About

By Design is an independent and possibly-occasionally-updated site launched in April 2026 by Molly Priesmeyer. If you subscribe to this possibly-possibly-occasionally-updated site, you’ll help support independent, public-facing research and analysis on systems of power in Minnesota and beyond—how it is consolidated, coordinated, and often kept out of public view.

Who am I

Hi! I’m Molly Priesmeyer, a former investigative reporter and still-obsessive research nerd based in Minneapolis.

I now work as a systems-change strategist and Director of Narrative and Advocacy Strategy — which is mostly a fancier nonprofit-y way of saying I spend a lot of time researching, analyzing, synthesizing, and translating complex public policies, narratives, and systems into something people can actually understand, use, and advocate around in service of the public good.

I also watch a lot of ER lately. And sniff lilacs and peonies. Speaking of peonies, you can also find me on Bluesky as @mollypeonies.

Why is this thing again?

For now, this site is a container for deep-dive analysis of power, public policy, public systems, and public record, including ones I requested from the Minneapolis Police Department from November 2025 through February 4, 2026, and include emails, incident reports, 911 transcripts, internal communications, and federal-local law-enforcement agreements.

Want to join me in deeper digging?

I'd love to have you! Message me.