City of Minneapolis | 350 South Fifth Street | Minneapolis, MN 55415 | Phone: 612-673-2100 | Fax: 612-673-2305 | rt@minneapolis.org
Two-term mayor R.T. Rybak became the mayor of Minneapolis in 2002, when the city faced a post-9/11 budget crisis and impending state and federal budget cuts. He implemented fiscal reforms that reduced at least $80 million of debt and produced six balanced budgets in four years. Among his key accomplishments are expanding the Minneapolis police department by 100 officers in two years, creating 2,500 new housing units in three years with the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, launching a Minneapolis 3-1-1 phone system, and initiating efforts to revitalize North Minneapolis and attack juvenile crime. A lifelong resident of Minneapolis and an ardent promoter of the city, Rybak helped recruit Allina Hospitals & Clinics health care system into the city’s Midtown Exchange and actively touted the city’s attractiveness to tourists and other visitors during the 2008 Republican National Convention. Rybak is now leading efforts to revitalize North Minneapolis, attack juvenile crime, make Minneapolis a wireless city, end homelessness in 10 years, and significantly reduce the city’s energy consumption to combat global climate change.
Born: November 12, 1955, in Minneapolis
Spouse: Megan O’Hara
Children: Charlie, Grace
Education: Bachelor of arts from Boston College
Career history:
• Mayor, City of Minneapolis, 2002–present
• Principal, R.T. Rybak Company (Internet strategy), 1999–2001
• Vice president, Channel 4000, Internet Broadcasting, 1997–1999
• Publisher, Twin Cities Reader, 1995–1997
• Principal, R.T. Rybak Company (marketing), 1990–1995
• Real Estate Consultant, Eberhardt Development, 1989–1990
• Development Director, Downtown Council, 1986–1989
• Reporter, Star Tribune, 1979–1986
Awards received: 2008 Transportation Advocate of the Year from the Minnesota Transportation Alliance
