Back in January of this year, I posted an interview with Janne Flisrand, a Minneapolis business owner and transportation activist, as part of my Anthropologists in Practice series. I was excited to learn that Janne recently announced she is running for a seat on the Minneapolis City Council (representing Ward 7). Through her work in affordable housing, energy and sustainability, Janne is a great example of someone who has taken anthropology to the highest level through facilitating social networks, engaging communities and impacting public policy. She and I also attended the same graduate program in Applied Anthropology at the University of Memphis (though in different cohorts).
To learn more, visit her campaign website, or read the official campaign announcement below:
“Minneapolis business owner and transportation activist Janne Flisrand has filed to run for City Council representing the Ward 7 neighborhoods of Lowry Hill, Bryn Mawr, Kenwood, Cedar – Isles – Dean, East Isles, Loring Park, Loring Heights, Downtown West and Elliot Park.
She is seeking the DFL endorsement. Visit her website here.
Flisrand proposes initiatives to reduce Minneapolis’ significant racial disparities, improve transit choices, increase local food production, support new housing that’s affordable, and build solutions to the climate crisis. She notes that she is particularly interested in fixing her ward’s lack of safe, welcoming streets for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with disabilities.
“I love Minneapolis, but our city isn’t living up to our shared DFL values,” said Flisrand. “I believe that the people of Ward 7 share a progressive vision of a city that works for all of us . . . but that’s not happening today, because our current leaders are not listening.”
Flisrand has lived in Ward 7 since 1996. Her consulting business focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency projects and publications. Flisrand writes for the transportation and land use policy site streets.mn. She helped found the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition.”
Flisrand’s campaign slogan is, “A Leader Who Listens,” and she encourages Ward 7 residents to get in touch with her using any of the following methods:
Twitter: @janneformpls
Facebook: facebook.com/janneformpls
Website: janneformpls.org
Anthropologizing 