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This newsletter provides updates on the City's response to COVID-19, recovery efforts underway, the State's investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department and other important news and information from the City of Minneapolis.
For information about the response to the pandemic and the impacts to City services, visit minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus.
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The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a resolution today declaring the intent to create a transformative new model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis.
The Council resolution acknowledges that George Floyd joins a “tragically long list” of people killed by Minneapolis police and his death has set off a “wave of protests and uprisings across the United States and across the world and has led to thousands of voices asking for change.”
The City Council has committed to starting a year-long process of community engagement, research and structural change to create a transformative new model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis. “The City Council will engage with every willing community member in Minneapolis, centering the voices of Black people, American Indian people, people of color, immigrants, victims of harm, and other stakeholders who have been historically marginalized or under-served by our present system. Together, we will identify what safety looks like for everyone,” the resolution reads.
The resolution also expresses support for Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and his efforts and the need to work cooperatively with all willing partners, including Mayor Jacob Frey and other community institutions in this effort.
The City Council is establishing a Future of Community Safety Work Group, which will include staff from the Office of Violence Prevention, the Department of Civil Rights, the City Coordinator’s Office, in coordination with the 911 Working Group, the Division of Race and Equity, Neighborhood and Community Relations and other relevant departments.
Read more.
Financial stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic including a projected $100-$200 million revenue shortfall are forcing the City to reassess its budget.
Mayor Jacob Frey will brief the City Council's Policy & Government Oversight (POGO) Committee on a revised 2020 budget July 9 and staff will present the revised budget to City Council July 10.
The public can then engage and share their voices in this process during two public hearings:
- 6:05 p.m. Thursday, July 14
- 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22
You can watch or participate in the online meetings.
The budget adoption will come to the City Council for a vote July 24.
Business owners whose small businesses were damaged during recent civil unrest should contact their insurance company to report the loss and follow the instructions given by claims personnel.
Did your property sustain fire damage?
Owners may contact 311 for a copy of the incident report created by the Minneapolis Fire Department to file with their insurance claim.
Need additional support filing a claim or wish to file a complaint?
For additional support filing claims or to file claim complaints, businesses may contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Consumer Services Center. Center staff work to resolve disputes between consumers and the insurance industry informally.
The Consumer Services Center can be reached at 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602.
Read more.
Mayor Jacob Frey’s emergency regulation requiring people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings when they are in an indoor place of public accommodation is in effect.
Businesses will not be required to provide masks to customers or employees themselves, though employers shall be required to mandate the use of masks by their staff.
Non-compliance should be reported through 311. Find more information here.
Donate homemade face masks at Minneapolis fire stations for Mask Drive Mondays
Minneapolis residents can deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday for Mask Drive Mondays. The City plans to distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need, including food shelves, congregate living facilities, small corner stores and shelters.
Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious and safe re-opening of indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues, began June 10.
Occupancy rates will be limited based on risk, with an overall occupancy maximum of 250 people. All critical businesses are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan by June 29, and the Department of Health (MDH), Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will publish industry guidance by June 15. Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan:
Restaurants, salons, and barbershops have been able to offer limited service since June 1. Takeout, curbside, and delivery services have been permitted throughout the pandemic in Minnesota.
City of Minneapolis guidance for businesses on opening.
Hennepin County Court has approved the proposed court order filed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) that requires the Minneapolis Police Department to implement initial structural changes, as part of MDHR’s ongoing civil rights investigation. The court has the power to enforce these preliminary measures and failure to comply with the order could lead to penalties.
Under the court order entered by Hennepin County District Court Judge Karen Janisch, the City of Minneapolis must implement several measures immediately, including banning the use of all neck restraints and choke holds.
The court order also requires the Minneapolis Police Department to fully comply with the ongoing civil rights investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
Any Minnesotan who witnesses or experiences violations of the terms in the order should contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by calling 651-539-1100 or 1-800-657-3704.
Read the stipulation and order.
The State has added special COVID-19 testing sites for critical communities for people who have recently been a part of large gatherings whether or not they have symptoms. Make sure to preregister for a time slot if you can before heading over to be sure you have a spot. Appointments have been filling up fast. People who arrive without an appointment might have to come back later or another day. Appointments for the next week will open up on Wednesdays, so if you don’t find anything available, keep checking back.
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that any Minnesotan who has attended a protest, vigil or community cleanup get tested for COVID-19, which can spread easily and quickly in large groups of people who are close together for long periods of time. Even people who do not have symptoms can still spread the virus to others.
Residents who live in the area of these three sites who have recently been a part of large gatherings are invited to preregister for free COVID-19 testing:
- Holy Trinity Church (pedestrians)
2730 E. 31st St.
- Sabathani Community Center (drive up, limited pedestrians)
310 E. 38th St.
- New Salem Baptist Church (pedestrians)
2507 Bryant Ave. N.
Read more.
With the loss of grocery stores and other damage affecting people’s access to food, clothing, financial assistance, groceries, medical care and equipment, and medication, the City is compiling this list of resources to help residents.
Note: Information is changing rapidly. Please confirm the locations are still accepting or handing out donations before heading out.
An overview of resources.
If you’re moved to support your community by donating food, the best way to reach hungry people is through food shelves. And the best way to help food shelves is with monetary donations. The dollars go much further through their own purchases, it prevents food donations from spoiling, and it allows the food shelves to purchase specific items that are needed for the community.
Please note that Minneapolis Public Schools is not able to accept food donations or supplies at its food distribution sites or schools at this time.
How to donate food
For information on how to support food shelves and meal sites, please visit the Health Department’s food donations page or view the pdf for specific needs shared by food shelves.
Tune into the City's cultural radio programs for COVID-19 updates. The City has programs on KMOJ 89.9 FM (English); La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish); KALY 101.7 FM (Somali); and WIXK AM 1590 (Hmong.) Radio shows schedule
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