2025 Minneapolis Housing Questionnaire — Ward 5

Neighbors for More Neighbors has partnered with Inquilinxs Unidxs Por Justicia, Wedge LIVE!, The Housing Justice League, Housing in Action and BikeMN to sponsor a housing questionnaire for the 2025 Minneapolis Elections. You can see all responses (mayoral and city council candidates) here.

We sent this questionnaire to all candidates who filed campaign finance reports as of April 16, 2025. We received responses from Ethrophic Burnett, Tinitha Pearll Warren, and Anndrea Young.

The candidates are ordered alphabetically by last name. You may view the candidate responses to each question by clicking on the “+” icon to the left of the question.

Question 1: One way to create complete, walkable neighborhoods is to legalize local commercial use within those neighborhoods. The existing zoning code prohibits commercial use on approximately 89% of Minneapolis lots.

Will you vote for zoning changes to allow local, low-impact small businesses (e.g. coffee shops, restaurants, corner stores, etc.) to be built in residential neighborhoods throughout our entire city?

  • Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Yes
    I believe that It’s beneficial to have low impact businesses in residential neighborhoods. This will help to balance the tax burdens and mixed use property in residential. Mixed residential commercial property can be beneficial to start up residential business owners.

    Anndrea Young
    Yes

Question 2: Some cities like South Bend, Indiana, have developed a set of pre-approved, residential project plans to help (1) lower the cost of construction by reducing design fees and (2) speed up approval times. These initiatives involve working with architects and engineers to develop a set of plans for one to six-unit homes that are permitted throughout the city.

Will you vote to create an accessible catalog of free or low-cost, pre-approved home plans for the City of Minneapolis?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Yes
    Yes, I will vote to create an accessible catalog of free or low-cost pre-approved home plans.
    As someone who understands the toll housing insecurity takes on families, especially on the Northside, I know we need urgent and creative solutions. Minneapolis is in the middle of an affordable housing crisis, and we need a multi-pronged approach to address it. Providing pre-approved plans for one – to six – unit homes is a proactive step that can lower costs, streamline construction, and empower more residents to build housing in their communities.
    While I support this initiative, I also believe it’s essential that the process be guided by thoughtful planning, community input, and equity. We need safeguards to ensure that these plans are designed with long-term livability, sustainability, and neighborhood context in mind. This can’t be a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be a powerful tool in making housing more accessible and responsive to the needs of all Minneapolis residents.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Abstain
    I’d rather not answer that question head-on, because the project catalog—as it stands—misses the bigger picture. It should prioritize more than just names on a list; it should reflect real investment in local developers, union labor, and minority-owned contractors. In 2021, minority contractors in Minneapolis received just 7% of the City’s $136 million in publicly funded construction work. We don’t even have updated stats for 2024, which says something in itself.
    Meanwhile, local union workers—who come through robust joint labor-management apprenticeship programs that train 93% of Minnesota’s construction apprentices—are often sidelined. When out-of-state developers dominate the catalog, accountability drops and the door stays shut for too many local players. If we’re serious about equity, then local talent can’t just be an afterthought.

    Anndrea Young
    Yes

Question 3: Given Minneapolis’s history of redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeway construction through historically Black & minority neighborhoods, slum clearance, and urban renewal, what are your goals to address historic & ongoing harms–in an equitable and restorative way–to build a better and more livable Minneapolis for all residents?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Minneapolis cannot move forward without acknowledging and actively repairing the harm caused by decades of racist policies like redlining, exclusionary zoning, freeway construction, and displacement through so-called “urban renewal.” These practices devastated Black and Indigenous communities, especially on the Northside, stripping families of wealth, safety, and stability.

    My goal as a City Council member is to lead with an equity and justice centered approach that puts historically harmed communities at the forefront of policy solutions. That means:

    • Investing in deeply affordable, multi-family housing that meets the real needs of working families, not just market-rate or luxury developments.

    • Fully funding public housing and ensuring it remains safe, well-maintained, and publicly owned.

    • Expanding the Minneapolis Home Program to help BIPOC families access first-time homeownership and build generational wealth.

    • Passing the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) to stop displacement and give renters a path to community ownership.

    • Championing rent stabilization to ensure families aren’t forced out of neighborhoods they’ve called home for generations.

    • Collaborating with MPS and community partners to keep families housed and students stable in their schools.

    We can’t undo the past, but we can build a future rooted in justice. I’m committed to housing as a human right and to policies that repair harm, restore dignity, and help every Minneapolis resident, especially those most impacted, thrive.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    First and foremost, we have a train currently scheduled to run through North Minneapolis, up 21st Avenue—a route that would severely divide our community, particularly within the 5th Ward. I want to work closely with the Metropolitan Council to reroute the light rail up Olson Memorial Highway, connecting to Highway 100 and linking with suburban communities. This was the original plan, and our business corridor along Olson was dismantled with that purpose in mind. It’s time for that investment to serve its intended function.

    There are numerous programs aimed at reducing social harm, but their success depends on active collaboration with cities and communities. These programs are grounded in real data collected from residents and deserve our full support. For example, HUD’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing is not just a policy—it’s a legal mandate that prohibits housing discrimination and requires federal agencies to invest in creating fair and livable communities.

    My goal is to ensure that federal funding tied to this policy is used effectively to transform urban areas, improve conditions, and expand opportunities for residents.

    Anndrea Young
    Listening sessions with real results to follow. Learning about past harms and working to make sure that they aren’t happening again. Addressing issues like displacement, and disparities to prevent cycles from continuing. Show up for the residents in my ward and advocate for the changes that they deserve. Remove the HERC. Work to prevent another trash facility from being built. Continue to work in coalition with groups that are fighting all efforts to make a difference in marginalized communities.

Question 4: Minneapolis currently allows property owners to build triplexes on any residential lot. In practice, on an average 5,000 square foot lot in Minneapolis, each triplex unit is constrained to ~800 square feet due to other size and height limitations in the code (these are built-form restrictions & floor-to-area ratios). Most of the triplexes that currently exist were built decades ago and would not be allowed today under current rules.

Will you vote to change city built-form restrictions so that new triplexes could be built if they stayed consistent with existing forms?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Yes
    Yes, I will vote to change built-form restrictions so that new triplexes can be built in a way that’s consistent with existing forms. Updating the built-form code is a common-sense step toward making sure triplexes can actually be built again, especially in neighborhoods like the Northside, where we need more housing that supports multi-generational families, renters, and first-time homebuyers. This change would allow us to build the kinds of housing that already exist in our communities, while promoting affordability, walkability, and equity.
    We can’t solve our housing crisis with outdated rules that block practical solutions. I support this change because it brings us closer to a Minneapolis where everyone has access to a safe, dignified home.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Yes

    Anndrea Young
    Yes

Question 5: The Minneapolis 2040 Plan has been highly successful in allowing more studios and 1 to 2 bedroom homes to be built in the City, primarily in buildings with 20 or more units. However, 3 or more bedroom homes in these same buildings are rare; meaning families with children are competing for a limited supply of single-family homes.

Will you vote to change zoning restrictions to encourage the development of 3-bedroom units–in multi-unit buildings–for growing Minneapolis families?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Yes
    Yes, I would vote to change zoning restrictions to encourage the development of 3-bedroom units in multi-unit buildings.

    As a single mother, I know firsthand how difficult housing insecurity can be, especially when you’re raising multiple children in a space that simply isn’t big enough. The lack of family-sized rental units forces many families into housing that doesn’t meet their basic needs or pushes them out of the city altogether.

    Having access to a safe, affordable, multi-bedroom apartment would have been life-changing for my family, and I believe every parent deserves that option. If we want to be a city that truly supports families, we need to make sure our housing policies reflect that. That means intentionally creating room for growing families in new development, not just studios and one-bedrooms.

    Let’s build a Minneapolis where families can rent with dignity, stay rooted in their communities, and thrive at every stage of life.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Yes

    Anndrea Young
    Yes

Question 6: Across the country, many cities and states are updating their zoning codes to allow more homes near high-quality transit. For example, Washington State legalized six-plexes within a half-mile of major transit stops.

Will you vote for zoning reforms in Minneapolis to support more homes on all land within a half-mile of major transit stops, including LRT, BRT, and ABRT lines?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Yes
    Yes, I will vote for zoning reforms to support more homes within a half-mile of major transit stops, including LRT, BRT, and ABRT lines.

    For too long, the Northside has been left behind in infrastructure and transit investment. With the Blue Line Extension on the horizon, we have a real chance to expand affordable housing, increase access to jobs, and build walkable communities, but it must be done right.

    While more housing near transit reduces car dependence and emissions, we must also acknowledge the environmental concerns that come with living near busy corridors, like air and noise pollution. As we reform zoning, we must pair it with strong environmental protections and public health investments to ensure communities aren’t harmed by the very infrastructure meant to help them.

    We can grow Minneapolis responsibly, with clean air, affordable homes, and opportunity rooted in justice.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Yes

    Anndrea Young
    Yes

Question 7: What specific anti-displacement measures will you support to ensure these zoning changes benefit existing residents and prevent displacement of low-income communities for current and future projects?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Displacement is not an accidental outcome of development, it’s the result of policies that ignore the needs of low-income communities, particularly Black and Brown residents. As we plan for growth in Minneapolis, especially in historically underinvested areas like the Northside, I will fight to ensure that zoning changes benefit current residents first.

    To do that, I will champion the following specific anti-displacement measures:

    • Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA): Give renters the first right to buy their homes if landlords decide to sell, helping preserve affordability and promote community ownership.

    • Deeply affordable housing requirements: Tie zoning reforms to requirements that a significant portion of new units, especially near transit, are accessible to low-income residents.

    • Rent stabilization: Cap excessive rent increases to keep families in their homes as neighborhoods grow.

    • Community preference policies: Prioritize longtime residents for new affordable housing built in their own neighborhoods.

    • Public and cooperative ownership models: Expand land trusts and nonprofit housing models that remove speculation and keep housing permanently affordable.

    • Anti-displacement infrastructure investment: Invest in community-owned businesses, internet access, safe sidewalks, and green space to ensure development enhances, not uproots communities.

    I know what it’s like to face housing insecurity as a single mother. That’s why I’m committed to ensuring we grow Minneapolis with our communities, not at their expense.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    To effectively prevent displacement and ensure zoning changes truly benefit existing residents, we must keep the needs of the community at the center of every decision. Anti-displacement begins with intentional planning—acknowledging not only future growth, but also the stability of those aging in place and long-term residents who have shaped our neighborhoods.

    I will support and advocate for legally binding Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) tied to new zoning and development projects. These agreements must be created in partnership with residents and community stakeholders to ensure that developments bring tangible, lasting benefits—such as affordable housing, local hiring, transit access, and protections against rising property taxes and rent hikes.

    Additionally, any zoning changes must come with clear, transparent plans for how they will improve conditions for low-income communities. This includes maintaining affordability, protecting cultural and business corridors, and ensuring that residents aren’t just consulted—but have a meaningful seat at the table.

    Anndrea Young
    Adding more funding into the current anti-displacement funding.
    I would work on policies that would prevent displacement measures, especially in Ward 5 where the BLE is coming.
    Stay committed to the anti-displacement fight

Question 8: Minneapolis residents, City Council, and the current Mayor are all concerned with rising homelessness rates, which increase the prevalence of local encampments.

Do you support the current mayoral administration’s policy of encampment clearing?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    No
    No, I do not support the current mayoral administration’s policy of encampment clearing.

    While I don’t believe these actions are always rooted in malice, they reflect a deeply misguided approach to a humanitarian crisis. Clearing encampments doesn’t solve homelessness, it just moves it around. Each sweep only deepens trauma, disrupts fragile support networks, and pushes people further from the services they need. If we truly cared about our unhoused neighbors, we would have already invested in a city-run infrastructure of care, not punishment.

    Instead of displacing people, we should be meeting them where they are, with weekly outreach from city staff trained in harm reduction, mental health support, and housing navigation. People deserve access to overdose prevention, therapy, and pathways to stability, not vilification.

    We must end the cycle of displacement and build a Minneapolis that welcomes everyone. That includes rejecting anti-homeless infrastructure and embracing policies that affirm the dignity, safety, and belonging of every resident, housed or unhoused. Until we act with that commitment, we’re not solving homelessness, we’re just hiding it.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Yes

    Anndrea Young
    No

Question 9: What will you do to protect people who see encampments as their only option, while increasing and expanding access to stable, permanent and deeply affordable housing for all people in Minneapolis?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    No one chooses to live in an encampment unless every other system has failed them. As someone who knows what housing insecurity feels like, I believe we have a moral obligation to treat our unhoused neighbors with dignity, not displacement.

    To protect those who see encampments as their only option, I will oppose harmful and ineffective sweeps and instead invest in outreach, harm reduction, and city-run transitional infrastructure. That includes creating safe, sanctioned spaces with access to restrooms, sanitation, mental health and addiction services, and consistent engagement by trained city staff, not law enforcement. Our response must be rooted in care, not criminalization.

    At the same time, I will fight for long-term solutions that actually address the root causes of homelessness:

    • Fully funding public housing and ensuring it remains permanently affordable and city-owned.

    • Expanding deeply affordable, multi-bedroom units for families, especially in North Minneapolis.

    • Passing a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) to prevent displacement and promote community ownership.

    • Championing rent stabilization and tenant protections to keep people housed.

    • Supporting housing-first models that get people into stable homes before requiring treatment or work programs.

    We must shift our mindset from managing homelessness to ending it, by investing in people, not punishment, and building a city where housing is truly treated as a human right.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Homelessness is not simply a matter of space—it is deeply connected to mental health and chemical dependency. We must prioritize comprehensive support services for individuals struggling in these areas. Leaving people unsheltered, especially in Minnesota’s harsh winters, is both unsafe and inhumane. Without the proper care, many are left vulnerable to harm and unable to make sound decisions about their own safety.

    I will advocate for increased workforce housing, expanded inpatient treatment programs, and supportive housing models that provide stability along with services. The current crisis has overwhelmed city systems, with more residents in crisis and calling for help than ever before.

    We also need to responsibly utilize civil commitment orders when necessary, to ensure those experiencing severe mental or emotional instability receive the care and stabilization they need. Compassionate intervention—not criminalization—is how we begin to address this crisis with the urgency and dignity it deserves.

    Anndrea Young
    Yes. I believe that we need to figure out real solutions to help with this issue.

Question 10: Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) gives current tenants the first right to purchase the property that they live in should their landlord want to sell. A policy such as TOPA advances opportunities for community ownership as well as a transfer of wealth back to renters. If you are elected, will you vote to advance TOPA?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Yes
    Yes, I will vote to advance the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA).

    Every person deserves a safe, dignified, and affordable place to call home. TOPA empowers renters with the first right to purchase their home if a landlord decides to sell, helping prevent displacement, stabilize communities, and return wealth to working families who have long been excluded from ownership.

    In Ward 5, where residents have faced generations of housing injustice, TOPA is a powerful tool to keep people rooted in their neighborhoods and build community wealth.

    As a candidate deeply committed to housing justice, I will continue the work of Council Member Ellison by supporting bold, equity-driven solutions like TOPA. I believe renters and homeowners share a common goal: housing security. Policies like TOPA help us get there by advancing community ownership and giving families the opportunity to thrive, right where they already live.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    No
    I believe that property owners should be able to sell their property to whom they choose to sell it to.

    Anndrea Young
    Yes

Question 11: Will you support using city resources to establish locally-owned housing–sometimes referred to as social housing–that is permanently affordable, protected from private market forces, publicly owned, and under democratic governance by the tenants?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Yes
    Yes, I support using city resources to create locally owned, permanently affordable housing that is publicly controlled and protected from market speculation. Social housing is a vital tool to address our housing crisis, but it must be done right. Public housing has too often faced underfunding, poor maintenance, and neglect. We cannot repeat those mistakes. If we build city-owned or democratically governed housing, we must ensure it is safe, high-quality, and built to last. That means strong code enforcement, tenant protections, and long-term maintenance from day one. Our residents deserve homes they can be proud of, not short-term fixes that fall into disrepair. I believe in deeply affordable, community-rooted housing, but also in doing it with care, intention, and accountability. We must center tenants in planning and governance every step of the way. Quality and dignity must never be sacrificed for speed.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Yes

    Anndrea Young
    Yes

Question 12: Today, city property taxes are set primarily on the “improvements” or value of the buildings on land. As a result, “low value” land with parking lots or vacant lots pay very little in taxes while making surrounding neighborhoods less livable. This incentivizes low-value land owners to engage in land speculation for years or even decades until they get a big payout. A Land Value Tax (LVT) doesn’t change their taxes to the city; it shifts how taxes are set to be primarily based on the value of the land to discourage land speculation.

If the state passes legislation to allow it–pending special session outcomes–will you vote to pilot a LVT to encourage development of under-used land in Minneapolis?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Yes
    Yes, I would vote to pilot a Land Value Tax (LVT) in Minneapolis, only if it shifts the burden off homeowners and everyday taxpayers and onto those sitting on underused land for profit. For too long, vacant lots and surface parking owned by speculators have paid far too little in taxes while contributing little to our communities. Meanwhile, families and renters carry the load. A well-designed LVT would discourage land speculation, promote equitable development, and bring new housing or community space to neglected sites. But let me be clear: this must not become another way to increase taxes on working people. It must target those holding land for financial gain while our housing crisis grows. If the state authorizes it, I’ll support a pilot that is fair, transparent, and focused on holding landowners accountable, not enriching developers at the community’s expense.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Yes

    Anndrea Young
    Yes

Question 13: Rent stabilization continues to be considered in Minneapolis. Supporters hope to discourage unfair rent gouging and displacement. Opponents worry it could stifle the development of new homes.

How would you evaluate rent stabilization policy? What components could you vote for and which would you not be able to vote for?

Examples of policy components include, but are not limited to: a specific percentage cap on rent increases, a new construction exemption, vacancy decontrol, just cause eviction, etc.

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Every person, regardless of income, deserves a safe, dignified, and affordable place to call home. Housing stability is the foundation of thriving families, healthy schools, and safe neighborhoods. As your City Council member, I would be proud to carry forward Council Member Ellison’s legacy and fight for strong renter protections and housing justice on the Northside.

    I support rent stabilization as a critical tool to prevent rent gouging and displacement. I would vote for a 3% cap on annual rent increases, a fair and predictable limit that helps renters stay housed without pushing them out due to sudden, unaffordable hikes. We cannot fold to pressure from developers who prioritize profits over people.

    That said, rent stabilization must be thoughtfully designed. I would also support:

    • Just cause eviction protections to stop retaliatory or no-fault evictions.

    • Vacancy decontrol to prevent unlimited rent hikes when a tenant leaves, ensuring long-term affordability.

    I would not support loopholes that allow excessive rent increases or weaken enforcement. We need policies that protect renters without undermining housing supply, and that means working closely with tenants, homeowners, and housing advocates to get it right.

    Together, we can make Minneapolis a city where housing is truly a human right, for renters and homeowners alike.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Ultimately, my focus is on policies that protect tenants from displacement, ensure long-term housing affordability, and keep our housing ecosystem healthy and sustainable for both renters and responsible landlords. We need to use data, community input, and proven models from other cities to guide our approach.

    Rent stabilization is a complex issue, but at its core, it’s about protecting residents—especially low-income renters—from sudden and excessive rent increases that can lead to displacement. I believe housing is a human right, and policies like rent stabilization should be evaluated through that lens.

    That said, any rent stabilization policy I would support must be carefully crafted to strike a balance: protecting tenants from rent gouging while ensuring we don’t unintentionally discourage the development of new, deeply affordable housing.

    I could vote for a rent stabilization policy that:

    • Ties rent increases to inflation or a reasonable cap based on cost-of-living adjustments.

    • Exempts newly constructed buildings for a defined period (e.g., 10–15 years) to avoid stifling new housing supply.

    • Includes a transparent, community-led oversight process with accountability measures.

    • Offers flexibility for landlords to apply for exceptions when needed for capital improvements or emergency repairs.

    I would not support a version of rent stabilization that:

    • Applies retroactively or creates sudden shifts that destabilize small landlords.

    • Disincentivizes the building or maintenance of affordable housing.

    • Lacks exemptions for new developments or doesn’t allow for reasonable rent increases over time.

    Anndrea Young
    Capping annual increases at 3%, just cause eviction protections, pre-eviction notices, vacancy decontrol, create limitations on the use of criminal history.

Question 14: Evictions in Minneapolis have skyrocketed since the eviction moratorium was lifted and far too many renters are one paycheck away from losing their home.

What ideas do you have to reduce evictions in our communities?

  • Ethrophic Burnett
    Evictions in Minneapolis are a crisis, and a moral failure. Every person deserves a safe, stable, and dignified home. As your City Council member, I will fight tirelessly to keep our neighbors housed by addressing both the root causes of eviction and the systems that allow it to happen so easily.

    We must pass strong renter protections, including just cause eviction laws, right to counsel, and emergency rental assistance that reaches tenants before court filings. I will champion rent stabilization at a 3% cap to prevent unjust rent hikes that push families out, and support Tenant Opportunity to Purchase so renters can stay in their homes if landlords sell. I’ll also collaborate with schools and community groups to keep families stable and students in classrooms.

    Housing is the foundation of safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and thriving communities. We must treat it as a human right and act like it.

    Tinitha Pearl Warren
    Reducing evictions means addressing the root causes of housing insecurity—wages that don’t keep up with rent, rising living costs, and a lack of affordable options. We must act with urgency, but also with a commitment to long-term, systemic solutions.

    The rise in evictions since the moratorium ended is a crisis that demands urgent and compassionate action. No one should lose their home simply because they hit a short-term financial hardship. To reduce evictions in our communities, we need a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability.

    First, I support expanding and fully funding emergency rental assistance programs that help tenants stay housed when facing short-term financial setbacks. These programs must be easy to access, with quick turnaround times, and should include outreach to at-risk renters before they reach the point of eviction.

    I am also a fan of workforce housing and that provide for housing stability for families and skills to provide financial ability in a transitional program.

    Anndrea Young
    Creating policy based solutions. Capping rent increase, preventing landlords from evictions without cause, help add funding for tenants to seek counsel, rental assistance programs, making application processes easier, organizing tenants,