On January 3, 1994, Sharon Sayles Belton became the first African American and first female mayor of Minneapolis. It was a momentous occasion for the community leader and activist, who would go on to serve two terms.
Born in St. Paul, Sayles Belton grew up in various locations within the Twin Cities and attended Macalester College. She entered politics as a Minneapolis City Council member in 1983, eventually becoming the council president prior to her tenure as mayor.
Since 2001, Sayles Belton has been involved in community affairs and social justice organizations.
More recent Sayles Belton audio highlights of can be found at the MPR News homepage https://www.mprnews.org/
[Sayles Belton photo image courtesy of Hennepin County Library]
November 5, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with newly re-elected Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton about the future of the city. Topics include education, safety, and use of the bully pulpit. Listeners also call in with questions.
April 15, 1998 - MPR’s Bob Potter discusses CODEFOR with Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. Since Minneapolis began its CODEFOR policing strategy in February of 1998, violent crime in the city is down 16%, property offenses are down 18%, and crimes against persons are down 12%. Sayles Belton says one key is focusing on so-called nuisance crimes.
August 14, 1998 - Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about her new budget for the city and the wide range of issues facing the city: housing, crime, schools, jobs, transportation and more. Program starts with discussion about Shubert Theatre and Block E development.
January 22, 1999 - It was Purple Pride Day in Minneapolis and Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton asked people to join her in wearing purple and celebrate the team that almost made it to the Super Bowl. At a Minneapolis City Council meeting, Mayor Sayles Belton and Minneapolis City Council members showed their Viking spirit.
May 7, 1999 - A special Midday broadcast from the IDS Crystal Court in downtown Minneapolis. MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. Topics include downtown development planning, proposed light rail, and crime prevention. Sayles Belton also answers audience and listener questions.
August 13, 1999 - On this Midday program, Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton talks about her budget priorities, drop in crime, education, taxes, housing, ideas for a new ballpark, and other city matters. Sayles Belton also answers listener questions.
February 11, 2000 - Midday’s Gary Eichten spends the hour talking with Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis, about what she sees as the state and health of the city. Topics include crime prevention and affordable housing, amongst others. Sayles Belton also answers listener questions.
August 15, 2000 - As Democrats present their platform at their national convention in Los Angeles, Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, who co-chaired the platform committee, offers her assessment to delegates.
October 6, 2000 - MPR's Brandt Williams reports on dirt finally being turned on the long underdeveloped parcel of land in downtown Minneapolis known as Block E.
February 9, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes provides a summary report on Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton’s 2001 State of the City address. the mayor highlighted successful city initiatives, lower unemployment and crime, downtown construction, and a strong arts in downtown.