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MEET JOSH

My name is Josh Bassais, a lifelong Minneapolis resident with deep ties to Ward 8. Having grown up in this vibrant city, I'm proud to be a product of Minneapolis Public Schools, attending Lyndale Elementary, Anwatin Middle, and Southwest High School. My journey was greatly influenced by my hardworking single mother, who, with her income as a restaurant server, managed to buy a home here—a home where I now live with my wife and two children, who also attend Minneapolis public schools.

Minneapolis is where my activism took root. Inspired by my mother's dedication as a union member of over 40 years, I joined my first union picket line in middle school. As an Uptown skate kid, I was mentored by friends in the anti-racist punk rock movement. This ignited my passion for progressive change and led me to St. Cloud State University, where I was one of the founding members of the Students Coalition Against Racism (S.C.A.R.), working to combat racism on campus and beyond.

After completing college, I strengthened my dedication to community involvement and labor rights. I took on the role of Precinct Chair with the local DFL party in Minneapolis, which led me to become a Union Business Agent, where I played a key role in facilitating collective bargaining and advocating for workers' rights. My experience as a Union Organizer with LIUNA further enabled me to empower workers and bolster union strength through strategic organizing and leadership development. Currently, I am working in Artificial Intelligence at Thomson Reuters, bringing over a decade of experience in labor unions and nearly fifteen years in the business sector. This journey has helped me develop a unique combination of grassroots activism and professional efficiency.

Beyond my professional life, I am actively engaged in our community. I've had the privilege of serving as Board President for the Lyndale Neighborhood Association and coaching youth sports, instilling teamwork and self-determination in our city's kids.

I am dedicated to fostering a future for Minneapolis that celebrates our community's diversity, strength, and resilience. I invite you to join me in this journey to bring about meaningful change in our cherished city.

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Why am I Running

I'm running for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 8 because our city is at a critical crossroads, and it's time for a fresh start. Many residents feel we're stuck, yearning for better city services, accountable public safety, vibrant neighborhoods, and protection for our most vulnerable. Having engaged deeply with voices across every neighborhood, I've shaped my vision and priorities to meet these needs.

I believe in moving beyond the grievance politics of today, focusing on a forward-looking agenda where everyone can thrive. With over 25 years of experience in contract negotiation, budget management, and stakeholder collaboration, I bring the skills necessary for this pivotal moment. My deep ties to Minneapolis fuel my commitment to community engagement and fostering a safer, more equitable city.

My vision includes a comprehensive approach to public safety, with community input, law enforcement reform, enhanced mental health support, and youth development to build trust and security. In housing, I aim to increase affordable options and address homelessness through collaboration with county and state partners, ensuring stable housing and tackling social health determinants. For economic opportunity, I plan to boost job development by partnering with businesses and labor organizations, securing grants, and supporting small businesses for future job markets.

Additionally, I stand in solidarity with our marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+, people of color, and immigrant residents, to protect and defend against divisive policies at the federal level. Together, we can create a Minneapolis where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered.

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A VISION FOR WARD 8
Advancing with Ideas, Not Boundaries

Public Safety

I am committed to continued law enforcement reform, and strive to ensure that the two consent decrees remain central to policing in Minneapolis. This includes maintaining a fully staffed police department, expanding mental health support, and developing domestic violence prevention initiatives. Public safety is essential for our community's well-being, requiring a comprehensive and inclusive strategy. By enhancing community engagement and collaborating with local precinct leaders, we can develop strategies that truly meet our community's needs. I am dedicated to rebuilding trust through reform and supporting alternative safety measures. I will also advocate for rehabilitation, mental health services, and career development opportunities to foster a safe environment where every community member can thrive.

Equitable Housing

To lower housing costs in Minneapolis, the city should focus on affordable housing by incentivizing mixed-income projects and simplifying zoning regulations. Offering tax breaks or subsidies to developers who include affordable units and supporting programs that assist low-income families with down payments or rent should be considered. Collaborating with community organizations for innovative solutions is essential.

I support expanding mixed-income, social housing to create diverse, inclusive communities. Addressing equitable housing requires a progressive approach. I am committed to increasing affordable housing, exploring homeownership pathways, and partnering with county and state entities to compassionately address homelessness and related social issues.

Economic Opportunity

As a city council member, I am dedicated to expanding economic opportunities by advancing job creation through improved public infrastructure, skilled labor, and educational initiatives. I will cultivate partnerships between businesses and labor organizations to stimulate growth and secure funding for workforce training. Supporting small businesses is essential for a vibrant community. Furthermore, I champion restorative justice programs, offering job training for individuals re-entering society after incarceration, and fostering collaborations with local businesses for employment and mentorship opportunities. I also support education and skills development programs, like vocational training and apprenticeships, to promote workforce integration and community healing.

Josh on Issues Important to Ward 8

George Floyd Square

"Minneapolis has a chance to honor George Floyd's legacy and revitalize the community at 38th and Chicago. Despite community support for change, the City Council's indecision has left the site unchanged five years after his death. By adopting a flexible-open street plan, the city can enhance infrastructure, create jobs, and promote economic growth. It's time to act decisively to ensure that George Floyd's story remains a key part of our history, reflecting justice, equity, and progress."

Youth Crime

"As someone invested in addressing youth crime in Ward 8, I believe effective solutions include bolstering creditable diversion programs, fostering positive youth programing, and offering family therapy. These strategies can reduce reliance on incarceration, prevent reoffending, and promote healthier family dynamics. Additionally, early intervention and violence prevention are crucial for keeping our young people on the right path."

Property Taxes

"I'm deeply concerned about rising property taxes in Minneapolis and their impact on working families. The city's budget discussions often overlook this issue, focusing more on spending priorities. With the budget growing and commercial property values declining, residential taxes have increased, shifting the burden onto less wealthy neighborhoods. It's crucial for the city to manage its finances better and alleviate pressure on middle-class families."

My Approach

Public Safety

Better Coordination

Optimal cooperation: I aim to enhance the integration of Violence Interrupters, Behavioral Crisis Response, Police, Fire, and 911 services to improve resource sharing and efficiency.
Performance Metrics: I will work to develop clear metrics, such as community satisfaction surveys and response times, to ensure accountability and transparency in our operations.

Staffing Challenges

Addressing Shortages: I fully support efforts to attract and retain public safety professionals through career development opportunities and active community engagement.

Role of Police

Evolving Role: I’m committed to redefining police responsibilities to focus on community service and support, while exploring alternatives to traditional 911 responses for a more holistic approach.

Residency and Community Relations

Encouraging Residency: I advocate for initiatives that encourage officers to live in the communities they serve, fostering better relationships and understanding.
Improving Relations: I will work to strengthen police-community relations by promoting dialogue, transparency, and collaborative problem-solving.

Reform Imperatives

Community-Oriented Recruitment: I emphasize recruiting a diverse police force that reflects community values and prioritizes guardianship over enforcement.
Multi-disciplinary Approach: I support incorporating social workers and mental health professionals into our public safety strategies to build trust and address complex social issues.

Broader Public Safety Ecosystem

Holistic Safety Measures: I believe public safety should be approached comprehensively, including neighborhood improvements, collaboration with public entities, and providing youth opportunities to foster safer communities. By addressing the broader ecosystem, we can create environments that support long-term safety and well-being.

Housing

Increase Funding and Incentives

Secure Additional Funding: I'm committed to exploring state and federal grants, forming public-private partnerships, and seeking innovative financing methods to enhance the affordable housing budget.
Tax Incentives: I will advocate for tax breaks or credits for developers who build affordable units to encourage their active participation.

Policy Reforms

Address Construction Costs: I plan to initiate policies that can lower material and construction costs, such as subsidies for sustainable materials or strategies like bulk purchasing agreements.
Environmental and Regulatory Balancing: I'll strive to streamline regulations to eliminate unnecessary costs while upholding strong environmental standards.

Community Engagement

Inclusive Planning: I'll ensure community members and stakeholders are actively involved in planning processes to guarantee solutions are tailored to local needs.
Transparent Communication: I aim to maintain open communication with residents to build trust and obtain valuable feedback on housing initiatives.

Comprehensive Planning

Integrated Urban Planning: I am focused on aligning affordable housing strategies with broader urban development plans, with an emphasis on transportation, employment opportunities, and social services.
Zoning Adjustments: I'll explore changes to zoning laws that support higher density and mixed-use developments incorporating affordable housing.

Collaborative Efforts

Public-Private Partnerships: I'll work to create strong partnerships between government, private developers, and non-profit organizations to leverage resources and expertise effectively.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: I'll engage with sectors like education, healthcare, and transportation to develop holistic solutions that address housing and related community needs.

Promote Ownership Housing

Support Ownership Models: I'm dedicated to encouraging the development of ownership options like cooperatives and community land trusts to promote long-term wealth-building.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs: I will work to expand programs that assist first-time homebuyers with down payments and offer favorable loan terms.

Economic Opportunity

Solutions and Interventions

Short-Term Training Programs: I propose investing in short-term certifications for quick access to well-paying jobs, particularly for adults who can't pursue long degrees.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Expanding CTE to match employer needs will create clear career advancement paths and prevent dead-end jobs.
Community Marketing: I'll enhance awareness of training programs in low-income areas through targeted marketing.
Workforce Development Partnerships: I'll build partnerships between training organizations and employers to fill skill gaps and foster diverse talent pipelines.

Role of the City and Collaboration

Policy Alignment: I aim to shift focus from low-wage jobs to high-demand skill training for future job markets.
Inclusive Economic Growth: Workforce initiatives must be inclusive, benefiting marginalized groups.
Support for Employers: I'll support business partnerships with training providers to create a diverse workforce.

Community Impact and Benefits

Economic Mobility: I'm committed to offering pathways to the middle class through accessible training and job opportunities.
Business Benefits: A skilled, diverse workforce will drive economic growth and meet business needs.
Social Networks: I'll promote environments where working adults support younger generations, fostering job opportunities.

Our deep love for the city we call home fuels our optimism and drives our vision for a better future. However, to turn this optimism and our strong values into meaningful change, we must pair them with decisive action.

It's time for our city government to step up and:

Ensure clean and safe streets for all residents
Tackle our drug and behavioral health crises effectively
Build sufficient housing to address affordability challenges
Revitalize Nicollet and Chicago Avenue to support our small businesses
Develop a thriving economic future and enhance the quality of life for everyone

We need a city that works together, embracing collaborative planning, decision-making, and action to overcome shared challenges.

I am committed to providing leadership rooted in genuine public service, always putting the needs of the people of Ward 8 first. I believe that to address these issues, we need clear communication, mutual respect, and a readiness to find common ground. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community.

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