Campaign mailing address: as********@***********re.org
Office Sought: Minneapolis City Council Ward 2
Are you an Incumbent or Challenger: I am a challenger for this seat.
City of Residence: Minneapolis
How long have you lived in your community?
I have lived in Minneapolis since 2018.
Are you a Homeowner or Renter?
I am currently both a Homeowner and a Renter.
Do you own other real property (e.g. Business, Cabin, Investment, or Rental Property)? If so, which?
I own a rental duplex property.
Describe your civic and/or community engagement.
In my career, I’ve worked with dozens of organizations and initiatives that work to make life better for all Minnesotans. I served on the ECFE Advisory Council and later its Legislative Committee, was on the board of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), worked on the ISD 196 Special Education Advisory Council, served on the I35W Solutions Alliance, and was appointed to the City of Apple Valley Urban Affairs Committee. The strong relationships I built in my community led me to take a pivotal step in my grassroots organizing and start my first campaign for public office. I served as a DFL state legislator in the Minnesota House of Representatives representing the Apple Valley-Burnsville area.
What are the most important housing challenges facing your community?
In this Ward, the most important challenge is the lack of available housing for seniors wishing to downsize or for families wanting to move into single-family homes. Student housing is also an issue, and we must engage the University of Minnesota and Augsburg University in addressing this issue. Parking, public safety concerns, and lack of landlord enforcement have not been fully addressed to look at real solutions for these communities.
The Twin Cities Metro is facing a housing shortage unlike any we have experienced in recent history. What will you do to increase the number of homes available to residents of your community?
As the 2040 plan looks to address this problem with more density through rental properties, it is important to also allow for growth in single family homes, townhome developments, and condominiums.
Minnesota has one of the largest homeownership gaps between Whites and Blacks, Indigenous, and People of Color. This is one of MAR’s primary concerns. What would you propose at the local level to close this home ownership gap?
The most important programs we can use are programs that promote first-time homebuyers, down payment assistance, and look for opportunities to reduce building costs. Additionally, provide support for new homeowners with education and services available on maintaining their homes, credit counseling, and understanding property taxes and assessments.
How do you think your city can best balance the rights of tenants and property owners to effectively manage rental housing?
There are many programs in place to educate tenants on their rights, and property owners often are unaware of new regulations and programs to assist tenants. For smaller property owners with fewer than four units, the city should update its website with training videos. Larger building owners are aware of new ordinances through property management associations. Tenants will also benefit from easy to understand, plain language, WCAG website improvements. We have the ability to elevate many problems by just communicating with residents – both tenants and property owners.
What are your views on property tax rates in your community? Do you have concerns related to your city’s property tax rate? If so, how would you address those concerns once elected?
Property taxes have risen with 54% of the burden on homeowners. Commercial property owners are only covering 27% of property tax collections. This is a lopsided formula. To build strong homeownership in Minneapolis, we need strong business development with good-paying jobs that will stay in Minneapolis. We need good schools, public works, and public safety that will keep residents in Minneapolis. And, we need a strong, vibrant city downtown that brings in tourist dollars.
Please provide links to all social media accounts connected to you or your campaign.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ShelleyforMinneapolis (ShelleyforMinneapolis)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017545336 (Shelley Madore for Minneapolis City Council Ward 2)
Please list any notable endorsements for your campaign.
I have been endorsed by the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters and the Minneapolis Firefighters Association Local 82.
