Elizabeth Shaffer (Ward 7)

Detailed Responses

If elected, what will be your top three priorities?

The primary responsibility of any elected official is to understand and represent the viewpoints of the community they represent. I will first restore accessibility, responsiveness and the authentic voice of residents to the Ward 7 office. Next, all decisions will be examined through the lens of improving the livability and public safety of our city (restore charter number of officers, core city services over pilots) and supporting business development for workers and consumers.

What should the City do to generate missing revenue as downtown building values fall?

We need to support our current businesses in order to drive revenue and make it more attractive for new businesses to invest in Minneapolis. This will bring more workers to our city and encourage consumers to spend their money here. Secondly, with the concentration of large commercial buildings in our city, we have a strong case to seek more LGA (Local Government Aid) from the state to help offset these impacts. Lastly, I am uncertain we will be able to completely address the revenue shortfall in the short-term without taking a hard look at our budget. We cannot assume we can transfer these commercial impacts onto the residential market.

What is the appropriate role of the City Council in developing policy and providing services under the 'Executive Mayor' system?

Whether the majority of city council agrees politically with the mayor or not, it is imperative in the “executive mayor” system that the council works to collaborate and create their policy direction respectful of gaining the mayor’s support. Of course there will be occasions when there are differences of opinion, but when the council is consistently seeking to delay or push decision-making beyond the point of mayoral or community support so that no action is taken (George Floyd Square), it is the residents of Minneapolis who suffer. It is time to get things done in our city and not constantly throw up roadblocks for elected officials or professional City staff.

What should the City Government do to support small and local businesses?

First of all, Ward 7 leadership needs to see our small business leaders as an asset, whose relationships and opinions are valued. When the incumbent brought forward the Labor Standards Board, she ignored the concerns of small restaurant owners around the structural representation of the board. Secondly, there needs to be consistent, proactive communication between the ward office and the business community regarding city decisions and infrastructure projects that affect them. City government needs to improve the general livability of our streets so that small business owners do not have to frequently clean up or repair their storefronts, in addition to running their business. Lastly, we need tangible action to incentivize business investment including the loosening of restrictions, reducing financial barriers and promoting public-private financing opportunities (Business Improvement Districts, TIF).

What is an immediate and urgent solution to encampments in Minneapolis?

In our parks system, we have taken a compassionate approach to enforcing our ordinances through our Street Reach team. If a tent is reported by the public, the team immediately reaches out to offer services and explain our park rules. If the individual does not wish to comply, a verbal warning is given with a deadline date given for the removal of the tent. In tandem with following our ordinances, we need to invest in root-cause solutions for the marginalized. We need to encourage and partner with Hennepin County and others to prioritize shelter resources, mental health and addiction treatment programs.

What role should the City Council have in improving public safety?

The council has a strategic, foundational role in improving public safety. First, the council needs to respect and trust the Minneapolis police chief and his professional staff. Council members should not make a habit of intervening in MPD matters, but let the chief and leadership do their jobs under the consent decree. Secondly, council members have the important role of allocating funding for the police budget and alternative policing strategies, both important. In contrast to recent work, I would support the recruitment budget of MPD and hold our alternate policing providers accountable for results. Lastly, councilmembers need to be aware of and support the on-the-ground safety issues of their ward. Ward 7 needs a stable Nicollet Ave corridor, a reduction in the crime increases we have seen in the 5th precinct and improvement in the general livability issues of Uptown and Downtown.

Quick Hits

Property taxes?
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?
Election and Voter Services/Democracy center plus community space.

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 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.

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.

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?
No.

Are you open to supporting a different version of rent control than a strict 3% cap?
No.

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?
No.

The existence of homeless encampments is:
A public health and safety emergency. Harmful to those living in and near encampments.

Should encampment closures be halted?
No.

Do you support the minimum police officer mandate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents?
Yes, and I believe the City should continue working to fulfill it.

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.