Attorney Jacob Frey will soon jointly represent downtown — now split into two wards — with his mentor, Lisa Goodman. The ward also extends east of the Mississippi River.
TOP GOALS:
Growing the city's population through increased density and encouraging affordable housing in middle- and upper-income areas to combat persistent segregation: "We can't be afraid of density. It's not a four-letter word. Building up will help the economy. Building up will help there be additional eyes on the streets."
PARKING:
That doesn't mean knocking down people's single-family homes: "We're not doing that," he said, adding that surface parking lots are a more viable development location.
A PROMISE TO KEEP:
His ward includes the booming North Loop neighborhood, which recently learned that Webster Elementary School would reopen to students in 2015. Delivering that school, an essential amenity to retain families downtown, is a core component of his vision for the ward. "I think I only made one promise — like real definitive promise — on the campaign. And that school was it."
DOWNTOWN EAST:
He also will preside over the redevelopment of Downtown East, including the $400 million office, public park, parking and residential project near the new Vikings stadium. Adding even more residences to the area is key, he said, since "a park in and of itself is not a safe place."
BIGGEST SURPRISE:
The need to engage with campaign foes: "I expected to hand out that drawer of F.U.s. But you just can't do that."
