Minneapolis Mayoral Candidates Address North Minneapolis Concerns at AALF Forum
Minneapolis mayoral candidates outlined their visions for the city, particularly focusing on North Minneapolis, during a forum hosted yesterday by the African American Leadership Forum (AALF).
The forum, held at The Capri Theatre, featured incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, Senator Omar Fateh, DeWayne Davis, Brenda Short, and Jazz Hampton, and centered on key issues like youth services, public safety, and economic prosperity. AALF Interim CEO Dera Beevas emphasized the organization’s commitment to community-driven policy, stating its focus on “community mobilization, leadership development and policy driven by community wisdom.” Candidates addressed a diverse audience of residents and organizers, with Dr. Yohuru Williams moderating the discussion.
Affordable housing and addressing homelessness were consistent priorities among all candidates; Mayor Frey highlighted his 4d Affordable Housing Incentive program, while Senator Fateh advocated for rent stabilization and the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. DeWayne Davis stressed the importance of investing in non-profit and public developers, particularly in historically disinvested neighborhoods, and proposed expanding the city’s homelessness response team. Discussions around public safety included support for a crime bill addressing Black hate crimes and police violence, with Fateh arguing, “These ‘bad’ kids you’re seeing in the media that are being portrayed negatively, they’re not failing us, it’s us failing them.” The Minneapolis Police Department is currently operating under a court-enforceable agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights aimed at reforming the department – a situation candidates acknowledged as a pivotal moment for change. You can learn more about the ongoing police reform efforts here.
Economic development in North Minneapolis was also a key focus, with candidates discussing the need to support local businesses and address historical inequities. Brenda Short emphasized informing business owners about available resources, while Fateh shared a story of a Black business owner forced to close due to lost foot traffic. Davis called attention to the Northside Forward investment plan, a 10-year framework designed to combat displacement and foster growth. Addressing the systemic issues, Davis stated, “Those were intentional actions that were taken [historically], we need to have intentional actions to undo it.” This forum comes at a critical juncture as Minneapolis continues to grapple with issues of racial and economic justice, as detailed in recent reports from the City of Minneapolis.
Officials stated that the AALF will continue to facilitate community engagement as the mayoral election approaches.
