Robert Lilligren facts for kids
Robert Lilligren (born July 2, 1960) is an American politician from Minnesota. He is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Robert Lilligren was an elected member of the Minneapolis City Council.
He was first elected in 2001. He represented the 8th Ward of Minneapolis. Later, he represented the 6th Ward of the City of Minneapolis starting in 2005. When he first became a council member, Lilligren was a volunteer on many community groups. These included the Phillips West Neighborhood organization and the Midtown Greenway Coalition. This group helps people who bike and walk. He also worked with groups that help provide affordable housing. He lost his re-election in 2013. In 2019, Governor Tim Walz appointed him to the Metropolitan Council.
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About Robert Lilligren
Lilligren is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. This made him the first American Indian tribal member to serve on the Minneapolis City Council. He enjoys reading a lot. He is also a trained singer. He does not own a car.
Making a Difference in Minneapolis
Robert Lilligren moved to Minneapolis in 1984. He focused on improving his neighborhood, Phillips West. He and his business partner, Joe Olson, bought and fixed up old apartment buildings. They still own and live in some of these buildings today.
Big Projects for the Community
One of Robert's main goals was to help start the Sears project. This was a very large, empty building. It is now the busy Midtown Exchange. His leadership helped make sure many women and minority-owned businesses worked on the project. He also helped create the Global Market at the Midtown Exchange. This market gives local business owners, especially new immigrants, a chance to sell their goods. It also provides fresh food for people in the city. It has become a popular place for everyone.
Lilligren has also worked to reopen Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street. This street was closed in the 1970s. Closing it divided communities and stopped new growth. Reopening it is a top goal to bring new life to the area.
Improving Transportation
The 6th Ward, which Lilligren represented, is central to many big transportation projects. These projects bring important investments to Minneapolis. They also involve local residents and businesses. Some of these projects include:
- 35W/Lake Street Transit/Access Project: This project is working to improve the area where Interstate 35W and Lake Street meet. Different government groups are working together. They plan to build a new bridge. They also want to connect to the Midtown Greenway. This will allow streetcars to be installed.
- Xcel Hiawatha High Voltage Power Line: Xcel Energy plans to build a power line along the Midtown Greenway. This line will go from Hiawatha Avenue to 35W. It will have power stations along the way. Xcel is working with the community to design these stations. These projects aim to improve the environment. They also help with energy independence. They help keep housing affordable too.
Key Achievements
Robert Lilligren worked on several important projects. These include:
- Midtown Exchange: Helping to turn an old building into a lively market and community hub.
- I-35W Access Project: Improving how people get on and off the highway.
- ShotSpotter gunfire locator funding in Minneapolis: Helping to get technology that finds gunshots to make the city safer.
Public Service Roles
Robert Lilligren held many important roles on the City Council. He was the Chair of the Committee of the Whole. He was also a member of the Executive Committee and the Community Development Committee. He helped lead the Information Services Policy Steer Group. He also served on many other boards and committees. These roles helped him work on transportation, community development, and city planning.
