Equity, Housing Top Concerns For New Leadership In Brooklyn Park
The face of Brooklyn Park’s local government looks a little different these days.
The state’s sixth largest city recently elected a new mayor and three new councilmembers.
Also new to the city is Dr. Angel Smith in the role of assistant city manager.
Dr. Angel Smith, Assistant City Manager for Brooklyn Park
“We want Brooklyn Park to thrive, we want those in our community to know that when they come to us from a customer service standpoint, we are not only listening but we’re trying to do as much as possible to make this a welcoming and exciting place to live,” stated Smith.
Smith most recently served as Brooklyn Center’s communications director and interim assistant city manager.
“To have somebody with Dr. Smith’s background and familiarity with Brooklyn Park has been a great addition for us,” said Jay Stroebel, city manager, Brooklyn Park.
Housing Top Concern for City Leaders
A big focus of the city manager’s office will be Brooklyn Park’s apartment and rental housing.
“Public safety is a very big priority for us,” stated Stroebel. “Creating new opportunities for housing, but also addressing existing housing in the city and making sure that everybody has a safe livable housing.”
Smith’s role will include assisting city workers in their currents roles and leading with an ‘equity lens.’
Residents of color account for more than 50 percent of Brooklyn Park’s population.
“When you’re looking at communities of color and when you’re looking for inclusive and diverse communities, Brooklyn Park is one of the highest in the the state of Minnesota so it says a lot,” said Smith.
Learn more about racial equity initiatives in Brooklyn Park.
