Jayne Miller, MPRB Superintendent, 2010-2018
As MPRB Superintendent, Jayne Miller led a monumental effort to reverse decades of underfunding for parks that she calls “the heart and soul of Minneapolis neighborhoods.” Her work with staff, Commissioners and City officials resulted in the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan (NPP20): a long-term initiative that is revitalizing parks with more than $11 million in additional annual funding through 2036. To revise historic inequities, the plan prioritizes funds where they’re most needed, using quantified equity criteria that are updated annually.
“Despite efforts over the years, a major gap in funding for repairs and capital investments persisted,” recalled Miller. “Gathering data to share with residents and elected officials was critical. Eventually, Park Board Commissioners and City Councilmembers supported NPP20 unanimously, and its equitable funding model became the first of its kind in the U.S. MPRB still leads on equitable parks funding, having expanded the model to all capital and rehabilitation projects and recreation centers.”
During her time as Superintendent, Miller led many transformational initiatives that have long term impacts on the park system. She reshaped emergency response collaboration between the MPRB and City, including leading the effort to have MPRB recreation centers serve the community in the aftermath of a natural disaster – the 2011 tornado. The first public natural swimming pool in North America opened at Webber Park in 2015. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden was reconstructed and reopened in 2017 and the MPRB’s first indoor pools were built and opened in 2018 at the Phillips Aquatic Center. The MPRB launched the first proactive response to aquatic invasive species in the state, with a boat inspection program to protect the city’s lakes; and took a stand on light rail transit impacts to parkland, efforts that now ensure MPRB review of LRT plans.
