Jim Meyer was a late entrant in the Ward 11 race, but he hopes to make up for lost time by door-knocking and engaging in community outreach. More about Jim Meyer can be found on his website:
https://www.jimmeyerminneapolismn.com/
Background and Experience
Jim Meyer, a lifelong Minneapolitan and Ward 11 resident, is a former radio student at KBEM who later became an entertainment reporter, corporate writer, and—after retraining—an LPN in long-term care. His nursing work led to union stewardship and public testimony on workplace issues, which he cites as proof he’ll “speak truth to power.” He has deep neighborhood roots on Chicago Ave., a stint living in Farmington to care for family, and decades observing City Hall (he grew up listening to council meetings on air).
Why He’s Running (and as an Independent)
Meyer entered the open Ward 11 race late, choosing to run as an independent on the ballot line “Budgetary Economic Stability.” He says escalating property taxes, limited budget restraint, and a “business-hostile” posture at City Hall prompted him, along with concerns that frontrunner messaging promises too much without clear limits. He argues campaigns now require prohibitive money and infrastructure, creating a “democracy access problem” that discourages outsiders from running.
Core Platform: Lower Taxes, Better Core Services, Honest Governance
Meyer’s three planks are (1) lower taxes via tighter budgeting and possible departmental consolidation; (2) better core services—especially policing, street safety, and basic city upkeep; and (3) honest and clear governance with more transparency in the strong-mayor era. He distinguishes capital vs. operating spending and wants cleaner lines among the city, county, and nonprofits to reduce duplication. He praises efforts to open up budget data and favors evaluating new departments created over the past decade.
Public Safety, Ward Dynamics, and Housing
On safety, Meyer prioritizes visible police patrols and tangible crime reduction over what he sees as Minneapolis’s tendency to build “elaborate” program ecosystems. He’s skeptical that the Office of Community Safety adds accountability. He describes Ward 11 as “two (or three) wards in one,” with the east side near light rail and Crosstown feeling more exposed to break-ins and car thefts since the 3rd Precinct move. On renter policy, he’s wary of rent control’s impact on housing supply but supports protections against abusive practices; he says renter issues are not the dominant concern in Ward 11.
Economic Growth, Campaign Notes, and What’s Next
Meyer ties budget relief to making Minneapolis friendlier to business and job growth, warning against relying on ever-higher levies. He backs more rigorous efficiency hunts across agencies and clearer accountability for nonprofit partners. He notes the practical hurdles of a late, low-budget run, says he focused outreach on Ward 11’s east side, and expresses admiration for fellow candidate Miriam DeMello’s public-safety focus. Win or lose, he frames the campaign as the start of deeper civic engagement and invites residents to review his record and ideas via his website.
