My Name is Luther Ranheim, and Howe is my Home.
Passion for Service. Pride in Ward 12.
Hello! I’m Luther Ranheim
South Minneapolis is my lifelong home! I grew up in the Nokomis neighborhood, where my life was enriched by playing youth sports through the Minneapolis Parks, and by participating in musical activities through community based arts programs. As a product of the Minneapolis Public Schools and a proud graduate of Minneapolis South High, I am a firm believer in the importance of a strong public education system.
Early Seeds of Service
My family taught me the importance of service to the community. I learned from a young age about engaging with my community through grassroots political advocacy for candidates for Minneapolis City Council and Minnesota State Legislative seats. These experiences with political campaigns early in life sparked my lifelong passion for local politics. Volunteering on the 2002 Wellstone Campaign was my first deep involvement on a major campaign, an experience that sparked a passion for engaging in campaigns ever since.
Howe is my Home
I’ve lived in the Howe neighborhood for 22 years and it is truly home. My wife Michelle and I, and our wheaten terrier Dagmar, feel so fortunate to spend our life in this incredible part of our great city. We enjoy walks through Howe to the river, spending time with our dear neighbors, who make living in this neighborhood so special, and supporting the restaurants and businesses that enhance the cultural fabric of Ward 12!
It would be my honor to raise up your voices as I work to serve as your advocate on the Minneapolis City Council! I look forward to meeting with you to learn about the issues that are important to you. I hope to earn your support and your vote!
A Career of Serving the Community
I have experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors. After graduating from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, I began my career working in the nonprofit sector, focusing on the performing arts. A return home to Minneapolis in the late 90s to work in financial services offered me an opportunity to gain work experience in the private sector. In 2008, I felt a calling to better align my work with my values and pivoted back to the nonprofit sector, where I have focused on fundraising for important causes. My experiences connecting those with resources to areas of great need in our community will help me to be a responsive steward of taxpayer funds on the City Council.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to connect great organizations like MacPhail Center for Music, Greater Twin Cities United Way, the Minnesota Orchestra and the Alzheimer’s Association with the financial resources needed for them to serve our community into the future. The highlight of my career has been my time at a local community foundation. Serving as a Gift Planner for nearly 7 years, I build partnerships with professional advisors, providing essential philanthropic resources to their clients, helping community members reach their charitable giving goals. Through my work at the Foundation, I have helped individuals and families provide significant support to the nonprofit organizations that serve our community.
Passion for Volunteering
My commitment to serving our community has gone far beyond my professional endeavors. I have served as a block leader for National Night Out, serving as a gatherer for my neighbors. I also have served as an ambassador for large sporting events hosted in Minneapolis where I welcomed and guided visitors Downtown.
I have answered the call to serve several organizations through service on their boards, helping each organization in fundraising and general operations. Currently I serve on the Board of the American Composers Forum and the Westminster Town Hall Forum, chairing the Development Committee of each.
