Author: NJ Hanson

NJ Hanson

Pronouns: he/they

A streets.mn board member since 2026, NJ Hanson is a radical bike commuter and cat lover who lives in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. Before moving to Minneapolis, he was involved in politics and union organizing in his home state of Iowa. He is currently a light rail operator for Metro Transit happily watching the beautiful cityscape of the Twin Cities pass by as he transports passengers throughout the metro. All opinions are his own.

View of Art-A-Whirl 2026 crowds and tents from the roof of a building on Quincy Street with the Northrup King Building in the background. Photo credit: Brian Mitchell

Art-A-Whirl Demonstrates the Need for Better Infrastructure in Northeast MPLS

NJ Hanson • June 9, 2026

I experienced Art-A-Whirl for the first time and I have (infrastructure) thoughts.

Target Field Station during snowstorm, March 15th, 2026. Credit: NJ Hanson

Light Rail is The Best Form of Public Transit (Especially for Winter Cities)

NJ Hanson • April 8, 2026

An Operator + Transit Nerd’s Perspective on Public Transit in the Twin Cities