Title
Recognizing Mitra Jalali's leadership and service to the City of Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, since being sworn into office on September 5, 2018 following a special election, Council President and Ward 4 Councilmember Mitra Jalali has shown up every day with an unwavering commitment to her constituents and a vision for Saint Paul that centers our residents' most pressing needs and boldest dreams; and
WHEREAS, over nearly seven years, Councilmember Jalali made her four core value areas the top focus in her work, championing housing justice, climate action and sustainability, community-first public safety, and equitable economic development; and
WHEREAS, these core values became a greater reality through numerous programs and initiatives in the City of Saint Paul made possible with Councilmember Jalali’s leadership, her Council colleagues, community leaders and the leadership of Mayor Melvin Carter; and
WHEREAS, to show that inclusion and equity are not words, but a public policy agenda that Councilmember Jalali dedicated herself to making a reality in our Capitol city, this resolution seeks to reflect Councilmember Jalali’s record of service to the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, upon taking office in 2018 amid the first Trump administration, Councilmember Jalali worked hard to uplift immigrant and refugee communities through advocating for an immigrant legal defense fund and eventually helping create dedicated capacity in the City Attorney’s office for immigration support for Saint Paul residents; and
WHEREAS, with the support of her colleagues, Councilmember Jalali was appointed to lead the 2020 Census initiative for Saint Paul, helping Minnesota save a congressional seat and billions in federal funds for Saint Paul constituents through focused and multilingual community education and engagement, and;
WHEREAS, throughout her time in office, Councilmember Jalali was a fierce advocate for housing construction at all income levels, voting to approve d...
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