In this interview with Becka Thompson, we learned a lot about why she decided to run for the Ward 12 City Council seat, as well as the experience and skills she hopes to bring to the role. In addition to being elected as the District 2 Park Board Commissioner, Becka serves on the City Planning Commission alongside the Ward 12 incumbent, Aurin Chowdhury.
Becka’s background in math could be a valuable asset to the City Council, especially as it continues to disburse millions of dollars in loans and grants to nonprofits. For example, the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee—of which Chowdhury is a member—recently approved a loan extension for the Cielo Sin Límites cooperative housing project. On April 17, the full Council approved the extension, and it is now awaiting Mayor Frey’s signature.
At the time of the interview, I wasn’t aware of this loan. Had I known, I would have asked Thompson how she would vote on such a measure. Is it in the city’s best interest to extend loans to cooperatives that have implemented rent control on properties purchased with the city’s help? If the finances were sound, one could argue that city involvement might not have been necessary in the first place.
This loan may be legitimate. However, it reminds me a bit of doing the sniff test on a carton of milk. Sometimes you take a whiff and you’re not quite sure—it could be sour, could be close, or it might be fine. Depending on how hungry you are, you might take your chances and pour it on your cereal.
How much the city should be spending on affordable housing projects—versus Hennepin County or the state—is an important question. We continue to hear that budgets and federal funds are likely to be reduced or eliminated under a Trump administration. If Minneapolis is required to trim its budget to make up for shortfalls, having someone with a background in math and systems thinking could be especially appealing to voters. We’ll need leaders who can prioritize and make smart, strategic adjustments.
Ward 12 residents can speak with Becka Thompson in person at her town hall:
Tuesday, April 29 @ 6:30 PM – Longfellow Recreation Center
A follow-up question residents could ask Thompson is whether she supports the idea of a municipal bank. I’ve heard other City Council members express support for the concept. If such a bank helped separate decisions about funding nonprofits and cooperatives from the City Council, the idea might have merit.
The DFL has yet to acknowledge that many residents have lost faith in them. In our current system, there is too much room for organizations receiving grants and no-interest loans to influence elected officials at all levels of government. The recent controversy involving DFL Senate Leader Joe Champion is another example of a politician seemingly oblivious to the broader damage their actions can cause. He is accused of providing legal services to nonprofits he directed funds to while serving in the legislature.
Attorney General Keith Ellison found himself at the center of unwanted attention last week when recordings surfaced of him in conversation with members of the Feeding Our Future fraud network.
While public safety is understandably a top concern for most residents, voters should also be asking tougher questions about how public money is being spent. Specifically: What kinds of groups should the City Council be funding, and why? When incumbents can point to grants or no-interest loans they’ve directed toward specific organizations, it gives them a built-in advantage—those same groups often respond with campaign donations and get-out-the-vote efforts. This cycle of mutual benefit can blur the line between public service and political favoritism.
Interview Outline: Becka Thompson (Ward 12 Candidate)
1. Introduction
Interview opens with Becka introducing herself as a candidate for Ward 12.
Expresses strong personal connection to the neighborhood; raised in Minneapolis.
Background in education, acting, and public service.
2. Personal Background and Connection to Ward 12
Grew up in Longfellow neighborhood.
Lived in NYC and LA as an actor; returned in 2009 due to economic downturn.
Challenges returning: affordability, neighborhood changes, housing situation.
Currently lives in North Minneapolis; plans to move back to Ward 12 this summer.
3. Park Board Service and Achievements
Currently serves on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Chairs Administration & Finance Committee; also serves on Planning Commission and Audit Committee.
Notable accomplishments:
Secured ongoing funding for parkways and stormwater management.
Addressed labor issues.
Emphasizes collaborative, solutions-based governance.
4. City Council Candidacy and Motivation
Motivation rooted in love for the neighborhood and frustration with city governance.
Believes her transparency and structural thinking distinguish her from others.
5. Governance Style and Skills
Background in math and systems thinking; has an MBA in finance.
Advocates for structural, systems-level problem solving.
Frustrated by emotionally driven, one-off decisions at City Hall.
6. Top Campaign Issues
City Finances & Property Taxes
Concerned about downtown vacancies and rising taxes.
Emphasizes the need to attract businesses back and support residential conversion of commercial space.
Public Safety
Supports more officers and a structured approach to alternative public safety methods.
Favors lateral police hiring and better support for existing officers.
Small Business Recovery
Advocates for assistance to businesses affected by unrest and the 2040 Plan.
Proposes site-specific variances and direct outreach to landowners.
7. Planning Commission and Policy Insights
Discusses power dynamics and lack of accountability within the Planning Commission.
Cites experience pushing back on zoning decisions and recuperative care facility approvals.
Raises concerns about state pressure on city-level decisions.
8. Stance on Current City Council Policies
Opposes many recent policies, including:
Uber/Lyft regulations
Labor Standards Board
2024 budget (called it “the world of a thousand earmarks”)
Fruit vendor ordinance (calls it well-intentioned but flawed)
Believes the council lacks systems thinking and transparency.
9. Relationship with Mayor Jacob Frey
Supports giving Frey a third term.
Believes he’s shown integrity and deserves a council that can collaborate.
Would work with him on budget and public safety.
10. Personal Life and Interests
Loves Minneapolis’ lakes and parks; enjoys swimming, paddleboarding.
Active family life; humorous anecdote about “Donna,” a giant floating couch.
Describes herself as a person driven to empower others through systems change.
11. Closing Thoughts
Campaign website: vote4becka.com
Mentions dealing with impersonation and online attacks.
Emphasizes commitment to honesty, transparency, and local support.
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