Hi, I’m Reed Olson.

I’m Minnesota born and raised–a proud member of a centennial farming family. Some of my first jobs were picking rocks and detassling corn.

I settled in Bemidji after working at the Concordia Language Villages. With 15 years experience as a cook, I opened a restaurant. We just celebrated our 20th anniversary as a cornerstone Bemidji small business and our dedicated staff has become family.

I have experience representing my neighbors

In 2013, I was elected to Bemidji City Council where I served for 4 years. Then, I beat a twenty-year incumbent for Beltrami County Board by 40 votes. Over 2 terms on the Co. Board, I learned much about the issues that most impact our constituents–issues like healthcare, childcare, mental health and addiction.

I also helped bring millions of dollars to Bemidji to build a new veterans home, opened the way to building more homes in Beltrami County, and secured pandemic relief funding for businesses. 

My interest and experience in political policy and networking extends to the state level. In 2019, I was selected as a Policy Fellow by the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of MN. I was also recently named Minnesota State Co-Chair for the U.S. Term Limits organization.

I’m a proven champion for safe, affordable housing

I have been the director of a community non-profit, The Nameless Coalition for the Homeless, since 2019. We now run two emergency shelters and I have watched thousands of guests walk through our doors.

I believe that fighting homelessness involves addressing the precariously housed in our communities. Often, I have seen landlords neglect repairs, leaving friends and families in dangerous conditions. This year, I helped organize a tenants union to fight back and ensure that all renters get the safe housing they deserve.

From Bemidji to Red Lake to Lake of the Woods, I have earned a reputation as a relentless advocate, problem solver and collaborator who brings people together to get things done. For years, I’ve seen the challenges families face firsthand here in rural Northern Minnesota—whether as an elected representative, a small business owner, or a non-profit director.

From Bemidji to Red Lake to Lake of the Woods, I have earned a reputation as a relentless advocate, problem solver and collaborator who brings people together to get things done. For years, I’ve seen the challenges families face firsthand here in rural Northern Minnesota—whether as an elected representative, a small business owner, or a non-profit director.

I know that "affordability" isn't just a talking point; it is the dignity of having a roof over your head and the security of knowing your kids are well cared for.

Send someone to Saint Paul who understands what's happening here.