People for Pittman

Why I’m Running

Iam running for Hennepin County Commissioner to reduce disparities, increase opportunities, and to make sure everyone in our community has a chance to thrive.

Growing up in the poorest suburb in America, I never imagined myself as someone who could achieve much of anything. The extreme poverty I faced everyday blinded my ability to dream and to imagine what life could be like if greater was possible.

When I began my career at Hennepin County as the committee clerk for the Board, I learned how decisions were made and how dollars were spent. Seven voices, seven votes, seven human beings making decisions for people who weren’t in the room.

In my role as project coordinator for the Minnesota Ballpark Authority I coordinated community engagement sessions where I learned how important it was to bring community members into everything we do, to listen authentically and to understand the voices of the people affected by the county’s decisions and the opportunities their voices provided to improve the County’s work.

As the Disparity Reduction Coordinator, I’m responsible for taking a critical look at the County’s lines of business and the work happening in areas of education, employment, income, health, housing, justice, and transportation.

I’m responsible for finding opportunities to fix problems that affect people’s everyday lives by working with staff to develop meaningful work plans built on actionable outcomes.

As an advocate for disenfranchised communities, I have committed the last twenty years of my life in the trenches working to change narratives.

My extensive knowledge of Hennepin County and its complex systems has prepared me to serve as a county commissioner who knows how to get things done.

I am running to continue doing what I’ve always done, to be a strong voice and advocate for the people who live and work in Hennepin County. Whether it be affordable housing, property taxes, workforce development, transportation and accessibility or immigration I am prepared and qualified to be your voice and advocate on day one.

Get to Know De’Vonna

De’Vonna is a skilled bridge builder, communicator, activator, and strategist, who specializes in creating collaborations between communities and government, as well as curating spaces and programs that allow individuals, families, and communities to thrive.

De’Vonna has worked at Hennepin County for over 17 years. Her expansive career includes working as the Committee Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, helping re-envision training programs for individuals exiting prison, as well as coordinating the environmental impact study and community conversations around ADA and accessibility issues for the new Twins stadium.

As a small business owner, author, and community activist De’Vonna co-founded the Minnesota Black Author’s Expo to provide a space for community and educators to find black literature.

She currently serves on the American Civil Liberties Union Smart Justice Committee and has been recognized as a Josie R. Johnson Leadership Fellow.

Transportation

De’Vonna is committed to taking the lead on engaging community members to talk about the connection between public transportation, the environment, and equity.

The County needs to make sure public transportation is a realistic option for the people who live and work in District One.

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Affordable Housing

A fresh look at affordable housing and equitable funding is a priority for De’Vonna.

New families, individuals entering the workforce, disenfranchised communities, seniors, and immigrants often dish out more than 30% on housing.

Workforce Development

For Hennepin County to have a competitive workforce it needs to reduce employment inequities and create innovative employment and training opportunities.

Invest in De'Vonna

It takes money to run for public office. We need your support to get our message to voters. Your financial contribution will help turn De’Vonna’s vision and leadership for a better Hennepin County into a reality!

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Contribution limits are $1,000 per individual or $2,000 per married couple. Contribution to People for De’Vonna Pittman are not tax deductible.

Checks to People for De’Vonna Pitman are appreciated and can be mailed to:
P.O. Box 27639, Minneapolis, MN 55427.

Endorsements

DFL

“I am proud and humbled to have earned the DFL's support. I will work hard to turn out the vote in November and to ensure residents have the quality of life they want and deserve.”

~ De’Vonna

AFSCME Council 5

“AFSCME Council 5 is excited to announce our support for De'Vonna Pittman in Hennepin County to be the next Commissioner for District 1. Our members are proud to support you and we look forward to working with you in the future."

~ Abdul Omar, Political Organizer

DFL Veteran's Caucus

“The Veterans Caucus unanimously endorses De'Vonna Pittman for Hennepin County Commissioner. Her values and support of veterans issues stand her apart from everyone.”

~ Mark Doble, Vice Chair & Outreach Officer

Minnesota Chapter of National Organization for Women

"The Minnesota NOW PAC is thrilled to endorse De'Vonna Pittman in her race for the Hennepin County Commissioner. We need leaders who will work for constitutional equity, reproductive rights, and LGBTQIA rights and we are excited to support De'Vonna, who is clearly one of those leaders."

~ Grace Anderson, MN NOW PAC Chair