Why did you to apply for a seat on the Council?
I have been interested and involved in many aspects of the work at the Metropolitan Council over several years. Prior to being on the Council, I worked with a Health Equity Engagement cohort of consultants and other nonprofit leaders to inform and engage with community members along the proposed METRO Blue Line Extension (light rail) corridor. I applied for the seat because I wanted to use my business experience and my passion for economic and community development to help create strong communities and expand opportunities for more affordable and attainable housing and public transportation in communities across the region. My goal is to reduce economic disparities by infusing a stronger equity framework in the Council’s regional planning.
What are you most looking forward to during your service at the Council?
I’m looking forward to taking the good work of the Council to the next level through planning to achieve prosperity for all communities in the region. I believe cities working together to plan healthy, thriving communities while reducing economic and racial disparities fare better and are better positioned to succeed well into the future.
Within the Council’s work areas, what do you think is most on the minds of people in your district?
I believe everyone who values healthy communities is concerned about maintaining clean water and contributing to a healthy environment, a healthy housing market, and access to well-designed and well-run parks and recreation.
What will be your priority focus area in 2019?
My primary focus will be strengthening our planning process to assess and positively impact how we service and build thriving communities. I want to make sure there’s opportunity to achieving impactful and improved results in meeting our goals for all segments of the Twin Cities metropolitan region.
I serve on the following committees:
- Transportation Committee (Vice-chair)
- Community Development Committee
- Urban Land Institute Advisory Board
- Highway 252 Policy Advisory Committee
- METRO Blue Line Extension Corridor Management Committee
What are the biggest changes you would you like to see in the Twin Cities region by 2040?
I would like to have the Council partner with our cities, leaders, and communities to get ahead of the curve as we experience demographic shifts. It’s crucial that we plan and adjust as necessary to ensure our growing and diverse populations thrive and are well serviced according to their needs. I believe as we approach 2040 we need to continue with strong partnerships in planning and work in concert with other organizations and leaders to sustain the benefits we have and desire for all communities.
More personally, what do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like to work out, attend jazz and R&B concerts, dine out, and attend and support community and engagement events.