Investing in Neighbors: Jamal Osman’s Record on Neighborhood Services & Funding
Investing in Neighbors: Jamal Osman’s Record on Neighborhood Services & Funding
October 27, 2025 - Minneapolis, MN
In the heart of Minneapolis, Ward 6 pulses with the energy of its diverse communities - from the vibrant Somali marketplaces of Cedar-Riverside to the resilient families in Phillips and the historic charm of Seward. This ward, home to some of the city’s most densely populated and multicultural neighborhoods, faces unique challenges: high rates of poverty, housing instability, and environmental burdens that have disproportionately impacted immigrants, low-income residents, and communities of color for decades. Under the leadership of Council Member Jamal Osman, these challenges are being met with action, investment, and a deep commitment to equity.
Jamal Osman, a proud immigrant from Somalia who arrived in Minneapolis as a young man, knows these struggles firsthand. Before his election in a special 2020 vote, he spent over 15 years as a resident advocate in affordable housing projects, fighting for tenants’ rights and community resources. As the DFL-endorsed Council Member for Ward 6 - backed by LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota, AFSCME Council 5, and the Minneapolis Building & Construction Trades Council - Jamal has transformed his personal experiences into policy. His approach is rooted in listening to neighbors, collaborating with local organizations, and directing city funds to where they’re needed most: safe streets, affordable housing, clean air, and community health. Since day one, Jamal has prioritized neighborhood services, securing investments that deliver tangible results for everyday people.
From bolstering family support systems to upgrading infrastructure and championing environmental justice, Jamal’s record shows what responsive, community-centered leadership can achieve. In a city where Ward 6 residents often rely on public transit, walking, and biking more than anywhere else, these efforts are not just about budgets - they are about building dignity, opportunity, and a stronger Minneapolis for all.
Supporting Childcare, Housing & Community Outreach
Ward 6’s families, many of whom are immigrants and working parents juggling multiple jobs, have long grappled with skyrocketing rents, limited childcare options, and barriers to essential services. These issues hit hard in areas like Cedar-Riverside, where language access and cultural needs can make getting help even tougher. Jamal Osman has worked to bridge these gaps by connecting city resources to trusted partners who understand their neighborhoods inside and out.
In the 2025 City Budget, Jamal supported nearly $11 million for the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) to expand affordable housing stock and bolster on-site services like family counseling, tenant outreach, and eviction prevention. This complements Ward 6 projects such as Wadaag Commons - a community-driven development adding large-family units near the Franklin Avenue station.
One standout initiative is the Ward 6 housing and health project Jamal helped advance with the Native American Community Clinic (NACC). The development includes 83 new affordable homes with an expanded clinic on-site, creating a one-stop hub for medical care, housing navigation, and culturally grounded services for Indigenous families.
Jamal also backed resources for immigrants by supporting additional funding for the City’s Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA) to strengthen multilingual outreach that connects residents to housing assistance, childcare, and legal resources. He has worked with community organizations on targeted grants for public-health outreach and pop-up childcare events - built from resident input.
Result Delivered:
Hundreds of families have gained access to stable housing and affordable childcare through funded partners, while outreach programs connect thousands of immigrants and low-income residents to essential services each year.
“Investing in childcare, housing, and outreach isn’t just about services — it’s about dignity and opportunity for every neighbor.”
Why this matters:
Ward 6 is Minneapolis’ most diverse ward, with many households living on tight budgets. These investments help working parents stay housed and employed, reduce avoidable evictions, and ensure families can access resources in the languages and settings they trust.
Investing in Streets, Sidewalks & Parks
Safe, walkable neighborhoods are core to daily life in Ward 6, where many residents - especially children, seniors, and those without cars - depend on reliable infrastructure to get to school, worship, work, or a local market. After years of underinvestment, Jamal has pressed for equity-focused upgrades and easier ways for residents to get fixes moving.
As a member of the City’s capital planning process, Jamal has supported projects in the 2026–2031 plan to fund ADA-compliant curb ramps, street resurfacing, pedestrian safety improvements, and park enhancements prioritized by resident feedback in Phillips and Cedar-Riverside. Residents are encouraged to report issues through the City’s 311 Report an Issue portal to accelerate repairs while larger reconstructions move forward.
To help neighbors track where capital dollars go, Jamal points residents to the City’s CLIC reports and the detailed 2026–2031 capital budget requests.
Result Delivered:
Dozens of sidewalk and street repairs, improved lighting, and green space enhancements in Phillips and Cedar-Riverside, with park updates designed around community priorities like safe play areas and places to rest.
“Everyone should feel safe getting to school, to the bus, or just walking their block. Infrastructure is how the city shows respect for its people.”
Why this matters:
With many Ward 6 households car-free, safer crosswalks, smoother sidewalks, and well-lit routes prevent injuries, improve mobility for people with disabilities, and strengthen neighborhood connections.
Fighting for Clean Air & Environmental Health
For decades, the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) has impacted air quality for nearby neighborhoods. Jamal co-sponsored and helped pass a unanimous City Council resolution urging Hennepin County to close HERC on an accelerated timeline and to pursue zero-waste strategies like expanded recycling and organics collection. The City’s action aligns with goals in the Climate Equity Plan.
Key documents include the City’s HERC resolution record and the adopted closure resolution PDF, which formalize the City’s position and next steps with regional partners.
Result Delivered:
Unanimous Council support to close HERC on a defined timeline, with planning underway to reduce waste, expand diversion, and mitigate impacts on low-income residents and renters.
“Environmental justice starts in the neighborhoods that have carried the heaviest burden — we cannot build a healthy city if we don’t start there.”
Why this matters:
Cleaner air means fewer asthma attacks and better long-term health outcomes, especially for children and seniors living closest to the facility and major traffic corridors.
Expanding Community Health & Safety Response
True public safety requires more than policing. Jamal has backed clinic expansions, behavioral health partnerships, and violence-prevention investments that meet people where they are and de-escalate crises before they become emergencies.
Alongside the new NACC housing and clinic campus, Jamal supported targeted resources for multilingual outreach and helped move new violence-prevention contracts with community organizations to deliver crisis intervention, mentoring, and street-level support. Additional contract actions are tracked in the City’s legislative system (example RCA docket).
Result Delivered:
Hundreds of residents have accessed direct support through expanded clinic services and community-led response programs, reducing reliance on traditional police responses and improving outcomes in crisis.
“Health and safety go hand in hand — and both start with trust. We build that by investing in people, not punishment.”
Why this matters:
Many Ward 6 residents navigate trauma, language barriers, or addiction. Care-first responses save lives, connect people to treatment, and free up first responders for the emergencies that truly require them.
A City that Delivers for Every Neighborhood
Jamal Osman’s journey - from immigrant advocate to Council leader - reflects Ward 6’s resilience. Through investments in housing stability, infrastructure, environmental health, and community safety, he has shown how neighborhood-centered leadership delivers measurable results. As Minneapolis looks ahead, Jamal remains focused on getting resources to the blocks that need them most and ensuring every neighbor can share in a safer, healthier city.
Resources and background:
City of Minneapolis 2025 Budget - MPHA Investment
Wadaag Commons - Project Overview |
Wadaag Commons - Property Site
Native American Community Clinic (NACC) |
NACC Housing + Clinic - 83 Units (RCA)
Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA)
Report an Issue - 311 Portal
Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee (CLIC) Reports |
2026–2031 Capital Budget Requests (PDF)
HERC Closure - City LIMS Record |
HERC Closure Resolution (PDF)
Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan
Violence-Prevention Contracts - City News
Rank Jamal Osman #1 - because strong neighborhoods deserve strong investment.
Learn more: jamalosman.org
Media Inquiries: info@jamalosman.org
Thank you to the Ward 6 residents, community organizations, and partners who make these victories possible. Together, we are building a stronger Minneapolis. ~ Team Jamal