Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appoints North Side commissioner for a month and a half

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appointed Averi Turner, 29, to fill the District 2 vacancy left by Becka Thompson's resignation. Turner, an educator, was sworn in during a regular board meeting and will serve until the end of the year, focusing on the budget approval process for the agency's proposed $160 million budget. In her application, she committed to engaging with residents and using data to inform her decisions, aiming for a park system that reflects the city's diversity. Turner also campaigned for one of three at-large seats but finished eighth in that race. The board faced difficulties in quickly finding a suitable candidate, as Thompson had resigned just before the recent election to pursue a City Council position.

Ultimately, commissioners decided to fill the vacancy to ensure north Minneapolis has representation in budget discussions and to avoid complications from having an even number of commissioners. Eleven candidates applied for the interim role, including a former District 2 commissioner. While the annual compensation for a Park Board commissioner is approximately $18,000, Turner's pay will be prorated based on her term length.