My name is LaTrisha Vetaw and I am running for Minneapolis Park Board At Large. I've lived in Minneapolis for most of my life. A big part of why I love this city is the parks. In my day job, I work with youth in North Minneapolis. I know how important parks are to the youth I work with. Our parks serve a vital purpose, especially to low-income and communities of color. I want to make sure our park
s serve everyone and that they meet the needs of the diverse communities who use the parks on a daily basis. I also want to increase engagement between communities of color and the Park Board. I am an experienced leader. I am an experienced leader and community organizer. I've worked in the community for more than a decade to help advocate for policies and programs that make our city a healthier place to live. Accomplishments and leadership responsibilities include:
1) Board Chair of Our Streets Minneapolis (formerly the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition): 2016-present; Board Member since 2014
2) Successfully advocated for tobacco-free parks policy that covers all Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Property
3) Program Director of the Neighborhood Orange Bike program, which aims to increase bicycle use among communities of color and underserved populations.
4) Created the Breathe Free North youth coalition in 2007; I've directed the coalition since that time. This is a coalition of primarily African American at-risk youth from North Minneapolis that works to protect our city from the harms of tobacco through policy change. My park priorities.
1) Support healthy, welcoming, and safe parks for everyone. I've already worked to promote tobacco-free parks, and I will promote policies that reduce pesticides and keep our parks and air clean. Our parks are our city’s green spaces, and we need to keep them that way.
2) Work to expand the community engagement process. I believe that the best decisions are made when the community is able to make their voice heard. I'll promote new ways to engage the Minneapolis community, from social media to engaging, fun park events. This will help bridge the gap between communities of color and the park board and make sure everyone is able to have a say in the future of our parks.
3) Support youth recreation opportunities, like arts, music, and dance programs. Parks are places where kids come together to learn, grow, and form bonds with one another! I will invest in old and new programs that bring more Minneapolis children to the parks, improving their overall wellbeing. Prepared by and paid for by LaTrisha Vetaw for Parks, 5315 10th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
