Winter in Faribault

This is Part 1 of a 5-part article series drawn from my most recent Fireside Chat. Listen to the full fireside chat at samuelftemple.com/twoeconomies

So far this year, two issues have motivated people to engage with their local governments with a passion I have not seen before. Over the next several weeks, I'll be publishing each piece of my most recent fireside chat as a standalone article. Together, they tell a story about what is happening in this community, why it matters, and what we can do about it. You can listen to the full piece here.

My work is focused on providing an on-ramp for folks locally that is not partisan, but outcome-based. The goal is to make change. If you care about a specific result, there should be a clear way to engage at all levels of participation. My focus is local: on specific policies that can improve people's lives. That is where I feel I can be most useful right now.

The two issues that have defined this winter in Faribault are these: Rice County's need to clarify its policy regarding ICE detainers, and the Faribault City Council's decision not to approve emergency rental assistance for families facing eviction.

In the weeks ahead, I'll cover each of these in detail — what happened, what it means, and what good governance could look like instead. I'll also talk about the broader pattern I see in Faribault's political culture, what we can do to change it, and how you can get involved in a way that fits your life.

If you don't want to wait, the full fireside chat is available now at samuelftemple.com. You can also sign up there for organizing updates and find out how to get involved locally.

Stay safe, friends.

— Sam Temple