is supposed to help? No one is implementing anything to help renters and the unhoused. Not even housing organizations. My frustrations lie with the “housing” industry. Everyone receives funding to “say” their doing the work, and nothing gets done. I would like to know where the money is going. Thus, the reason for this survey.

Candidate has not responded yet.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

Representing North Minneapolis, my community feels the impact of these decisions to this day. I believe a neighborhood can and should develop but that development should not displace residents who have made that neighborhood their home. All new development considered should be considered through the lens of remedying past harms like redlining and exclusionary zoning.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

I believe the goal should be to get all people into safe, secure, and dignified housing. I do not believe encampment evictions get us any closer to that goal. I will work to expand and provide diversified housing options including perpetually affordable homeownership, and increased funding for public housing. Scattering people to the shadows of our city puts an undue burden on all residents, disconnects our unhoused neighbors from resources that could help them exit homelessness.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

When I first came into office, the number one thing that I heard is that businesses in my community have been historically denied access to capital. While many entrepreneurs are in the Northside almost none of them owned the buildings they operated out of. It’s why I’ve worked diligently to create and fund what is now the Commercial Property Development Fund (CPDF), because our residents deserve to have a stake and ownership in our Business Corridors.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

I have supported increased density in my entire tenure in office. Minneapolis in many ways has led on the elimination of single family zoning and on exclusionary zoning. While anti-displacement always has to be a consideration as we transition to a more dense city, I believe good policy making can ensure no one has to lose as we create more housing options for people. I will continue to support increased density near transit infrastructure and in general if re-elected.

Yes

I support rent stabilization. Any rent stabilization policy we pass should understand and address the specific needs of Minneapolis. There are as many rent control policies as there are cities with rent control, Minneapolis should be no different. I support a strong policy but am flexible on how we get there. The goal is to reduce the average rise in rents over time in a way that is focused on protecting the rights of renters, and cares for their stability.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

I am co-authoring the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act because it reduces the likelihood that tenants are displaced with buildings coming under new ownership, and provides a path to enduring and generational wealth. TOPA also gives tenants leverage when the building is sold so that if they are displaced in sale it is not with nothing in hand. Additions like a municipal banking option, or partnership with banks to support first time home buyers should be considered to strengthen this policy.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

I support increasing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund because it provides critical gap financing. When the AHTF allocated money to the Shelby Housing Project in my Ward it made a tangible difference. It provided critical help to low-income families, our unhoused neighbors, and people with disabilities to have access to housing that they otherwise would not be able to. I’ve seen the difference the AHTF makes and I will advocate and vote for continued investment.

Candidate has not responded yet

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

First I want to find a solution for the vagrancy and homelessness that’s rampant throughout the cities one that’s compassionate but also provides fruits such as Jobs and more stable living conditions. I believe a solution to one of these issues would be to curb tail and will change the direction of this light rail project which is destined to destroy neighborhoods in this place people. So by stopping or altering projects to be more eco-friendly / nature friendly.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

Because these people are just that people they must be treated with the utmost respect. I would want to turn there in campus into a temporary campground while the city council and the mayor come up with real comprehensive effective and humane solutions for this issue. So a temporary fix again would be to make their encampments temporary campgrounds while we work diligently on the issue

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

I believe our city has been uniquely impacted negatively over the last 4 years due to covid and the George Floyd tragedy. Businesses have left the twin cities have closed everywhere but more so here. One of my own initiatives is a beautification of the neighborhood by the businesses so that we can draw more businesses to have outside eating places on the north side and other spots much like uptown.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

I live in a duplex. My neighborhood is beautiful I rent and I have personal pride for where we live. Anything that gives someone the ability to have a home and a nice neighborhood should be not just applauded but sought after. The American dream is to have a home even if you don’t own it. Anything that helps increase that I’m for.

Yes

I believe the quickest way to destroy someone’s life is to remove their home. Increasing one’s rent by leaps and bounds is tentative to asking the tenant to commit suicide. You’re asking this person to kill themselves to give up most of the money they make simply to have a roof over their head. If rent is to increase it should increase from the original amount after two years of residence by 1% each year off of the original amount. That makes sense to me at least.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

It’s a good idea when the people that live there actually have control of the living space. I believe it’s often that these landlords sell to other landlords and places become slum apartments. Unresponsive landlords looking to make a quick Buck off of hard-working people because they got the inside scoop. If the tenants want to buy the building let them buy the building they know what’s going on there and they know what needs to be done.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

Because they’ve helped me. It’s very hard in the world as everyone knows. I’ve been down on my rent and I’ve had to seek their assistance. I’m in fact suffering from some of the issues that have been posed to me as questions. As a part-time worker for Lunds I believe it’s an essential that the people of the community help drive the policies of the community. I think that’s me I hope it’s me.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

I’ll prioritize community-driven development, preserving neighborhood identity through resident involvement – guided by the 2040 plan. Affordable housing is vital. We’ll tackle barriers, expand initiatives, promote mixed-income housing, and establish pathways through a social housing developer ordinance. Safe, stable homes for all are attainable.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

My strategy addresses encampments with empathy, offering practical solutions. As the son of refugees, I understand the struggle of losing a home. Unregulated encampments aren’t sustainable, posing risks and perpetuating cycles. We must find better solutions, ensuring safety and dignity for all. I’ll advocate for ‘safe sleeping sites’ under city control to break the encampment cycles and provide support.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

I’m fully behind expanding these small businesses, fostering vibrant neighborhoods with accessible services. Zoning limits have held back local business, yet history demonstrates mixed land use cultivates strong communities. Legalizing businesses in more areas bolsters resilience, local pride. Data confirms distributed businesses boost the economy, jobs, property values. Encouraging small businesses revitalizes economies, enhances safety, and builds community.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

I fully back higher density near transit hubs for an inclusive, sustainable city. It aligns with progressive zoning trends and boosts transit use, affordability, and green living. The model from Washington state is worth emulating, concentrating development around transit creates complete neighborhoods, supports local growth, and reduces congestion. I’m committed to this forward-looking approach that benefits all of Minneapolis

Yes

I strongly support rent stabilization in Minneapolis. The housing crisis demands action. Rent control has worked in other cities, stabilizing affordability and preserving diverse communities. I advocate capping rent hikes at 3%, preventing displacement, and creating a publicly-owned Social Housing developer. Housing is a right, and we need a comprehensive approach to ensure stability for all.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

I’m a strong proponent of TOPA in Minneapolis. Empowering renters to invest in their communities is crucial. TOPA policies curb displacement, fostering resilient neighborhoods. Giving renters first refusal secures housing and engagement. This policy aligns with my commitment to affordable housing, community strength, and equitable development.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

I support increasing AHTF funding in Minneapolis. With over 45% of renters burdened by housing costs, urgency is clear. AHTF effectively creates affordable homes, positively impacting vulnerable communities. Increased funding generates economic growth- $1 invested yields $2.78 locally. Reallocating the budget, seeking grants, and considering property tax hikes are viable funding approaches. AHTF is a sound investment for housing security and economic vitality.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

I’m a realtor and have done work for the Just Deeds Project, which works to remove racially toxic restrictions in real estate deeds. The recently adopted Climate Equity Plan is an ambitious set of goals that addresses racial inequity in a climate context. Our Green Zones will receive attention first as they are areas that have historically suffered the greatest environmental inequities, and they mirror the geography of racial inequity. The plan works to address these inequities simultaneously.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

I support the City’s efforts to create deeply affordable housing, especially projects with wrap-around services for substance treatment, trauma-informed mental health counseling and other services. Avivo Village is one project to replicate, taking advice from experts to make improvements. The State recently approved a metro sales tax increase to bolster affordable housing supply and housing stability. Some funding goes directly to cities and I will fight to make Minneapolis a major beneficiary.

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

People should have easy access to services they need for their life and it should not require a car. Most parts of Minneapolis have existing adjacent commercial areas where basic essentials are located. Locating businesses in residential areas should be considered on a case-by-case basis, but traffic, parking and other infrastructure needs make it challenging to see how these assets integrate into neighborhoods. I do not think we need this sweeping zoning change.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

I do support increased density near transit assets and high volume thoroughfares. I don’t think every site is the right site for a 3-unit or larger building, but I do support greater saturation. I think architectural character needs to play a role so our neighborhoods retain their beauty and charm but density is going to be required to meet our goals and density near transit makes a lot of sense.

A rent control ordinance means housing providers have a tougher time building housing. Lenders tend to balk at projects that are financially handicapped by such an ordinance. As housing development is curtailed, rental units become more scarce and therefore more valuable, placing an upward pressure on rents. People who hold leases at the inception of the ordinance might benefit, but all future renters face scarce units and higher prices. Rent control can hurt the population it seeks to protect.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

Tenants should have the right of first refusal to purchase. The price needs to be set by a purchase agreement or letter of intent. The process outlined in Minneapolis is overly complicated and places a huge administrative burden on the seller and prospective tenant-buyers. I would like to simplify and expedite the process. The timelines proposed are much too lengthy so many market-rate buyers will simply look to other cities instead of purchasing a property in Minneapolis.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

I support increased AHTF funding. It’s vital to ensuring the long-term viability of existing affordable housing stock and encouraging new affordable development. This program is great because it gives landlords incentive to keep their units affordable, and incentivizes new development by covering capital costs. General fund revenue collected through the levy should be a primary funding source, plus there are state and federal grants that support the Fund that the City must continue to pursue.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

Equitable and restorative housing in Minneapolis means expanding the choices that residents have in our city and expanding pathways to homeownership. Affordable housing works best when it is integrated into neighborhoods throughout the city, not concentrated in one area. A just housing market takes real commitment and investment at the city level. We need to deepen our commitment to building a better Minneapolis.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

We need a humane approach to addressing safety concerns associated with unsheltered homelessness. I will work to introduce a public health and data-driven Housing First policy to create more shelter space in Minneapolis and remove barriers to accessing shelters, adding co-ed and gender neutral options, and piloting safe use sites.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

We need to allow low-impact small businesses throughout Minneapolis. Locally-owned small businesses strengthen neighborhoods and local communities. I’m pleased to see the recent changes in land-use code, like expanding maximum grocery store square footage to 20k in the new residential mixed-use districts. There is much still to do to support small businesses, on council I will advocate for more mixed-use development and commercial properties that are affordable for small businesses owners.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

As we strengthen our transit system to become more frequent and reliable, we need to be investing in transit-oriented development. Density near major transit supports ridership and allows more riders to easily get to their job, school, business, or recreational destination without having to own a car.

We need to produce more affordable housing and preserve the affordable housing we currently have. I support direct rental assistance and strong tenant protections, inclusionary zoning, and expanding our housing options to ensure affordability.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

We need to do more in Minneapolis to prevent displacement and build strong neighborhoods. I support TOPA, but more needs to be done around this policy. We cannot allow preemptive displacement through predatory rent increases prior to sale to force displacement and we also cannot allow for excessive delays in the sale of the home.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

We need to be producing and preserving affordable & mixed-income housing projects in Minneapolis to ensure affordability in our city. I will work to increase funding to AHTF through the budgeting process.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

The median black family in the Twin Cities area earns $38,000 a year which is less than half of the median white family income of $85,000 a year. This income inequality gap is one of the largest in the nation. The state of Minnesota as a whole has the second biggest income inequality gap between blacks and whites in the entire nation. This is something we have to restore as whole on multiple different levels. I will advocate for more equitable city at all times am the people’s champ.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

I will advocate to keep them safe and come up with the best policies with the people living there and organizing there to empower by knowledge.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

Downtown and Uptown Minneapolis.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

I agree we been dealing with this for far too long.

Yes

I would support all the policies above.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

Yes, I agree this is excellence program. I would recommend other city’s adopt the policy.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

The fund serves as a flexible financial tool for addressing the current crisis of housing affordability in Minneapolis. There’s already a lot of racial disparities and homeownership.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

The Minneapolis my neighbors and I want is a city in which everyone has access to safe and stable housing. We want transit that makes it possible for all of us to get to any part of our city, without having to own a car. To do this we need to take reparative actions to address our history of land theft, displacement, redlining, the destruction of BIPOC communities to make way for freeways and gentrification. This work is essential to building a city where everyone is welcome, safe, and cared for

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

Homelessness is a solvable problem. Our neighbors are currently living in encampments because we are making policy choices that ensure we don’t have enough housing to accommodate everyone who needs it. Encampments are the natural result of decades of policies that were designed to maximize profits, not prioritize people. To end encampments we need new money and new public housing units, as well as investments in supportive housing solutions and shared housing solutions like SROs.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

Low-impact businesses improve our neighborhoods. They help us meet our daily needs without having to travel across town. They provide us with shared spaces to connect with neighbors. They help us to feel more connected to our communities and give us a sense of place. We should allow and encourage low-impact businesses throughout the city as part of our commitment to building complete and walkable neighborhoods, as well as part of our commitment to building a more climate resilient city.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

We’re lucky to live in the city that is the cultural and economic engine of this state. Our neighborhoods are vibrant communities that people want to live in. There are already more people who want to live here than we have housing for. We need significantly more housing than we have currently, which means we have to become denser. And the best way to build density into a city is transit-oriented development near major transit stops.

Yes

I support a strong rent stabilization policy that includes just cause protection for renters. When rent increases push people out of their homes there are huge hidden costs that are especially burdensome for the most vulnerable among us. Housing stability is essential for healthy families and safe communities. That’s why we have to prioritize policies like rent stabilization with a 3% cap, without carve-outs like vacancy decontrol and new construction exemptions.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

We’re a majority renter city, which means most of us are at risk of losing our homes if our landlord decides to sell our building. It’s up to the city to enact policies that can help protect people from being forced from their homes if landlords decide to sell. We need TOPA policies to require landlords to cooperate with renters who want to purchase their homes, along with supportive infrastructure to make it possible for cooperatives to access the financial services necessary for purchase.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

Increasing AHTF Funding is going to require many creative solutions. The first and most important is passing a public housing levy. This can help free up some of our current housing dollars for re-investing in the AHTF. We can also establish more inclusionary zoning standards, while increasing fees developers have to pay when they deviate from those standards. Those fees could be specifically earmarked for AHTF spending. These are just a few ways to increase AHTF funding, I am open to more.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

My vision for a more equitable Minneapolis involves rectifying historical injustices. By dismantling systemic barriers like redlining and exclusionary zoning, the city can promote affordable housing and mixed-income neighborhoods. Engaging marginalized voices ensures inclusive policymaking. I aspire to rebuild trust, acknowledge past wrongs, and create a Minneapolis that uplifts all residents, irrespective of their background, to cultivate a harmonious and vibrant city for generations to come.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

My top priority policy will be to House the Unhoused and provide mental health and substance abuse support. It is imperative that we take immediate action to provide this population with safe and dignified shelter. To address this issue, I am proposing the establishment of a dedicated $30 million dollar fund for sanctioned emergency shelters. Once alternatives exist for current encampments I will support clearing of existing encampments.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

In Ward 8, the shopping and dining area on Chicago Avenue is a good example of the type of mixed-use commercial area I support. For neighborhood vitality and ease of access, clustering mixed-used small businesses together will allow them to attract customers and bring vibrancy. Supporting small businesses is one of the foundations of my campaign. Too often the city has disregarded the needs of small business in their planning. It often seems they listen to downtown voices and ignore others.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

Since the Pandemic, public transportation has seen a 50% decrease is ridership. At this point, we need to look at whether current funding and planning is aligned with new work habits. While I support high-density development near major transit, it won’t make sense if people are choosing to live outside urban areas. City planners can exam whether more nimble transportation is needed, such as Metro Mobility. My goal is to deliver effective, practical solutions.

While some support a fixed cap, my alternative proposal is a progressive tax system for landlords and developers. This system would increase the tax rate in proportion to rent increases, discouraging excessive hikes and holding landlords accountable for affordable housing. The revenue generated from this tax could fund rental assistance programs and strengthen emergency shelters. It addresses affordability, supports vital services, and promotes fairness in the housing market.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

There needs to be as many opportunities as possible to increase opportunities to build wealth for those that have been shut out of the status quo. If renters are committed to a property and willing to invest the time, energy, and commitment to maintaining the property, I think providing them the opportunity to purchase the property increases opportunity to maintain fair rents and build wealth.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

I support the revival of a dedicated property tax levy to fund The Affordable Housing Trust Fund. However, it is important to consider implementing a progressive tax system where the percentage of taxation varies based on the level of benefit individuals derive from higher home prices and rents. The concentration of wealth has contributed to the lack of affordable housing and it is essential that those who have benefited the most from the current economic system contribute a larger share.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

I believe housing is a human right. Repairing historic harms should be at the center of the City’s land use, housing, and development policies. We must prioritize anti-displacement policies like rent stabilization, Tenant Opportunity to Purchase, just cause eviction protection, right to return, commercial and residential land trusts, and commercial and residential tenant protections.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

We need a humane, public health centered encampment response. I worked with CMs Payne and Chavez to pass a humane encampment response package, which was vetoed by the Mayor. City resources shouldn’t be used to evict encampments. The City should provide encampments with public health services like bathroom facilities, hand-washing stations, and safe needle disposal. The City must work with partners across jurisdictions to increase the availability of low-barrier, service-rich housing options.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

Low-impact small businesses are one tool in building service-rich communities. Residents should be able to walk to a coffee shop or convenience store in every neighborhood. We must be thoughtful about increasing access to local ownership and incentivizing small businesses that meet the neighborhood’s needs. The City should increase dedicated funding for city programs that ensure locally-owned businesses and BIPOC entrepreneurs are able to build, operate, and be supported.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

I support incentivizing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure. If we want to meet our climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled, residents need to be able to meet their daily needs while using public transit. We know that transit riders are also disproportionately working class and BIPOC. Making sure they’re able to access goods and services easily means allowing and incentivizing density along high-frequency transit infrastructure.

Yes

As a renter, someone who has experienced housing instability, and Councilmember to a 80% renter community, I support rent stabilization. After months of deliberating, the Rent Stabilization Work Group recommended a strong policy to the City Council: a 3% cap on yearly rent increases, vacancy control, no carve outs for new development, and an exemption for capital improvement. I trust the experts who gave us this recommendation and I’ll continue to champion this strong policy.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

Tenant Opportunity to Purchase has been a core demand of the housing justice movement for years. I’m proud to co-author the City’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase policy with Councilmember Ellison. A strong TOPA policy is a tool for building community wealth, increasing access to homeownership, and closing the homeownership gap.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

I support increasing funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. I also support efforts to re-assess the criteria for investing in projects to ensure the housing the City is helping fund matches our community’s needs. Right now, the AHTF funds units at 30% AMI, units for youth, and units for LGBTQIA+ residents the least despite these units being the most desperately needed. I will continue working with CM Chavez to ensure this work is prioritized when the criteria is approved again next year.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

My vision is for a City that is both Safe. & Sound. SAFE means investments in building community by fully (equitably) supporting our Neighborhood Associations, and holding a thoughtful social agenda that cares for the whole community. SOUND means focusing on the things that improve our daily lives and make our City shine, including prioritizing maximum density in areas to create affordability and access to our City’s amenities and natural assets.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

I’m in support of purposeful expansion of Avivo’s village model that includes individual units and access to significant supports, but without time limitations or coercion for the resident.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

For me this depends heavily on the type of business. I appreciate and value the street level business nodes we have but many of them have been ill-served by reductions in parking. Identifying expansion opportunities should be tied to the definition of low-impact and type of business. Key is, does the land use serve the neighborhood?

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

It makes absolute sense to reach maximum density in existing transit corridors as described above. Folks have opted in and will opt in to major transit as a benefit of these locations.

My belief is that policy will not protect those most in need of assistance, will hinder development of new housing stock and confuse the marketplace.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

Important – there are upsides and downsides to TOPA and COPA. If the stated goal is anti-displacement, I would like to explore whether and how to craft policy to protect NOAH, including from 3rd party developers or corporatization. As a moderate, I’d be seeking a balanced, market-friendly approach to economic empowerment for traditionally disenfranchised groups.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

I support AHTF as one of many important resources and would fund it with any Federal Grant opportunities as we’ve seen cities do with ARPA funds these last few years.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate answers are in red.

Given our history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeways, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what is your vision for an equitable and restorative way of building a better Minneapolis for all?

Known as the Jim crow of the north, the patterns formed from racially restrictive covenants are felt, especially in ward 13. We need more inclusive zoning and deeply affordable housing initiatives to help those that have historically been the most effected by our inequitable history. We need to enrich neighborhoods that were redlined to help build a better minneapolis.

Encampments of unhoused people have become common on public land in Minneapolis in recent years. Will you oppose clearing of encampments? [Yes/No]

Yes

What will you do (if anything) to protect the people who see encampments as their best housing option, to connect them to a safe and stable permanent home?

We must adopt a housing first policy, which countries around the world have seen great success with. Providing emergency shelter, access to basic services, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment is critical.

Yes

Please elaborate on where (if at all) you think low-impact small businesses are appropriate in Minnesota’s largest city.

These businesses create diverse and vibrant urban environments that increase the quality of life for all, they also minimize environmental footprint. Low impact small business can blend into residential areas, providing access to locals without generating excessive traffic or noise. Additionally main streets which can be great commercial corridors as well as mixed use zoning developments, truly enhancing neighborhoods.

Yes

Please elaborate on why you do or do not support allowing increased density near our high-frequency transit infrastructure.

Cities all around the world have magnificent public transportation systems while minneapolis leaves a lot to be desired. I support increased density near our high frequency transit infrastructure for many reasons; reducing traffic and encouraging people to use public transportation, as well as environmental sustainability. This also allows a diverse range of people to access jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services more easily, regardless of their ability to afford a car.

Yes

Rent stabilization is not a solution, but allows renters to stay in their communities and homes. Data shows a $100 increase in median rent created a nine percent increase in homelessness. With numbers like this we have to protect our communities. We need to implement stabilization on the unit not renter and an end to vacancy decontrol which displaces renters so they can raise the rent.

Yes

Explain why you do or do not support a TOPA policy.

Turn an opportunity to purchase is a great way to actually preserve affordable housing, which is so needed at a time where there is so little. Additionally it reduces the risk of displacement and is an amazing pathway to home ownership.

Yes

If you do support increasing the funding for the AHTF, why? How would you fund it?
If you do not support increasing the funding for the AHTF, please explain why not?

providing financial resources to create to help the people of our city is critical. Housing has outpaced income growth and we need to address this. This prevents displacement and supports potentially vulnerable populations. Impact fees can help fund this.

The 2023 Minneapolis City Council Housing Questionnaire Responses

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