MEET JOSH
To make a lasting impact in our city, we need a council member who can genuinely connect with every member of Ward 8 while also bringing a substantial background of experience to the table. Guided by common sense and driving progressive change, Josh Bassais has remained rooted in Ward 8 every step of the way.
With decades of hands-on service to our community, Josh brings a lifetime of leadership grounded in action, advocacy, and collaboration. His dedication to service and championing needs is not performative or just a promise, but a proven track record.
When we say lifetime, we mean it. Josh's commitment to the community started at a young age, standing next to his mother on a picket line advocating for unions, justice, and equality. His mother's dedication to others inspired him, and he learned the right kind of fight from her.
Growing up in Minneapolis, he witnessed the power of community action. This early experience set him on the path to serving the diverse community of Ward 8, a commitment that has only grown stronger over the years.
Josh's professional journey is a testament to his belief in building change from the ground up. From his early days volunteering with neighborhood organizations to serving as a DFL Precinct Chair, he has always been at the forefront of change. His work as a union business agent, where he successfully fought for collective bargaining rights, and his roles in regional marketing and legal technology communications at Thomson Reuters, reflect a diverse and strategic approach to community engagement, yielding real-world results and meaningful change.
As Board President of the Lyndale Neighborhood Association and a youth sports coach, Josh has invested time and heart into empowering others, especially the next generation of Minneapolis residents. His track record isn't just long, it's lived, tested, and deeply connected to the city Josh would be proud to serve.
Experience is essential for success on the City Council. Running for the Minneapolis City Council is not merely a choice; it is a serious commitment to effectively understanding and addressing constituents' needs with decisive, actionable solutions.
Josh's extensive experience is not just a bonus, but a necessity for effective representation on the city council. From standing on picket lines as a child to consistently serving as a community advocate, Josh's life is a testament to his ability to represent your interests. This unwavering commitment is a testament to his dedication to the people of Ward 8, a place he has championed his entire life. Josh Bassais is YOUR candidate.
Why I'm Running
Minneapolis stands at a crossroads. Our neighborhoods are calling for leadership that listens, acts with integrity, and brings people together around real solutions. I am running for City Council in Ward 8 because I believe in the power of practical, compassionate leadership—and because I know our city’s best days are still ahead.
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Too many residents feel unheard and underserved. We want responsive city services, safe and thriving neighborhoods, and support systems that uplift our most vulnerable neighbors. Through conversations in every corner of Ward 8, I’ve seen firsthand the talent and resilience of our community—and I’ve also heard your concerns about housing, public safety, and opportunity.
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I bring 25 years of experience in contract negotiation, budget management, and building consensus among diverse groups. I know how to make tough decisions, balance priorities, and keep our community’s best interests at heart. My approach is rooted in common sense and a commitment to practical, data-driven solutions.
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My priorities for Minneapolis include:
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Comprehensive Public Safety: Working side-by-side with residents to reform law enforcement, expand mental health services, and invest in youth programs that build trust and ensure safety for all.
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Affordable Housing & Homelessness: Partnering with county and state agencies to increase affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and address the underlying factors that impact stability and health.
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Economic Opportunity: Supporting small businesses, fostering job growth through public-private partnerships, and preparing our workforce for the future by securing critical investments and grants.
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Equity & Inclusion: Standing with our LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and immigrant neighbors to ensure every resident feels safe, represented, and empowered—rejecting divisive policies and building a city where everyone belongs.
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As your council member, I will champion policies that heal divisions, revitalize our local economy, and explore innovative solutions like basic income programs. I am committed to an inclusive, transparent approach that welcomes your voice at every step.
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A VISION FOR WARD 8
Advancing with Ideas, Not Boundaries
Public Safety
Public safety is a cornerstone of my campaign, and I am honored to be endorsed by our courageous Minneapolis Firefighters. My commitment includes maintaining a fully staffed police department, expanding mental health support, and developing domestic violence prevention initiatives. Our Community-First Public Safety Plan emphasizes crime reduction strategies rooted in public engagement and research. By enhancing community involvement and collaborating with local precinct leaders, we aim to develop strategies that address our community's needs. I am dedicated to rebuilding trust through reform and supporting alternative safety measures, including rehabilitation and career development, to create a safe environment for all.
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.
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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."
Josh on Issues Important to Ward 8
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."
Public Safety
Better Coordination
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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.
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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.
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Staffing Challenges
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Addressing Shortages: I fully support efforts to attract and retain public safety professionals through career development opportunities and active community engagement.
Role of Police
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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
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Encouraging Residency: I advocate for initiatives that encourage officers to live in the communities they serve, fostering better relationships and understanding.
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Improving Relations: I will work to strengthen police-community relations by promoting dialogue, transparency, and collaborative problem-solving.
Reform Imperatives
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Community-Oriented Recruitment: I emphasize recruiting a diverse police force that reflects community values and prioritizes guardianship over enforcement.
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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
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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
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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.
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Tax Incentives: I will advocate for tax breaks or credits for developers who build affordable units to encourage their active participation.
Policy Reforms
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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.
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Environmental and Regulatory Balancing: I'll strive to streamline regulations to eliminate unnecessary costs while upholding strong environmental standards.
Community Engagement
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Inclusive Planning: I'll ensure community members and stakeholders are actively involved in planning processes to guarantee solutions are tailored to local needs.
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Transparent Communication: I aim to maintain open communication with residents to build trust and obtain valuable feedback on housing initiatives.
Comprehensive Planning
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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.
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Zoning Adjustments: I'll explore changes to zoning laws that support higher density and mixed-use developments incorporating affordable housing.
Collaborative Efforts
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Public-Private Partnerships: I'll work to create strong partnerships between government, private developers, and non-profit organizations to leverage resources and expertise effectively.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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Career and Technical Education (CTE): Expanding CTE to match employer needs will create clear career advancement paths and prevent dead-end jobs.
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Community Marketing: I'll enhance awareness of training programs in low-income areas through targeted marketing.
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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
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Policy Alignment: I aim to shift focus from low-wage jobs to high-demand skill training for future job markets.
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Inclusive Economic Growth: Workforce initiatives must be inclusive, benefiting marginalized groups.
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Support for Employers: I'll support business partnerships with training providers to create a diverse workforce.
Community Impact and Benefits
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Economic Mobility: I'm committed to offering pathways to the middle class through accessible training and job opportunities.
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Business Benefits: A skilled, diverse workforce will drive economic growth and meet business needs.
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Social Networks: I'll promote environments where working adults support younger generations, fostering job opportunities.
Our love for our city inspires optimism and a vision for a brighter future, but meaningful change requires decisive action. It's time for our city government to:
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Ensure clean and safe streets
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Effectively address drug and behavioral health issues
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Build affordable housing
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Revitalize Nicollet and Chicago Avenue to support small businesses
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Foster economic growth to improve quality of life
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We need a collaborative city that plans, decides, and acts together to tackle shared challenges. I am dedicated to leading with genuine public service, prioritizing the needs of Ward 8. Through clear communication, mutual respect, and finding common ground, we can build a better future for our community.
Endorsed By:
