The Minneapolis City Council races are heating up! We’ve already featured one other race for the council, and today we are featuring another election in a different ward. Anndrea Young (she/her) is a millennial mom of two who is passionate about her district. She says, “I love the smell of Broadway early in the morning when Cub Foods is baking doughnuts, but I don't really eat doughnuts.”

Where are you based?
Minneapolis, MN

What is your position/what position are you running for?
City Council, Ward 5

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
Pro-Choice, Anti-ICE, Anti-displacement, removing the HERC, and Correcting past harms of infrastructure projects.

What inspired you to run?
I was born and raised in North Minneapolis, Ward 5 specifically. I moved away for college and when I returned and saw that the Ward still looked the same it motivated me to get involved in the community. I've spent the last five years invested in community issues and engagement, and I am now at the point that I want to advance my advocacy work into policy. I want my community to lose the negative connotation that it has. We deserve to be seen as the hidden gem that we actually are, and I want to help elevate the real narrative about Ward 5.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
There are a few things that I would like to change. I would like to bring some Community Benefit Ordinances to the city that allow for space to elevate the voices of community. I believe that this is super important under the current administration and all of the changes that are set to take place in Ward 5. I think it would be super cool to follow in the footsteps of Detroit and build community power in Minneapolis. I am also looking to continue the fight in getting the Hennepin County Recovery Center removed. This building is not only harming the constituents in Ward 5, but with the adverse effects of global warming, we are all suffering from the toxins and pollutants that are being released into the air. Minnesota is one of seven states that still uses incinerators. We rank high in quality of life, let's continue on this trajectory by removing the burner. Lastly, I want to invest into the community that I am from. Far too long North Minneapolis has been on the back burner when it comes to investments in our community. It's time for a change without displacing the people that are already here.

What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
This is my first time ever running for a political seat. Even though this is my first time running, I will say some of my biggest accomplishments in and for my community have been advocating for $10 million dollars in Anti-displacement funding, recently becoming the Chair of the Highway Harms Policy Group for the Metropolitan Council, helping advocate for a resolution date for the HERC, advocating against the county receiving $28 million dollars to open a new Trash Burning Center in Brooklyn Park, Community engagement around the MetroTransit Blue Line Extension Project, and the Bring Back 6th Advocacy.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
I believe that some of the most important issues right now are ICE, Rent Stabilization, Investment into Ward 5, and The Blue Line Extension Project. When it comes to ICE, I plan to ground my position and make sure that I stand with the people in my community, help elevate community safety, and fight to help maintain the position of not supporting ICE. With rent stabilization, I will fight for stabilizing homes in the city of Minneapolis. Working with other councillors to create rent caps, tenant protections, more affordable housing production, and stopping corporations from becoming developers and supporting local development only. Investment into Ward 5, can be addressed by making sure that we have real investments that will last. From businesses to restaurants, it's time to give Ward 5 the same energy as other Wards in the city. Lastly, the Blue Line Extension Project. This project currently has the community divided. I want to help elevate transparency, while also helping constituents make sure that they get the most out of this project. In the past, infrastructure projects normally happened to the people, I want to make sure that the people that will be most impacted are a part of the process, sharing their voices and concerns every step of the way. While also understanding what this project could also do for our community.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I hope that I am able to bridge the divide with my constituents and better unite them by taking a political stance on issues and remaining there. Even through the chaos, reminding them that I am here because of them. Elevating the voices of my constituents by making sure that I hold listening sessions and coffee hours. I want to make sure that I represent the people that vote me into office and govern with them, not for them. I believe that this is the way to unite us all.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I was born and raised in the Ward that I am running for. I am a Black-American woman born from a Jamaican immigrant father. I am the oldest and youngest sibling which I believe has given me the ability to lead and follow. I have a BS in Communications, and I am in the process of completing my Masters in Public Administration. I believe that I have a unique background in community and education, and I know that it's going to help me be a great councilwoman. I have also travelled and centered myself in cultural experiences when I do so.

What is your motto in life?
They may not know what you've done now, but they will appreciate your fight later.

Where can we find out more about you?
Instagram: anndreayoung4ward5, Facebook: Anndrea Young For Minneapolis City Council Ward 5,
Website: https://anndreayoung4ward5.com

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Anndrea Young, Minneapolis City Council Ward 5