About Jamal Osman

Council Vice President Jamal Osman has served the residents of Ward 6 since 2020. In 2026, he became the first Somali American Council Vice President in Minneapolis history.

As Council Vice President, Jamal is focused on housing stability, neighborhood safety, economic opportunity, and constituent services for Ward 6 residents. He’s committed to responsive public service, strong neighborhoods, and ensuring every resident feels heard, respected, and connected to their community.

Before joining the City Council, Jamal worked for many years with CommonBond Communities, supporting residents and families in affordable housing. His work focused on connecting people to resources, mentoring youth, strengthening family stability, and helping families build better futures. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic.

Jamal has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Metropolitan State University. He is also a certified mental health trainer focused on increasing awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health.

Born in Somalia, Jamal spent part of his youth as a refugee in Kenya before immigrating to Minnesota as a teenager. His family’s experience building a new life in America and growing up in public housing shaped his understanding of the challenges many families face and inspired his lifelong commitment to community service.

A longtime resident of Phillips West, Jamal brings extensive experience in housing advocacy, mental health support, and neighborhood engagement to his work on behalf of Minneapolis residents.

Jamal and his wife, Ilo, are raising their five children in South Minneapolis, where the family remains active in neighborhood and community life.