Board Member Spotlight: John Quincy
Tell us about your background and why you care about expanding housing opportunities.
Originally from Central Illinois, I have a marketing degree from Creighton University (Omaha, NE) and an MBA from DePaul University (Chicago, IL). For more than 35 years, my career has focused on marketing, research and an interest in creating opportunities for the community we love. I had the privilege of serving on the Minneapolis City Council for 8 years, after moving to Minneapolis from the Chicago area more than 25 years ago. As a lobbyist with Solomons Strategies Group, I am a “civic strategist” – helping clients navigate the intersection between community and government landscapes. My family and I are long-term volunteers for organizations that serve the homeless community. I am driven by a desire to create workforce development and housing opportunities for youth and families throughout our region, recognizing the importance of stable and dignified housing as the foundation for the health, safety, growth and success for a community.
Why were you interested in serving on the Family Housing Fund board?
Serving on the FHF Board was a personal and professional opportunity during my two terms of office on the Minneapolis City Council. I have continued my service to the Family Housing Fund as we established exciting new leadership, strategic directions, visions and goals for the organization in light of the emerging challenges and disparities that have been experienced throughout our community during the past serval years. I am honored to have been appointed by Mayor Frey to continue to serve on the FHFund board, where I utilize my experience and passion for the creation and preservation of affordable housing options in Minneapolis, our region, and the state.
What housing aspirations do you have for the region?
My housing aspiration is for everyone to have safe, dignified, sustainable, and affordable housing options. I aim to help explore and embed zoning, building code, and financing policies and innovations into systems to meet community needs.
What is one area where you think people generally fail to think big enough – and what is your vision for change?
Environmental sustainability. I think people fail to recognize the value and importance of making environmental investments NOW into housing, especially rental housing. Investing in sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, infrastructure, and processes now will not only lower the costs and carbon footprint for property owners, but it will also lower the actual costs experienced by residents. Environmental investments improve affordability while also improving the societal and health outcomes for everyone into the future.
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I watch way too much TV – and streaming media – but also enjoy outdoor/recreational activities throughout the year including: golf, fishing (yes- ice fishing too), hiking, and my personal love of woodworking.
