In This Issue

• Additional Pedestrian Access - Lake Harriet
• Update from the City Assessor - Property Taxes
• Our Neighbors: Up Close Perspective on the 2020 Census
• Neighborhoods 2020 Comment Period Extended
• Driver’s License Expiration Extension
• Low Cost Trees available through the 2020 City Tree Distribution Program
• Food Shelves and Food Donations
• Report Pandemic Profiteering

Additional Pedestrian Access - Lake Harriet

Last Friday, most of Lake Harriet Parkway closed to vehicular traffic. Nothing done quickly in our city is without the need for adjustments, and I spent much of last weekend looking at and working with MPRB staff on what those adjustments would look like.

The purpose of this closure is to enable people using Lake Harriet to space our more while being able to enjoy some exercise around the lake.  Lakes Harriet and Nokomis, and parts of the Mississippi River Road, were initially seen as the most viable options to address immediate concerns about personal space during the pandemic and the need for social distancing.  The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and our city’s Public Works department were heavily involved in being able to do this quickly, and I have been very supportive of this measure.

Presuming we can get this to operate smoothly, this closure might be maintained as long as social distancing guidelines and/or the Governor’s Stay At Home order remains in place. There are lots of good ideas we’ve heard from staff and residents about what modifications could be made to help this space work better, and you will continue to see some modifications to improve the overall safety of this space.

Nicer weather has predictably brought more people to our beloved lake. My office receives dozens of reports of users not practicing appropriate social distancing. We all know that is best controlled when people take personal responsibility seriously. Every park user deserves a smooth and safe experience around our lakes, and we are looking at different approaches to achieve that.

Thanks to everyone who reached out to my office to advocate for this safety measure in our community. It’s always good when we look out for each other. Find more information from the Park Board here.

Update from the City Assessor - Property Taxes

The Assessor’s Office is mailing the 2020 Notices of Valuation and Classification this week. The notice includes your 2020 estimated market value which will be used to calculate your 2021 property taxes. It is often misunderstood that someone's property value fluctuation is directly proportional to their property taxes going up.  That is not the case.  For a short video explaining how this works, click here. In regards to the property tax payments you will make this year (the first half of which is due May 15) I have received several inquiries on whether property taxes will be delayed or if relief will be offered by the City for them. The short answer is, I'm not sure yet. This option would require a joint venture by the City, County and State, in addition to a major investment of resources likely too big for the City to provide on it's own. We are looking into what kind of options we have that are available, legal and financially responsible for both the City and residents, both for this year and into the future. The federal government's recently passed stimulus package does have funding set aside for state and local governments. When I know more about how that will impact Minnesota I will make certain to share it. In the meantime, if you disagree with the market value in the notice you receive this week, the first step is to contact the appraiser responsible for your neighborhood. Their phone number and email address are on the notice. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appraisers will perform desktop reviews rather than onsite inspections for property owners who wish to appeal their market value. Photos and supporting documentation can be submitted to the appraiser for review and consideration. The appeal application will be available on the City Assessor’s website when you receive your notice in the mail. There is an online application that allows you to attach electronic files or you can mail a paper application and supporting documents to the City Assessor’s Office or drop-off the application. The application and address information are on the notice. Most people come to agreement with their appraiser. If you are still in disagreement after working with the appraiser the next step is to appeal to the Local Board. The Local Board will convene on May 6, 2020. The City Clerk and the Assessor’s Office is working on a virtual meeting format for property owners to appeal to the Local Board. This information will be posted once available.

Our Neighbors: Up Close Perspective on the 2020 Census

Our own 13^th ward neighbor, Linda Ulbrich, lives in East Harriet and has an important role as the 2020 Census Field Manager for Hennepin County. A few weeks ago, she was working downtown and pushing forward on all the deadlines for this year, to ensure we can keep our congressional seat and make sure that every person is counted.  Here is an update on this effort, in her own words:

Like many other residents in Ward 13, I’m working from home these days. I am set up with my Census computer and smartphone on a card table. I’m fortunate to have both the equipment and connectivity I need to securely access Census databases and software applications and to keep in regular contact with colleagues likewise working from home.

Our Minneapolis Area Census Office has completed the selection and notification process for hundreds of people who will work on the 2020 Census locally. Next up will be training all of them. However, 2020 Census field operations are currently paused nationwide due to the coronavirus.

But those of us working from home continue with preliminaries required before field operations can begin. Field operations are being modified to ensure the safety of the public and Census employees. The good news is that Hennepin County’s self-response rate is already at an admirable 50%.

So there’s 50% yet to go. If you’re open to ideas for what to do as you self-isolate, here are some suggestions:

1. Self respond to the 2020 Census at my2020census.gov if you haven’t done so yet.
2. Volunteer to provide support to less tech savvy relatives, friends or neighbors to help them complete their own responses online.
3. Explain to others how the Census works and why it is important, especially if you’re a parent or a teacher.
4. Put a sign in your window that says “we’re counted” or encourage your kids to use their artistic talent to make chalk art to boost Census awareness.

Let’s make sure everyone is counted in the 2020 Census. Our community will benefit in so many ways.

Neighborhoods 2020 Comment Period Extended

The public comment period for the Neighborhoods 2020 draft program guidelines has been extended to July 15, 2020.  As we face the COVID-19 crisis the Neighborhoods and Community Relations (NCR) office has extended the comment period on the guidelines to give people more time to review and provide feedback on neighborhood programming and funding.

This was something I, along with each neighborhood association in the 13^th Ward, had requested so I am glad to see NCR make this announcement. With so many neighborhood associations turning their full attention towards COVID-19 support, it is vitally important that we allow for more time for engagement.

During the extended public comment period, Neighborhood and Community Relations staff members will expand outreach and hold virtual public meetings. The first one is scheduled for Thursday, April 2.

Neighborhoods 2020 informational Skype broadcast

6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, April 2 Join the Skype broadcast The meeting will be recorded and available at minneapolismn.gov/neighborhoods2020 within 24 hours after the event.

Ways to submit comments

• Email: Neighborhoods2020@minneapolismn.gov

• Phone: 612-673-3737

• Mail: Neighborhood and Community Relations 105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 425 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m., July 15.

Driver’s License Expiration Extension

Over the weekend Gov. Walz signed a bill into law that provides an extension for Minnesotans whose driver's licenses or ID cards expire during the declared peacetime emergency. 

The law extends the expiration date for any valid driver's license, instruction permit, provisional license and other licenses that would expire during the peacetime emergency. The expiration dates for these licenses will be extended for two months after the month the peacetime emergency ends. 

If you have already pre-applied at drive.mn.gov, your application will stay in the DPS-DVS system for 30 days.

Low Cost Trees available through the 2020 City Tree Distribution Program

Did you know you that one of the best thing you can do to beautify your neighborhood and slow the effects of climate change is to plant a tree? If you are a Minneapolis home owner or property owner you can purchase a tree from the City for $25. This year, there is no lottery and we have more trees available! Reservations for a tree can be taken now through May 1st. Visit the Minneapolis Trees Registration page for more information. Tree pick-up will be May 16, 17, or 18 in the Minneapolis Impound Lot. Please check the website for updates or changes. 

Food Shelves and Food Donations

Visit the following pages for information on how to get food, how to provide food donations, and how to find farmers markets that are operating.

Report Pandemic Profiteering

Minnesotans have filed more than 500 complaints with the Attorney General's office to report artificially hiked-up prices on essential goods like toilet paper and hand sanitizer. This is price gouging, and it’s wrong – and it directly violates an executive order issued by the governor earlier this month that bans price gouging on food, water, fuel, and products used for healthcare, personal hygiene, and cleaning. I’m grateful the Attorney General’s Office is committed to using its authority to put an end to this harmful practice that limits access to supplies people need to stay healthy at home.

If you have seen or experienced someone taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis to hike up prices of necessary goods, fill out this form or call 651-296-3353 and the Attorney General’s Office will take appropriate action. This price gouging prohibition applies to brick-and-mortar stores as well as online retailers including Amazon, Craigslist, eBay, and those selling products through Facebook.