Council Member Andrea Jenkins has long been a distinctive voice in Ward 8 and across Minneapolis. In this interview, we discuss a range of issues that continue to shape the city. Though she’s not seeking re-election, Jenkins speaks with clarity and conviction about the challenges facing residents—and the limitations of what City Hall can realistically deliver.
While attention is currently fixed on the Ward 10 DFL convention scheduled for May 31, it’s this year’s budget process—already underway—that will shape the city’s direction in 2026. Incumbents like Jenkins still hold considerable influence.
As voters listen to candidates and consider endorsements, it’s worth pressing all of them—newcomers and incumbents alike—on how they plan to prioritize resources. The last-minute deal-making and political maneuvering we experienced in 2024 left many residents frustrated. Will this year be any different?
Local News Note: Why Your Support Matters
Local news is shrinking in Minneapolis. On May 12, Southwest Voices publisher Charlie Rybak announced the layoff of the outlet’s two paid editors, Melody Hoffman and Brianna Kelly. The newsletter will continue in some form, but Rybak is openly grappling with how to make the model sustainable.
This event raises questions about the future—not just for Southwest Voices, but for Better Minneapolis and local journalism more broadly. Interviewing local leaders, covering conventions and forums, and tracking city spending all take time and persistence. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Star Tribune devotes limited attention to city politics and is facing its own financial pressures. Southwest Voices relied on a mix of ads, foundation grants, and subscriptions—when any one of those falters, the whole model is at risk.
When I launched this newsletter, I didn’t know how it would sustain itself. My goal was simply to reflect voices and perspectives too often missing from mainstream coverage and online debate. Readership has grown exponentially, but paid subscriptions have not kept pace.
Foundation support would help. I’ve been reluctant to seek ads—selling, formatting, and managing them would be a job unto itself. Hiring a person to solicit advertising would likely consume any new revenue.
If you value what Better Minneapolis provides—independent reporting and commentary focused on local government—I ask you to consider becoming a paid subscriber.
There’s always a temptation to pivot toward national politics or broader state issues. Those topics might attract more readers and subscriptions. But I’d rather stay focused on Minneapolis: covering what happens here and holding local leaders accountable.
Thanks for reading, commenting, and being part of this work.
Outline of the Interview with Andrea Jenkins
I. Introduction and Personal Banter
II. Ward 8 Updates and Community Context
Jenkins expresses deep ties to Ward 8 through years of service.
Discusses redistricting and its effect on recent and current elections.
III. George Floyd Square and 5th Anniversary Events
Events organized by Rise and Remember: gala, festival, and religious ceremony.
National and international media interest in the square and ongoing changes.
Jenkins highlights Minneapolis as a national barometer for racial justice.
IV. Public Safety and Police Reform
Impact of state consent decree and reforms:
Mental health response integration.
Violence interrupters (implementation challenges and need for metrics).
Encouraging recruitment trends and monitoring group (LIPA) showing positive signs.
Community trust remains fragile.
V. Controversy Over George Floyd Square Design Plans
Frustration over council opposition to reopening the intersection.
Majority community support (per surveys) for a hybrid solution allowing transit flow.
Political motivations speculated (council vs. mayor dynamics).
VI. Reflections on City Council Work
Challenges of synthesizing diverse voices into cohesive policy.
Laments erosion of compromise in current council, rise of ideological rigidity.
Strong support for the strong mayor system for clearer accountability.
VII. Housing and Rent Stabilization
Minneapolis progress on affordable housing and rent stabilization compared to St. Paul.
Predicts only ~35% chance rent stabilization will resurface post-2025 election.
Advocates for continued strategic goal setting beyond five-year-old priorities.
VIII. Minneapolis DFL and Endorsement Process
Notes confusion and criticism over DFL endorsements and DSA influence.
Jenkins sees a political shift further left post-COVID and post-Floyd.
IX. Budget Priorities and Collaboration
Anticipates a difficult 2025 budget process due to election-year politics.
Jenkins prioritizes:
George Floyd Square redevelopment
Affordable housing and homelessness
Stresses budgeting based on community needs, not ideology.
X. Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI)
Strong ongoing support for GBI.
Emphasizes its success during pilot phase using ARPA funds.
Concerns about proposed income taxes on $200k+ households.
XI. Clarifying City vs. County Responsibilities
City responsible for infrastructure and public safety.
County responsible for health, homelessness, social services.
Advocates for more collaboration and better alignment of roles to prevent duplication.
XII. Closing Reflections
Jenkins urges incoming councilmembers to prioritize 38th Street and George Floyd Square.
Hopes for continued efforts on racial healing, economic revitalization, and basic income programs.
Ends with shared support for pragmatic, data-driven policymaking over ideological purity.
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