In the bustling and diverse community of Brooklyn Center, Jamal A. Said, a former refugee from Ethiopia, has emerged as a candidate for the City Council.
He is running to fill one of the two at-large seats in the Brooklyn Center City Council that are expiring at the end of this year, currently held by Marquita Butler and Kris Lawrence-Anderson. Councilmember Butler is not seeking reelection.
Six candidates which include Said, and the incumbent Lawrence-Anderson, will compete in the August 13 state primary with the top four vote-getters proceeding to the November 5 general election where voters will pick the final two.
Said arrived in Brooklyn Center in 1999, and it has been his home for over 25 years. His first job was as a server in an upscale hotel restaurant, where he worked for four years. He eventually saved enough to start his own liquidation business. But even after years of successful entrepreneurship, he knew this wasn’t his only calling.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind to help my community as an elected official,” Said said.
And so, while his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have served him well, it is his desire to serve the community that has driven him to seek public office. Said has a long history of helping new refugees and youth, participating in various community activities as a public servant and volunteer throughout Brooklyn Center.
Said spoke to Mshale about his candidacy and said his campaign for City Council is built on three key priorities: public safety, economic growth, and affordable housing.
Public safety: A community-based approach
Said believes that improving public safety in Brooklyn Center is crucial. Over the years, security has been a major issue in many Brooklyn Center neighborhoods. According to recent data published in the security research and advice site, Crime Grade, the overall crime rate in Brooklyn Center is 56% higher than the national average. Violent crimes are particularly concerning, as they are 63% higher than the national average. Residents of Brooklyn Center have a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
“When you drive around the city, you can see it’s broken down. Talking to people, I found many complaints about safety,” Said said.
As a solution, Said envisions a community-based policing model that enhances citizen involvement and builds trust.
“As a diverse community, we need coordinated efforts to ensure everyone feels safe and respected,” he said.
Economic growth: Revitalizing the community
Economic revitalization is another cornerstone of Said’s campaign. He recognizes the challenges Brooklyn Center faces in providing vibrant spaces for its residents. The closure of the Brooklyn Center Walmart in April of 2023 left the city with large vacant space and potential for new businesses. Since then, the African Career, Education and Resources Inc. (ACER), and the Ignite Businesswomen Investment Group Cooperative (IBWIG) have purchased Shingle Creek Center to revive the area and Empire Foods has since taken over the former Walmart space. Still, some businesses are reluctant to do business in the city. Said’s approach to addressing the issue includes supporting existing small businesses and welcoming new ones.
“I’ve seen what Brooklyn Center used to be compared to what it is now,” he said. “We need strong local businesses to get the city back on its feet.”
Affordable housing: Ensuring stability for families
Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Brooklyn Center, and Said is determined to address it. The city has a dynamic housing market that reflects a mix of affordable and more upscale options. According to Affordable Housing Online, as of 2024, the median listing home price in the city is around $300,000, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous year. The median listing price per square foot is $175.
But the city still faces significant challenges in implementing affordable housing. The homeownership rate in the city of 61% is below the state average of 72.1%, according to U.S. Census data. A 2022 “Brooklyn Center Housing Report” by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) surveyed 373 Brooklyn Center residents, a mix of homeowners and renters, and 39% of those surveyed said the city was affordable when it comes to housing, while 25% said it is not, while 36% were neutral in their evaluation.
“We need more properties where families can affordably and comfortably raise their children,” Said said.
While Council races are non-partisan, and do not require a party affiliation, Said says he is usually independent and approaches and values ideas from both the major political parties. He says it is his unique background and deep roots in the community that set him apart.
“I understand the problems we are facing, and I know how to help our community through hardship,” Said concluded. “I’ve been helping the community through my service, and I think I can bring a lot to City Hall.”
Author
About Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mshale Reporter
Panashe is a general assignments reporter. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and a UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism Class of 2025.
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