911 HOTEL CALLS
Addressing Public Safety Challenges in Brooklyn Center:
Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of government. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, every business owner deserves to operate without fear, and every person struggling with addiction or homelessness deserves access to the support they need.
Recently, I’ve been listening to Brooklyn Center hotel owners, residents, and community members about the challenges they are facing. In just one year, Brooklyn Center hotels generated 2,781 police calls, including 66 overdose-related calls. These numbers are more than statistics; they are warning signs that require attention, collaboration, and action.
Public Safety Requires Accountability, Partnership, and Leadership
While meeting with Brooklyn Center hotel owners, I heard a consistent message: they want safer communities, stronger businesses, and a government that works with them—not against them.
They shared concerns about challenges they are facing, including trespassing, break-ins, drug activity, and repeated calls for emergency assistance. These are not just business concerns. They are public safety concerns that impact employees, customers, residents, first responders, and the entire community.
One issue that stood out was the concern that when properties experience a high number of police calls, businesses can face serious consequences under local nuisance and licensing policies. Some owners expressed that they worry reporting every incident could put their business at risk.
That creates a difficult challenge: we need businesses and residents to feel confident calling for help when something is wrong. A community is not safer when people are afraid to report crime.
At the same time, accountability matters. Property owners who allow dangerous conditions to continue cannot be ignored. Residents deserve neighborhoods where crime is addressed, businesses operate responsibly, and public safety is the priority.
The answer is not choosing between compassion and accountability. The answer is leadership that understands both.
As your State Senator, I will work to strengthen public safety by:
Supporting law enforcement and first responders
Our officers and emergency responders need the resources, training, and partnerships necessary to respond effectively to crime and protect our communities.
Expanding access to addiction treatment and recovery services
Many public safety challenges are connected to addiction and untreated behavioral health issues. We must address the root causes while maintaining accountability for criminal behavior.
Protecting businesses that are working to do the right thing
Small businesses and property owners should not feel abandoned when they face repeated public safety challenges. Government should create partnerships that help responsible businesses solve problems before they become crises.
Holding bad actors accountable
Public safety requires consequences. People who commit crimes, repeatedly damage property, or put others at risk must be held accountable.
Showing Up and Staying Connected
Several hotel owners told me they don’t feel anyone is listening. Some shared that they have never met their State Senator. Others said they have reached out for help but haven’t received support.
Whether you own a business, raise a family, or serve this community every day, you deserve elected officials who show up before a crisis—and remain engaged during and after it.
As your State Senator, I won’t lead from behind a desk. I’ll be present in our neighborhoods, meet regularly with residents, business owners, law enforcement, and local leaders, and stay connected to the real challenges people are facing.
Good leadership doesn’t begin at the Capitol. It begins by listening, building relationships, and working together to solve problems.
— Nehemiah
