[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING LISA GOODMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 12, 2023

  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Minneapolis's longest 
serving City Council Member, Lisa Goodman. Throughout her tenure, Ms. 
Goodman has been dedicated to improving the lives of those who call 
Ward 7 home--her constituents in the Bryn Mawr, Cedar-Isles-Dean, East 
Isles, Elliot Park, Kenwood, Loring Park, Lowry Hill, and Steven's 
Square-Loring Heights neighborhoods, as well as parts of downtown.
  Prior to being elected to the City Council in 1997, Ms. Goodman was 
the Executive Director of Minnesota NARAL where she was a champion of 
reproductive freedom and women's rights. Since taking office, she has 
invested in our community by supporting her constituents through 
driving development and fighting for her strongly held beliefs.
  Of her seven terms in office, one of Council Member Goodman's lasting 
legacies will be her commitment to growing the arts and entertainment 
district along Minneapolis's Hennepin Avenue. She was instrumental in 
supporting the stabilization of the Orpheum Theater, the State and 
Pantages Theaters, and the Cowles Center for Dance & Performing Arts. 
She also helped move forward the design and construction of the 
Downtown Library and promoted sidewalk cafes and food trucks.
  During Ms. Goodman's 25 years on the City Council, the residential 
population of downtown more than doubled and she has played an 
important role in the development of an affordable housing trust fund, 
which has invested more than $250 million in the community and has 
garnered over $1 billion in public financing.
  To address access to food for downtown residents, Ms. Goodman helped 
bring two Lunds & Byerly's grocery stores to her Ward and more recently 
Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. She was also an early champion for 
improved environmental sustainability, advocating for the addition of 
green roofs at Target Center and City Hall.
  In her career spanning four decades, Ms. Goodman prioritized building 
long-lasting relationships with policymakers of the Minnesota 
Legislature and her constituents through monthly ``Lunch with Lisa'' 
events, neighborhood meetings, ice cream socials, and community 
gatherings. The strength of her convictions has served her well over 
the years. She has been a strong advocate for her community and we are 
grateful for her years of public service.

                          ____________________