South Minneapolis resident, tax policy wonk, and winter enthusiast. Running for BET to help fund a brighter future for our city. https://xitter.cf/t.co/KrkOQH5uSA
South Minneapolis
Joined August 2025
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Hi! I'm Eric and I'm running for the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation.
What's that, you ask? The "BET" is an elected council that decides how much the city can levy in property taxes to fund public services like parks and street repairs.
Here's why I'm running:
This morning I sent a letter to the City Council, sharing my thoughts about this year’s maximum levy.
I stand by my vote, which was based on my hope that Council will use the markup process to pass a budget that ensures accountability and strengthens our long-term outlook. 1/
As an advocate for greater public investment in our collective needs, I care deeply about public value and public trust.
Put simply: I am concerned about the impact of a large tax increase if it does not deliver for city residents. 2/
As I wrote in the Strib, the Mayor's budget contains no plans to restore our general fund balance, rein in MPD, or relieve property tax pressure by collecting non-tax revenues.
I am calling on the Council to unite in demanding these commonsense policies.
startribune.com/jacob-frey-b…
Here’s an update from last night’s BET meeting, which failed to reach an agreement, as well as some thoughts on my position.
I am confident we will arrive at a productive plan before our deadline next week.
🚨🚨🚨 Important Event Alert 🚨🚨🚨
TOMORROW (Wed.) the BET will take comment on the Mayor's proposed budget. This is your opportunity to speak on funding for parks, police, or anything else. 5:05pm, Public Service Center. Come and be heard!
Details:
lims.minneapolismn.gov/Board…
Just popping on to say:
We cannot allow the extreme violence going on all around us to reset our expectations of personal freedom and safety. ICE has no authority to patrol our streets, question observers, or intimidate city residents.
ICE out, fuck ICE, prosecute ICE.
👏👏👏
A short time ago: Students at Roosevelt High School in South Minneapolis held a walkout after returning to classes that were cancelled last Thursday and Friday.
Minneapolis Public Schools cancelled classes following the presence of armed federal agents who released tear gas around children outside the schools doors last week.
On this awful day, I was glad to join thousands of neighbors and stand united against the federal government’s violent and disruptive presence in our city.
Grateful to local leaders at every level of government who have called for ICE to leave immediately. I echo their demand.
I am horrified by news that ICE has shot a protester in South Minneapolis. Their presence here represents a reckless and destructive over-reach of federal power.
Grateful for all who have joined the observing efforts and demanded federal agents leave our city immediately.
This is good news for our city. The budget — including many city council amendments — works towards a safer and more prosperous future for all residents.
Excited to help fund future investments in our neighbors 💜
Excellent points by my friend, @chrisjohnmeyer. Allowing the construction of dense housing is the best way we can make city services stronger and more affordable.
Reminds me of one of my all time favorite graphics…
Eric Harris Bernstein for BET retweeted
The xenophobia, Islamophobia, and racism in the replies to this post should move you to use your voice and stand up for your immigrant neighbors.
Trump’s move to end Temporary Protective Status for Somali Minnesotans is a racist, Islamophobic attack that unfairly generalizes an entire community and further fuels the rise in hate crimes against our Somali and Muslim communities.
ALT Trump’s move to end Temporary Protective Status for Somali Minnesotans is a racist, Islamophobic attack that unfairly generalizes an entire community and further fuels the rise in hate crimes against our Somali and Muslim communities. No group of people is inherently violent nor fraudulent. It is shameful that Trump is using this moment to distract from the damning information surrounding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. I am also deeply disappointed to see that Speaker Lisa Demuth, now running for governor, supports this harmful action and employs dangerous dog whistles against a major community she claims she wants to represent. Elected officials across all political lines must commit to protecting all of our neighbors rather than promoting narratives that inspire hateful actions. Trump has also called to end the lifeline that is Temporary Protective Status for Venezuelan, Afghan, Syrian, and South Sudanese nationals.
In my first act of political bravery, I confessed to @ersatzpenguin that I don't care to know much about beer.
I did, however, greatly enjoy her column on the favorite beers of Twin Cities local electeds 🍻
Our beer expert Nissa Mitchell asked folks like Frey, Her, Chavez, Wonsley, and others about their fav local brews: buff.ly/pPkUUHq
I am thrilled to see the city council exploring the need for public restrooms.
Restrooms are a basic necessity of human dignity and social function. Access should not depend on consumer status.
City leaders in Minneapolis are discussing the need for more public bathrooms downtown, supported by new research highlighting the demand and potential costs. kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/…
That’s (almost) official. With 42,000 (‼️) votes, I have been elected to the Board of Estimate and Taxation. Truly humbling.
Thanks to everyone who helped or lent some energy to our humble campaign. I ran to help fund a brighter future for Minneapolis and I won’t let you down.
Tabulation is complete for Board of Estimate & Taxation. The unofficial winners are:
Eric Harris Bernstein
Steve Brandt
vote.minneapolismn.gov/resul…
