Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves Won’t Seek Re-election

Voters in Brooklyn Center will elect a new mayor come November.

Current Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves is not running for re-election.

“It was a difficult decision to make, but it’s just been a long 11, almost 12 years on the council,” she told CCX News. “It’s been a lot to try and balance everything, especially because I’m just one person.”

Graves has been mayor since 2023 and was the first woman of color to serve on the council when she was elected in 2014.

“I don’t want to lose myself, lose my ability to show up with grace and compassion,” Graves said. “Just because I’m not going to be up on the dais doesn’t mean I’m not going to present and vocal. [I’m] just trying to serve the community in a different way that gives me a little bit more time to enjoy my life. You know, I’m 45 [years old] — I started on the council when I was 34. So those are some really pivotal years that I’ve given already to the community. And I just need to have some flexibility so I can keep moving forward.”

Graves works in violence prevention for the city of Minneapolis.

While she’s still in office, Graves said she wants to see more development and redevelopment occur.

“The more businesses we can bring in, the better off the residents will feel,” she said.

She also wants to ensure the city’s communication and community engagement work make it into the city’s next budget.

“That kind of work I think is the important work that we need to be doing in community,” Graves said. “There’s other ways to try to save money than just to be cutting our staff.”

Graves is endorsing Council Member Teneshia Kragness for the mayor’s seat. 

Brooklyn Center