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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
If you live North and don't know Kristel Porter, you know someone that knows her. She is dynamic, strategic and tireless in making North Minneapolis better for all of us.
Kristel grew up in North Minneapolis and she's raised her children here. She's worked at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center and has led two Northside Neighborhood Organizations. She's taught and coached at North High, Henry and Edison. She's led several successful Northside programs like Cycle Sisters, Clean City Youth, Northside Housing Fair, Power North, and Live on the Drive. She founded and leads the fast-growing non-profit MN Renewable Now that is installing solar panels onto homes and businesses on the Northside.
Kristel is a champion. She has a clear vision for a Northside revival with community-driven development, empowered youth, locally-targeted job creation, and a destination for locally-owned restaurants, bars, retail and entertainment.
But she can't do it alone. We are putting together a powerful coalition of business owners, workers, parents, youth, educators and activists and we want you on our team. 2021 is a massive turning point for our whole country, and we are claiming our rich and rightful share. Please, join us.