Sign in

Tom Olsen

@olsenforparks.bsky.social
2.2K followers 108 following 543 posts

Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner At Large. Visit olsenforparks.org for more info. Comms Specialist MN House DFL. MPLS, biking, Twolves. He/him/his.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Jason Garcia for MPRB District 4 @jason4parks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I’m also looking forward to talking with people at our upcoming community budget meetings, to hear about their priorities! Thursday, Oct. 8 6-8 pm Lyndale Farmstead (1300 42nd St W) Thursday, Oct. 22 6-8 pm Powderhorn Park (3400 15th Ave S) Saturday, Oct. 24 1-3 pm Elliot Park (1000 E 14th St)
1104
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Jason Garcia for MPRB District 4 @jason4parks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This afternoon at the BET, the board passed the Minneapolis tax levy, which included the 5.86% levy increase to fund the park board. This means we will be able to continue to offer the outstanding services and experiences of our parks to the people of Minneapolis, and our visitors.
14513
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Didn't know that if the park board came down even more the average MPLS resident would pay nothing at all in new property taxes.
040
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
🤥
0170
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
His points around needing public commitments on police oversight/reform are valid. Part of why the parks were facing cuts at all was because the city is facing police led cost overruns. Next week we need to fully fund parks (which the BET showed support for) and keep police accountable.
03812
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
This city deserves only the best after all we've been through!
1397
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Kay Carvajal Moran @kayforparks.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
My colleague, MPRB Board President Tom Olsen published an op-ed continuing the conversation about why our Minneapolis Parks should be fully funded.
2217
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Ethan Kleinbaum @eikleinbaum.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
My family would head to Philips Aquatic Center Sunday AMs in the winter for Family Swim. An activity I'd highlight as a reason why Minneapolis was special. 2025 budget cuts removed those hours from the schedule. More unique, accessible resources will disappear if we dont protect them.
051
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
My argument is simple; our parks are worth it. In the last few years our park levy has been consistently under what we need to fully function. This led to rec center cuts. We are facing cuts again, while the city has been far less fiscally prudent. Gift link: www.startribune.com/mpls-green-s...
startribune.com
Park Board president: Minneapolis parks are among the best in the nation. Fund them accordingly.
The Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation must vote to fully fund the park board’s levy request of 5.86%, which is far below what the city is asking for itself, Park and Recreation Board presiden...
28122
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Alex @mplsalex.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“We all deserve more than a city in managed decline.” hits hard, not gonna lie.
0369
Reposted by Tom Olsen
KC @kcmpls.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
My family is a park family. We use a Minneapolis park nearly every day, year round. The parks are what make Minneapolis the best place to raise a family in the US and must be protected at all costs.
0102
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Bree 🇵🇸👍 🧊🚫 @breeminneapolis.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I want to live in a city full of parks even if I only use a small number. Last week I was told that the main reason we have such kickass parks was that Wirth was raising his grandkid, and he needed something for the kid to do. I can't find anything to confirm this but I want it to be true.
0143
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Jason Garcia for MPRB District 4 @jason4parks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
New op-ed from @olsenforparks.bsky.social in the Strib talking about why funding our park system is a win for Minneapolis! Please check it out. BET votes on the levies this Wednesday, 9/23 at 4pm! Room 350, Public Service Center 250 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN www.startribune.com/mpls-green-s...
startribune.com
Park Board president: Minneapolis parks are among the best in the nation. Fund them accordingly.
The Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation must vote to fully fund the park board’s levy request of 5.86%, which is far below what the city is asking for itself, Park and Recreation Board presiden...
04221
Reposted by Tom Olsen
tyler page @tylerpage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Our parks do more than MPD ever had or will to law this a great place to live.
1132
Reposted by Tom Olsen
TC Nachos @tcnachos.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This is well-written and incredibly well-argued article about why the Park Board should not bear the brunt of citywide cuts. Fund the Parks. Cut City spending.
074
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Tarrentella @carbycaterpillar.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Invest in Minneapolis Parks and Recs!
032
Reposted by Tom Olsen
✊🏼Indigiqueer Hummingbird @riotousmuse.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Glad we have a Park Board & BET who'll put up a fight for our parks. Tom is right: we deserve far more than disinvestment, dilapidation, & managed decline.
1236
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
My argument is simple; our parks are worth it. In the last few years our park levy has been consistently under what we need to fully function. This led to rec center cuts. We are facing cuts again, while the city has been far less fiscally prudent. Gift link: www.startribune.com/mpls-green-s...
startribune.com
Park Board president: Minneapolis parks are among the best in the nation. Fund them accordingly.
The Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation must vote to fully fund the park board’s levy request of 5.86%, which is far below what the city is asking for itself, Park and Recreation Board presiden...
28122
Reposted by Tom Olsen
functional moron @fiveburger.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
the police are defunding our city
213734
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Jason Garcia for MPRB District 4 @jason4parks.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
At MPRB, we have worked hard to present a fair, realistic, and attainable budget. I appreciate our president partnering with @ehbinmn.bsky.social and Steve Brandt on this letter. Our city’s executive branch needs to partner more closely with city council to provide oversight on spending.
0329
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Trevor J. Mitchell @tjm613.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
fairly pointed letter from minneapolis park and recreation board president and the two elected members of the board of estimate and taxation re: police overspending
031
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Avocadoplex (Matt) @avocadoplex.bike · 18/09/2026
👇🏻👇🏻
091
Reposted by Tom Olsen
🧙MarniOpe! 🤬🧊 @silentmachine.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Our parks are the jewels of the city. They must be protected.
1102
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.
511644
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Open parkways are awesome!!! Can't wait to move beyond the occasional (and awesome) programmed event to regular pedestrianization! Check put Pickleball in the Parkway today!
171
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I hope to see y'all tomorrow for what will be an awesome Octoberfest evening filled with drinks, fun, and a collective effort to take back the MN House in November!!!
0104
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The sun may set but the parks don't close until 10pm!
0212
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I hope to see y'all tomorrow for what will be an awesome Octoberfest evening filled with drinks, fun, and a collective effort to take back the MN House in November!!!
0104
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Wedge LIVE!™ @wedge.live · 10/09/2026
Difference between what Mayor Frey has proposed and Park Board's ask is $14/year, says MPRB superintendent Al Bangoura. "Our responsibility does not end when the ribbon is cut." They have to maintain and program. Mayor's budget would mean significant service reduction.
34111
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Wedge LIVE!™ @wedge.live · 10/09/2026
Important to note that awarding Lisa Goodman her job at city hall in recognition for her service as a mayoral best friend costs about 3x what you see on this scale. So 1 point of levy decrease equals about 7 Lisa Goodmans, as opposed to 20 regular employees.
15513
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Tomorrow, at 5:05 pm the BET will hear presentations on the Mayor's proposed property tax levy and the MPRB proposed budget. This is the best time for you to let the BET know that they should fully fund our parks with a 5.86% park levy increase. I hope to see you testify on behalf of our parks!
1137
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Tomorrow, at 5:05 pm the BET will hear presentations on the Mayor's proposed property tax levy and the MPRB proposed budget. This is the best time for you to let the BET know that they should fully fund our parks with a 5.86% park levy increase. I hope to see you testify on behalf of our parks!
1137
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
We'll be out in the community to talk about the Park Board budget and how it impacts you. First one is next Thursday, Sept 10 at 6pm at 40th street park, but don't worry if you can't make it, we'll have five more over the next couple of months!
042
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Wedge LIVE!™ @wedge.live · 25/08/2026
New episode with Jason Garcia of the Minneapolis Park Board and Eric Harris Bernstein of the Board of Estimate & Taxation. We did the math and realized the mayor vs park board property tax battle amounts to an additional $18 bill for median home in 2027. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN4V...
youtube.com
Minneapolis Mayor and Park Board at odds over additional $18 tax bill for median home
We're talking about Mayor Frey's proposed property tax levy for 2027 with Commissioner Jason Garcia, of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and Eric Harris Bernstein, of the Board of Estimate &…
1367
Reposted by Tom Olsen
David Brauer @dbrauer.net · 24/08/2026
My silver-lining hope is now that city’s cop spending crashed into popular park board spending & property taxes soar regardless of any resolution, voters get rid of the stupid minimum-cops staffing charter requirement. Not sure lefties, or moderate taxphobes, wanna lead that though.
4406
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Our parks are worth it. Fully funding parks means a city where everyone can have a space to relax, learn and grow. I could understand consolidation if it was show to a reasonable degree of certainty that it wouldn't devastate our parks. That has yet to happen. www.startribune.com/minneapolis-...
startribune.com
Minneapolis mayor wants to combine some offices with the park district. The Park Board says take a hike.
The mayor and Park Board are at odds over Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposal that they consolidate offices to save money amid the city’s $33 million budget gap.
25014
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
So gross.
0173
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Kendal Killian @kedrickillian.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Why does Mayor Frey hate our precious parks? He led development of a private stadium park the MPRB had to later take over. He wants a fancy indoor downtown park. His police shut down parks on holidays like 4th of July. Now he wants to steal from Parks to subsidize out of control police overtime.
03214
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
It's true! We have all had times when we question if we need an independent Park Board. Well put this budget fight firmly in the "hell yes we need this" category. Right now we have a mayor who would deprioritze our parks in a budget pinch. The MPRB is what stands up to these short-sighted cuts!
0285
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Wedge LIVE!™ @wedge.live · 20/08/2026
MPRB budget director calls mayor's proposal a "recession level cut" - equivalent to 26 full time employees. Difference between what MPRB says they need and what the mayor is offering is $3.2 million. Or an 11.8% total levy increase vs the mayor's 11.3.
0123
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Wedge LIVE!™ @wedge.live · 20/08/2026
Chart shows the last ten years of property tax levy increases broken out by City vs. Park Board. Mayor Frey's proposed 2027 property tax levy would give the city a 14.4% increase and leave the Park Board with just 2.5%. Way out of proportion with the norm. MPRB wants 5.9%.
2276
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
We had a great conversation! Be sure to give this a watch/listen as we go into a lot of detail about the MPRB budget needs and potential consequences of a big cut.
1102
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Katie Cashman @katiecashman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
@unidosmn.bsky.social climate equity volunteers toured the Sabathani geothermal project with @sorenwithward8.bsky.social, @olsenforparks.bsky.social, Park Board Director Deshpande and County Commissioner Anderson yesterday. The building will be heated and cooled by ground sourced energy. Gas free! 🔆
15 people in yellow hard hats outside the Sabathani Community Center
1276
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Wedge LIVE!™ @wedge.live · 14/08/2026
Real sassy message from the Park Board to Mayor Frey about his big idea to starve them of resources and create efficiencies. Past efforts to consolidate haven't worked and were rolled back. www.minnpost.com/community-vo...
05313
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Carol D @carol-sompls.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Step up for the parks. Email the Board of Estimation and Taxation and ask them to fully fund our parks. We cannot afford to balance the city budget on the backs of kids and families who need these services.
133
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Our parks are worth fully funding. The MPRB has put together a website detailing the budget process and why full funding our parks is so important. Check it out here and share it far and wide: www.minneapolisparks.org/budget-2027/
minneapolisparks.org
Budget Process 2027-28 - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
0126
Tom Olsen @olsenforparks.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Very hard to swallow 2.5% when looked at this way! Trying to balance the city budget off of the back of our park system!
0284
Reposted by Tom Olsen
David Brauer @dbrauer.net · 14/08/2026
Appreciate Minneapolis Parks commissioners and the superintendent arguing for a responsible tax increase that’s half the city‘s rate (with Frey arguing that should get only a quarter of what he seeks): 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.
1408
Reposted by Tom Olsen
✊🏼Indigiqueer Hummingbird @riotousmuse.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
📣 Mpls
0125
Reposted by Tom Olsen
Dan Haugen @danhaugen.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
MinnPost's @tjm613.bsky.social talked to @olsenforparks.bsky.social, Kedar Deshpande, and Cathy Abene about Mayor Frey's parks budget "placeholder"
minnpost.com
Frey's proposed budget gives Minneapolis Park board less than half of what it asked for
Commissioners said the “placeholder” figure would lead to layoffs, reduced maintenance or closed recreation centers.
034