Chauntyll Allen
Name: Chauntyll Allen
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: Jerome Richardson, Campaign Manager, 612-716-2928
Campaign Website: www.chauntyllforward4.com
Instagram handle: x.com/TeamChauntyll
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574423975871
Candidate Bio
I am a community organizer, educator, and youth activist born and raised in Rondo. I am currently serving a second term on the St. Paul School board, lead Black Lives Matter Twin Cities and co-lead the End Slavery in Minnesota coalition. I am the founder of Love First Community Engagement, and have worked as Director of Criminal Justice and Activism at the Wayfinder Foundation and in the Saint Paul Public Schools.
As a longtime resident of Saint Paul’s Ward 4, I’ve personally experienced many of the most pressing issues our city is facing. From my family’s displacement from Rondo to seeing my former students on the streets to difficulty finding affordable housing for me and my wife, I know what fellow residents are facing because I live it everyday.
I have deep trust and broad connections to the communities who have been disconnected from political power and local politics. Because of my personal experience and community connection, I can see the systems-level solutions we need to address key issues, and I have the diverse relationships and proven leadership to work across sectors and jurisdictions to get the results that Ward 4—and all Saint Paul—residents need.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Authentic, people-centered and accessible. I’m not a typical politician. I won’t promise results I can’t deliver or pretend I know everything. You can trust me to show up authentically and speak my truth. And I will make space for you to do the same.
From transit stops to rec centers to civic events, you can always find me connecting with and listening to community members and honoring their input even if it doesn’t align with my personal experience or views.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Community Safety: Too often we dehumanize our neighbors and address symptoms to push people out of sight rather than solving the root problems that cause chronic instability for too many struggling Saint Paul residents. I have decades of experience doing street outreach, organizing violence prevention events and translating the voices of those most impacted into policy recommendations for city leaders. As councilmember, I’ll bridge community and institutional relationships to put forward clear visions around community-led public safety initiatives that resolve issues.
Economic Prosperity: Saint Paul is facing significant financial challenges and leaning too heavily on property taxes to generate the revenue we need for basic services and important programs. I believe that strategic investments and thoughtful policies can prevent displacement and promote development. As councilmember, I’ll bring my creative thinking and broad network of relationships to identify new revenue streams that take the burden off our low-income families and homeowners—and support the small businesses that make the Midway a culturally unique and vibrant place to live and visit.
Housing Stability: Simply building more housing and opening more shelters will not solve our housing crisis. We know that the services we have right now are not providing the right resources for those in crisis—and our housing system is not creating the affordable homes we need. For years, I’ve been in the streets and on the block, listening to understand the barriers unhoused people and struggling renters and homeowners are facing. As councilmember, I’ll bring my grassroots understanding of the problem and community-based ideas and collective solutions to our housing crisis.
These are all priorities we can pursue, regardless of the economic outlook of our state. It may require more creative problem-solving, but that is one of my strengths. Another strength is my ability to navigate budgets and funding sources, finding ways to reallocate dollars based on constituents’ top priorities. I have leveraged this strength in my role on the St. Paul School Board, and look forward to how I can help the city – and Ward 4 – navigate similar challenges.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Saint Paul?
Our biggest challenge right now is the tax burden placed on St. Paul homeowners. We have a very high level of non-taxable acreage (government land, schools, churches) and that – combined with our economic development crisis – puts an outsized burden on our homeowners.
Our biggest opportunity is the breadth of cultures in our city. In our schools alone, over 144 languages are spoken – which gives you a sense of the incredible diversity that exists here. I’d love to see us highlight the cultures across St. Paul and tap into that diversity to drive growth in small businesses, jobs, cultural and community events. St. Paul has an incredible opportunity to be a culturally affirming home for our residents, and a unique and vibrant destination for visitors. We can build cultural business corridors, multilingual city services, and heritage celebrations that strengthen civic pride and local economies.
What is your perspective on the rent stabilization ordinance in Saint Paul, and how do you view its effect on housing availability, affordability, and the city's economic climate?
I support strong renter protections and ethical landlord practices. As a renter myself, I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of absentee ownership and unchecked rent increases. We need balanced policies that protect renters and encourage community-rooted development. Rent stabilization must evolve alongside our housing strategies, but its core goal remains keeping Saint Paul affordable and livable for all.
I’ll prioritize programs that elevate small landlords and create pathways to collective ownership. One exciting example of this is in Ward 1, where a neighborhood organization and several housing groups bought out a building from a derelict owner to create the Sherburne Collective. Now, by pooling resources and prioritizing renter wealth, several households of immigrant families who were living in substandard conditions are now poised to, over time, collectively own their building. While we are at a desperate lack for the resources we need to address the housing crisis in Saint Paul, we do have a new revenue stream from the recently passed regional sales tax. I would explore how those dollars could be leveraged to create more cooperatives and pathways for renters to become owners. I also recognize that housing is in such a crisis that we need an all-hands-on-deck approach. We need to be looking creatively at how we can create housing, from nonprofits to churches and different entities, and engaging with our counterparts at the state legislative and federal level to increase their investments in local housing systems that keep wealth and stability in the community, not in the hands of corporations.
What steps would you take to revitalize downtown Saint Paul and promote long-term economic growth in the area?
We need to attract more businesses into downtown – being particularly strategic about businesses and events that draw in visitors. Those visitors bring in additional revenue in the form of spending, parking, as well as additional tax revenue. For current and future residents of downtown, we need to ensure the area is not a food desert. St. Paul has an opportunity to lean into cannabis-based businesses downtown. I will push for a downtown that’s inclusive, lively, and safe—with a mix of housing, entertainment, culturally relevant businesses, and support for working artists.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development?
As we continue to refine and improve how our city government works, we should be looking at systems of co-governance that include businesses, residents, taxpayers and community members. The business community should be incorporated into appropriate committees within the city where we can collaborate on innovative solutions to the challenges the city faces and make it a place where people and businesses thrive.
How would you characterize the business climate in Saint Paul and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Saint Paul?
While we have a lot of thriving businesses in St. Paul, we also have a lot of vacant space that could be utilized to serve residents and attract visitors, as well as gaps in the types of businesses we have here. For example, as a plus-size woman, there are almost no places for me to shop for clothing within the city. We only have 2 movie theaters, and while I enjoy those theaters, they are small, historic theaters – not modern multiplexes. What this means is that – as a city – we make it hard for our residents to spend their money here and instead are sending revenue to other places for things like multi-generational recreation, modern entertainment, or even groceries and clothing. I’d like to see the city continue to be a place where small businesses can thrive, and a place that attracts new, large-scale businesses to serve our residents.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
For me, public safety starts with getting to know our neighbors and also includes the city getting clear on who should respond to different calls for assistance. Not every issue should result in the presence of an armed officer. I support initiatives where help can be offered through social workers, psychologists, community safety, and police – with the appropriate level of response for the issue at hand.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Safe, accessible, and equitable transportation is essential for a thriving city. In Ward 4, we need to address long standing infrastructure gaps and prioritize safety for everyone—whether they walk, bike, ride transit, or drive.
First, we must improve lighting, signage, and crosswalk visibility to make streets safer, especially in areas where pedestrians and cyclists are most vulnerable. I also support expanding protected bike lanes and maintaining sidewalks year-round to ensure accessibility for all ages and abilities.
Transit safety requires a more thoughtful, community-based approach. Right now, the roles of Metro Transit Police and SPPD are unclear, especially at busy platforms. I support deploying mental health professionals, housing outreach workers, and community-based safety responders to transit hubs so we can meet people’s needs with care, not just enforcement.
Finally, I’ll advocate for co-governance with residents, disability advocates, and climate and biking organizations to build a transportation system that connects people to opportunity—without putting added strain on those who rely on it most.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability with the uncertainty surrounding future federal funding and the expiration of temporary COVID relief dollars?
The relief dollars allowed us to explore new programs as a city; now that the money is gone, we will need to scrutinize our budget. We need a budget that reflects our values—protecting core services like housing, transit, and safety. As federal relief ends, I’ll work to re-prioritize funding, audit underperforming programs, and invest in what’s working.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
Each level of government has its own role and while some issues may require statewide solutions for consistency, the city must lead when local needs demand urgent attention.
The city is directly responsible for departments that affect our daily lives, like public works, housing inspections, planning and economic development, and parks and rec. That means we have both the authority and the responsibility to lead in areas like housing affordability, community safety, small business support, and transportation access.
At the same time, I believe in smart co-governance. We must work closely with Ramsey County on issues like public health and social services, and push the state to show up with real investments. With my school board and community leadership experience, I have strong relationships with our state legislators and county officials, and I’ll use those connections to make sure Saint Paul’s needs are front and center in policy decisions and funding allocations.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: Jerome Richardson, Campaign Manager, 612-716-2928
Campaign Website: www.chauntyllforward4.com
Instagram handle: x.com/TeamChauntyll
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574423975871
Candidate Bio
I am a community organizer, educator, and youth activist born and raised in Rondo. I am currently serving a second term on the St. Paul School board, lead Black Lives Matter Twin Cities and co-lead the End Slavery in Minnesota coalition. I am the founder of Love First Community Engagement, and have worked as Director of Criminal Justice and Activism at the Wayfinder Foundation and in the Saint Paul Public Schools.
As a longtime resident of Saint Paul’s Ward 4, I’ve personally experienced many of the most pressing issues our city is facing. From my family’s displacement from Rondo to seeing my former students on the streets to difficulty finding affordable housing for me and my wife, I know what fellow residents are facing because I live it everyday.
I have deep trust and broad connections to the communities who have been disconnected from political power and local politics. Because of my personal experience and community connection, I can see the systems-level solutions we need to address key issues, and I have the diverse relationships and proven leadership to work across sectors and jurisdictions to get the results that Ward 4—and all Saint Paul—residents need.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
Authentic, people-centered and accessible. I’m not a typical politician. I won’t promise results I can’t deliver or pretend I know everything. You can trust me to show up authentically and speak my truth. And I will make space for you to do the same.
From transit stops to rec centers to civic events, you can always find me connecting with and listening to community members and honoring their input even if it doesn’t align with my personal experience or views.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Community Safety: Too often we dehumanize our neighbors and address symptoms to push people out of sight rather than solving the root problems that cause chronic instability for too many struggling Saint Paul residents. I have decades of experience doing street outreach, organizing violence prevention events and translating the voices of those most impacted into policy recommendations for city leaders. As councilmember, I’ll bridge community and institutional relationships to put forward clear visions around community-led public safety initiatives that resolve issues.
Economic Prosperity: Saint Paul is facing significant financial challenges and leaning too heavily on property taxes to generate the revenue we need for basic services and important programs. I believe that strategic investments and thoughtful policies can prevent displacement and promote development. As councilmember, I’ll bring my creative thinking and broad network of relationships to identify new revenue streams that take the burden off our low-income families and homeowners—and support the small businesses that make the Midway a culturally unique and vibrant place to live and visit.
Housing Stability: Simply building more housing and opening more shelters will not solve our housing crisis. We know that the services we have right now are not providing the right resources for those in crisis—and our housing system is not creating the affordable homes we need. For years, I’ve been in the streets and on the block, listening to understand the barriers unhoused people and struggling renters and homeowners are facing. As councilmember, I’ll bring my grassroots understanding of the problem and community-based ideas and collective solutions to our housing crisis.
These are all priorities we can pursue, regardless of the economic outlook of our state. It may require more creative problem-solving, but that is one of my strengths. Another strength is my ability to navigate budgets and funding sources, finding ways to reallocate dollars based on constituents’ top priorities. I have leveraged this strength in my role on the St. Paul School Board, and look forward to how I can help the city – and Ward 4 – navigate similar challenges.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Saint Paul?
Our biggest challenge right now is the tax burden placed on St. Paul homeowners. We have a very high level of non-taxable acreage (government land, schools, churches) and that – combined with our economic development crisis – puts an outsized burden on our homeowners.
Our biggest opportunity is the breadth of cultures in our city. In our schools alone, over 144 languages are spoken – which gives you a sense of the incredible diversity that exists here. I’d love to see us highlight the cultures across St. Paul and tap into that diversity to drive growth in small businesses, jobs, cultural and community events. St. Paul has an incredible opportunity to be a culturally affirming home for our residents, and a unique and vibrant destination for visitors. We can build cultural business corridors, multilingual city services, and heritage celebrations that strengthen civic pride and local economies.
What is your perspective on the rent stabilization ordinance in Saint Paul, and how do you view its effect on housing availability, affordability, and the city's economic climate?
I support strong renter protections and ethical landlord practices. As a renter myself, I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of absentee ownership and unchecked rent increases. We need balanced policies that protect renters and encourage community-rooted development. Rent stabilization must evolve alongside our housing strategies, but its core goal remains keeping Saint Paul affordable and livable for all.
I’ll prioritize programs that elevate small landlords and create pathways to collective ownership. One exciting example of this is in Ward 1, where a neighborhood organization and several housing groups bought out a building from a derelict owner to create the Sherburne Collective. Now, by pooling resources and prioritizing renter wealth, several households of immigrant families who were living in substandard conditions are now poised to, over time, collectively own their building. While we are at a desperate lack for the resources we need to address the housing crisis in Saint Paul, we do have a new revenue stream from the recently passed regional sales tax. I would explore how those dollars could be leveraged to create more cooperatives and pathways for renters to become owners. I also recognize that housing is in such a crisis that we need an all-hands-on-deck approach. We need to be looking creatively at how we can create housing, from nonprofits to churches and different entities, and engaging with our counterparts at the state legislative and federal level to increase their investments in local housing systems that keep wealth and stability in the community, not in the hands of corporations.
What steps would you take to revitalize downtown Saint Paul and promote long-term economic growth in the area?
We need to attract more businesses into downtown – being particularly strategic about businesses and events that draw in visitors. Those visitors bring in additional revenue in the form of spending, parking, as well as additional tax revenue. For current and future residents of downtown, we need to ensure the area is not a food desert. St. Paul has an opportunity to lean into cannabis-based businesses downtown. I will push for a downtown that’s inclusive, lively, and safe—with a mix of housing, entertainment, culturally relevant businesses, and support for working artists.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development?
As we continue to refine and improve how our city government works, we should be looking at systems of co-governance that include businesses, residents, taxpayers and community members. The business community should be incorporated into appropriate committees within the city where we can collaborate on innovative solutions to the challenges the city faces and make it a place where people and businesses thrive.
How would you characterize the business climate in Saint Paul and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Saint Paul?
While we have a lot of thriving businesses in St. Paul, we also have a lot of vacant space that could be utilized to serve residents and attract visitors, as well as gaps in the types of businesses we have here. For example, as a plus-size woman, there are almost no places for me to shop for clothing within the city. We only have 2 movie theaters, and while I enjoy those theaters, they are small, historic theaters – not modern multiplexes. What this means is that – as a city – we make it hard for our residents to spend their money here and instead are sending revenue to other places for things like multi-generational recreation, modern entertainment, or even groceries and clothing. I’d like to see the city continue to be a place where small businesses can thrive, and a place that attracts new, large-scale businesses to serve our residents.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
For me, public safety starts with getting to know our neighbors and also includes the city getting clear on who should respond to different calls for assistance. Not every issue should result in the presence of an armed officer. I support initiatives where help can be offered through social workers, psychologists, community safety, and police – with the appropriate level of response for the issue at hand.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
Safe, accessible, and equitable transportation is essential for a thriving city. In Ward 4, we need to address long standing infrastructure gaps and prioritize safety for everyone—whether they walk, bike, ride transit, or drive.
First, we must improve lighting, signage, and crosswalk visibility to make streets safer, especially in areas where pedestrians and cyclists are most vulnerable. I also support expanding protected bike lanes and maintaining sidewalks year-round to ensure accessibility for all ages and abilities.
Transit safety requires a more thoughtful, community-based approach. Right now, the roles of Metro Transit Police and SPPD are unclear, especially at busy platforms. I support deploying mental health professionals, housing outreach workers, and community-based safety responders to transit hubs so we can meet people’s needs with care, not just enforcement.
Finally, I’ll advocate for co-governance with residents, disability advocates, and climate and biking organizations to build a transportation system that connects people to opportunity—without putting added strain on those who rely on it most.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability with the uncertainty surrounding future federal funding and the expiration of temporary COVID relief dollars?
The relief dollars allowed us to explore new programs as a city; now that the money is gone, we will need to scrutinize our budget. We need a budget that reflects our values—protecting core services like housing, transit, and safety. As federal relief ends, I’ll work to re-prioritize funding, audit underperforming programs, and invest in what’s working.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
Each level of government has its own role and while some issues may require statewide solutions for consistency, the city must lead when local needs demand urgent attention.
The city is directly responsible for departments that affect our daily lives, like public works, housing inspections, planning and economic development, and parks and rec. That means we have both the authority and the responsibility to lead in areas like housing affordability, community safety, small business support, and transportation access.
At the same time, I believe in smart co-governance. We must work closely with Ramsey County on issues like public health and social services, and push the state to show up with real investments. With my school board and community leadership experience, I have strong relationships with our state legislators and county officials, and I’ll use those connections to make sure Saint Paul’s needs are front and center in policy decisions and funding allocations.