Transform our Parkways
Opening up our parkways to prioritize pedestrians during the onset of the pandemic revealed the true value of the spaces surrounding our wonderful parks.
As Commissioner I supported and fought for efforts that would transform our parkways into pedestrian-oriented community space, in a targeted and thoughtful approach.
Improve Safety and Make Room for People
It has been decades since many of these parkways have been established or modified in some way. In that time, our city has grown by tens of thousands. Our pathways have become overburdened and cramped, it is time to make room for people. We have also seen the rise of chaotic and dangerous driving on our parkways. This is unacceptable. By creating pedestrian centered spaces, we are creating safe and secure family friendly park spaces free from reckless individuals.
Creative Barrier Installations
I support the installation of gates, temporary barriers, and raisable bollards on certain parkways to allow for temporary openings for pedestrian use on weekends, good weather days, or special events.
Clear Access for All
I will continue policies that allow our disabled neighbors to have clear access to everything our parks have to offer. I would only support plans that allow unfettered access for emergency services.
Adapt for a New Generation of Park Users
Our parks and recreation services are at their best when they are in use. Many of our fields, facilities, and recreation activities have fallen out of use as our city’s demographics and the priorities of park users have shifted.
Re-imagine existing spaces
As Commissioner I pursued the conversion of our underutilized fields into well-maintained soccer fields, skate parks, pickle ball and basketball courts, and other activities growing in popularity.
Continue Spark’d Studios
I supported the MPRB Spark’d Studios initiative where Minneapolis youth can explore alternative recreation activities such as audio and video recording, graphic design, and other tech-focused hobbies. We must adapt to new generations, remain flexible in our programming.
Ensure safety for youth
We need to meet our youth where they are and tune our services to their desires. My goal is to provide safe and structured environments for our youth no matter the activity.
Work towards universal youth programming
I was a strong advocate for free youth programming during my first term. Our ultimate goal must be universal free programming for all youth so everyone can participate in our park system, no matter what.
Fight for Equity
Many of our parks continue to bear the names and statues of our racist past, I will continue to work to return these areas to their original names, or rename them in a way that honors traditions the local community wishes to uphold.
In my first term I served on our racial equity sub-committee and was a strong advocate for amending our budget process to make racial equity considerations central to Commissioner budget amendments.
Innovative programming for young adults of color
I will continue to invest in innovative programs that include workforce pathways for young adults of color. We secured major legislative funding thanks to this support.
Climate Justice
I will utilize my firsthand experience advocating for environmental justice with CEAC, and MCEA, to advance resiliency and climate justice goals across our park system.
Invest in anti-racism work
I will continue the investment in anti-racism work for all MPRB staff. I am also in full support of our Indigenous Action plan which seeks to reform a toxic historic relationship.
Reform Open-Liquor Policy
As a city, we can move forward with a practical and safe open liquor law that allows adults to drink responsibly and safely in the open. The reality is that drinking in public already exists both barely hidden, and at certain city-sanctioned events.
The Twin Cities metro is seeing a rise in “social districts” after the resounding success that Anoka found; with Blaine, Stillwater and Shakopee considering the new districts that allow open consumption of liquor. These districts add a positive atmosphere which create a unique and dynamic experience in an urban environment. As your Commissioner I will support the exploration of these policies within our park system.
Make Minneapolis a destination city
Reforming our open liquor laws will help to boost tourism, business, and the reputation of Minneapolis as a destination city.
Increase where and when liquor is allowed
As your Commissioner, I moved to increase the number of events run by the Park Board, and on park land where open liquor is allowed. Even working to win a legislative victory related to this issue.
My Record
I stand by my voting record on a number of critical and contentious issues that came before the board. My votes are based on what I believe is best for our community and the long-term future success of our park system.
Supported an open parkway pilot.
Supported the ecological plan for Hiawatha Golf Course.
Stood with our union workers as they fought for fair wages and benefits
Voted against a green washing carbon credit program that benefits anti-climate corporations like Center Point.
Voted to save critical youth coordinator positions.
Fought against the re-criminalization of marijuana.
Stood with community members and advocated for the preservation of Minnehaha Dog Park.
I was steadfast in my support of the North Commons project.
Repeatedly fought against anti-transit motions.
Supported ADA ramp to improve Greenway accessibility.
Advocated for increased green space and completion of Uptown Mall long-range plan.