We deserve better, so I’m taking it to 11!
Hi, I'm Mariam, and I'm seeking the DFL endorsement to become the next Ward 11 City Council member. With years of experience in public service, I'm committed to delivering practical solutions to our city's challenges, including underfunded law enforcement, aging infrastructure, and a lack of affordable housing.
As a lifelong Minneapolis resident, I care deeply about the well-being of our city and our community members. This is why I have spent my life in the public service. I currently represent you as an active member on the Minneapolis Charter Commission and have spent the past five years working for Saint Paul Mayor, Melvin Carter. I hope to continue my career in public service as your next City Council Member.
I earned my law degree from Mitchell Hamline and have clerked for the Ramsey County Attorney’s office in the criminal division and the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office in the civil division. I interned for former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and other city departments through the Minneapolis Step-Up and Urban Scholar program.
My Priorities: Public Safety, City Services, Housing, and Supporting Businesses.
Public Safety
Ensuring that law enforcement officers are thoroughly screened for personal biases, receive proper training, and are adequately staffed and funded.
Supporting our police force to uphold their duty while ensuring professionalism and accountability.
Increasing diversity efforts in law enforcement recruitment.
Investing in after-school, youth, and mentorship programs, such as Step Up and Urban Scholars, to keep our children engaged and encourage them to succeed. I personally have participated in and owe my success to these programs!
Repairing and maintaining streetlights and other environmental design measures.
City Services
Making sure the city is managed efficiently and our tax dollars are used responsibly!
Employing exceptional city directors, managers, and skilled tradespeople.
Prioritizing street maintenance and repair.
Ensuring pedestrian safety and enhancing bike lanes that are functional for both cyclists and drivers.
Upgrading aging infrastructure, such as older service lines.
Preserving high quality drinking water.
Housing
Increasing supply while preserving the unique character of Minneapolis.
Revitalizing our neighborhoods while ensuring that improvements support existing residents.
Promoting home ownership through cooperative housing and rules on new development.
Implementing thoughtful, long term solutions to end homelessness and secure dignified housing for our unhoused neighbors.
Ensuring that green spaces are not developed.
Supporting Business
Supporting the growth and sustainability of small businesses in Ward 11 and across Minneapolis.
Connecting small businesses with grants and resources.
Reviewing zoning, tax and other local polices that impact business development.
We need more industry-specific liaison offices, and local branch outlets that can provide direct assistance in the neighborhoods where they exist. This is why I plan to open a Ward 11 office to allow people to come in and access city services, consulting and networking to find the resources they need.
A City That Protects Its People
My desire to serve as your council member is deeply personal. Eighteen months ago, my best friend, Maleni, was nearly killed in a hit-and-run accident on Lyndale Avenue. She sustained a traumatic brain injury and, while she is slowly recovering, her life will never be the same. Maleni was once a vibrant and active member of our community—working for TakeAction MN and holding a prestigious role at Medtronic. Now, she lives with her parents and spends her days in a group home. Her tragedy has only strengthened my commitment to making our streets safer for everyone.
Due to a lack of city resources, Maleni’s case was poorly investigated. Had it not been for her friends stepping in to investigate on their own, the driver would never have been identified. However, even after the driver was found, they were never prosecuted.
As your council member, I want to ensure that our city properly invests in public safety, including crime prevention, investigation, and meaningful police reform measures.
Rooted in Resilience
I was raised in a liberal, Christian, golden-rule household, the daughter of resilient immigrants—a Palestinian father and a Syrian mother. I’m a proud big sister and a lifelong Minneapolis resident. I attended Hale, Field, and Southwest High before becoming the first in my family to attend college, earning degrees from Hamline University and Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
I’m deeply connected to this community—I walk, bike, swim, run, and rollerblade around the lakes, and I box at MKG on Chicago Avenue. I love cooking, gardening, and caring for my home, family, and friends. Like many of you, Ward 11 is my forever home, and we need to keep the city livable through strong and sensible local governance and leadership.
