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Commissioners honor JFK Profile in Courage recognition for Twin Cities and remember Rep. Michael Nelson
Summary
Commissioners recognized the Twin Cities’ selection for the 2026 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for community response to federal immigration enforcement actions and offered condolences and memories for former state Representative Michael Nelson, who died in May at age 71.
At the opening of the July 14 meeting, commissioners used their communications time to both recognize a regional civic honor and to share remembrances.
Vice Chair Debbie Gautel highlighted that the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation awarded the 2026 Profile in Courage Award to people of the Twin Cities for their response to federal immigration enforcement actions in late 2025 and early 2026 (referred to in the transcript as Operation Metro Surge/Search). Gautel described the recognition as honoring residents, nonprofits, labor leaders, businesses and volunteers who stood with immigrant families and who organized and demonstrated to protect civil rights and dignity.
Several commissioners offered condolences for former Minnesota state Representative Michael Nelson, who the transcript reports died in May at 71. Commissioners recalled Nelson’s long service (elected in 2002, retired in 2024), committee leadership, advocacy for labor and work on issues including wage‑theft and support for the Blue Line Extension. Commissioners emphasized personal memories of Nelson’s accessibility and commitment to constituent service.
The board’s communications segment combined recognition of civic activism and internal memorial remarks; no formal board action was required for either item.
