* Public Safety Professional * DFL Member & Labor Endorsed

Neighbors,

My name is Dillon Gherna (He/Him/His), and I am running for Minneapolis City Council to represent Ward 11.

I moved to Minneapolis when I was 18 years old and have called this amazing city home for the greater part of 14 years. I was drawn to the ‘City of Lakes’ by the incredible diversity of its people, excellent quality of life, and strong sense of community. 

But my story doesn’t begin here. I was born and raised in Calumet, a small mining community on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I am the proud grandson of a copper miner and great-grandson of dairy farmers. Growing up, my single mother did her best to provide for my four siblings and me. Despite her best efforts, we still leaned on my grandparents, and resources like food stamps to get by. My childhood was trying, but like many in our community, the lessons learned were foundational to my character, and belief in the power of hard work. My blue-collar upbringing and lived experiences as an adult have kept me grounded and fuel me to improve life in Minneapolis for everyone. 

I am running for Minneapolis City Council to represent Ward 11 so that I can use my passion and love for Minneapolis to do right by the people of this great city. If anything, the Coronavirus pandemic has cast a light on many vulnerable aspects of our livelihoods: public safety, healthcare, childcare, housing, and small businesses. All of us were forever changed by George Floyd; his murder shows the need for compassion, love, and genuine progress to heal our city.

As a gay man, I place a high value on equity and inclusion -- I believe these principles build the strongest communities. I know firsthand what it feels like to be excluded from a seat at the table where others make decisions that directly impact my life. I believe that the struggles we face together can be overcome together through engaging in open, honest dialogue. There is plenty of room at my table, and I will do my best to make sure that anyone who wants a seat to share their experience and perspective is valued and heard. 

Over the many years I have called this city home, I have worked hard to prove myself as a dedicated community leader. I currently serve the people of Minneapolis, and the entirety of the county, as the Director of Public Engagement within the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. My most recent efforts have expanded access to safe drug disposal, advanced our role in restorative justice programs, secured grant funding to reduce the economic burden on taxpayers, organized town hall events to engage with the Sheriff, and other important initiatives county-wide. Giving back to my community by volunteering is also very important to me. I regularly devote my time to working with local organizations such as Twin Cities Pride, the American Red Cross, YouthLink, Children’s Miracle Network and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. I’m also engaged civically, most recently as the Precinct Chair for W11-P09. 

In my past professional life, I have been a leader in multiple industries. My experience in healthcare, recruiting, retail, and non-profit management gives me unique insight into how to lead and engage productively and honestly. As a former small business owner, I have the determination and leadership skills to drive real change. My small business consulting firm allowed me to share my love of seeing people and their businesses thrive, and I will share this same passion with all of the people I serve in this great city.

I have a sincere love for Minneapolis and deeply believe in our potential. I want to represent the collective voices of Ward 11 and bring our hopes, concerns, and ideas to the table to make Minneapolis more successful and equitable for everyone. I am a passionate champion for a better Minneapolis for all of us, and I will always put people first. I hope you will join me in this effort!