Robert Lilligren facts for kids
Robert Lilligren (born July 2, 1960) is an American politician. He is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Robert Lilligren served on 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. When he was first elected, Lilligren volunteered for many community groups. These included the Phillips West Neighborhood organization and the Midtown Greenway Coalition. He also helped affordable housing groups. He lost his re-election in 2013. In March 2019, Governor Tim Walz appointed him to the Metropolitan Council.
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About Robert Lilligren
Robert Lilligren is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. This makes 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.
Robert Lilligren's Work in Minneapolis
Robert Lilligren moved to Minneapolis in 1984. He and his business partner, Joe Olson, bought and fixed up old apartment buildings. They still own and live in several buildings in South Minneapolis.
Midtown Exchange Project
A big focus for Robert in his first term was the Sears project. This was a huge, empty building. It is now the busy Midtown Exchange. His leadership helped set goals for hiring more minority and women workers. He also helped create the Global Market at the Midtown Exchange. This market helps local business owners. Many are from new immigrant communities. It also provides fresh food to city residents. The market is a popular place for people to visit.
Nicollet Avenue Reopening
Robert Lilligren has also focused on reopening Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street. The city closed Nicollet Avenue in the 1970s. This decision was not popular. It divided communities and stopped new development. Reopening it is a top priority. This will help bring new life to the area.
Major City Projects
The 6th Ward, which Robert represented, is involved in many large projects. These projects bring big investments to Minneapolis. They need community involvement to make sure they help everyone.
35W/Lake Street Transit Project
The area around 35W and Lake Street is being redesigned. The City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and other groups are working together. Their main goal is to improve public transportation. This includes building a new bridge. It will also connect to the Midtown Greenway. Streetcars will be added there.
Xcel Hiawatha Power Line
Xcel Energy has been planning a high-voltage power line. It would run along the Midtown Greenway. This line would go from Hiawatha Avenue to 35W. There would be substations at Hiawatha and Oakland Avenue. Xcel is working with the community on the design. These projects aim to improve the environment. They also promote energy independence. This helps keep housing affordable.
Notable Projects and Initiatives
- Midtown Exchange
- I-35W Access Project
- Funding for ShotSpotter gunfire locator in Minneapolis
Community Involvement and Appointments
Robert Lilligren served on many committees and boards. These roles helped him work on important city issues. He was involved in decisions about community development and transportation. He also helped with public works and information services.
He served on the Transportation Advisory Board. He was also a Minneapolis representative for the Northern Lights Express. This is a passenger rail project from Duluth to Minneapolis. He helped with the I-35W Solutions Alliance. He also worked with groups focused on biking and walking. Robert Lilligren was a founding board chair for the Native American Community Development Institute. He also served on the boards of the Women's Environmental Institute and OutFront MN.
