Serving on Brooklyn Center's Planning Commission has given Mark direct experience with comprehensive planning of land us…Serving on Brooklyn Center's Planning Commission has given Mark direct experience with comprehensive planning of land use, zoning, and individual development decisions that shape the city's future. Resident requests sometimes require flexible solutions that remain within guidelines to achieve compliance with existing codes while limiting barriers for the applicant. In the reality of our warming future, the historical metric of the worst storm in 100 years no longer provides conservative guidance for city planning. We need to adapt our approach for effective building codes. Mark's creative, structured, evidence-based thinking will be an asset as the council updates land use requirements, building standards, and city planning to protect our future.
Volunteer & Community Service
Mark volunteers in the community providing basic needs such as food, clothing and hygiene products to residents. Long be…Mark volunteers in the community providing basic needs such as food, clothing and hygiene products to residents. Long before Metro Surge, Mark has been an active volunteer, serving in communities across the metro to ensure people have access to basic needs. Brooklyn Center and beyond, Mark's genuine care for people is global as he rolls up his sleeves to assist in general maintenance for livable, dignified spaces.
Daunte Wright & Kobe Dimock-Heisler Committee
After the 2021 shooting of Daunte Wright, Mark joined the Daunte-Kobe Community Safety Committee. The committee studied…After the 2021 shooting of Daunte Wright, Mark joined the Daunte-Kobe Community Safety Committee. The committee studied alternative 911 responses, in which social workers and mental health professionals were available to answer appropriate calls for service. This model has been used safely and effectively in other communities nationwide. As a result of the committee's work, a pilot program was started in which a social worker was embedded in the police department. It is time to expand this effective pilot program.
Emerging Brooklyn Center
Mark was a member of Emerging Brooklyn Center, a program in which Brooklyn Center residents and staff came together to l…Mark was a member of Emerging Brooklyn Center, a program in which Brooklyn Center residents and staff came together to learn about how city government functions, how racial inequities can be perpetuated, and how citizens can make a difference. This group brought together a cross-section of residents for monthly programs and educational trips. The EBC experience strengthened Mark's conviction that Brooklyn Center's cultural wealth is a great strength and opportunity.
Engineer. Neighbor. Leader.
Mark Viste was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of a chemistry professor and a librarian. He earned bachelor's degrees in German, English, Modern Foreign Languages, Math, Physics, and Chemistry. After completing a Fulbright Fellowship in Munich, Germany, he went on to earn a Master's and Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Chicago.
In 1999, Mark joined Medtronic, rising to the role of Senior Principal Scientist and Chief Engineer. His team designs life-saving cardiac implant technology. He has also served as Chair of the Industry Advisory Board to the Center for Solid-State Electric Power Storage, a collaborative research center supported by the National Science Foundation.
Mark bought his house in Brooklyn Center in 2001. He enjoys biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, canoeing in the Boundary Waters, gardening, and singing in a Finnish language choir — and playing with his rescue pup Enzo.
Senior Principal Scientist & Chief Engineer, Medtronic
"I approach city problems the same way I approach engineering problems — with data, discipline, and respect for the people affected by the outcome."
— Mark Viste, Candidate
A neighbor, not just a candidate
Mark has called Brooklyn Center home for over 25 years. "Enzo is my 10-year-old rescue dog." His commitment to this community extends well beyond the council chamber.
Built on a Foundation of Lifelong Learning
Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry — University of Chicago
Master's in Physical Chemistry — University of Chicago
Fulbright Fellowship — Munich, Germany
Bachelor's Degrees in German, English, Modern Foreign Languages, Math, Physics, and Chemistry
Mark is committed to upholding every resident's right to be heard and represented — ensuring your voice shapes decisions at City Hall, not just the loudest voices in the room. Mark's campaign is not paid for by special interest money seeking to put business priorities ahead of residents' needs. Mark works for you.
Expanding Our Tax Base
Brooklyn Center needs innovative solutions to grow its tax base. Mark brings an engineer's rigor to economic development — evidence-based strategies that attract investment and create opportunities for all residents. The vacant land near Brookdale Library has been a challenge for the city to develop. Recent developments by Hmong and Liberian entrepreneurs can form the foundation of a high density corridor that leverages our cultural wealth and makes Brooklyn Center a multi-cultural destination for the region. Mark favors transforming this area by investing in multi-cultural and small businesses.
Respectful, Focused Communication
Mark will model respectful communication to keep our council meetings productive and focused — getting things done for Brooklyn Center. By focusing on community priorities and bringing accountability to the forefront, we will earn and maintain trust with our residents.
Dignity for Every Community Member
Diversity fuels our future. Mark is committed to honoring the dignity and worth of every community member, embracing residents of all cultures, languages and experiences.
Protecting Tenants' Rights
Brooklyn Center passed a ground breaking ordinance in 2022 that established a 30-day pre-eviction notice and "just cause" requirements for lease non-renewals. These tenant protections defend the dignity of residents and prevent hasty evictions that increase the homeless population. Mark's prioritization of people over profit is in sharp contrast to other candidates being funded by special interest money, coming from property owners/managers. These special interests seek to install candidates ready to prioritize business interests over our residents.
Public Safety
During Mark's time as a member of the Daunte-Kobe Community Safety Committee, the committee studied data, met with professionals, and learned from successful Expanded Response models nationwide. For many 911 service calls, utilizing mental health professionals improves outcomes. While prevention cannot be explicitly tracked, it is vital to improving public safety. Council reports highlight officers stressed by a high volume of calls. Budgeting for additional officers has not resolved the issue; nationwide retirements mean fewer officers are available. However, Brooklyn Center's Expanded Response Team is reducing that burden on officers and increasing the police department capacity for priorities such as the recent anti-trafficking operation.
Flock Camera Surveillance Must End
Flock cameras were put up around the city with no Council involvement. It is unacceptable that this technology was put in place without resident consultation and Council authorization. Data from Flock cameras has reportedly been shared with at least 57 other agencies, severely limiting Brooklyn Center's ability to prevent misuse of the data and protect the privacy of our residents.
Support the Campaign
Invest in Brooklyn Center's Future
Your contribution directly funds canvassing, community outreach, and the conversations that earn votes. Every dollar strengthens our ability to deliver principled, data-driven leadership to Brooklyn Center's City Council.
Contributions are processed securely through our official campaign merchant account. Your information is kept strictly confidential and used solely for campaign-related purposes.
Contributions to Viste for Brooklyn Center are not tax-deductible as charitable donations.
Prepared and paid for by Viste for Brooklyn Center, 7243 Logan Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
Contributions from foreign nationals are prohibited. Minnesota campaign finance contribution limits apply.
Mark & Nahid — running together for a stronger Brooklyn Center City Council
With Peggy Flanagan — Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, DFL candidate for U.S. Senate, at a district campaign event building the coalition for principled, people-first leadership across Brooklyn Center
3.14 Action Fund — supporting STEM leaders in elected office
John and Lori — dedicated supporters standing with Mark Viste for Brooklyn Center
David and Mary — community members supporting Mark Viste for City Council
Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
Jack and Jill — neighbors and supporters out for Mark Viste
Joylenna, John & Lori — "It's a great day to vote!" Three proud supporters celebrating democracy in Brooklyn Center
Mark & Nahid — running together for a stronger Brooklyn Center City Council
With Peggy Flanagan — Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, DFL candidate for U.S. Senate, at a district campaign event building the coalition for principled, people-first leadership across Brooklyn Center
3.14 Action Fund — supporting STEM leaders in elected office
John and Lori — dedicated supporters standing with Mark Viste for Brooklyn Center
David and Mary — community members supporting Mark Viste for City Council
Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
Jack and Jill — neighbors and supporters out for Mark Viste
Joylenna, John & Lori — "It's a great day to vote!" Three proud supporters celebrating democracy in Brooklyn Center
Get Involved
Join the Campaign
Volunteer your time or host a fundraiser — every contribution of effort makes a difference.
Volunteer With Us
Canvass neighborhoods, staff events, and help spread the word
Host a Fundraiser
Bring your community together to support Mark's campaign
Contact
Get in Touch
Have a question or want to connect with the campaign? We'd love to hear from you.
Campaign Events
Upcoming Events
Join Mark on the campaign trail. Click any event to save it directly to your calendar.
OCT
15
THU
Forum
Minnesota Immigrant Forum
Thursday, October 15 · 5:30–7:30 PM Brookdale Library
Join Mark and community members at Brookdale Library for the Minnesota Immigrant Forum. All are welcome.
WKD
◆
TUE–FRI
Canvassing
Weekday Door Knocking
Ongoing, Tuesday–Friday
Help elect Mark by knocking doors Tuesday through Friday! Sign up to volunteer and we'll coordinate a shift that works for you.
Sat June 7: 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM · Sun June 8: 1:00 PM — pick any shift! Northview Middle School Parking Lot · 5869 69th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN With Senator Susan Pha, State Rep Samantha Vang, State Rep candidate Wynfred Russell & Mayoral candidate Tenisha Kragness
Join Mark and district leaders for a district-wide doorknock blitz across Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Osseo. All are welcome — no experience needed. Just pick a shift and show up ready to have great conversations with your neighbors!
Polls open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Your designated polling place — check mnvotes.sos.mn.gov
It all comes down to today. Find your polling place at mnvotes.sos.mn.gov. Same-day registration is available. Bring a photo ID or a neighbor who can vouch for your address.
Register by October 13 or use same-day registration at your polling place
Not yet registered? Register online by October 13 or in person on Election Day. Verify your status at mnvotes.sos.mn.gov.
Follow Mark
Latest posts from the campaign
[ Facebook photo — connect your Page ]
MV
Viste for Brooklyn Center
Placeholder
Knocked on doors in the Logan Ave neighborhood today — so grateful for every conversation and the warmth from our neighbors. This community is why I'm running. #Viste4BrooklynCenter
Like Comment Share
[ Facebook photo — connect your Page ]
MV
Viste for Brooklyn Center
Placeholder
Proud to bring an engineer's data-driven approach to city governance. Every decision should be grounded in evidence and centered on our residents. #SmartGrowth #BrooklynCenter
Like Comment Share
Connect your Facebook PageEmbed the Facebook Page plugin or link to your official page. A web developer can integrate the Facebook Pages API for live posts.
[ Instagram — connect your account ]
MV
@viste4brooklyncenter
Placeholder
"Diversity powers our future." Grateful for every conversation on the trail. 🌱 #BrooklynCenter #Viste2026
Like Comment
[ Instagram — connect your account ]
MV
@viste4brooklyncenter
Placeholder
Enzo says vote Viste! 🐶 Engineer by day, community builder every day. #RescueDog #BrooklynCenter
Like Comment
Connect your Instagram AccountUse a third-party widget (Elfsight, Behold) or the Instagram Basic Display API once your account is verified for live posts.
