Hello Family, Friends, and Neighbors,
I’m Emily Koski, I’m a lifelong Minneapolitan, a wife, mom, Minneapolis Public Schools parent, former corporate professional turned local small business owner, park-league sports coach, community leader, and current City Council Member—and I’m running to serve as your next Mayor.
I grew up in Northeast Minneapolis, on St. Anthony Parkway. My younger brother Al and I were raised by my mom, Barb, and dad, Al. When I was just 8 years old, we lost our mom to breast cancer. Our dad later remarried our mom, Emma, who I have been close to and cared for ever since.
My family—my husband, Mike, our son, Croix, and our daughter, Iris and I live in South Central Minneapolis. Our home is just a short walk from Pearl Park, or as we like to call it—our second backyard. I went to the University of St. Thomas and Mike went to the University of Minnesota. Our kids go to Washburn High School and Justice Page Middle School, in the Minneapolis Public Schools District.
Growing up, our family was deeply rooted in the community and worked to strengthen it in every way we could. I’ve carried on those values and traditions with my family.
I’ve volunteered with my kids' schools and organized and advocated with Minneapolis Public School parents. I’ve served on my neighborhood organizations, been a block leader, and hosted block parties.
My husband and I coach park-league sports teams at Pearl Park, for a sport in every season. I actively participate in local charities and philanthropic organizations. And, I take every opportunity I can to be together with family, friends, and neighbors.
I’m a former corporate professional, having worked for Xcel Energy, a fortune 500 company; Target Corporation, a fortune 100 company headquartered in downtown Minneapolis; and a fast-growing local marketing consultancy and staffing company. After working in corporate I went into business for myself, and owned and operated my own local small business for over a decade.
Service has always been part of my family’s story.
My dad, Al Hofstede, was a City Council Member in Ward 3, a Chairperson of the Met Council, and a 2-term Mayor of Minneapolis. My dad cared so deeply for this City and its people. His election marked a time of change in Minneapolis - it brought new energy and a fresh perspective, focused on compassion, inclusivity, and forward thinking.
My dad passed away just over 8 years ago, but his impact lives on. My dad devoted his whole life to this City and its people, and I’m proud to carry on that legacy.
Four years ago, I ran for elected office to serve our city to build bridges in times of division and disconnection, to listen and to learn from residents, and to be a thoughtful, passionate leader. I ran to be the leader my community needed and deserved.
I’ve had the honor of serving two terms on the Minneapolis City Council. My time on the City Council has been marked by a strong commitment to fostering inclusive and forward-thinking policies. My collaborative approach to problem-solving, ability to bridge divides, and focus on unity has helped create a platform that prioritizes the diverse voices of Minneapolis residents.
In my first term, I focused on community engagement through monthly meetings, office hours, neighborhood discussions, and issue-focused gatherings. I’m proud to have created the City’s Community Safety Audit Division, supported Behavioral Crisis Response Teams, created the Domestic Violence Navigators Program, secured new developments in Ward 11, created pilot programs supporting small businesses, and advanced climate action and water initiatives. In my second term, which I’m currently serving, I’ve concentrated on public safety, affordable housing, and infrastructure.
It’s clear to me, the city I love is at a crossroads, we face many challenges and opportunities, we’re up against efforts to drive wedges between us and pit us against one another, and we need a strong, unifying leader to move us forward.
Minneapolis is my home. It’s the city that shaped me—where I’ve lived, learned, worked, started my family, became a mother, and grew into the person and leader I am today. Every moment, every milestone, and every memory connects me to this incredible community.
Just as Minneapolis has shaped me, I want to shape its future for the better. This city is my home, my heart, and my hope. I am running for Mayor because I believe that together, we can build a Minneapolis that reflects the very best of who we are and what we stand for—a city united, thriving, and stronger than ever. And with your support, we can make that dream a reality.
With Gratitude,
