MILLER

DAN

MINNEAPOLIS PARK BOARD | DISTRICT 1

Returning to Minneapolis, Miller brought this perspective into decades of professional and civic service in the Willard-Hay, Phillips, and eventually, the Windom Park neighborhoods. He produced educational exhibits for the Science Museum and Minnesota Historical Society and dedicated himself to neighborhood advocacy.

He has a proven track record of championing trail connections, securing park investments, and building trusted relationships to deliver safer streets and equitable access to parks and other important destinations. He’s running for Park Board to ensure all families in District 1 have access to vibrant, welcoming public spaces—and to bring thoughtful, experienced leadership to the policies and ordinances that shape our park system.

When he isn't working for the community, Dan can be found at home with his wife, Marit, and their two rescue dogs, Mina and Sadie.

Dan Miller’s lifelong commitment to public service is rooted in his upbringing on the Iron Range, raised in iron range Village of Hibbing. Surrounded by immigrant families and shaped by strong union values—including those of his father, a teacher and AFT member—Miller developed a deep respect for collective action, cultural respect, and standing up for vulnerable communities.

That foundation was strengthened as a young artist in Washington, D.C., where he was immersed in the vibrant arts community at the end the 1960's Civil Rights era. This experience deepened his cultural awareness and his belief in inclusive leadership and the power of public spaces to build community.

Great Northern Greenway

Pedal Power

MEET MILLER

EXPERIENCE

Best known as the Pedal Power Coach at Pillsbury and Las Estrellas Elementary Schools, “Papa Wheelie,” as the kids call him, has been building skills and teaching bike safety since 2016. Drawing on his ties to Northeast community, Dan shares routes that lead to parks, the river, and public art destinations and help kids learn to navigate roads safely and with confidence.

YOUTH COACH

BIKEWAY CHAMPION

Since 2018, Dan Miller has been a driving force behind expanding Minneapolis’ bikeway network. As chair of the Great Northern Greenway, he has led efforts to close the critical gap linking Northeast to the Grand Rounds and connect North and Northeast Minneapolis.

A dedicated cyclist and coalition-builder, Miller has worked with Bike MN and the Great Northern Greenway Task Force to promote safety, equity, and connectivity. He launched grassroots initiatives to advance trail projects and served on key planning bodies, including the MPRB East of the River Master Plan and the Parks for All advisory committees. His leadership helped initiate a bridge feasibility study, with conceptual plans to connect North and Northeast nearing approval.

Thanks in part to his advocacy, $5.5 million in public funding was secured to begin construction of the Grand Rounds Missing Link between Stinson Boulevard and the Franklin Avenue Bridge.

Appointed to the Bicycle Advisory Committee by both Councilmembers Kevin Reich and Elliot Payne, Dan Miller has spent a decade championing a safer Central Ave. His persistent advocacy helped shape MnDOT’s corridor plan. Through his leadership, Miller has shifted the conversation—and the culture—around street safety on Minneapolis’ major roads.

A longtime Pedal Power coach, Miller brings a deep commitment to kids learning to bike safely in Minneapolis. His firsthand experience informed his role in the Edison High School Safe Routes to School study, where he led site tours and helped identify high-risk areas—intersections, sidewalks, and key routes along Lowry, Monroe, and Johnson Street—offering targeted solutions to better connect students with their homes and neighborhood parks.

SAFETY PROPONENT

KEY INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISER

Dan Miller demonstrated strong leadership during his 2018–2022 tenure on the Capital Long Range Improvement Committee (CLIC), where he was appointed by Ward 1 Councilmember Kevin Reich to represent the Ward 1 community.

As a dedicated advocate, Miller led efforts to secure investments in park infrastructure at Audubon and Bottineau Parks—projects now being realized. He also played a key role in championing safety and environmental improvements along 18th Ave NE, 37th Ave NE, and Johnson St NE, leaving a lasting impact on the community’s development and well-being.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

As a board member of Windom Park Citizens in Action (WPCiA), Dan Miller led the integration of the Windom Park Small Area Plan with Minneapolis’ 2040 Plan, driving neighborhood initiatives on housing and transportation.

He also rebalanced Neighborhood Revitalization Funding, directing more resources to the Windom Park neighborhood and Pillsbury Elementary School.

PRIORITIES

INFRASTRUCTURE
&
ENVIRONMENT

Update Infrastructure for park buildings, playgrounds, sports arenas & fields
Install A/C in ALL rec centers
Ensure equitable distribution of youth ice rinks
Complete crucial park renovations at Jackson Square & Luxton Parks
Establish a much needed second dog park in District 1
Complete the Grand Rounds Missing Link
Quickly & equitably replace lost trees
Protect the Mississippi River & Flyway

YOUTH, FAMILIES
&
COMMUNITIES

Expand affordable childcare through Rec Plus
Invest in quality, affordable youth programming---including nature programs & teen hub studios
Prioritize youth employment, such as the Mississippi River Green Team, to teach transferable job skills
Grow youth sports opportunities
Streamline connections between Minneapolis Public Schools & Minneapolis Parks & Rec

RESPECT
&
COLLABORATION

Increase & stabilize staffing levels at rec centers & regional parks
Empower park directors to develop programming that's tailored to the community
Foster collaboration between the parks, schools & neighborhood organizations
Ensure all park staff, coaches & volunteers are valued
Partner aggressively with the City, County & watershed districts to maximize funding & creativity for District 1