A primary election will help determine who fills two Brooklyn Center City Council at-large seats. On Aug. 11, a nine-person candidate pool will be reduced to four candidates.
The candidates are Nahid Khan, Ebonie McMillan, Gretchen Enger, Justin Mcguire, Jake Carter, Mark Viste, Georgette S. Byers, Aniya White and incumbent Dan Jerzak.
The two top vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 3 general election. The candidate who wins this fall will serve a four-year term beginning in January.
For more information on voting, visit brooklyncentermn.gov/government/elections.
Sun Newspapers reached out to candidates to compile this voter’s guide in advance of the primary election. White was the sole candidate who did not submit responses in time for the deadline and could not be reached.
Responses from the rest of the candidates are below.
Georgette S. Byers
Georgette S. Byers
Current occupation
Unemployed.
Education
GED.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Center faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
Crime and homelessness.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Center, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
Building more community center for youth and adults.
Brooklyn Center is working towards its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The two council members who win in November will hold office through 2028. If elected, how do you view your role in fulfilling that plan?
Bringing more low income housing to Brooklyn Center and more homeownership programs.
What is the best way for voters to reach you?
Facebook.
Jake Carter
Jake Carter
Current occupation
Mail Carrier.
Education
Some College.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Center faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
Homelessness and poverty. Mental health programs, limit growing group homes and more empathetic law enforcement.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Center, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
Protect businesses with a sub station police office.
Brooklyn Center is working towards its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The two council members who win in November will hold office through 2028. If elected, how do you view your role in fulfilling that plan?
Less apartments more market rate homes.
What is the best way for voters to reach you?
Facebook.
Gretchen Enger
Gretchen Enger
Current occupation
UX Consultant.
Education
Bachelor of Arts.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Center faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
Brooklyn Center is facing some tough financial decisions. The city’s costs keep rising faster than our tax base is growing, and without a clear plan, residents will keep seeing property tax increases just to cover basic services. The good news is the city now has a long-term Financial Management Plan that maps out the road ahead. I believe we need leaders who will follow that plan, make honest tradeoffs, and find new ways to grow our tax base so residents get more for what they pay.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Center, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
Brooklyn Center has real advantages – location, transit access, and proof that businesses will invest here when conditions are right. But we’ve lost businesses we shouldn’t have lost, and too many properties sit empty. My vision is simple: attract businesses that are ready to succeed, not subsidize ones that aren’t. That means requiring solid business plans, holding the city accountable for every economic development dollar and addressing public safety – because businesses don’t locate where they don’t feel safe. Growth is possible here, but only if we’re honest and disciplined about what we say yes to.
Brooklyn Center is working towards its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The two council members who win in November will hold office through 2028. If elected, how do you view your role in fulfilling that plan?
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan reflects what Brooklyn Center residents actually asked for – safer neighborhoods, smarter redevelopment and a city that works for everyone who lives here. My term runs through 2028, so my job isn’t to finish the plan – it’s to make sure the decisions we make in those years move us in the right direction. That means being honest about tradeoffs, spending every dollar wisely and making sure redevelopment choices grow our tax base rather than drain it. I’ve lived here since 1999. I want to get this right.
What is the best way for voters to reach you?
Dan Jerzak
Dan Jerzak
Current occupation
Retired, Currently a Council Member City of Brooklyn Center.
Education
College Graduate.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Center faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
There is no one issue but several that are related. We must fully fund Public Safety to attract and retain businesses, keep residents and visitors safe. Because we have limited sources of revenue we must use them wisely. This is especially true because as a city we have no control over high gas, groceries, and other living expenses. The city must provide quality services for our residents. Return on investment is necessary, practicing good fiscal management.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Center, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
Economic growth is driven by demand by entrepreneurship, developers and businesses that are looking for communities that support their success. As a city, we need to make full use of the resources and tools – available land, TIF financing, and other economic development tools – to attract that investment. But not every proposal that comes our way is automatically a good deal for our residents. Many of those developments won’t show a return for 15 years or more, so due diligence matters. Our job is to negotiate the best possible terms for community before committing to any deal.
Brooklyn Center is working towards its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The two council members who win in November will hold office through 2028. If elected, how do you view your role in fulfilling that plan?
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan requires a careful balance – housing, walkability, sustainability and financial achievability all have to work together. Just as important, the plan needs enough flexibility to adapt as market conditions change over time. With over 17 years as a city employee and nearly 4 years as a council member, I bring qualifications and institutional knowledge that set me apart from the other candidates. I understand how our city works and how our government operates, and I’ll use that experience to help implement this plan responsibly and effectively.
What is the best way for voters to reach you?
763-260-4366
Nahid Khan
Nahid Khan
Current occupation
Independent researcher, scholar, writer, consultant.
Education
B.A., Mass Communication-Journalism (minor in Library and Information Science), Purdue University; M.A., then Ph.D. studies in Mass Communication (minors in Religious Studies and Museum Studies), University of Minnesota.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Center faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
We are a small suburb with big city issues. Addressing them requires a well-funded City government – fully staffed and resourced – delivering essential services and needed programs, engaging community and expanding our business sector.
Our City budget is both a moral document and a financial plan. It implements our City’s mission, vision, core values and strategic priorities, to improve quality of life for all people.
Given current limitations of our City’s tax base, I will advocate for diversifying funding sources from grant-issuing bodies: other levels of government, philanthropic sources at foundations, corporations, institutions and professional associations, individual donors and crowdfunding.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Center, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
The Opportunity Site, Brookdale area and strip malls are ripe for creative ideas and investments to expand our City’s economy. Our natural, human and cultural assets are resources that can be deployed to transform our City into a unique destination.
I will advocate for City collaborations with the newly revived BC Chamber of Commerce, civic and non-profit community organizations, and educational institutions to diversify our economy.
Together, we can develop and expand programs establishing and growing commercial enterprises across the spectrum from home businesses to corporations, including innovative programs that elevate income, especially for single-parent families and retirees.
Brooklyn Center is working towards its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The two council members who win in November will hold office through 2028. If elected, how do you view your role in fulfilling that plan?
I support this transformational plan which proposes transit-oriented mixed-use development in a walkable “downtown” area, housing stability, affordability and variety, business growth and living-wage jobs and revitalizing public infrastructure.
Implementation of the Plan, along with the Parks Capital Investment Plan and the Arts and Beautification Plan, requires full support from Council and increased staff capacity through an expanded City budget.
I will participate in networking, forming supportive community coalitions, achieving participation from all levels of government and outreach to attract a variety of developers to achieve this vision of what our City can look like in the mid-21st century.
What is the best way for voters to reach you?
Justin Mcguire
Justin Mcguire
Current occupation
Sr Specialist, Enterprise Portfolio Management at Best Buy.
Education
Associates in Arts degree.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Center faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
Brooklyn Center’s biggest issue is stagnant economic growth threatening affordability for working families and homeowners alike. Empty downtown lots shrink our tax base, pushing property taxes higher, while residents struggle to find safe, affordable housing nearby.
The city must revitalize downtown by transforming vacant spaces into mixed-use developments with local businesses and homes. Expanding taxable value spreads costs across more properties, naturally lowering homeowner rates. Leveraging state grants and collaborating with professional staff ensures smart investment that creates jobs, secures below-market housing, enforces landlord accountability, and builds sustainable revenue without raising new taxes.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Center, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
My vision is a self-sustaining Brooklyn Center where downtown growth lowers residential property taxes while creating local jobs and homes everyone can afford.
Tangible steps: Partner with city planners to unlock financing already approved for mixed-use developments combining shops below and affordable apartments above. Build green, walkable corridors connecting neighborhoods to commerce. Work with economic development staff to apply for state/federal grant dollars competitors overlook. Establish micro-retail incubators offering low-cost spaces for neighborhood entrepreneurs backed by youth entrepreneurship pipelines. Strengthen tenant protections ensuring safe buildings stay occupied. Coordinate with finance professionals to expand taxable commercial value without raising residential tax burdens—growth funds itself through expanded development bases.
Brooklyn Center is working towards its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The two council members who win in November will hold office through 2028. If elected, how do you view your role in fulfilling that plan?
If elected, I’ll advance the 2040 Comprehensive Plan through responsible execution and resident accountability. My priority is activating the Opportunity Site’s mixed-use vision—transforming vacant spaces into walkable, transit-friendly developments that expand our tax base and lower homeowner rates while securing below-market housing for working families.
I’ll collaborate with professional city staff to implement grant-funded projects, enforce landlord accountability, protect tenant rights and create local business opportunities. The plan provides direction; I ensure neighborhoods benefit from equitable development. Together with experienced teams, we build sustainable prosperity that serves every resident through 2028 and beyond.
What is the best way for voters to reach you?
Ebonie McMillan
Ebonie McMillan
Current occupation
Herbalife Health and Transformation Coach.
Education
Ohio Christian University – some college.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Center faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
Brooklyn Center needs to rebuild trust while making sure every resident feels safe and supported. We need to focus on public safety, affordable housing, strong youth programs, and creating more opportunities for families. I believe the best solutions come from listening to our residents and working together. As a council member, I will make sure every voice is heard and every decision is made with our community’s future in mind.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Center, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
I want Brooklyn Center to be a city where businesses want to invest and families want to stay. We should support our small businesses, attract new businesses that create good jobs and make it easier for entrepreneurs to grow. Investing in our commercial areas and working with local schools and community organizations will help create opportunities that benefit everyone and strengthen our local economy.
Brooklyn Center is working towards its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The two council members who win in November will hold office through 2028. If elected, how do you view your role in fulfilling that plan?
My job is to make sure the plan turns into real results for our community. I will listen to residents, work with my fellow council members, and make decisions that reflect what our community needs today while planning for the future. I want to help build a safer, stronger and more connected Brooklyn Center where every family has the opportunity to succeed.
What is the best way for voters to reach you?
Mark Viste
Mark Viste
Current occupation
Engineer.
Education
BA, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD; MS, PhD in physical chemistry, University of Chicago.
What is the biggest issue Brooklyn Center faces today, and what should the city do to address that issue?
The biggest challenge facing Brooklyn Center, and all cities, is the need for confident, results-oriented leadership. The Council must have the discipline to avoid distractions and focus on smart development. We’re fortunate to have highly competent staff with exciting ideas to create a more diverse tax base, stabilize our community, and build for future growth. But the staff depends on the Council to lead. In my professional experience as a chief engineer, I listen to stakeholders, analyze data, build consensus, formulate plans, and make timely, evidence-based decisions every day. I have the expertise the Council needs to get things done.
What is your vision for economic growth in Brooklyn Center, and what are some tangible steps the city can take to achieve it?
Brooklyn Center has grown into a dynamic city in ways not foreseen by the city’s 1966 charter. Our challenge is to create, fund, and implement plans to support smart development today and tomorrow. To provide the space, workers and customers businesses need to thrive, we must expand our physical infrastructure to incorporate higher density, livable corridors of mixed housing and commerce. Furthermore, we must develop our institutional infrastructure to engage with our diverse residents, affirming the worth and dignity of all who live here, so that all feel safe to fully participate in our shared civic and economic life.
Brooklyn Center is working towards its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The two council members who win in November will hold office through 2028. If elected, how do you view your role in fulfilling that plan?
I fully support the statement “We envision Brooklyn Center as a thriving, diverse community…” But envisioning is just the beginning. To make this vision a reality, the Council needs to deeply engage with the community, collect and study data from reliable sources, evaluate current programs, investigate new opportunities, make bold decisions, and articulate a persuasive case to secure the necessary financial support from county, regional, state and federal sources. This is exactly the work I have done in my professional life for the 25+ years I’ve lived in Brooklyn Center – and the expertise I will bring to the Council.
What is the best way for voters to reach you?