Mariam Demello (Ward 11)

Detailed Responses

If elected, what will be your top three priorities?

Public Safety. Housing. Unsurpassed City Services.

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

I strongly believe we can change this trend. By collaborating with both private and public entities, we can revitalize our downtown into a vibrant, diverse, and thriving city center, restoring it to its historic place of prominence.

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

We need to return to a concept of teamwork and compromise. Where everyone is doing what they can to make Minneapolis a prosperous and safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

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

The current city department responsible for business development is overly complex for the average small business owner, making it difficult for anyone but millionaire developers and high-end contractors to seize the majority of opportunities. To bridge this gap, we need more industry-specific liaison offices and local branches that offer direct support within the neighborhoods they serve. That’s why I plan to establish a Ward 11 office where residents can access city services, receive guidance, and network to find the resources they need.

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

Minneapolis has a viable long-term solution to homelessness, but it’s far too complex to summarize in a questionnaire. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated efforts between public and private sectors, including nonprofits and agencies at the city, county, and state levels. A comprehensive approach must include mental health services, job training, higher education, temporary housing, substance use rehabilitation, and other critical components. I firmly believe we can and must implement this solution to move our city forward.

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

Public safety and police reform are deeply interconnected. On the city council, I would advocate for meaningful and substantial reform that enables law enforcement to effectively prevent and investigate crime while also redefining policing in a growing and diverse city. The civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder made it clear that outdated, 1960s-era policing tactics are no longer viable. We must take a realistic approach to reimagining public safety as a whole.

Quick Hits

Property taxes?
At the right level.

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?
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.

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?
Police accountability.

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.