Jazz Hampton: The Leader Minneapolis Needs Now

By Andre Creighton, Chief Financial Officer

As we approach the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder this May, Minneapolis still stands at a crossroads. Our city needs a leader who deeply understands the intersection of civil rights, public safety, and economic opportunity—a leader who can heal divisions while driving meaningful progress. That leader is Jazz Hampton.

In the aftermath of George Floyd's death, Jazz, Mychal, and I co-founded TurnSignl, a technology platform providing on-demand access to attorneys during traffic stops. Our service aims to de-escalate interactions between drivers and police officers, protect civil rights, and save lives. During this period of racial reckoning, I witnessed Jazz's leadership firsthand—stepping up with a creative solution during one of the most painful chapters in our city's history.

What distinguishes Jazz is his rare combination of vision and pragmatism. He does not just dream—he delivers. Building TurnSignl required uniting stakeholders from law enforcement, civil rights organizations, the legal community, and tech sectors—groups often at odds. Jazz navigated these complex relationships with both compassion and pragmatism, translating bold vision into tangible results.

Minneapolis deserves a mayor who can end the gridlock at City Hall and get things done. Jazz has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to bridge divides and build coalitions focused on solutions rather than political posturing. As we scaled TurnSignl nationwide, his leadership was instrumental in bringing together diverse partners around a shared mission.

The challenges facing Minneapolis—from affordable housing to public safety to climate action—require a leader who brings fresh perspectives while building on what works. Jazz's comprehensive platform addresses these issues with both innovation and practicality.

At TurnSignl, we have worked at the intersection of technology, law, and public safety. Jazz understands that public safety isn't just about policing—it's about creating a trustworthy ecosystem that serves all residents equitably. His vision for Minneapolis embraces this balanced approach, centered on accountability, prevention, and healing.

I've observed Jazz's problem-solving approach up close. He doesn't begin with ideology; he starts by understanding issues from all angles, consulting with experts and community members, and then crafting solutions that are both bold and practical. As we commemorate five years since George Floyd's murder, this approach is exactly what Minneapolis needs to address our housing crisis, reform our public safety systems, and position our city as a leader in both equity and innovation.

The anniversary of George Floyd's death reminds us how profoundly our city was changed. Jazz and I witnessed firsthand how that tragedy exposed deep fractures in our community—and we responded by building a solution to help prevent similar tragedies. This experience has uniquely prepared Jazz to lead Minneapolis through its continued healing process while pushing for the systemic changes we need.

Jazz recognizes that a thriving Minneapolis needs both innovative startups and established businesses, entrepreneurs from every neighborhood, and workers whose rights are protected. His economic vision demonstrates a balanced approach that will help our city prosper.

Minneapolis doesn't need more division or politics as usual. We need a leader who unites our city around shared goals and delivers real results. As we approach the fifth anniversary of an event that both traumatized and transformed Minneapolis, Jazz Hampton represents the forward-looking leadership we need.

I've built my career on making data-driven decisions and recognizing potential for growth. My analysis of what Minneapolis needs right now—and who can best deliver it—leads me to one clear conclusion: Jazz Hampton should be our next mayor.

Join me in supporting Jazz's campaign. Together, let's write a new chapter for Minneapolis with Jazz Hampton as our mayor—one that honors George Floyd's memory by creating lasting, positive change in the city we all call home.

Andre Creighton is the Co-Founder of TurnSignl and present CFO at CliftonLarsonAllen. He’s a 2023 CFO of the Year recipient by the Minneapolis Saint Paul Business Journal, and serves on multiple boards including the Twin Cities Chapter of Financial Executives International and Saint Paul College.