Why I’m Running for Hennepin County Commissioner
District 3 deserves a commissioner who is present in the community, shaped by lived experience, and focused on real results for families. I’m running because every day I see how county decisions affect housing, mental health, public safety, childcare, and economic
opportunity.
As an immigrant, parent, engineer, school board member, and former vice chair, I understand both the challenges families face and the solutions that move a community forward.
What I Believe
I’m running because:
● Every family deserves affordable, stable housing
● Children and adults need strong human services and mental health support
● Workers deserve safe workplaces and fair treatment
● Public safety must be community centered and trustworthy
● Immigrant and underrepresented communities need an authentic voice
● Young people deserve opportunity, mentorship, and support
How I Will Lead
If elected, I will serve District 3 with partnership, transparency, and fairness. That means:
● Showing up consistently in every neighborhood
● Building community-centered public safety strategies
● Advancing urgent and inclusive housing solutions
● Bringing lived experience and genuine connection to county decisions
● Communicating often, clearly, and directly
● Making workforce development a front-line priority
● Being a visible and engaged presence in St. Louis Park & across District 3
My Message to Voters
I value public service, and I believe District 3 deserves leadership that is visible, present, connected, and focused on the lives of working families. That is why I’m running for Hennepin County Commissioner.
I bring a background as a father, husband, engineer, community organizer, immigrant, and St. Louis Park School Board member. In 2021, I became the first Somali American elected to the board. My perspective reflects both Minnesota’s future and the experiences of many families whose voices have gone unheard.
I am committed to delivering results on affordable housing, public safety, economic opportunity, and dignity for workers.
My goal is simple: expand opportunity & improve quality of life for everyone in District 3.
My Priorities
Affordable Housing
Making sure families can afford to stay in the communities they call home.
● Ensure every family can find safe, affordable housing
● Support responsible, community-focused development
● Expand Stable Homes Stable Schools in St. Louis Park to keep families housed and students supported
Health and Human Services
Making county services easier to access and focused on people
● Create a unified Family Assistance Hub
● Improve services for immigrant and refugee families
● Strengthen youth and family support services, including prevention, mentoring, and crisis response
Public Safety
a balanced approach focused on safety, prevention, and accountability.
● Strengthen community-focused safety initiatives
● Build trust between residents and first responders
● Support approaches that prioritize prevention, transparency, and accountability
Environmental Responsibility
Protecting our environment while planning responsibly for the future.
● Support closing HERC with a realistic transition plan.
● Invest in recycling, composting, and waste reduction.
● Protect clean air, public health, and environmental justice.
My priorities are to:
- Set a realistic timeline to close HERC without delaying action until 2040.
- Invest in recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs.
- Protect workers through retraining, job placement, and a fair transition.
- Build the infrastructure needed to replace HERC’s waste-processing capacity.
- Work with cities, residents, businesses, and environmental advocates to create a cleaner, more sustainable waste system.
We can improve air quality, protect public health, advance environmental justice, and build a modern waste system that serves Hennepin County for generations to come.
Economic Opportunity
● Invest in small businesses and local entrepreneurs
● Expand workforce training and pathways to good-paying jobs
● Support youth employment programs that strengthen neighborhoods
Transit and Mobility
● Expand reliable and frequent bus service to better connect residents to jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services.
● Improve winter maintenance at bus stops so transit remains safe and accessible year round.
● Add more shelters and explore innovative options like micro transit to improve transportation access, especially for underserved areas.
Collaboration for Stronger Communities Schools
● Expand youth mental health teams
● Improve Safe Routes to School
● Support after-school tutoring, sports, and STEM programs
Community Engagement
● Quarterly meetings with mayors and school leaders
● District 3 Community Advisory Boards
● Ongoing neighborhood conversations
A New Voice for Our Community
District 3 needs a leader who understands the daily challenges facing families, workers, renters, and new Americans. I bring a fresh perspective, deep accessibility, and a commitment to putting people first.
“Together, we can build a safer, healthier, more equitable, and more connected District 3.”