Interview: Judy Johnson, project director, Prosperity’s Front Door

As project director for Minneapolis-based Prosperity’s Front Door, Judy Johnson is part of an organization that sees housing through the lens of social justice, economic stability and community. The organization — a network of business, community, government and nonprofit leaders — promotes affordable and workforce housing and supports people who face homelessness, evictions and foreclosure, among other goals. In her role with Prosperity’s Front Door, Johnson draws on a wealth of public sector experience. She previously worked the gavel as mayor of Plymouth and is a current member of the Metropolitan Council. Her resume also includes roles with Greater MSP and the Twin West Chamber of Commerce. In the following interview, Johnson talks about her organization and the challenges of creating a housing system that works for everybody, and she explains why housing stability is more important than ever amid a global pandemic.