Brooklyn Center Approves Appointment of Interim City Manager
Following the decision last month to part ways with former City Manager Reggie Edwards in a 3-2 vote, the Brooklyn Center City Council approved an interim city manager at its meeting Jan. 12.
The city council appointed Daren Nyquist as interim city manager. Nyquist was previously the city’s deputy city manager. The approval was made without discussion, as it was a consent agenda item, typically reserved for items considered routine.
Edwards had been city manager since 2021. He had stepped into the role following the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright and the firing of former City Manager Curt Boganey.
At the Dec. 19 meeting, the decision to terminate Edwards’ contract was met with public protest. Edwards was the only Black city manager serving in the state of Minnesota.
In parting remarks, Edwards discussed the city’s progress.
“It pains me to think that the momentum that we’ve worked diligently to build, the vision of a new empowered Brooklyn Center may be dwarfed by shortsightedness and divisiveness,” Edwards said.
Council Members Laurie Ann Moore, Kris Lawrence-Anderson and Dan Jerzak voted to terminate Edwards’ contract at the Dec. 19 meeting. None commented on their decision at the meeting.
The two council members who voted no, Mayor April Graves and Council Member Teneshia Kragness did speak against the decision.
“Our staff are not abstract,” Graves said. “They are people who have dedicated their careers to public service. They deserve clear expectations, fair process and professional respect, just as we expect those things for ourselves.”
Nyquist started working with Brooklyn Center a year ago, according to his LinkedIn page. He received his bachelor’s degree from Carleton College and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Minnesota.
Prior to his time with Brooklyn Center, Nyquist served in an administration role for Dakota County.
Kevin Miller contributed to this report
