Matthew Dowgwillo
Minneapolis City Park and Recreation Board - At Large
Empowered by GoodParty.org
About the Office
The Parks and Recreation Commission has the power to adopt bylaws, rules and regulations for the proper conduct of public recreation in the city.
Term Length
4 years
Election Date
Nov 4, 2025
About Me
Party
Other
Occupation
Tech Consultant
Fun Fact
I'm a 30-year yogi who has visited every continent excepting the artics
Past Experience
Matt Dowgwillo for Minneapolis Park Board At-Large
I'm a Minneapolis dad, neighbor, and UX strategist — not a politician. I’ve spent the last 25 years building a life here, raising two kids, and working to make public systems more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable.
I’m the only candidate with young kids, and I bring a voice that's currently missing from the Park Board: someone who uses the parks daily, sees where they shine, and where they fall short for families. I believe in democracy through compromise, and I’m here to get good things done — not to grandstand.
With degrees in Economics and Environmental Science from the U of M, I’ve studied our lakes and led tech teams to improve public tools. My vision? Rebuild Minneapolis as the Greatest Winter City in the World — a brand rooted in business, culture, and public space.
If you're tired of performative politics and just want a smart, decent person to make things work better, I hope you'll support me.
My Top Issues
New sports facilities and programs
As the only currently parenting candidate, I will bring needed perspective to the board. I would like to fix website and registration systems to get more people participating and using the parks within the same budget.
Cultural events and community events
The Minneapolis brand is damaged, but I believe we are the Greatest WINTER City in the world! I will connect cultural institutions with the outdoors to rebuild our brand, attract new talent and investment, and continue making the parks an award-winning attraction.
Thriving local businesses
"Walkable" to me means having somewhere to walk to. I want to keep roads open, attract new residents, and see businesses thrive.
Who I'm Running Against
Amber Kendricks (Democrat Party)
DSA Endorsed. She is an actress who got into the race at the last minute
Mary McKelvy (Democrat Party)
Mary is an ex-teacher and real nice.She has adult children in their mid-20s
Meg Forney (Democrat Party)
A moderate like me, however she is much older.
Micheal Wilson (Democrat Party)
Michael was endorsed by labor and DSA. He is a far-left nutter.
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