September 12, 2022
Jason Brisson is an Economic Development Specialist - Program Coordinator for the City of Minneapolis. Contact Jason
How long have you been a member of EDAM? 3 years
What do you find valuable about belonging to EDAM? When I first joined EDAM, my work was split between planning and economic development. I had previously been a full-time planner but economic development work was new to me. Through EDAM, I learned more about economic development, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and got additional exposure to the profession. Since then, I’ve received my Certified Economic Developer certification through IEDC and have transitioned into the field full time. I’ve also really enjoyed the people. I’ve met a lot of great folks through EDAM that I can call on when I need some help or just enjoy spending time with. I’ve also been fortunate enough to serve on the Board of Directors since 2021 and it’s been a very rewarding experience. We’re doing some really great work that I hope our members enjoy and appreciate.
What is something you are passionate about or a hobby you really enjoy? I am a bookworm. I’m also fascinated by cities and how they work. My mother used to take me downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul when I was a child and I have very fond memories of being awed by the architecture, culture, and street activity. For these reasons, I spend a lot of time reading about cities and thinking about ways to make them work better for everyone. We have a lot of work to do to eliminate the stark disparities that exist and persist in Minneapolis and the rest of the country.
Share an interesting fact about yourself that few of your fellow EDAM members may know. During college, I worked as a bartender on a sightseeing boat at Chicago’s Navy Pier for a summer. I met people from all over the world, got a tan, and ate a lot of Vitner's potato chips. It was a great summer.
What's the greatest advice a mentor has given you? I used to have a manager whose favorite quote was ‘don’t wait for your ship to come in, swim out to it.’ I’ve tried to keep this perspective in mind many years later. It’s better to try and fail than to sit back and hope for things to happen.
What was the best concert you've every attended? What's a bucket list concert for you? A number of years back I saw band called Larkin Poe at a small venue in Charlotte, NC. We had never heard of them, but we were looking for some live music that night and wound up there. They put on an incredible show! I remember them shredding on guitars as well as violins, steel guitars, and other instruments as if they were guitars. I still check their music out periodically because they made such an impression on me.
Other than your current job, what would your dream job be? A mathematician.
What are you currently watching on Netflix or another streaming service? Right now, my wife and I are working our way through the last batch of Ozark on Netflix. It’s a little anxiety-provoking for me but I can’t look away. We’re really looking forward to the new season of The Chi on Showtime, which is a show we both really love.