I have lived in North Minneapolis my whole life. I've navigated through what it's like to be a child and teen in North Minneapolis. I know what it's like to be a mother who has struggled financially - my children and I have experienced poverty and homelessness. I understand what it feels like to be a victim of crime, and a victim of the system.

 

Through everything, I earned a college degree, led several organizations, became a homeowner, and am raising beautiful, loving, and compassionate future leaders.

I know what it takes to work with all the departments of the city and other units of goverment, the business community, schools and parents, non-profits and community activists to get things done. I know how important it is for every single person in this community to be heard and valued.

I firmly believe that authentic engagement is the most important tool to create a healthy, vibrant, and inclusive city. I will not promise you to have all the answers, but I will promise to be transparent, to communicate openly, to be accessible, and to get as many community members and stakeholders as possible at the decision-making table to tackle issues that are affecting Northsiders every day.                                                                                                                                                            

-Kristel Porter