Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges on her first six months

Betsy Hodges
Betsy Hodges raises her hand as she is sworn in as Minneapolis Mayor, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Minneapolis.
Jerry Holt/AP, Star Tribune

Six months ago this week, Betsy Hodges was sworn in as the new mayor of Minneapolis.

During her campaign, Hodges promised to find ways to eliminate persistent opportunity gaps between white and minority residents in the city.

She's working with a City Council that has seven new members to lay the groundwork for her goals — including moving toward zero-waste, and a large population increase.

She now confronts what could be one of her most important decisions as mayor — what to do about the proposed southwest light rail line.

Earlier: Metro leaders back Southwest light rail shallow tunnels as Minneapolis objects
More: Loud and proud, I guess: Mayor tells Minneapolis to drop the modesty

Mayor Hodges talked with MPR News' Tom Crann to discuss her accomplishments so far — and her priorities going forward.