“I’m running because every child, neighbor, and family in Minneapolis deserves a city that fights for them.”
Meet Jamison.
My name is Jamison Whiting, and I am running to represent you as your Minneapolis City Council member. I am a proud Hale Bear, Field Mouse, and Washburn Miller. I am a husband, a police reform attorney for the City of Minneapolis, and a volunteer high school football coach with deep roots in our community. The Southside has been shaped by our triumphs, our struggles, and our unwavering devotion to our neighbors. I grew up living Southside’s undeniable truth: Minneapolis is at its best when we are at our best.
My story is one of resilience, care, and joyous dedication. My mother, an elementary teacher in the Minneapolis Public School District for nearly 30 years, worked tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. She instilled in me the importance of education, perseverance, and the power of finding joy – even in the face of life’s most uncertain times. I carry the story of my father, a man who was failed by the same justice system I am now working to reform. Falsely incarcerated for a crime he did not commit; he struggled with addiction and was ultimately murdered from an act of gun violence.
Southside Roots.
This city did not just shape me—it uplifted me. My story is the culmination of countless acts of kindness, mentorship, and guidance from a community that refused to let me fall. My teachers challenged me to rise above the statistics. My neighbors created spaces where I could thrive, not just survive. My coaches invested their time and energy, ensuring I stayed on the right path when others might have given up.
I live the reality of being a mixed-race Black man in Minneapolis, and hold the skepticism and distrust that so many feel toward our institutions. I have also seen what is possible when people and institutions work together to create meaningful change.
As Southsiders, we believe in the power of community. It’s not just one person’s story—it’s our story. We share a commitment to ensure that every child, every neighbor, and every family succeeds. I am determined to uphold these values as your Ward 11 Minneapolis City Council Member.
Why I am Running.
Our city is at a turning point, and we have a choice: to settle for the status quo or to build a Minneapolis where everyone can thrive. I’m running to represent Ward 11 on the Minneapolis City Council because I believe our city deserves bold, compassionate, progressive leadership that carries the lived and professional experience to solve the nuanced and complex problems our city is facing.
As an attorney, I have dedicated my career to driving meaningful change at the intersections of justice, reform, and community progress. My journey began at Faegre Drinker, one of Minnesota’s largest law firms, where I honed my expertise in nonprofit and corporate law while supporting some of our state’s most impactful organizations. I was inspired to make a direct difference in public safety following the murder of George Floyd, and I joined the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office to work on police reform initiatives. Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with officers eager for positive change and community members advocating for a well-trained, and accountable MPD. I believe we can—and must—create a public safety ecosystem rooted in fairness, justice, and dignity for all.
Outside of my day job, I am a varsity football coach at Washburn High School. I have the privilege of mentoring young men who remind me, every day, of the importance of investing in our city’s children. They face pressures and challenges I never imagined at their age, yet they show up day after day with optimism, hope, and a drive to succeed. They are our future, and they deserve a city council that will fight to ensure their success.
A Vision for Ward 11.
The decisions we make now will be felt for years to come. Ward 11 has the opportunity to show the rest of the city what is possible when we come together with common sense solutions and bold action toward building a city that uplifts all of us.
Imagine a Minneapolis where every person is housed comfortably, and with dignity. Where every family feels safe, whether walking their dog around Lake Nokomis, pulling into their driveway late at night, or interacting with law enforcement. Where every child attends a thriving public school, and where every neighbor can rely on world-class public parks and city services. This is the Minneapolis I’m fighting for—a city that doesn’t just survive but thrives.
Our city has gone through a lot in the last few years. We’ve felt the pain of injustice, of systemic inequities, of government systems that leave too many behind. But we’ve also seen the power of hope, of resilience, and of community action.
I believe that our city’s role is simple: to provide the mechanisms that empower our residents to live their best lives. To meet their needs so they can, in turn, give back to those around them. I’ve seen what this community is capable of when we step up for our neighbors—and I know we can bring that same commitment to City Hall.
I won’t pretend to have all the answers. I won’t promise to get everything right. But I can promise you this: I will work tirelessly, listen deeply, and fight unapologetically for what’s best for Ward 11, and Minneapolis.
A Call to Action.
This campaign is about a community coming together to create a city that works for everyone. I’m running to be your Ward 11 City Council Member because I owe everything I am to this community. We can ensure that my story, our story, is the norm, not the exception. Together, Minneapolis will be a city that reflects our highest values. A city where we all thrive.
The Southside showed up for me. Now, I’m ready to show up for you.
Here we go!
Jamison Whiting
Candidate for Ward 11, Minneapolis City Council
