Minneapolis City Council Member Ward 9 Choose 3
As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval. Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-councilSee a complete list of Minneapolis City Council candidate forums at https://lwvmpls.org/2025-candidate-forumsIf your candidate didn’t fill in the guide below, visit the Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing site to find contact info. If you reach out, ask candidates to complete their Vote411 Voters Guide from the LWVMN!
Biographical Information
telephone
6122279728
Contact Phone
6122279728
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/JasonChavezforWard9
Campaign Twitter Handle
@JChavezMpls
Campaign Email
info@jasonchavez.org
Why are you seeking a City Council seat and what are your qualifications?
Since being elected, I've helped secure over $4 million for the revitalization of East Lake Street and $2.73 for the 38th Street Corridor, and $4.5 million directed towards housing, healthcare, and economic development in Phillips.
I’ve also been a leader in addressing housing as a human right. Helping secure $9.8 million in Affordable Housing funding in Ward 9, which will preserve 243 units of affordable housing, create 67 new affordable units, and develop 72 mixed-income units.
I’m running for re-election because our city needs a clear voice in addressing unsheltered homelessness, community safety, economic challenges, environmental injustice, and basic city services.
If you are elected, what will be your top two priorities as a City Council member?
Housing and Homelessness:
Build 200 units of tiny homes on city-owned land and establish a government-run Navigation Center.
Pass a renter’s just cause eviction policy to reduce homelessness.
Support the Emergency Housing Voucher program. This was meant to help house unhoused people at encampments.
Comprehensive Community Safety:
Ensure that Safety Ambassadors continue to stay in place.
Strong oversight over the actions of MPD, like after actions reviews for Davis Moturi and Allison Lussier.
Ensure contracts for safety are signed by the Mayor’s Administration and that mismanagement is addressed.
Fund gun violence prevention programs. Including our hospital-based programs, bedside programs, and youth group violence intervention.
How do you propose to increase the availability of and access to affordable housing for both renters and people seeking to buy their first home?
I have supported the affordable housing trust fund with $16.8 million in 2023, $18 million in 2024, and $17.9 million in 2025. I will continue to support building deeply affordable housing with a key focus on 30% AMI housing development. I also support strengthening our inclusionary zoning policies in order to grow the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and, in return, build more 30% AMI housing.
Additionally, I helped fund the Minneapolis Homes Program (homeownership program) and a down payment assistance program which aims to eliminate racial disparities in homeownership. I supported $2.5 million in funding for 2023, $2 million for 2024, and $1.35 million for 2025. I will continue to support this program.
What steps would you take to improve climate resilience in your Ward, particularly in areas prone to flooding, heat islands or lacking green space?
We need to ramp up climate funding. I support increasing the franchise fee immediately to raise $20 million to mitigate climate change with a goal of getting to $200 million annually. This funding could go to help weatherize homes and help with energy efficiency upgrades. The impacts of climate change lead to fire, drought, flooding, terrible air quality, and severe health complications. I am a strong supporter of a multimodel transportation system that allows people to get from point A to point B without relying on cars and fossil fuels. From supporting transit infrastructure, bike infrastructure, complete streets, traffic-calming, and housing that is pro-environment, I know we can mitigate some of the impacts of climate change.
What role, if any, does the City Council have in supporting and monitoring the effectiveness of community groups who are working to improve public safety, prevent disturbances and the need for emergency services? Please explain.
As the Chair of the Public Health and Safety Committee, I believe the City Council has an important role in overseeing the Mayor’s administration when it comes to the effectiveness of community groups who are working to improve public safety, prevent disturbances and the need for emergency services.
I’ve shared my frustrations when there have been gaps in service and have leveraged the Public Health and Safety Committee as an accountability arm. I even authored a budget amendment to fund a new position to help address many of these concerns.
Biographical Information
Why are you seeking a City Council seat and what are your qualifications?
Candidate has not yet responded.
If you are elected, what will be your top two priorities as a City Council member?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How do you propose to increase the availability of and access to affordable housing for both renters and people seeking to buy their first home?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What steps would you take to improve climate resilience in your Ward, particularly in areas prone to flooding, heat islands or lacking green space?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What role, if any, does the City Council have in supporting and monitoring the effectiveness of community groups who are working to improve public safety, prevent disturbances and the need for emergency services? Please explain.
Candidate has not yet responded.