Second Ward May 2021 E-newsletter
Second Ward May 2021 E-newsletter
News from Cam Gordon
Council Member, Second Ward
Ward 2 Police Oversight Forum. Please join me for a Ward 2 Forum on Police
Oversight on June
14 at 6:30pm.
I have been working on amendments to the Police Oversight Ordinance and
recently released a framework for changes to this ordinance that covers
civilian oversight, police complaint investigations, and the Police Conduct
Oversight Commission. The proposal would elevate the Commission and connect
them more purposefully and directly with the review of complaints. It would remove
the police from doing complaint investigations and serving on misconduct review
panels, returning and strengthening the focus on non-police oversight, through
a resident commission supported by Civil Rights department staff. It also calls
on defining discipline as all corrective action, including coaching, letters of
reprimand, suspension and termination of employment. It would require, to the
greatest extent possible, that all sustained complaints be disciplined. I have
already begun an extensive phase of gathering community input on the proposal.
I am also happy to present the proposal to any and all interested groups. To
view the framework document visit https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/download/Agenda/1981/Civilian%20Oversight%20Ordinance%20Update.pdf/55611/2396/Civilian%20Oversight%20Ordinance%20Update To attend the meeting on June 13th see https://www.facebook.com/events/1611578762362729.
Follow-up Block
Conversations about the Future of Community Safety. Last fall, I organized more than
twenty small group conversations, across Ward 2, about the future of community
safety in Minneapolis. Hundreds of people attended. They shared their hopes, fears, and ideas for
alternative responses to calls for help. In the months since we met, my staff and
I reviewed and grouped the hundreds of comments we heard into some broad
themes. I am now hosting another set of these small group conversations to
report back about what we heard last year, the impact of this feedback, and to
get input on the next steps we can take to improve safety in our city. I happy
organize meetings with any and all interested groups. If you would like to set
up a small group meeting on your block, or for your apartment building, please
email my Policy Aide Robin Garwood at robin.garwood@minneapolismn.gov.
COVID-19. As of May 12, there have
been 38,769 positive COVID-19 cases reported in Minneapolis and 427 deaths. The
number of new cases per day continues to decrease (70/day) and the seven-day
rolling average case rate is declining (16.9/100,000). Hospitalization rates
have not yet begun to decline; however, the number of Intensive Care Unit
admissions and deaths has decreased, especially among older adults. Please get vaccinated, if you aren’t
already. You can find the City’s COVID-19 vaccine web tool at https://coronavirus-vaccine-outreach-cityoflakes.hub.arcgis.com/ and a current list of free COVID-19 tests at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/
Chauvin Trial. It was a tremendous relief that the jury convicted former
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on all counts for the murder of George
Floyd. Holding Chauvin accountable for his actions is an important and
meaningful step. I believe that this is just one step on a much longer journey.
I believe we must keep working for a more just system and a more just city in
which every person can feel safe and every person can thrive. Let us continue
and recommit to our shared work to transform our public safety system, to make
our city that vision of justice that I think we all share.
U.S. Department of
Justice Investigation. US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced in April that
the Justice Department has opened an investigation into the City and our Police
Department (MPD). The investigation will assess all types of force used by MPD
officers, will assess whether MPD engages in discriminatory policing and will include
a comprehensive review of MPD policies, training and supervision. Individuals
with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Department of Justice
via email at Community.Minneapolis@usdoj.gov or by phone at
866-432-0268. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this
or other matters using the Civil Rights Division’s new reporting portal,
available at https://civilrights.justice.gov.
Daunte Wright. I
was shocked and saddened in April when I learned of the Brooklyn Center police
killing of Daunte Wright. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and to
our communities that have already been so traumatized by police violence. It is
clear that our public safety system needs to be fundamentally transformed. Not
just in Minneapolis, and not just in our surrounding communities, but
throughout our society.
Public Safety Transformation in Brooklyn
Center. The City of Brooklyn Center has enacted a
number of meaningful changes to their public safety system in the wake of the
killing of Daunte Wright. Many of these reforms echo the kinds of changes that
many of my colleagues and I on the Council have been advocating for. Some of
the similarities: Brooklyn Center has created a new Department of Public
Safety, of which law enforcement would be one component, exactly like the
Charter amendment that I support adopting this fall. They have created a new
non-police response for mental and behavioral health calls, similar to what the
Council created through the Safety for All budget. They are moving traffic
enforcement to a new unarmed division, similar to what the Council is currently
studying thanks to a staff direction from Council Member Cunningham. It is good
to see these common-sense changes being pursued not just in Minneapolis but in
our neighboring communities – and to see that their Council and Mayor were able
to come together to support this necessary work. It gives me hope for the kind
of progress we can make here in Minneapolis as well.
Property Damage
and Burglaries. The City
received over 200 calls for service for business burglaries, audible business
alarms and damage to property after the killing of Dante Wright between April
11 and April 13. This included an estimated 140 businesses and commercial
properties in Minneapolis and several in Ward 2. This included a number of
businesses on East Franklin. Businesses should report losses related to recent
civil unrest to the City so staff can better understand the extent of damage
and how to provide support. Contact the City’s Small Business Team at
612-673-2499 or smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
Community Outreach & Support
Contracts. The City awarded
roughly $1 million to seven community organizations to provide outreach and
support services during and after the trials of the former officers involved in
the killing of George Floyd. The seven organizations are: A Mother’s Love,
Center for Multicultural Mediation, NACDI (Native American Community
Development Institute), Corcoran Neighborhood Organization and T.O.U.C.H.
Outreach, C.E.O. (Change Equals Opportunity), Restoration Inc. and We Push for
Peace. Contracts will run through Dec. 31, 2021. Contracts will run through
Dec. 31, 2021.
Behavioral Health Crisis Services.
We have received 3 responses to our Request for
Proposals for providers of mobile mental
health crisis response teams for the city in April. Staff have completed
interviews and will share additional information when a final contract is
submitted for approval by the Council, hopefully by the end of May. Updates will
be posted on the City’s public safety alternatives web page at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/community-safety/focus-areas/alternatives-police-response/. I am grateful to our staff for their
work on this, especially Andrea Larsen, Brian Smith, Gina Allen and Taylor
Crouch-Dodson, for their work to write an RFP that resulted in strong proposals
and pilot programs that are on track to begin this summer.
Youth Congress Report on Reimaging Public Safety. The Youth Congress shared a report and findings on
their youth engagement survey on Reimagining Public Safety. The survey found
that young people mostly do not feel comfortable calling 911 to a situation
they are in, and there are disparate comfort levels between LGBTQ+ youth and
straight and/or cisgender youth. The Youth Congress members also studied case
examples and academic research to identify alternatives to police responses to
911 calls, including mental health professionals, medics, and unarmed community
responders trained in crisis management and de-escalation, greater investment
in prevention programs for homelessness, restorative justice, domestic violence
hotlines, social workers, crisis intervention teams, EMS and ambulance-based
programs, and intellectual/developmental disability-specific responses. To read
the report, go to https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/File/5230/YCB%20Youth%20Public%20Safety%20Update.pdf.
Contracts for Violence Prevention. This month, the Council approved funding the
following applicants who were recommended for funding as part of an open,
competitive process as follows: Somali Community Resettlement
Services: $43,750; Sewa-AIFW: $43,750; Worldwide Outreach for
Christ: $43,750; Northside Residents Redevelopment: $43,750; Hennepin
Theatre Trust: $20,833; Webber Camden
Neighborhood: $20,833; The Sanctuary Covenant
Church: $20,833; Art Is My Weapon: $20,833; HIRED -
$20,833; Phumulani MN African Women: $20,833; Lutheran Social
Services of MN: $10,000; Restorative Justice Community
Action: $10,000; Dynamic Family
Solutions: $10,000; Lateshia Carter: $10,000; and Kente
Circle Training Institute: $10,000. I am excited to see this money (totaling
$350,000) being put to use and am hopeful that these programs, especially so
many aimed to support youth at risk, will help prevent our youth from being
involved in violence in the years ahead.
Transforming Community Safety Learning
Lab. People are invited to see the recording
of the Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention learning lab on transforming
community safety from May 6. This first learning lab of the series featured
Anthony Smith, the executive director of Cities United, a national organization
focused on reducing homicides and shootings. You can watch the recording and
presentations at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/community-safety/background/learning-lab-1/.
Public Safety Department Charter Amendment Proposed by the Council. The Charter Commission has voted to extend its
review timeline of this proposal to the full 150 days, which expires August 12,
2021. This will still allow time for the Council to place the matter on the
ballot in November. If the petition from
residents is validated, however, the Council may decide to withdraw our
proposal which is very similar.
Resident-Initiated Public
Safety Department Charter Amendment. On April 30, the Yes4Minneapolis petition
committee presented their petition to the City. This started the statutory
ten-day clock in which the City Clerk is required to validate the petition by
verifying it contains at least the minimum number of signatures of registered
Minneapolis voters required, which is 11,906, or 5% of those who voted in the
2020 general election. The ten-day period expires next Saturday, May 15. I
expect the Council to get a report on Monday, May 17. Based on the 30 boxes of petitions that were
submitted I am anticipating that the 11,906 thresholds will be reached.
Eviction
Protections Ordinance. The Council has set a public hearing
for May 18, 2021, to consider amending our Housing Maintenance
Code, to add a pre-eviction filing notice requirement. My coauthors and I have
also been working on a Just Cause requirement but, there has been a court
decision that has resulted in an injunction against the St. Paul ordinance that
we were using as our model. So, we have decided to pause the Just Cause
provision temporarily. The ordinance amendment we are moving forward with will
require property owners to provide a pre-eviction filing notice before an
eviction filing can be made for non-payment of rent or other financial
obligations. The amendment as currently drafted would require a 14-day written
notice but I am concerned that 14 days may not provide enough time for renters
to get help they may need, including financial assistance from the County. An effective pre-eviction filing notice has
the potential to improve housing stability by giving renters time to work with
property owners on potential solutions before a formal eviction is filed and with
an opportunity to obtain financial assistance from Hennepin County or other
emergency rental assistance programs to pay back rent prior to a formal
eviction being filed. For more information see https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/File/2021-00106. You
can also sign
up to speak at the public hearing.
2021 Housing
Consolidated Plan. The Council has approved our 2021 HUD Consolidated Plan Action
Plan. This will lead to securing significant federal funding to support many of
our housing programs and included funding for $11 million in Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; $2.6 million for HOME Investment
Partnerships; $900,000 for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG); and $1.9
million for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grants.
Affordable
Housing Funding Priorities. Staff will be
bringing recommendations for changes to our 2021 Affordable Housing Trust Fund
(AHTF) Program and the Housing Tax Credit (HTC) Qualified Allocation Plan to the
Council on May 18th. Three of the more substantive policy changes are
the addition of a community preference policy to AHTF projects, the addition of
equitable development points, and improvements to the way we evaluate cost
reasonableness. The relevant documents can be
found at this link https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/cped/items-for-public-review/. I
would welcome your thoughts on these programs and the proposed changes.
Emergency
Rent and Utility Bill Assistance.
Eligible Minneapolis
renters can receive help with rent and utility bills dated on or after March
13, 2020. If you qualify, you could receive up to 15 months of total
assistance. To apply for RentHelpMN or find more information, visit www.renthelpmn.org or call 211. The 211 helpline has dedicated
multilingual staff available to answer questions about RentHelpMN 8:00am –
8:00pm Monday through Saturday. In Minneapolis, you can also apply through Comunidades
Latinos Unidos en Servico (CLUES) at 651-362-0162; New American Development
Center (NADC) with Assistance in Somali, Oromo and Amharic at 612-823-0180 and
the NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center at
612-767-9198.
Rent Stabilization Proposal. The Charter Commission’s Rent Stabilization Work
Group reported that it had identified some errors in the ordinance transmitted
by the City Council. They have decided
to split the proposal into two separate issues, and may make separate
recommendations on each part: (1) whether the City Council should be given the
power to exercise control on rent of private property and (2) whether a limited
right of initiative should be established to give citizens the right, by
petition, to control rent of private property. The Commission has decided to
extend its consideration of the two proposals to July 31, 2021.
Juneteenth
Holiday for City Employees. I am very supportive of establishing
Juneteenth as an additional holiday for City workers. This is based on feedback
from employees, labor groups and a review and recommendation from the Executive
Committee. Following the hearing on May 12, I expect the necessary ordinance
amendment to be approved in time to establish it for this year. Observed June
19, Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last of enslaved persons
in the U.S. received news of their freedom and entitlement to natural born
human rights under the law, which had actually been bestowed upon them two and
a half years earlier with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is the first holiday to be added to the City calendar since Martin
Luther King Jr. Day became a City holiday in 1986. For more information see https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Agenda/Council/2443
Restaurant
Revitalization Fund. Minneapolis restaurants and bars can
apply for pandemic relief through the Small Business Administration (SBA)
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This is a direct payment. Eligible
businesses can receive funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue
loss and they do not need to repay the funds if the funds are used for eligible
expenses. Applications opened on Monday, May 3 and first priority is being
given to BIPOC, women, and veteran owned businesses. For support connecting to
local resources contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team at 612-673-2499 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov
Semi-Truck
Parking. Semi-truck parking continues to be a persistent problem in many
areas of the City and especially in Seward. After an extensive delay, we are
preparing to take the next steps toward enacting a new ordinance that I have
helped write that would prohibit semi-truck parking on all city streets. The
ordinance introduction is over a year old, has been delayed due to COVID and
George Floyd’s murder/social unrest/trial, but we are now nearly ready to move
forward. I am expecting for us to use a meeting on May 19 of the Transportation
and Public Works Committee to formally set the public hearing on this for June
23 at 1:30pm.
Off Street
Parking and Travel Management Ordinance. After
unanimous recommendations coming from the Planning Commission and a Council
committee, this month, the Council will vote on this significant ordinance
amendment that will remove minimum parking requirements citywide, lower parking
maximums,
increase bicycle parking requirements, and require many more new buildings to
go through a Travel Demand Management process. One exciting thing about that
process is that developers will be incentivized to do much more to promote
transit, including giving residents free transit passes. At the committee I
successful moved an amendment that will require an
accessible loading space (to accommodate Metro Mobility drop-off/pick-up etc.)
for buildings with zero parking, as long as that requirement would not require
an additional curb cut. The ordinance also includes a requirement that 1-3-unit
buildings in the University Overlay “Interior 2” neighborhoods will be limited
to nine bedrooms, as I note later in this report. To find out more, go here: https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/File/2020-00704
Line 3
Resolution. I am working with
my colleagues Alondra Cano and Jeremy Schroeder on a resolution opposing the
Enbridge Energy Line 3 tar sands oil pipeline. This pipeline endangers
important ecosystems and waterways, including the Mississippi River (which it
is planned to cross twice). It is proposed to carry some of the most
carbon-intensive fossil fuels in the world – oil from tar sands – that must be
left in the ground if we are to have any hope of stabilizing our climate. The
resolution joins with Indigenous people of Minnesota, environmental justice
advocates like the Sierra Club and MN350, and many others, in opposing this
pipeline and calling on Governor Walz and President Biden to halt its
construction. We plan to bring this before the Council on May 28 in time to
support the Treaty People Gathering from June 5 to 8 that you can learn more
about at https://treatypeoplegathering.com/.
Hiawatha Public Works Facility Expansion at the Roof Depot Site. When the City of Minneapolis proposed to purchase the Roof Depot site
in 2015, I voted against that action. I did so because the community had made
clear that they had a different vision for that site, and I believe that the
government should listen to communities, especially historically overburdened
communities of color. In April, I worked with my colleagues Alondra
Cano, Andrea Jenkins, and Andrew Johnson to again try to change the trajectory
of this project by passing a staff direction that suspends all work to expand
the facility and clears the way for the
City to provide a significant piece of land to the community for use as an
urban farm or other community-supported use. I also moved to postpone
taking formal action on the adequacy of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet
(EAW) until August to align it with the larger work we are doing with this
project. Folks can find the Environmental Worksheet at https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/File/2021-00520, and the amended staff direction that the Council
approved at https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/File/5211/Hiawatha-Staff-Direction-043021-Gordon.pdf
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month. May
is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians
and Pacific Islanders in the United States. During this month, we honor the
influence, achievements, and contributions to history and culture made by those
who identify as Asian and Pacific Islander. Visit www.asianpacificheritage.gov to learn more, and I encourage you to
read the statement from the Smithsonian you can find at http://smithsonianapa.org/stand/?utm.
Presentation
on Federal Funds. In
anticipation of receiving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Council Member
Jeremiah Ellison put together a panel for the Committee of the Whole meeting on
May 13, with presentations from subject matter experts about their current
research on key areas of need in the city. They addressed topics including
children and youth, housing and homelessness, and safety and wellness.
Presenters included Dr. Michelle S. Phelps, Department of Sociology, University
of MN; Andre Dukes, Vice President of Family and Community Impact, Northside
Achievement Zone; Dr. Ann Masten, Institute of Child Development, University of
MN; Dr. Ross VeLure Roholt, Social Work, University of MN, and Dr. Ed Goetz,
Center for Urban and Regional Affairs at
the U of M.
Blue Line Extension. Metro Transit is seeking feedback on potential route
options for the METRO Blue Line extension, which will connect downtown
Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park. They are considering a few different routes and
are looking for a “light rail project that benefits the community most and
connects even more people to jobs, education, healthcare and other key
destinations.” They want to identify a single community-supported route by the
end of this year. You can learn more and
find the survey at https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Light-Rail-Projects/METRO-Blue-Line-Extension.aspx. You can also email feedback to Sophia.Ginis@metrotransit.org.
Street
Cleaning. Please sign up for notifications to avoid a ticket
and tow during the City’s spring street cleaning that is began April 20. Watch for temporary “No Parking” signs to
avoid a ticket and tow. For more information see minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street-sweep/. You can sign up for phone alerts about street
sweeping, at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/contact-us/sign-up-for-news-alerts/.
Nice Ride
Bike Share Program.
The Nice Ride bike-share program is up and running for the 2021 season. The
bike-share service has more than 3,000 bikes and more than 400 stations across Minneapolis.
Nice Ride will continue to follow guidance
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota
Department of Health for COVID-19 protocols. TO learn more visit https://www.niceridemn.com/.
2020 Census. The U.S. Census Bureau released the population data
from Census 2020, showing that Minnesota’s population grew by 7.6% to 5,706,494
and grew enough to hold on to our eight congressional seats. Minnesota had the
highest self-response in the nation, with 75.1% of households returning their
census forms without additional follow up from a census taker. Thank you to
everyone who completed their census and congratulations to all those who
helped.
Redistricting. The U.S. Census
Bureau plans to release local-level population data on September 30, which is
when we anticipate we will be able to begin generating initial ward and
district maps for public discussion purposes.
The City is hoping that the final redistricting plan will be completed
by end of March 2022. To help with this, the Minneapolis Charter Commission establishing a
Redistricting Advisory Group to help prepare new ward and park district maps
before they approve new boundaries. The deadline to apply to be on this
important group is June 24. To learn more and apply visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/redistricting/redistricting-advisory-group/advisory-group-application/
Government
Structure Charter Amendment. The Charter
Commission has approved moving forward with a proposed charter change in
government form to what they are calling an “executive mayor-legislative
council” model. You can find the proposal, which, among other things, removes
the Council as the “governing” body, elevates the Mayor to the position of
“Chief Executive,” and removes the Executive Committee from the Charter
altogether, at https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/File/CH2021-00012. I recommend
reviewing the “redlined” version at https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/File/5032/Government%20Structure%20Amendment%20Fourth%20Draft%20(redlined%20version).pdf to better understand
what is being changed. Proposals initiated by the Charter Commission are
required to be put on the ballot, but the Mayor & Council approve the
actual language of the ballot question.
I remain
convinced that adding funding to neighborhood organizations, both to the base
funding and to equity funds, is a wise investment and am glad to see that there
are ways to do so. See https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/RCA/7732
for a little more.
Partnership Engagement Fund. The City is accepting applications
for the Partnership Engagement Fund, one of the four funding programs that
emerged from Neighborhoods 2020. Community-based organizations working to
engage historically underrepresented communities are invited to apply for
grants of between $5,000 and $15,000 for projects that will involve a
partnership with one or more of Minneapolis' 70 neighborhood organizations. NCR
staff is available to help interested organizations create partnerships with
neighborhood organizations.
You are encouraged, but not required, to
notify NCR of your intent to apply by May 16. Applications are due July 1,
2021. Application forms are available in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
Learn more and start the process at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/ncr/neighborhood-programs/partnership-fund/.
Comment on Immigration Services. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) invites
comments from the public on how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can
reduce burdens in its regulations and policies, including those that block
foreign nationals from immigration services and benefits. Comments are being
taken until May 19. For more information, and to submit a comment, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/19/2021-07987/identifying-barriers-across-us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-uscis-benefits-and-services.
Property Tax Refunds. The Minnesota Department
of Revenue offers property tax refunds to homeowners and renters who qualify
based on their income and property taxes. See https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund for more
information.
New City Assessor
Appointed.
The City Council approved the appointment of Rebecca Malmquist as the new city
assessor in April. Malmquist, who became interim city assessor January, has
served as director of assessments since 2014 and now becomes the first woman to
head the Assessor’s Office in our city’s history. Prior to her work at the
City, Malmquist served at the City of Minnetonka as an appraiser and the city
assessor.
Rooftop Solar on City Buildings. The Council
has approved issuing two Requests for Proposals for rooftop solar installations
at the Currie Maintenance Facility and the Lowry Warehouse. This will help us reach the goal of having all the electricity used in the City's municipal
operations be 100% renewable electricity by the end of 2022. The two arrays
combined will produce 520,00 kWh - 800,000 kWh annually and cost roughly $1.2
million to $1.5 million, with annual cost reductions of around $70,000 to
$90,000. This translates to a simple payback in roughly 14 years.
Stormwater Management
Program Changes. The City of
Minneapolis is seeking public input into the priorities and programs that make
up the city’s Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). There is a public hearing
set for Wednesday, June 9 at 1:30 pm. To find out more and
sign up, go here: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/meetings/participate-in-a-meeting/. You can also make written comments
by Friday, June 18 by emailing comments to Elizabeth.stout@minneapolismn.gov.
Hennepin County Climate
Action Plan. It is good
to see Hennepin County joining the City of Minneapolis in adopting a strong
Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve net zero emissions in the County by
2050, with an interim goal of reducing carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.
Reaching these aggressive goals will require transformational change, and the
City of Minneapolis is ready to partner with the County and other levels of
government to make that kind of change happen. You can learn more here: https://www.hennepin.us/climate-action.
May is Mental Health Month. The World Health
Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which the
individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses
of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his
or her community. Find crisis resources and mental health support on
the City of Minneapolis website at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/trial-support-safety/mental-health-resources/ and visit Mental Health America's website at https://mhanational.org/covid19
with more resources and tips on managing mental well-being.
Farmers Markets Open. Nearly 20 farmers markets will operate throughout
Minneapolis this year, and they have already begun to open. Farmers markets are
a great way to get fresh food on the table, an important part of our food
supply and an essential connection to our farmers. Please visit https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/homegrown-minneapolis/farmers-markets/ for more information, including a map of all the
markets and a list of schedules.
Recreational Fires. This time of year, some residents enjoy outdoor fires, but others find
them concerning and even harmful to their health. They are allowed in
Minneapolis with the following restrictions: 0utdoor
recreational fires are permitted between 9:00am and 10:00pm and must be less
than three feet in diameter and two feet high. They are not allowed when
Minneapolis is under an air pollution advisory. Sign up for air quality alerts
at http://mn.enviroflash.info. Additionally,
fires must be at least 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material
and in a fire ring or pit with edges more than six inches high. Illegal open
burning or recreational fires could result in fines that start at $200.
UNICEF's Child Friendly City
Initiative. This month I
expect the Council to formally become a community collaborator with the Growing
Up in Cities Project, to identify disparities in health and well-being
outcomes for young people across the city and to engage youth as local change
agents. This is part of our participation in UNICEF’S Child Friendly City
Initiative and will include a Memorandum of Understanding with the Growing Up
in Cities Project. This means we will
formally sign on as a Child Friendly City Initiative candidate. The first cycle
of CFCI recognition is five years from signing the MOU and puts us on track to
conduct a child’s situational analysis, develop local action plan for children,
and execute a tangible community engagement project over next year, with more
work to follow. In the second year we will be expected to demonstrate results
of community building and child friendly governance strategies and progress on a
local action plan for children. In the 5th year we will submit a
final evaluation demonstrating outcomes of initial action plan and updated
local action plan which results in holding CFCI recognition for next three
years. For more information visit
https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/RCA/5650.
Summer Activities for Youth. It is great to see that
the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is offering a number of programs and
activities for youth this summer. You
can find more details at https://mpls.k12.mn.us/summer_programs.html. This includes
a Summer Scholars program that is free and open to all students in pre-K-8,
with both in-person and virtual options depending on a student’s grade. Many
programs are open to students who live in Minneapolis but do not attend an MPS
school. Swim lessons will return with
class content adjusted to maximize safety, and sports offerings include soccer,
volleyball, flag football, and track. Adaptive sports will also be available.
Transportation is provided.
Metro Teen Job Fair. On Tuesday, May 25 from 2:00 to
5:00pm, there will be a Metro Region Interactive Teen Job Fair called
Elevate Futures. People can register using the code TEENJOBS and set up a
profile. There will be a broad scope of employers looking to hire. You can find
more information at https://www.ycb.org/jobfair?utm
Nina Robertson
Leads Step Up. I was very happy to learn that Step Up
Director, Nina Robertson was recently honored by being named in Minneapolis/St.
Paul Business Journal’s 40 under 40. In 2020, Step Up served over 1,200 young
people through paid summer opportunities. As director of the Step Up Youth
Employment Program for the city of Minneapolis, Nina helps prepare young people
ages 14 to 21 for careers by training and placing them in paid internships at
more than 200 regional employers. Nina brings a wealth of experience from her
roles at the Northside Achievement Zone, Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota
Kwanzaa Freedom Schools, Plymouth Christian Youth Center, and YMCA Twin Cities.
Congratulations Nina and thank you for serving the people of Minneapolis so
well. For more information see https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2021/04/19/2021-40-under-40-nina-robertson-minneapolis.html.
Job Help
Available.
The City of Minneapolis Employment and Training, in partnership with
community-based service providers, assists job seekers with job search, skills
training, resume prep and review, and interview coaching to help Minneapolis
residents get back to work. Job demand remains high with many employers looking
to hire today. See https://www.careerforcemn.com/virtual-interactive-services-career-seekers?utm to find virtual job search resources
and online events. For in-person services in Minneapolis, please
call North Minneapolis Career Force at 612-299-7200 or South
Minneapolis Career Force at 651-539-4410 (currently limited due to COVID). If
you have been laid off through no fault of your own, see https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/employment-training/minneapolis-employment-training/adult-programs/dislocated-worker/?utm
for services or call 651-539-4421 or 952-417-2108 to be connected to a
career counselor.
Art-A-Whirl
Weekend. From
Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16 people can join Art-A-Whirl, the largest
open studio tour in the country, which happens annually throughout Northeast
Minneapolis the third weekend of May. Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the
2021 Art-A-Whirl will not be held as a normal event. Art-A-Whirl is online,
with hundreds of member galleries, shops, and videos. Some individual studios,
galleries, and businesses will have their own open hours during Art-A-Whirl weekend.
Use this website to find open studios, buy art online, and discover new food
& beverage options. If visiting in-person, be sure to wear a mask and
observe social distancing. See https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/?utm for more information.
West Bank Grants. The Minneapolis Foundation is now
accepting grant applications from organizations that serve the needs of
residents living in the West Bank area of Minneapolis and recognize the diverse
cultures of residents and improve social connections across cultures and
generations or encourage residents to engage in community-based and policy
issues that are important to them. Applications must be submitted online by 4
p.m. on June 10, 2021. Learn more at https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/funding-opportunities/2021-west-bank-community-fund-grants/
or contact Jo-Anne Stately, at jstately@mplsfoundation.org.
Encampment in
Seward at 31st Ave and the Greenway. A number of residents and businesses have
reached out to me about the encampment that was set up in the few days on the
land owned by an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church, on the north side of the
Midtown Greenway between 30th and 31st Avenues. I have been
tracking this closely and visited the encampment the evening on the day it was
established. It appears this was a group from another encampment in the
Phillips neighborhood that was closed down the same day. I visited the camp and
have met with leaders of the camp as well as representatives from the Ethiopian
church that owns the property. They church leaders are, understandably,
concerned. It is my understanding that they have given permission for the
campers to stay for a limited number of days in order give some time for the
residents to plan and organize for a move to other locations. I am hoping that
this agreement will be followed through on and that there is a voluntary
closure of the camp within the next 10 days or so. I have engaged a team of City staff led by the
Health Department and Community Planning and Economic Development. They are
aware of the situation and monitoring it closely, with outreach workers meeting
with individuals to help them find alternative housing. I want to thank everyone
who reached out to make me aware of this situation. I recognize that this is an
undesirable, unhealthy and potentially dangerous situation for the residents of
the encampment and larger community. I am committed to working to resolve it in
a peaceful, positive and compassionate way with the understanding that the
residents at the camp are people who need support to find better housing and
resources to stay housed.
University Area
Overlay District Changes.
My proposal to
adopt a maximum number of bedrooms for 1-3-unit buildings in the Interior
districts in the University Overlay District is moving forward as part of a
broader package of transportation management and parking rules changes. I am
optimistic that this change will better address the unique challenges of being
proposed on some larger lots in otherwise lower density areas in the University
District. You can find out more information here: https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/download/Agenda/1767/Text%20amendment%20-%20off%20street%20parking.pdf/53904/2293/Parking,%20Loading,%20and%20Mobilty%20Zoning%20Code%20Text%20Amendment
Eastside Neighborhood Services. On
Thursday, May 20, people can celebrate local food, drink, and community and
learn how this Eastside organization works through education, food, childcare,
career development, and wellness to support communities throughout the
Eastside, including the Southeast neighborhoods of Prospect Park and Southeast
Como. From 3 – 6 pm you can pick up meal kits, drink kits, and VIP bags in the
East Side Neighborhood Services parking lot. Then at 7:00pm you can join the
Virtual interactive vendor experiences and 7:30 p.m. is the virtual event
program. For more information see https://www.esns.org/.
City Update Sign-Up.
You can subscribe to get City updates on a variety of topics by email or text
at https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/MPLS/subscriber/new
Office Hours in the Ward.
In-person office hours have resumed, while using masks and practicing social
distancing, at 2 coffee shops on Mondays from 9:30 – 11:00am as
follows:
First
Mondays at Dogwood Café at4021 E Lake St;
Second
Mondays at Black Waffle and Coffee at1500 Como Ave SE;
Third
Mondays at Dogwood Café 4021E Lake St; and
Fourth
Mondays at Black Waffle and Coffee at 1500 Como Ave S.
posted by Cam Gordon @ 9:19 AM
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