Mary McGovern Steps Down After Advocacy Win

Mary McGovern, a Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident for nearly two decades, has dedicated herself to advocating for her neighbors and strengthening her high-rise community. After experiencing homelessness, McGovern secured housing with MPHA and quickly became a leader, first at her building, the Elliot Twins, and later as president of the city-wide tenant organization, the Minneapolis Highrise Representative Council (MHRC).

A Leader from Her Building to City Hall

At the Elliot Twins, McGovern has served as resident council president for over a decade, organizing monthly food shelf events, annual holiday meals, and safety programs like Project Lookout. She has also mentored other emerging leaders within her building. Her advocacy expanded city-wide when she was elected president of MHRC in 2018. In this role, she has worked to elevate residents’ concerns to MPHA leadership, partner organizations, and local elected officials.

A Major Victory for Housing

McGovern’s leadership helped secure a significant win for residents. In 2023, she rallied community support for the public housing tax levy, which resulted in the city allocating $5 million annually to MPHA to preserve and produce housing. Her advocacy has also taken her to the Minnesota State Legislature, where she has testified for increased funding for public and affordable housing, and to Washington, D.C., to share Minneapolis’s successes with other advocates.

Passing the Torch

After three reelections and eight years as MHRC president, McGovern is stepping down. She has passed the torch to the newly elected president, Belinda Walker. I’m so happy Belinda is president, McGovern said. I am confident she will push the organization forward and the team will keep striving to make MHRC stronger.

Mary McGovern Steps Down After Advocacy Win

“This community is everything to me,” said Mary McGovern, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident. “The public housing high-rise community is like a family. We are like a big, big family that works together to get things done.”

“I believe everyone has a voice,” said Mary. “Every resident should be involved in MHRC and resident councils. Everyone has a unique perspective. We need everyone to bring their knowledge, perspective, and expertise to strengthen the community and solve the issues we face together.”

Read more about Mary McGovern’s work on the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority website.