Finding a Green Way to Govern

News from Cam Gordon Council Member, Second Ward New City Vision. The Council and Mayor have adopted new and powerful vision and mission statements that clearly reflect the aspirations and priorities of the current Council. The vision states that: “ Minneapolis is an intentionally compassionate city where each of us can reach our full potential while caring for one another, eliminating racial disparities, improving our environment and promoting social well-being. We lead in innovative and creative ways, focused not only on our present needs, but also the success of future generations.”  The mission statement says, “Our City government takes strategic action to address climate change, dismantle institutional injustice and close disparities in health, housing, public safety and economic opportunities. In partnership with residents, City leaders help to ensure all communities thrive in a safe and healthy city.” Transportation Workshops.   The City will be holdin...

I was sorry to learn that Minneapolis Music legend and longtime West Bank and Seward resident, Willie Murphy, passed away in January. In the late 70s and early 80s Willie and I were neighbors on what was called the "Trinity Block." He lived on the Riverside face and i was on South 6th do our back yards were connected.  As some one just trying to break into the music scene with my brothers and our bank the New Psychenauts, I was pretty in awe of him.  He was already a legend.   The following paragraphs are taken from the recently completed,  Minneapolis Music History, 1850-2000: A Context ,  Minneapolis Music History, 1850- 2000: A Context One of the “Homegrown” performers, Willie Murphy, provides an interesting case study of a local musician, typically labeled as a bluesman, whose long legacy extends beyond the blues. Murphy has been described by music critic Chris Riemenschneider as a “singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, filmmaker, and all-a...

I am seeking new applicants to be the Second Ward representatives on the City’s Capital Long-range Improvement Committee (CLIC).  Every 2 years each City Council Member is expected to appoint 2 people to this committee. For several years now, we have been well represented by two outstanding appointees, Alexander Tsatsoulis and Jeremy Bergerson, who have now decided to step off the committee.  This opens up an opportunity for two new people to take on this important work.   CLIC  is responsible for reviewing and critiquing approximately 120 capital budget requests submitted by City Departments, Independent Boards and Commissions each year and making recommendations to the Mayor and Council for the City's five-year capital investment program that is approved as part of the annual budget.    QUALIFICATIONS Resident of Ward 2,  Good communication skills, An active e-mail account, Ability to use to basi...

December 2018 News from Cam Gordon Council Member, Second Ward   2019 Budget Approved.   The Mayor and Council have approved a 2019 budget of $1.55 billion for next year.  This includes funding from all sources and for all the City departments and operations as well as our investments in parks, streets, public buildings and other needed equipment and supplies to keep the City operations running effectively for another year. Perhaps the most significant part of the 2019 budget is an unprecedented affordable housing investment of more than $50 million ($40 million in local sources) to create more affordable housing, preserve existing affordable housing, support tenants’ rights and promote affordable homeownership. It is also worth noting that the Council make a series of amendments that reduced the proposed increase in the Police Department’s budget by nearly $1 million that you can read about below. While the final amended an...