Regardless of a candidate’s positions, we strive to assess their character. By this, we mean evaluating their ability to withstand pressure from lobbyists, irate residents, or even their own party members.
The ideal elected official—though no one is perfect—would be someone who carefully assesses the facts, listens to their constituents, and makes decisions that align with the values they’ve promised to uphold. This means making tough choices, even when they are unpopular or could cost them votes. Their role is to act in the city’s best interest—not just for today, but for the next five, ten, or fifteen years.
We aim to avoid candidates who simply tell voters what they want to hear to win an election. These individuals contribute to the widespread distrust of politicians. In fact, according to a 2024 Ipsos poll, only 15% of the population trusts politicians, placing them at the bottom of the list, tied with social media influencers.
As voters, we seek leaders with a broad, long-term perspective on public safety, economic development, and core city services. Better Minneapolis hopes that these podcast interviews help readers identify candidates capable of making the difficult, yet necessary, decisions for the future. Consider a paid subscription if you value this effort.
Demolition or Redevelopment?
For example, there are several ways to address the growing number of vacant office towers in downtown Minneapolis. One option is voluntary demolition. Evan Ramstad has discussed how this approach could reshape Detroit’s skyline, and a similar fate may await the Ameriprise Center in Minneapolis. Oddly enough, there is an incentive for building owners to demolish their properties, as reducing them to rubble can lower their tax burden. While advocates of adaptive reuse will likely oppose such demolitions, rebuilding from the ground up may make the most sense—both economically and for the city's future. How do you weigh the environmental impact against the long-term benefits of a new building that will serve the community for years to come?
Another approach, highlighted by Brianna Kelly for Downtown Voices, is financial incentives for redevelopment:
Two downtown Minneapolis firms are advocating for a statewide tax credit to encourage the transformation of underutilized buildings into new, in-demand spaces. Sherman Associates and Hempel Real Estate are part of a coalition lobbying at the Capitol for the Catalyzing Underused Buildings (CUB) credit, a six-year program designed to make costly conversion projects more financially viable for developers.
Is demolition or redevelopment more aligned with the DFL or the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)? It’s hard to say. These groups rarely take clear stances on such topics. What is clear, however, is that both options would reduce tax revenue—at least in the short term.
Determining the best path forward is one of the many difficult decisions we expect our elected officials to make. That’s why it’s crucial to listen carefully to candidates, ask tough questions, and take a leap of faith—hoping that this time, we choose a leader who can deliver real solutions for Minneapolis’ most pressing challenges.
Summary of Lydia Millard Interview
Lydia Millard is running for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 10. She brings a deep connection to the community and a passion for revitalizing Uptown. A Minneapolis native, she grew up in North Minneapolis and has lived in Uptown for the past five years. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Stevens Square Community Organization and manages logistics and strategic planning in Target's store operations.
Millard identifies public safety, small business support, and constituent services as Ward 10’s top priorities. She argues that crime, encampments, and drug-related issues have significantly altered Uptown’s atmosphere, making people hesitant to visit or invest in the area. She emphasizes the need to rebuild trust in law enforcement while also promoting alternative safety measures.
She is also deeply concerned about the loss of small businesses, with over 50 closures in the past five years. She advocates for stronger city support, including financial assistance during construction projects and policies that attract diverse, locally-owned businesses.
Millard criticizes the current city council for poor constituent communication and lack of professionalism, stressing the need for better collaboration and responsiveness. Her vision for Uptown is to restore its vibrancy, safety, and economic strength while fostering community engagement and civic pride.
Community Note
To hear about progress toward comprehensive safety in the Uptown neighborhood please attend “Uptown Safety Ambassadors. What is happening and when?” at the Uptown Theater on March 24th.
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