This is the sixth article in the League of Women Voters Minneapolis 2025 Democracy Series. All articles will be available at https://lwvmpls.org/democracy-series/.
By LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MINNEAPOLIS
So… it’s the day after election day. You voted in the Minneapolis municipal election and a new slate of candidates has been elected that will determine the direction of the city for the next four years. Now what?
There are simple, impactful ways to make sure your voice continues to be heard. The officials we elect make decisions that shape nearly every part of our daily lives: how safe our streets feel, how tax dollars are spent, and what programs are available in our neighborhoods.
In Minneapolis, staying involved is easier than you might think. The websites, https://www.minneapolismn.gov/ and https://www.minneapolisparks.org, offer up-to-date information on upcoming meetings, decisions, and how to contact local representatives. Whether it’s an email, public comment, or attending meetings, your participation helps ensure that the issues you care about stay on the table.
The Mayor: Setting the Vision
The mayor is Minneapolis’s chief executive, overseeing city departments and proposing the annual budget. Learn more about how the mayor governs and what powers the office holds in our previous article, From Potholes to Public Safety.
Get involved:
If you want to stay abreast of what is happening in the mayor’s office, you can sign up for the mayor’s newsletter, attend public briefings, or share your input: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/mayor/.
City Council: Your Neighborhood’s Voice
With 13 council members representing different wards, the city council shapes policies and finalizes the city budget. They vote on everything from housing to public safety to bike lanes. They provide constituent services for their wards.
Get involved:
There are many ways to stay informed and to share your concerns with your city council representative. Look up your council member at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council/. Sign up for their newsletter. Attend public meetings. Reach out to your neighborhood organizations with your concerns or policy ideas. Council members pay attention to residents who show up and speak up.
Park and Recreation Board: More Than Green Space
The Park Board manages green spaces and runs youth, adult, and senior programs across the city.
Get involved:
Attend board and other public meetings, comment on new initiatives, and look for volunteer opportunities at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/.
Board of Estimate and Taxation: Your Tax Dollars at Work
The BET sets the maximum property tax levy for the city, determining how much funding is available for public services, including the parks. It may not get much attention, but its decisions impact your household—and your community.
Get involved:
Visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/bet/ . Watch for public hearings during budget season and make your voice heard about how tax money should be used.
Show Up in the Ways You Can
You don’t need to be an expert or activist to stay involved. Low-barrier ways to participate:
- Sign up for newsletters from the various boards and elected officials.
- Attend public meetings—in person or online—to learn what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Reach out to your representatives with questions or concerns.
- Join or form an advocacy group to build collective pressure and stay informed.
- Hold leaders accountable to campaign promises and policy decisions, whether you voted for them or not. As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Be Informed: Evaluating Reliable Information
It’s crucial to make sure the sources you rely on are trustworthy. Before acting on or sharing political information, check:
Credibility: Is this from an official government website or reputable news outlet?
Bias: Is the coverage balanced, or clearly favoring one viewpoint?
Cross-checking: Can you verify this information with more than one trusted source?
Final Thoughts
Democracy isn’t just something we participate in every few years—it’s something we build every day. Showing up matters. Speaking up matters. Your voice matters.
