Jorge S. Prince
2085 Grotte Ave. NE
Bemidji, MN 56601
(218)766-9341
jorgeprince99@gmail.com
Re-Election Announcement
Today — Thursday, May 9th, 2024 — I officially announce my intention to seek reelection as Mayor of the great city of Bemidji. Over the past 3.5 years, I have been pleased with all our council has achieved on behalf of our citizens. This includes:
- Navigating our community out of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Expanding our Water Treatment plant to eliminate harmful PFAS chemicals from our water supply
- Securing millions of dollars in outside funding for our city
- Launching our city’s first solar projects
- Driving property development through the sale of city-owned lands
- Working in partnership to support the launch of our new veterans home
- Preserving Paul and Babe for future generations by rehabbing Paul Bunyan Park
During this time we have been willing to challenge the status quo, make difficult decisions, and move our city forward. I have made repairing and strengthening relationships between our city government and our community the highest of priorities. When I entered office, our city was at odds with many parts of our community. From citizens who openly questioned whether their voice mattered; to entire communities who felt unheard; to members of our business and nonprofit communities believing that city government was not invested in their success; to our tribal and township neighbors being overlooked — I knew we had much work to do.
Over the past three years, I have worked to be actively engaged and present across our entire community to bridge those gaps. Whether one-on-one with individual people, holding listening sessions with our business and nonprofit communities, or historic first-time council-to-council meetings with our neighboring tribal nations — relationship building has been at the core of my decision making.
When I look to the future, I know it will take all of us working together to build the community we want for ourselves and our children. Progress is built on a foundation of mutual trust and positive relationships, for it is partnership and collaboration between people, organizations and government that drives us forward. We have both challenges and opportunities in front of us. From affordable housing shortages; to crime, poverty, and property tax concerns — the decisions made in the coming years will define the opportunities for everyone who calls Bemidji home. I am an optimist and believe that if we lean into our relationships, trust each other, and work together we can overcome these challenges and more.
Throughout my time in office, I have met so many amazing people doing such good work in our city — it defies imagination. Each of you has my deepest appreciation for all you do to make our community the amazing place it is! It’s truly an honor to serve as your Mayor. I look forward to a successful campaign where I can again share my thoughts and plans for how we continue to move our city forward, leaving no one behind. May God Bless Bemidji. #FowardTogether
