Minneapolis Connects May Newsletter

Minneapolis Connects: News and information from Minneapolis Neighborhood and Community Relations

May 13, 2019

Summer Community Connections Learning Lab dates announced

Spring 2019 Effectively Planning for Community Engagement learning lab attendees conversing

Neighborhood organization staff and volunteers and City of Minneapolis staff are invited to enroll in the Community Connections Learning Lab Series this summer.

You will learn how to reach critical Minneapolis communities in a free series of learning labs about inclusive and effective community engagement. This is also a good opportunity to meet other staff and organizations doing engagement.

Labs will run from 9-10:30 a.m. at various locations in the community from May 30 to July 25. A series of upcoming fall labs will have both day and evening sessions.

You can view the schedule and locations at minneapolismn.gov/ncr/learninglabs.


Join the Neighborhood & Community Engagement Commission

Two commissioners at NCEC table at Community Connections Conference 2018

If you are passionate about good government and effective engagement, consider serving on the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission (NCEC). 

The NCEC advises the mayor and City Council, recommends improvements to the City’s community engagement process, develops guidelines for the Community Participation Program, a neighborhood funding program, works to increase diversity on other advisory boards, and reviews the business plan for the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department.

The deadline to apply has been extended to May 31, 2019.

NCEC districts map

Mayor & City Council Appointed Seats

View vacancies and apply here.

Neighborhood seats up for election

If you live in one of the neighborhoods represented by these organizations, apply here by May 31.

  • District 1: Cleveland, Folwell, Hawthorne, Jordan, Lind-Bohanon, McKinley, Shingle Creek, Victory, Webber-Camden.
  • District 2: Armatage, Cedar-Isles-Dean, East Harriet, Tangletown, Fulton, Kenny, Linden Hills, Lynnhurst, West Calhoun, Windom.
  • District 3: Field, Regina, Northrop, Hale, Page, Diamond Lake, Nokomis East, Standish-Ericsson.
  • District 5: Bryn Mawr, Downtown East & West, Elliot Park, Harrison, Loring Park, Near North & Willard Hay, North Loop, Heritage Park.
  • District 7: Bancroft, Bryant, Central, Corcoran, East Phillips, Midtown Phillips, Phillips West, Powderhorn, Ventura Village.

Minneapolis improves access for residents with low vision in four locations with navigation app

Smartphone stock image

Minneapolis is now using an app that helps people who are blind or have low vision get around Nicollet Mall, City Hall, Target Center and the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The Aira app connects users with agents who are trained professional guides. The agents access the user’s smartphone camera (or Aira glasses) for a live video feed combined with GPS and maps so they can describe these public spaces and help users maneuver through them and also more richly experience what they have to offer.

Minneapolis has made the four “geo-fenced” locations available on the Aira app for free. Aira is available on any iOS or Android phone by downloading the mobile app and registering. As soon as users enter an Aira access location, they will receive a notification and can use Aira for free anytime while in the Aira access location.).

Read more at aira.io/guests.


Get ready for routine neighborhood cleanups, inspections for housing nuisance violations

Yard rubbish code violation

A nuisance violation is an exterior housing code violation. Housing Inspections Services staff look for nuisance violations throughout the year, but they are most common in the spring, summer, and fall. Preventing nuisance violations keeps neighborhoods safe, livable and attractive.  

Typically, when a violation is found, property owners are given about a week to resolve issues before contractors are sent to complete the work for a fee charged to the property. If you have questions about a letter regarding nuisance violations on your property, call 311.

Some of the most common nuisance violations include:

  • Vegetation overhanging the sidewalk, alley, or street.
  • Tall grass and weeds.
  • Brush and branches.
  • Garbage, litter, and junk.
  • Inoperable vehicles.

Visit www.minneapolismn.gov/inspections for more information. To report a property in violation, or for additional questions, call 311.


Nokomis East Neighborhood Association recognized at Local Public Health Hero Awards

NENA holding their 2019 Public Health Hero Award

On April 17, 2019 the Minneapolis Health Department recognized the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association (NENA) as a Local Public Health Hero in the category of promoting healthy weight and smoke-free living. Becky Timm, Executive Director, and several other staff and board members attended and accepted the award.

NENA engaged underrepresented residents, including low-income households, renters and people of color, and increased the availability of healthy foods and smoke-free housing for Bossen area residents. NENA has shown committment to building residents’ capacity to advocate for change.

NENA surveyed residents to assess their needs and interests, which led to a partnership with the Twin Cities Mobile Market to launch a new market stop in the area. They also advocated for a local ordinance change to improve the Mobile Market’s ability to reach customers.

Please join us in congratulating NENA for this recognition and thanking them for their important work improving the health and well being of Minneapolis residents.


2018 Annual Report highlights neighborhood organization successes

On May 6, NCR Director David Rubedor presented the 2018 Neighborhood Programs Annual Report to the City Council’s PECE Committee. This report aggregates 2018 information that NCR received from neighborhood organizations that receive Neighborhood Revitalization Program or Community Participation Program funding, and includes both neighborhood highlights and aggregated data. The report is available online and a hard copy will be mailed to each neighborhood organization. Additional copies are available upon request. Read more about neighborhood reports...


We Count appears on Mi Ciudad radio show to raise awareness about the 2020 census

Alberder Gillespie, Mariano Espinoza and Monica Hurtado pose with DJ at La Raza Radio in April 30, 2019

On April 30, 2019 Census Project Coordinator Alberder Gillespie joined NCR Community Specialist Mariano Espinoza and community partner Monica Hurtado of Voices for Racial Justice on the Mi Ciudad show on the Spanish language radio station La Raza. Guests talked to callers about the 2020 census, the potential addition of a citizenship question, community concerns and the importance of everyone completing the census without fear.

Mi Ciudad is a City of Minneapolis radio show on La Raza hosted by NCR staff to discuss City issues of interest to the Spanish-speaking community, one of four radio shows that broadcast City news in Minneapolis's most widely-spoken languages.

  • You can listen to Mi Ciudad on La Raza 95.7 FM, 1400 and 1470 AM on every other Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. or online at Laraza1400.com.
  • “Minneapolis 360” is every second & fourth Wednesday from 1:30-2 p.m. on KMOJ 89.9 FM and can be streamed at kmojfm.com.
  • Kuv Lub Nroog Minneapolis is every third Thursday from 2-3 p.m. on Hmong Radio AM 1590 and online here. 
  • Magaaladayda Minneapolis is broadcast on Somali American Radio, KALY-LP 101.7 FM every second Thursday from 2-3 p.m. You can listen online at Kalyradio.org.

Field Regina Northrop annual celebration Saturday, June 1

Field Regina Northrop Annual Celebration photo 2018

Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group (FRNNG) is hosting its 29th-annual neighborhood celebration on June 1 (rain date Saturday, June 8.) from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McRae Park at 906 East 47th Street.
This annual celebration is an opportunity to show appreciation for the neighborhood, get better acquainted with neighbors, build community, and have fun.

There will be family-friendly activities, including entertainment, exhibits, food trucks, bike giveaways from Nokomis Cycle and a raffle for a TV. Look for the latest information on www.frnng.org, FRNNG's Facebook and Twitter.


Jordan Week of Kindness

Jordan Week of Kindness 2018 Jordan Block Party sign

Jordan Area Community Council (JACC) has partnered with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity for the 4th year in a row to host the Jordan Week of Kindness. The  neighborhood celebration is on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Russell Ave. N. between 26th & 29th Ave. and will include activities for kids, free food, a resource fair, free giveaways, a tour of a Habitat for Humanity home and local performers.

The Jordan Week of Kindness began in 2016, last year welcoming over 150 people from the community. Each year, prior to the block celebration, JACC engages neighbors in a community beautification project. In past years, this has been block cleanups, planting in raised flower beds and planting flowers in hanging baskets. Read more about Jordan Area Community Council...


Doors Open Minneapolis starts May 18

Doors Open Minneapolis image of sculpture of acrobats inside a participating building

Doors Open Minneapolis is a collaboration between the City of Minneapolis and the American Institute of Architects (AIA-MPLS), sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation and several businesses. Doors Open is an opportunity for the public to enjoy free access to over 110 buildings throughout Minneapolis that tell the story of this great city.

When? May 18-19, 2019, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where? See a list of Doors Open participating buildings at www.doorsopenminneapolis.com.


Give your feedback on infrastructure priorities

Midtown Greenway infrastructure image with bike and walking paths.

Proposals to build and renovate streets, buildings, bridges, park facilities and other parts of Minneapolis’ infrastructure over the next five years are collected and prioritized every year. The committee that does this work, the Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee, wants to hear from you about your priorities. You can share your thoughts at one of two upcoming input sessions.

Public input sessions

North Side 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Room 107.

South Side 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 Phillips Community Center, 2323 11th Ave. S., South meeting room.

Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee/Planning Commission Committee of the Whole joint public hearing:

People can also speak in favor of or against proposed projects or suggest other ideas by attending the official joint public hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16, City Hall, Room 319. View the proposed projects at the tab for 2020-2024 Capital Budget Requests.


City Council reaffirms commitment to fighting all forms of human trafficking

The City Council passed a resolution reaffirming the City’s commitment to combating commercial sexual exploitation, labor exploitation and all forms of human trafficking.

The resolution notes that “people who are living in poverty, experiencing homelessness, facing chemical dependency, overcoming mental health issues, and who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ and/or undocumented immigrant community are more likely to become the targets of exploitation and trafficking.”

Minneapolis is one of three cities in the country participating in the Pathways to Freedom city challenge led by Humanity United and the NoVo Foundation, which provides funding for the development of a coordinated, citywide response to trafficking and exploitation. For more information about the City’s efforts to fight and prevent trafficking, visit minneapolismn.gov/trafficking.


Spring street sweeping has begun, avoid a ticket and tow

street sweep

Public Works crews have started the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program to clear away what accumulated in the streets over the winter. The City began sweeping Tuesday, April 16. Drivers should watch for temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow.

Drivers must follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

To find out which week your street is scheduled to be swept, go to www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping and click on “street sweeping schedule lookup.”

Videos – Residents and neighborhood organizations are encouraged to share these videos with friends and neighbors:

    • English: See how and why Minneapolis sweeps streets and what you can do to help keep streets and waterways clean.
    • Spanish:  En este video vea por qué la Ciudad de Minneapolis limpia las calles y qué puede hacer usted para ayudar a mantener limpias las calles y vías fluviales.
    • Somali: Ka daawo fiidyowga taxanaha… ee Minneapolis ee loo yaqaan “Ma Ogtahay” siyaabaha iyo sababaha minneapolis jidadka ay u xaaqido oo ogow sidii aad uga caawin lahayd ilaalinta nadaafada jidadka iyo biyo mareenada.
    • Hmong: Yog xav paub ntxiv, sais nroog Minneapolis cov tshooj xov xwm hu, “Koj pos paub.”

Jobs

The City of Minneapolis Division of Race & Equity is hiring a temporary Transgender Equity Project Coordinator. Read more and apply...

Minneapolis Minute: A quick look at City news

Watch this short video highlighting the Nice Ride season, four operators selected for a scooter pilot, and the Minneapolis Climate Action and Racial Equity Fund.

Neighborhoods 2020

Check the Neighborhoods 2020 webpage, Minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020,  for updates in the coming weeks or sign up for email updates on Neighborhoods 2020 here.

Get litter cleanup supplies

Interested in cleaning up litter? You can order supplies from the City of Minneapolis. Learn more at minneapolismn.gov/litter.


Upcoming Events

Wed., May 8

Sat., May 11 

Wed., May 15

Fri., May 17

Sat., May 18

Sat. & Sun., May 18 & 19

Sun., May 19

Tue., May 21

Wed., May 22 

Thu., May 23

Fri., May 31

Sat., Jun 1

Sun., Jun 2

Tue., Jun 4

Sat., Jun 22


Neighborhood and Community Relations Department

Director, David Rubedor 
Crown Roller Mill, Room 425
105 5th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 673-3737