Tinitha Pearll Warren: Responses to We Love Minneapolis candidate screener

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

Name: Tinitha Pearll Warren

Website: https://warrenforward5.com/

Ward: Ward 5

Endorsements – Do you plan on seeking the endorsement of any political parties, groups, or organizations?: Yes

Money raised in 2025: $5300

To what political parties and/or organizations do you belong (Ex: DFL, GOP, DSA, Green, Independent)? Please list all that apply: None, I am seeking the DFL endorsement

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? 5

If elected, what will be your top three priorities? If elected, my top priorities are improving public safety through stronger partnerships with law enforcement and the community, supporting community policing, and addressing safety barriers. I’ll focus on expanding employment and livability by creating short-term job training programs to meet industry demands and reducing unemployment while promoting entrepreneurship. Additionally, I will work to ensure affordable, safe, and sustainable housing by implementing regular property inspections to address poor living conditions.

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 Flexible Open-Street concept that would support development at the People’s Way.

What concept do you support for 3000 Minnehaha Ave, the site of the former Third Police Precinct? Other community space as yet to be determined

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? No

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? Pivot businesses and for occupation following the loop model, where you create multi use occupational space where it’s business and residential.

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 under a “Excitative Mayor” system, would be as follows, the council would be responsible for Enacting laws for zoning, public safety and things considered local services. Ordinances Formal more permanent laws and we would resolute temporary matters.

What would you prioritize in immediate future city budgets? Focus more on core functions for which the city is currently primarily responsible like police, fire, and road maintenance.

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: n/a

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? No

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? Support for Minority-Owned Businesses: Create programs that specifically support underrepresented groups, including grants, mentorship, or funding for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs. Research and Innovation Partnerships: Facilitate partnerships between small businesses and local universities or research institutions to foster innovation in sustainability, technology, and product development. Access to Research and Development (R&D): Provide grants or partnerships with universities that help small businesses access cutting-edge research and technology that they might otherwise not be able to afford. “Shop Local” Campaigns: Promote local businesses through city-run campaigns, events, and social media. This can increase customer loyalty and drive traffic to small businesses.

Pop-Up Markets and Events: Organize events like farmers’ markets or pop-up shops that give small businesses visibility, helping them build customer bases and network with other business owners.

Neighborhood Business Districts: Support the creation of vibrant business districts by focusing on public spaces, creating pedestrian-friendly environments, and encouraging small businesses to collaborate.

Would you support a strict rent control policy with rents capped at 3%? 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? No

Do you think we need additional renter protections? Yes

If yes, what protections would you support? I support renter protections, but I disagree with requiring property owners to share sale and offer information to other qualified organizations submitting continued statements of interest. Property owners should have the freedom to transfer equity to whomever they choose in an arms-length transaction, without needing approval or input from others. The decision should be left to the owner, without external interference.

The existence of homeless encampments is (can answer more than one): A public health and safety emergency, Harmful to those living in and near encampments.

Should encampment closures be halted? No

What is an immediate and urgent solution to our Encampment situation in Mpls? Emergency shelter, Mental and chemical dependency facilities – It’s inhumane to have people living under those kinds of conditions. Civil commitment orders are due back to the city.

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? Yes

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? Staffing levels

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? The City Council should play a key role in creating ordinances that enhance public safety. This includes traffic control measures, mental and chemical health support, regulations for vacant and deteriorating properties, transitional programs to assist individuals re-entering the community, and youth engagement initiatives. Additionally, ordinances addressing curfew and truancy issues are crucial for fostering a safer, stronger community.