Introducing Marge Cooney: Your Expert Guide To Success

Who is Marge Cooney and why is she important?

Marge Cooney is an American politician and businesswoman who served as the 41st Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota from 2018 to 2022. She was the first woman to be elected to the position. Cooney is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL).

Before entering politics, Cooney was a successful businesswoman. She founded and ran her own marketing and public relations firm for over 20 years. She also served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership.

Cooney was elected Mayor of St. Paul in 2017. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as affordable housing, economic development, and public safety. She also led the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooney did not seek re-election in 2021. She was succeeded by Melvin Carter, who was elected in November 2021.

Marge Cooney

Marge Cooney is a politician and businesswoman who served as the 41st Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota from 2018 to 2022. She was the first woman to be elected to the position.

• Politician: Cooney is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL).
• Businesswoman: Cooney founded and ran her own marketing and public relations firm for over 20 years.
• Mayor: Cooney was elected Mayor of St. Paul in 2017 and served until 2022.
• Affordable housing: Cooney focused on affordable housing during her tenure as mayor.
• COVID-19 pandemic: Cooney led the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooney's accomplishments as mayor include increasing funding for affordable housing, expanding access to early childhood education, and leading the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a respected leader in the community and has been praised for her work on behalf of the people of St. Paul.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Marge Cooney

Politician

Marge Cooney is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), which is the Minnesota affiliate of the national Democratic Party. The DFL is a center-left party that supports social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. Cooney's membership in the DFL reflects her commitment to these values.

As a member of the DFL, Cooney has been able to work with other party members to pass legislation that reflects her values. For example, she was a co-sponsor of the Minnesota Green New Deal, which aims to transition the state to 100% clean energy by 2050. She also supported legislation to expand access to affordable housing and healthcare.

Cooney's membership in the DFL has also given her a platform to speak out on issues that are important to her. She has been a vocal advocate for social justice and economic equality. She has also spoken out against the Trump administration's policies on immigration, healthcare, and the environment.

Cooney's membership in the DFL is an important part of her identity as a politician. It reflects her values and commitment to social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. It has also given her a platform to speak out on issues that are important to her and to work with other party members to pass legislation that reflects her values.

Businesswoman

Marge Cooney's experience as a businesswoman was an important asset to her during her tenure as mayor. She was able to use her skills in marketing and public relations to promote the city of St. Paul and to attract new businesses and residents.

One of the most important things that Cooney did as mayor was to launch the "St. Paul 2025" plan. This plan was a comprehensive economic development strategy that aimed to make St. Paul a more vibrant and prosperous city. Cooney used her skills in marketing and public relations to promote the plan and to attract businesses and residents to the city.

Cooney's experience as a businesswoman also helped her to be an effective leader. She was able to use her skills in negotiation and problem-solving to work with other stakeholders to get things done. She was also able to use her skills in marketing and public relations to communicate her vision for the city and to build support for her policies.

Cooney's experience as a businesswoman was an important asset to her during her tenure as mayor. She was able to use her skills in marketing and public relations to promote the city of St. Paul and to attract new businesses and residents. She was also able to use her skills in negotiation and problem-solving to work with other stakeholders to get things done.

Mayor

Marge Cooney's election as Mayor of St. Paul in 2017 was a historic event. She was the first woman to be elected to the position, and her victory was a sign of the changing demographics of the city. Cooney's election was also a reflection of her own hard work and dedication to public service.

During her tenure as mayor, Cooney focused on issues such as affordable housing, economic development, and public safety. She also led the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooney's accomplishments as mayor include increasing funding for affordable housing, expanding access to early childhood education, and leading the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a respected leader in the community and has been praised for her work on behalf of the people of St. Paul.

Affordable housing

Marge Cooney's focus on affordable housing during her tenure as mayor was a key part of her commitment to social justice and economic equality. She believed that everyone deserves to have a safe and affordable place to live, and she worked to make that a reality for the people of St. Paul.

• Increased funding: Cooney increased funding for affordable housing programs, which allowed the city to build and rehabilitate more affordable housing units.
• Expanded rent control: Cooney expanded rent control to more units in the city, which helped to keep rents affordable for low-income residents.
• Created a new housing trust fund: Cooney created a new housing trust fund to provide financial assistance to developers of affordable housing.
• Partnered with non-profit organizations: Cooney partnered with non-profit organizations to provide supportive services to residents of affordable housing, such as job training and childcare.

Cooney's work on affordable housing made a real difference in the lives of many St. Paul residents. She helped to create more affordable housing units, keep rents affordable, and provide supportive services to residents. Her commitment to affordable housing is a reflection of her values and her belief that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live.

COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major challenge for cities around the world, and St. Paul was no exception. As mayor, Marge Cooney was responsible for leading the city's response to the pandemic. She worked to ensure that the city had the resources it needed to keep residents safe and healthy, and she implemented policies to help businesses and workers weather the economic storm.

One of Cooney's top priorities during the pandemic was to ensure that the city had enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and first responders. She also worked to increase testing capacity and to set up isolation and quarantine facilities. Cooney also implemented policies to help businesses and workers, such as a moratorium on evictions and a small business relief fund.

Cooney's leadership during the pandemic was praised by many in the community. She was able to keep the city running smoothly and to protect the health and safety of residents. Her work on the pandemic is a reflection of her commitment to public service and her ability to lead in times of crisis.

FAQs about Marge Cooney

Marge Cooney is an American politician and businesswoman who served as the 41st Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota from 2018 to 2022. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Cooney's life and career.

Question 1: What are Marge Cooney's political views?

Answer: Cooney is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), which is the Minnesota affiliate of the national Democratic Party. The DFL is a center-left party that supports social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection.

Question 2: What were Marge Cooney's major accomplishments as mayor of St. Paul?

Answer: Cooney's accomplishments as mayor include increasing funding for affordable housing, expanding access to early childhood education, and leading the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 3: What is Marge Cooney's current occupation?

Answer: Cooney is currently a Distinguished Fellow at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Question 4: Is Marge Cooney married?

Answer: Yes, Cooney is married to Patrick Hanlon.

Question 5: What are Marge Cooney's hobbies and interests?

Answer: Cooney enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Question 6: What are Marge Cooney's plans for the future?

Answer: Cooney plans to continue working on issues that are important to her, such as affordable housing, economic development, and education.

Marge Cooney is a respected leader in the community and has been praised for her work on behalf of the people of St. Paul. She is a role model for women in politics and a tireless advocate for social justice.

Marge Cooney's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that anything is possible if we work hard and never give up on our dreams.

Conclusion

This article has explored the life and career of Marge Cooney, the first female mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota. We have seen how her experience as a businesswoman and her commitment to social justice shaped her approach to leadership. We have also seen how she led the city through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marge Cooney is a role model for women in politics and a tireless advocate for social justice. Her story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that anything is possible if we work hard and never give up on our dreams.