by Alysen Nesse
Shortly before the start of the 2025 Legislative session, Minnesota lost a leader whose work shaped our communities in ways that will be felt for generations. Senator Kari Dziedzic was a fierce advocate for preservation, adaptive reuse, and housing justice. Her ability to bring people together, listen with intent, and push for solutions that improved lives set her apart.
As the senator for District 60—a place as dynamic as she was—she represented a cross-section of Minnesota’s history and future: the University of Minnesota, Cedar Riverside, Northeast Minneapolis, and the Mississippi Riverfront. She understood the complexities of serving such a diverse district and approached every challenge with a deep sense of responsibility, ensuring that all voices were heard and valued.
One of her most significant contributions was her work to renew the Minnesota Historic Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit, a program that has revitalized historic properties across the state. Thanks to her leadership, places like the Northrup King arts complex—where two long-vacant historic buildings currently are being transformed into 84 live/work units for artists and their families—will continue to serve communities rather than fall into disrepair. When the historic tax credit was at risk of expiring, she led the charge to secure an eight-year extension, recognizing that historic preservation is not just about honoring the past—it’s about creating opportunities for the future.
Her impact extended beyond policy to the very fabric of Minnesota’s historic places. Through capital investment bills, she secured funding for projects like the restoration of the Stone Arch Bridge and the rehabilitation of Pillsbury Hall at the University of Minnesota. She knew that these places were more than landmarks; they were essential to the character, economy, and cultural vitality of the state.
Beyond her legislative achievements, Sen. Dziedzic was a teacher and a mentor. She had an unmatched depth of knowledge in housing policy, from multifamily development finance to zoning and homeownership programs. She never sought the spotlight but instead focused on getting the work done—helping Minnesotans secure safe, stable housing and ensuring that our built environment served people first.
For those of us who had the privilege of working alongside her, she was a constant source of encouragement. We shared an understanding that being an introvert in public policy isn’t always easy, but she made space for different leadership styles, lifting others up even as she worked tirelessly herself.
Sen. Dziedzic’s absence will be felt deeply, but her legacy remains in the policies she championed and the communities she strengthened. Her work will continue to shape Minnesota for decades to come. May her memory be a blessing and a call to carry her work forward.
Alysen Nesse is Director of Government Relations at Momentum Advocacy, and one of the leaders of the CUB tax credit proposal at the Minnesota State Capitol.
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