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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

My thoughts on last night’s BET levy-setting. Not the outcome I hoped for but very happy to have fully funded Parks and highlighted my concerns about MPD overspending and the City’s financial direction. That work will continue.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Many people who were critical of MPD cost overruns were denounced as alarmist or anti-police. Now MPD has admitted to the abuse of overtime hours. I am grateful current leadership is cracking down but deeply frustrated by this betrayal of the public trust and the time it took to get answers.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I greatly appreciate KSTP digging into the pressure that MPD overspending is placing on our budget and property taxes. The Mayor's budget contains an enormous increase in police spending and it's only reasonable to ensure they will stick to these limits and be held accountable.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Here’s an update from last night’s BET meeting, which failed to reach an agreement, as well as some thoughts on my position. I am confident we will arrive at a productive plan before our deadline next week.

Hi Everyone,
Here is an update from yesterday's meeting: Last night, the BET failed to pass a levy increase and adjourned until Tuesday, 9/29 at 4pm. The Board deadlocked over a number of proposals including the Mayor's original plan and several amendments. I voted against proposals to permit an overall levy increase of 11.8% in order to accommodate MPRB's full request, and also against proposals that would have taken the Parks increase out of the city budget, or provided just a 4% increase for the Parks.

My honest expectation was that an acceptable deal would be struck between the City and the MPRB and that my vote would become largely irrelevant, but the City and MPRB did not reach a suitable agreement and so my no votes ended up contributing to the deadlock.

My position was clear to my colleagues well in advance of this meeting: I support the parks and strong city services but I do not feel comfortable voting for this levy increase without commitment on reining in MPD overspending, protecting our general fund balance, and collecting additional non-tax revenues. I had productive conversations about these ideas with the Mayor, President Olsen, and our representatives from the City Council, but we did not arrive at a final agreement before last night's meeting.

My responsibility as an elected member of the BET is to advocate for the city's long-term fiscal health and I am deeply concerned about the direction we are headed. I believe it is likely that MPD will overspend the $13 million it has been allotted for overtime and that we will draw down our general fund further, placing our bond ratings at risk and sending our long-term budget trajectory in an even worse direction. I appreciate the concern from some leaders and advocates who are eager to see a deal struck that protects vital services. Those services will be in far greater peril if the City does not agree to collaboratively confront the challenges we are facing. I feel that raising this alarm is an appropriate and necessary use of my voice on this board and that my colleagues should join me in a public commitment to better collective stewardship.

I am confident that the board will arrive at a figure that adequately funds our parks and provides the City the room it needs to maneuver towards a final budget. As MPRB and the City continue negotiations, I will make a more formal proposal to the Mayor and City Council representatives on the items I have highlighted and I am hopeful that this commitment could be part of a global deal that earns five or six votes next week.

I will keep you all updated as things progress. on

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Jokes aside, the city and MPRB failed to come to agreement. I’ve been consistent in my perspective that city residents deserve a commitment from the Mayor and Council about how they will rein in MPD overspending, improve non-tax revenue, and protect bond ratings. So far, no tangible offers.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Here’s where I’m at headed into this evening’s levy setting meeting.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Yesterday I outlined my thoughts on the mayor’s budget and levy request in the Star Tribune. For me, the decision hinges on how the money will impact our long-term budget outlook. I highlight five key points that would put us on a better track. 1/ www.startribune.com/jacob-frey-b...

startribune.com

Opinion | How much should Minneapolis property taxes rise?

Mayor Jacob Frey's proposed 11.3% increase could be justified with a few budget tweaks that fill some glaring needs, according to one official involved in the decision-making.

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Reposted by EHB on BET

Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Funding for our parks and the very financial foundation of Minneapolis are jeopardized because police spending is out of control. To avoid a reduction in our credit rating and future park service reductions the Mayor and City Council must take action to rein in spending. Please read and share.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

This morning, myself, BET President Brandt, MPRB President Olsen sent a letter to Mayor Frey, Council President Payne, and CM Chughtai outlining our concerns about unaccountable spending by MPD, and its impact on our city's long-term fiscal outlook. 1/

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Budget update with one week to go until levy setting: I’m working hard to ensure this budget protects core services and puts us on a better long-term trajectory. I’m concerned about rising police spending, risk to our credit rating, and cuts to our universe-leading parks. Email your officials!

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Tomorrow has become today! Share your thoughts on the city budget at 5:05pm this evening in the Public Service Center.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

🚨🚨🚨 Important Event Alert 🚨🚨🚨 TOMORROW (Wed.) the BET will take public comment on the Mayor's proposed budget. This is your opportunity to speak on funding for parks, police, or anything else. 5:05pm in the Public Service Center. Come and be heard! Details: lims.minneapolismn.gov/Board/Agenda...

lims.minneapolismn.gov

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

I agree with much of what BET President Steve Brandt wrote in the Strib. I'm concerned about the impact of the mayor's proposed tax increase, especially without policy to reign in MPD spending. Read his thoughts and share your own at our hearing on September 9th. www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...

startribune.com

Opinion | Minneapolis can’t afford an 11.3% property tax levy hike

Mayor Jacob Frey and the Minneapolis City Council should look harder for savings, writes Board of Estimate and Taxation president Steve Brandt.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Here’s an idea of where the city can raise revenue. 50 cents per hour for parking in St. Anthony Main, are you kidding me?

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I want to share publicly that I plan to support MPRB's request for a 5.6% levy increase. The mayor's proposal of 2.5% would hurt our parks and save taxpayers little. Minneapolis parks are the best in the country and we should build on our strengths, not weaken them. www.minnpost.com/community-vo...

minnpost.com

A message to the city of Minneapolis: Consolidation would hurt our parks

The quality of our Minneapolis parks would erode under consolidation and be an ineffective use of taxpayer dollars.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I’m here at Mayor Frey’s budget address. Thoughts and reactions to follow.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

🚨🚨🚨EHB talks MPD 🚨🚨🚨 I am extremely concerned about the impact that MPD spending will have on our property taxes and budget priorities this year. Now is the time to speak up to stop MPD cost growth from consuming the investments we need in our communities.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Important write-up of the budget outlook ahead of the mayor's proposal. Lots of serious challenges, including the possibility of cuts and significant tax increases. Will be sharing more thoughts soon. www.startribune.com/mayor-jacob-...

startribune.com

Minneapolis may lay off 100 city employees in budget cuts. Taxpayers could still face double-digit hike.

Mayor Jacob Frey will unveil a budget proposal next week that could include layoffs and closing or consolidating some departments to plug a $33 million budget gap.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Very interested in the results of this scientific survey.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Capped off yesterday’s scorcher with a visit to the Webber Natural Swimming Pool and a spin through the new Upper Harbor park space. I was blown away by both. Webber was buzzing with people loving the cool water, and these rivers-side picnic tables are gorgeous. We can do great things when we try!

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

EHB’s first resolution! On Wednesday the BET passed my resolution recommending that the city council explore a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) program to encourage tax-exempt orgs like foundations and universities to contribute to a city asset fund or urban wealth fund. More on the idea:

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

My great grandparents fled pogroms in the Ukraine in search of freedom in the U.S. Like generations of immigrants before and since, they went to work building this country. I'm grateful to them for the opportunities I later received and I want that for generations to come. Happy Independence Day.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

An official EHB budget update before the big holiday weekend. I am tracking MOD over spending and other fiscal pressures and I am ready to fight for an accountable budget that expresses a positive vision of a brighter future.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Extremely proud of my friend @aishaforward10.com for taking this step to prioritize her mental health. Aisha has given so much to all of us and deserves our full support as she takes time to heal. I know she will return an even stronger champion for the people of this city. We are with you, Aisha!

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Awesome marching in yesterday's pride parade! The LGBTQ community brings so much joy, creativity, and brilliance to our city. They are the core of our radical acceptance and it is an honor to celebrate pride every year. Thank you for showing us how to love one another, and accept ourselves 🌈

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Close the streets so kids can play in them. This is an official position.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Ample seating, numerous parks and trees, public restrooms — I really cannot describe how much these public spaces improve the environment in downtown Detroit. If Minneapolis wants a vibrant downtown, we should build it for people.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

POV: You are a BET Commissioner hanging out with Keith Ellison at Open Streets Lyndale.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Bill is correct as usual. Removing public space because we can't find a constructive response to unsheltered homelessness is the ultimate admission of failure. It is surrender in the face of a growing and disturbing problem, and our city will never thrive until we find real solutions.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Must-read coverage of police overspending. MPD already gets one-third of our general fund; overspending beyond that is unacceptable. I am glad to see city leaders united in concern about these overages and will do my part to ensure an accountable budget. www.startribune.com/minneapolis-...

startribune.com

Minneapolis police overtime is dragging down the entire city budget

The city’s rainy day fund is drying up as it spends more and collects less money.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

🚨🚨 Official EHB endorsement 🚨🚨 Like our Attorney General Keith Ellison, I am endorsing @zackformn.bsky.social for State Auditor. (Except it’s not at all like Keith because people care what he thinks 😅). But there it is nonetheless.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Here is a helpful video by a goofy Canadian realtor explaining why commercial spaces can sit vacant for so long. City leaders might differ on how much to prioritize business interests, but no one should carry water for institutional commercial real estate investors. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR_k...

youtube.com

Why Commercial Real Estate Spaces Can Be Vacant for Years

YouTube video by Chris Melnyk

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Excellent op-ed on challenges and opportunities in Uptown, especially these points on the need for public leadership and public space. When private actors engage in harmful behavior like keeping space vacant, the city needs to step in. Otherwise we pay the price in lower tax base and empty streets.

Paragraphs read:

Housing is just another chapter in the story. There is no thriving Uptown without its artists and workers, and these people deserve to be a part of a neighborhood where they can afford to live on minimum wage. Affordable housing is a need just about everywhere, and our neighborhood is no exception. The property owners who hold vacant space hostage would rather use it as a tax write-off than provide stable homes for the community. If the private sector can’t or refuses to accomplish this, then maybe the public sector ought to take action.

The emptiness can be felt in smaller ways, too. Just take a walk around Uptown. The only place where you can stop and rest your feet is, maybe, a bus stop. This lack of public seating is just another way to make the area hostile to the unhoused. However, refusing to install a simple bench because a homeless person might lie on it is akin to cutting off your nose to spite your face. Everyone needs a comfortable place to sit, no matter if you’re elderly, disabled or just plain tired. There’s no reason a vibrant neighborhood shouldn’t have creative infill projects that give visitors a place to take it all in. Yes, a homeless person might want to use the same bench as you. That’s OK. It isn’t, and shouldn’t be, a crime to be homeless in Minneapolis.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

I was deeply moved by Rise and Remember’s vigil for George Floyd, 6 years after he was murdered by MPD. It was a bittersweet reminder that, despite enormous community effort, our city government has failed to adequately repair from this atrocity. May this be a more victorious year in the struggle.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

CMs @aishaforward10.com & @ward4.minneapolismn.gov did an excellent job following up about MPD overages yesterday. I especially appreciate the point that these were not all essential expenditures. MPD overspent on equipment, food, and even advertising. Other departments do not do this.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

I am following this story closely. During the campaign I talked a a lot about the enormous potential of city-owned land. Selling empty lots can make sense, but we should think long-term and make sure not to offload space that could serve the public. Great reporting here by Taylor, as usual.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Awesome celebrating Bike to Work Week with @olsenforparks.bsky.social on a cross-metro commute to Wednesday’s BET meeting. Didn’t bike with Steve but we did take a selfie 🚴‍♂️🤓 Biking is my favorite way to move through the city and I fully support all efforts to build our bike and ped infrastructure 👊

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

The fact that MPD's excessive hours during OMS were driven by their concerns about resident behavior, rather than their intent to protect us from the violent threat of ICE and CBP agents, adds insult to this financial injury. This is a deeply upsetting indicator of the department's orientation.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

I am extremely troubled by the amount of standby pay issued to MPD officers during Operation Metro Surge. MPD data shows some officers were paid nearly 24 hours per day for 32 days straight, while dozens were paid 8-12 extra hours each day while we stood out in the cold protecting our neighbors. 1/

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Brace yourselves for a weekend of public sector content as your fav BET VP hits Doors Open. On my list right now: Traffic Management, Watershed Management, the Bus Garage, the maintenance hole, Odor Control, Groove Lofts, Kramarczuk's, the Coliseum, and the Minneapolis Club. What should I add?

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Important Minneapolis budget hearing going on right now, covering MPD overtime during Operation Metro Surge, which @wedge.live discusses below. Read through the data and am concerned by large amounts of standby pay given to officers awaiting a call at home. Watch: www.youtube.com/live/NJXBEEq...

youtube.com

May 4, 2026 Budget Committee

YouTube video by cityofminneapolis

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Every year I’m blown away by the incredible expression of humanity at Powderhorn May Day. The creativity, the embodiment of shared values, and all of the ingenuity and hard work to make it happen. As a person in politics it always makes me wonder, how can we support that sort of joy and connection?

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Hey Neighbors! Worried about property taxes? One way to control the rise is with alternative funding. On April 8th, the BET heard a presentation on revenue options and tomorrow we'll file it. That means it's your turn to have your voice heard! Come on by: lims.minneapolismn.gov/Board/Agenda...

lims.minneapolismn.gov

Board of Estimate and Taxation Agenda 4/22/2026 4:00 PM - City of Minneapolis

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Media Narratives about our city government have been unflattering lately, but this was a great reminder of all the caring and thoughtful people working to meet our needs. Did you know we have two full-time veterinarians tending to impounded or surrendered pets? Hundreds of stories like this.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Really enjoyed sitting in on the Capital Long-range Improvement Committee’s proposal meeting. CLIC is an appointed committee that guides our investment priorities. Departments presented proposals for things like street redesign and buildings, including the controversial MPD training facility.

members of CLIC watch a presentation on a proposed animal control facility

cover page of a presentation packet sitting on photographer’s lap

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Happy Tax Day, Minneapolis! Despite the tragedy of how many of our tax dollars are being used right now, I still believe in the power and importance of our city budget and I’m hopeful we can use it to care for those in need and build stronger communities for everyone. Some more Tax Day thoughts:

Happy Tax Day, Minneapolis! Normally, I would mark the occasion with some simple appreciation for all of the wonderful, essential things that our tax dollars fund. But the world is weightier these days and so here is what came up for me as this notable civic occasion approached.

In political circles, “affordability" is the hot buzzword. Politicos like it because it speaks to the universal anxiety that Americans are feeling over their struggle to make ends meet and to create a stable life for themselves and their families. The phrase works for both parties because Republicans can promise affordability through tax cuts and a stronger economy, while Democrats can promise it through targeted redistribution and subsidies for healthcare and other basic necessities. In both cases we accept the world more or less as is, and we hope for tweaks that will help us scratch out a living.

I will break here with the affordability consensus and admit that I hate how this word has become a stand-in for all of our social ills. At a time when so much about our society feels broken, I am deeply frustrated by the relentless acceptance of a status quo that is failing us; failing our sense of community; failing our planet.

My interest in taxes began with my belief that the challenges we are suffering from as individuals are collective in nature. We could all use more money, but no one individual can buy themselves clean air, safe streets, or a strong community. We afford these things through our collective work — and our collective dollars, paid in taxes.

This is especially true in Minneapolis today. From unsheltered homelessness to good schools to functional infrastructure, the challenges we face are collective in nature. Even the rise in our property taxes has to do with our ability to create healthy, appealing neighborhoods and to build the housing and commercial spaces that will sustain a strong tax base. If we want solutions to these challenges and opportunities, we need to accept that city leaders must break from the status quo and put Minneapolis first.

At the same time, I share widespread concerns about our ability to rise to the occasion, meet our collective challenges, and use our dollars wisely. But that is all the more reason these questions demand our focused attention.

My interest in running for a seat on the BET was premised on my belief that we must not abandon the project of a stronger and more impactful city budget.

In the months ahead, we will have a chance to examine these questions with eyes sharpened by our months on watch. We will discuss our city’s next levy increase and the burden it will have on families as well as the services and protections our investments can offer. I hope you’ll join us in that conversation with the sense of hope and high standards that we all deserve.

Happy Tax Day.

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

If you are not livestreaming the presentation of the city’s alternative revenues study you are missing a barn burner. This is like the Oscars-Super Bowl-Met Gala for me and Steve Brandt. www.youtube.com/live/OiB7t5r...

youtube.com

April 8, 2026 City Council & Board of Estimate and Taxation Joint Meeting

YouTube video by cityofminneapolis

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EHB on BET @ehbforbet.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Very excited to be a part of today's joint meeting of the City Council and BET (officially named MegaBoard). We'll be diving into this excellent report on alternative revenue options. Attend in person at the Public Service Center or watch online at 2pm 🎉🎉🎉 lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/Age...

lims.minneapolismn.gov

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