City of Minneapolis News Update: June 26, 2020

COVID-19
CoM news update

June 26, 2020


This newsletter provides updates on the City's response to COVID-19, an overview of recovery efforts underway, efforts to transform public safety and other important news and information from the City of Minneapolis.


City Council advances proposed ballot measure asking voters to create a new Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention

The City Council voted today to advance a proposed ballot measure that would ask Minneapolis voters to amend the City Charter to create a new Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention and remove the Police Department as a charter department.

The proposal has been referred to the Minneapolis Charter Commission for its meeting 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 and the City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee for its meeting 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9. Under state law, the Charter Commission has at least 60 days to complete its review and submit its recommendation to the City Council.

The Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention would have responsibility for “public safety services prioritizing a holistic, public health-oriented approach,” according to the proposed charter amendment.

Read more


Early voting begins for State primary and special election – Council Ward 6

early voting

Early voting has begun for the Aug. 11 State primary and special election – Council Ward 6. Ballots may be cast early by mail or in person at the Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave. Requested mail-in ballots are now being mailed to Minneapolis voters.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging voting early by mail, and Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services supports this and other CDC and Minneapolis Department of Health recommendations to make sure every voter in Minneapolis can safely cast their ballots this election year. 

Read more


City of Minneapolis launches new home page, other high-demand webpages for City website

The City of Minneapolis has launched a new home page and other high demand webpages for the City’s website.

The City’s Information Technology and Communications departments have expedited the release of some pages on the website to improve the user experience. The first wave includes pages high in traffic and public demand and represents entry points to the City’s website, such as the home page, and main topic pages like “Resident Services,” “Business Services” and “Government.” Additional pages will transition to the new website in successive waves. 

Read more.

homepage

City leaders provide update on violence prevention efforts, ongoing recovery work and COVID-19 response

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Officials from the City of Minneapolis shared updates on critical work across the enterprise during a news conference Thursday, providing updates on violence prevention efforts, COVID-19 response, ongoing rebuilding/recovery work, and the status of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation, among other topics.

Watch the news conference


Disaster relief available for property damaged or destroyed due to recent civil disturbance

If your property sustained damage during recent civil unrest, you may be eligible for property tax relief.

The Assessor's Office is in the process of reviewing the reported damage to determine the percent of damage for each property affected. If your property was damaged and you have not heard from the Assessor's Office by June 26, 2020, you should call 612-673-5959 or email disaster.reassessment@minneapolismn.gov.

If your property sustained damage during the civil unrest, complete this Disaster Reassessment Intake Form.  Once you complete the form a member of the Assessor's Office team will contact you with more information and instructions on the next steps in the process.

Visit the 2020 Disaster Reassessment page for more information.


Minimum wage increases July 1 in Minneapolis

On July 1, 2020, the minimum wage in Minneapolis is going up to $11.75 at small businesses and $13.25 at large businesses. The City is committed to supporting an economy that includes everyone.

The new economic reality as a result of the pandemic is especially challenging for the lowest paid workers in our city who are often employed in essential or public-facing jobs. The City’s Department of Civil Rights oversees enforcement of the municipal minimum wage, and workers are encouraged to report violations online.

The Minneapolis minimum wage ordinance defines small businesses as 100 or fewer employees and large businesses as more than 100 employees. Tips and gratuities do not count toward payment of a minimum wage.

Increases in Minneapolis’ minimum wage directly benefit tens of thousands of families. The ordinance supports the City’s goals of promoting economic inclusion and reducing economic and racial disparities. For more information about the ordinance, visit minimumwage.minneapolismn.gov. For additional questions call 311 or email minwage@minneapolismn.gov.

Read more.


City of Minneapolis seeking disaster declaration for areas impacted by civil unrest

The City of Minneapolis, in partnership with Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota, is seeking a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the areas impacted by the recent civil unrest in Minneapolis. A disaster declaration would make low-interest property damage and economic injury loans available through the SBA.

The City needs your help to receive this declaration. We are seeking additional information from businesses owners and property owners who sustained building damage, e.g. fire damage, or business loss, e.g. damaged inventory, and do not expect losses to be fully covered by insurance (40% or more uninsured loss).

If this describes your situation, please complete this survey no later than Thursday, July 2 to provide data on your losses. Your response is optional and will not impact in any way your eligibility for relief funds should they become available. You will not be more likely or less likely to receive relief funds. Instead you are providing information that will help our community apply for a disaster declaration and if declared, provide access to these loans to all eligible business and property owners in our community.

For questions or assistance completing the survey, contact the Small Business Team at 612-673-2499 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov. Assistance in Spanish, Somali and Hmong is available.


Public hearings scheduled for July on revised 2020 budget

The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold two public hearings in July on proposed revisions to the City’s 2020 budget.

The City faces a significant revenue shortfall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to make cuts to the City’s roughly $1.5 billion 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 online public hearings:

  • 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, July 14
  • 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22

You can watch or participate in the online meetings.

The City Council is scheduled to vote July 24 on a revised 2020 budget. For more information about the City’s budget, visit the City's website.


Minneapolis Forward: resources for recovery, rebuilding

Over the last several months, our Minneapolis community has faced extraordinarily painful challenges. The City of Minneapolis is working hard to help the people of our city heal and recover, to emerge stronger and more equitable than before.

To find information about legal actions related to George Floyd's death, plans to transform public safety and resources for residents and businesses impacted by recent violence, civic unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, visit minneapolismn.gov/minneapolisforward


Remember to wear masks or face coverings while in indoor public places

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. 

mask up

Public health information: Slow the spread of COVID-19

maskup

City's Cultural Radio Programs

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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For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact City Communications at communications@minneapolismn.gov.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-263-6850.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

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