Anndrea Young: Responses to We Love Minneapolis candidate screener

The following are the responses to the candidate screener conducted by We Love Minneapolis:

Name: Anndrea Young

Website: https://anndreayoung4ward5.com/

Ward: Ward 5

Endorsements – Do you plan on seeking the endorsement of any political parties, groups, or organizations? DFL, Women Winning, The Sunrise Movement, MFT 59

Money raised in 2025: $2600

To what political parties and/or organizations do you belong (Ex: DFL, GOP, DSA, Green, Independent)? Please list all that apply: N/A

On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being most progressive and 10 being the most conservative, how would you rate yourself on the scale? 8

If elected, what will be your top three priorities? (500 characters): Anti-displacement/housing, Disparities/ Development, Restorative Practices: which is my approach to Public Safety, Economic Growth, Infrastructure

Current Property Taxes in Minneapolis: Are too high and should be reduced

The City has committed to transforming George Floyd Square in a way that honors community values and vision for the future. What option do you support for this transformation? A Pedestrian Plaza permanently closing the area to all vehicles and transit.

What concept do you support for 3000 Minnehaha Ave, the site of the former Third Police Precinct? Additional community engagement needed in order to decide

Do you support the City of Minneapolis moving forward a Boycott, Divestment and Sanction policy against Israel where possible? No

Do you support the removal of I-94 through Minneapolis and replacement with a boulevard and/or public transit? Yes

The City of Minneapolis has a Separation Ordinance in place preventing city employees from asking about immigration status – do you support this ordinance? Yes

What should the City do to generate missing revenue as downtown building values fall? Support developers transitioning the underused spaces into culturally residential and commercial spaces full of art. Create public event hosting and transportation hubs. Partner with small businesses and offer them the opportunity to bring their ideas into the downtown district. Empower Businesses Improvement Districts with extra tools to reinvest in downtown amenities and enhance economic growth.

What is the appropriate role of the City Council in developing policy and providing services under the ‘Executive Mayor’ system? The appropriate role of the City Council in developing policy and providing services under the Executive Mayor’s system is to ensure transparency in decision-making and that policies meet the needs of all citizens. Be the direct voice of the people by advocating and representing community issues, create community engagement through public meetings and constituents feedback. The council can now work more productively on policies and ordinances that strengthens the direction of the city. And now has the power to review, modify, or reject budget proposals, ensuring that public funds are allocated in line with community priorities. Lastly the council can hold the Mayor accountable by their performance and the execution of city services through regular hearings, performance reviews, and public reporting.

What would you prioritize in immediate future city budgets? Expansion of municipal functions into areas like social services, financial services, and other areas like municipal banking, sidewalk shoveling, and municipal grocery stores.

Should a Labor Standards Board be revisited, its composition should be: Business and Labor have equal representation.

If you answered “something else” in the previous question, please explain here: Increased vibrancy and activity downtown is important for: Everyone in Minneapolis

Minneapolis small and local business owners receive: Too little support from the City Council

How important is economic health and the business environment in Minneapolis? One of the top three most important issues facing our city

Do you believe that Minneapolis currently has a hospitable business climate? Yes

I believe that perception of crime: Has a real impact on local businesses and should be taken seriously by city policymakers

What should the City Government do to support small and local businesses? “The City Government should offer grants, tax credits and low-interest loans that support renovations, technology upgrades, and expansion projects.
Establish or expand business incubator and accelerator programs that provide technical assistance, mentoring, and networking opportunities for emerging local enterprises.
Work with local chambers of commerce and nonprofit organizations to deliver business development workshops, market research, and advocacy support. Create a portal that is easy to access, submit applications, permits, grants and loans. Lastly, prioritize local suppliers in municipal contracts and procurement. ”

Would you support the implementation of a strict rent control policy with rents capped at 3% annual increases, such as was passed in Saint Paul in 2021? Yes

If yes, do you support exemptions for new construction? Yes

Are you open to supporting a different version of rent control than a strict 3% cap? Yes

In general, what effect do you believe the production of market-rate housing have on other units in the area? Decreases rent through increasing supply

Do you support the Revised Affordable Housing Right of First Refusal ordinance? Yes

Do you think we need additional renter protections? Yes

If yes, what protections would you support? Enforce anti-discrimination laws to make sure that all tenants have equal access to safe and affordable housing. Enforcing landlords to maintain healthy living conditions or make them subject to penalties. Enhance rent stabilization and eviction protections.

The existence of homeless encampments is (can answer more than one): A public health and safety emergency, Necessary for some who are unhoused

Should encampment closures be halted? Yes

What is an immediate and urgent solution to our Encampment situation in Mpls? Create mobile outreach teams that can help engage individuals that live in encampments. Offering them assessments in both health and safety, connect them with housing support, mental health and substance abuse services, as well as an other assistance that they could use, from food to clothing. Partner with no -profits to provide support with their expertise in crisis intervention. Convert vacant properties into housing, shelters, and service programming that could better service their needs.

Do you support the minimum police officer mandate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents? No, I don’t believe the Charter should include a mandate, but I support returning to 2020 staffing levels (~900 officers).

As a city council member, would you support increasing funding for recruitment, hiring, and retention of officers as the mayor proposed and City Council majority rejected in their 2024 and 2025 budgets? No

Do you support the Office of Community Safety Department of Neighborhood Safety’s (DNS) RFP process awarding contracts to organizations through a basic competitive bidding process with expert-informed “best practices” proposal evaluations? Yes

Do you support the Department of Neighborhood Safety requiring data-driven accountability and reporting by violence interruption/prevention groups? Yes

With regard to public safety do you feel like the city’s more pressing issue currently is police accountability or staffing levels? Police accountability

The City reached a federal consent decree with President Biden’s Department of Justice. Despite President Trump’s administration indicating it may abandon efforts to finalize the decree, Mayor Frey has stated he will support the city and the MPD complying with the agreement even if it’s not enforced by the federal courts. Do you agree? Yes

Do you believe Shotspotter is a valuable tool? Yes

Should ShotSpotter be expanded to include additional high-crime areas? Yes

What role should the City Council have in improving public safety? I believe that City Coucil should focus heavily on engaging the community and making sure that their voices are heard and concerns are addressed through policy-making. Engagement can look like advisory boards, public hearings, and forums. City Council is responsible for holding all public safety agencies accountable by making sure that all public safety agency’s are operating efficiently and effectively. City Council is responsible creating strategies that push both public safety and community trust, which create policies that reflect the unique needs of diverse neighborhoods. Lastly the council is responsible for the overall budget for public safety.