Ward 2 Residents and Businesses Left Without a Voice

Since January, Ward 2 has had 127 calls to report encampments in their neighborhoods, an average of one every other day. These encampments are often the result of deep systemic challenges like housing insecurity, addiction, and mental health issues. Still, their presence is having a visible and ongoing impact on our community.

Lately while I’ve been going door to door, many neighbors have shared with me that tents are appearing in alleys, parking lots, and vacant lots. Residents often reach out to 311, and while city officials do respond, the process can feel uncertain and slow. Some individuals leave, while others may remain for days, leaving residents and small businesses unsure of what to expect. Like my neighbors, I understand the feelings of uncertainty that this brings.

On September 8, the City Council discussed an encampment south of Ward 2 on East Lake Street in Ward 9. The Mayor asked the Council for approval to move forward with an injunction requiring the landlord who sponsored the encampment to shut it down. During that discussion, Council Member Wonsley raised concerns about process and statutory authority, then left the dais before the final vote, leaving Ward 2 residents without a voice.

This week, the Star Tribune reported on a meeting called by local business leaders from the Longfellow and Seward neighborhoods. Council Member Chowdhury attended, while Council Member Wonsley sent a staff member to speak on her behalf. At the meeting, business leaders expressed a desire for clearer reassurance from their representatives that this issue is being addressed.

Two concerns stand out to me:

1.    At a meeting where businesses sought support and clarity, Council Member Wonsley did not attend personally.

2.    At the council meeting, Council Member Wonsley left the dais which meant that Ward 2 residents did not have a voice in the final vote on this critical issue.

As your council member, I will be committed to always showing up. I will be accountable, I will listen, and I will act. Our businesses and our neighbors deserve representation that addresses concerns directly, works through challenges, and takes responsibility for making decisions. I believe we can work toward solutions that honor the dignity of every person, while also ensuring that our communities are safe and supported. Your concerns are my concerns, and I will be here to serve you. It’s time Ward 2 had a Council Member that puts good governing over political grandstanding.

Together, let’s choose Minneapolis.

Shelley

DePass, D. (2025, September 29). “it’s been just so intense” for Weary Lake Street business owners again beset by street violence. Minneapolis small businesses ask city for help after homeless encampment shooting. https://www.startribune.com/businesses-lose-sales-homeless-encampment-shooting-hamoudi-sabri/601477350

Legislative Information Management System - city of Minneapolis. (n.d.). https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/v2/

City Council Meeting on Sept 8 2025: https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/MarkedAgenda/Council/5557

Administration and Enterprise Meeting on May 19 2025:https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/MarkedAgenda/AEO/5330