|
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.
The City Council has approved Mayor Jacob Frey’s revised 2020 City budget proposal that addresses roughly $156 million in projected revenue losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mayor and City Council have trimmed the budget through a combination of spending freezes, use of cash reserves, program cuts and employee furloughs. The revised City budget is approximately $1.5 billion.
The first phase of the response to the economic impact of the pandemic included spending and hiring freezes that saved approximately $58 million. The revised budget plan adopted today includes plans to offset approximately $100 million in additional revenue losses.
As part of the Council’s budget markup process, approximately $1.1 million has been shifted from the Minneapolis Police Department to the Health Department for violence prevention efforts. In addition, the City added $100,000 to the budget to support initial community engagement in the co-creation of a vision for a permanent memorial for George Floyd.
The mayor will present a recommended 2021 City budget to the City Council later this summer. Learn more about the City budget at minneapolismn.gov/budget.
|
All Minneapolis parkways closed to motor vehicle traffic and open to trail users will go back to allowing motor vehicle traffic by Wednesday, Aug. 5.
East Bde Maka Ska Parkway is scheduled to reopen to motor vehicle traffic on Thursday, July 30. The parkway surface is scheduled to receive a chip seal maintenance project that will close the parkway to all users on July 29. This schedule may change if there’s bad weather.
On Monday, Aug. 3, workers will begin removing barriers and other traffic control in place at Cedar Lake, Lake Harriet, West Bde Maka Ska and West River Parkways. All parkways will be open to motor vehicle traffic by Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Beginning in late March, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) began closing parkways or park roads adjacent to its most popular trails to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices and limit the spread of COVID-19. Several adjustments were made throughout the spring and summer in response to parkway conditions and demand, as well as efficiently use funds allocated toward maintaining the closures.
Read more.
|
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 1, Metro Transit will return to front-door boarding and onboard fare payment is required (pay before boarding on METRO lines). All buses now have plexiglass shields that help protect drivers and customers.
Board through the front door (any door on METRO lines) and pay your fare. The fastest way to pay your fare is with a touch-free Go-To Card or the Metro Transit app.
Coins, dollar bills and transit passes are still accepted. Customers on METRO lines should pay at ticket machines or validate their Go-To Cards at stations before boarding.
Read more.
|
City of Minneapolis leaders provided updates on the City's response to the increase in homelessness, efforts to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols in bars and restaurants, and ongoing recovery/rebuilding work during a news conference July 22.
Watch the news conference.
|
Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order requiring Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. Researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The mandate goes into effect on Saturday, July 25. The state regulation reinforces 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 are not 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.
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.
|
The Minneapolis Charter Commission has held two public hearings to gather feedback on a the proposed charter amendment establishing a new Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention authored by five City Council members.
The Minneapolis Charter Commission is also planning a public hearing 5 p.m. Monday, July 27 on a separate proposed charter amendment eliminating minimum funding level requirements for the police force. The proposal has been submitted by a Charter Commission member.
The City Council voted June 26 to advance its proposed charter amendment as a ballot measure to be considered by Minneapolis voters. Under state law, the Charter Commission has at least 60 days to complete its review and submit its recommendation to the City Council. The statutory deadline for submitting questions on the Nov. 3 general election ballot is Friday, Aug. 21.
Learn more about the proposed charter amendment and submit feedback.
To help keep voters safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, 50 of 125 polling places in Minneapolis are moving for the 2020 primary and general election. The changes will help protect people living in residential facilities and provide more space to keep voters a safe distance from elections staff and each other.
Of the 50 polling places being relocated, 16 were in senior homes, high-rises and other residential sites. Another 32 were in areas with limited space that would make it difficult for people to keep at least 6 feet from others inside. Two were moved due to on-site construction.
Registered voters will receive a postcard in the mail indicating their new polling locations. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s polling place finder can also provide voters their new polling places. These locations will be the same for the Aug. 11 primary and Nov. 3 general elections. All voters choosing to vote in person on Election Day should check the online polling place finder or call 311 to verify their polling place.
Though polling locations will be open for the primary and general elections, the City encourages voting early by mail to minimize direct contact with others.
Read more.
|
The governor's latest extension of the peacetime emergency means that the suspension of evictions and landlord-initiated lease terminations remains in place until Aug. 12.
This suspension will allow households to remain sheltered during the peacetime emergency. The executive order does not relieve a tenant's obligation to pay rent.
While the eviction moratorium continues, housing providers can evict a tenant when the tenant violates a lease by endangering the safety of others, engaging in certain illegal activities, or significantly damaging property. Evictions can also proceed if the homeowner or their family member needs to move into the premises or if a writ of recovery was issued prior to March 24 at 5 p.m.
Hennepin County offers emergency rental assistance for residents with low incomes who have been financially harmed by COVID-19. Residents can learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/rent-help.
Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is now offering low-cost pet vaccinations by appointment to follow safe COVID-19 guidelines and ensure there aren’t too many people in the shelter at one time. Getting animals vaccinated is an important public health and safety service, and we want to help pets live happy, healthy lives.
Services: Rabies vaccination: $10; DA2PP (distemper combination for dogs) vaccination: $10; PRC (distemper combination for cats) vaccination: $10; and microchip: $10.
Because of capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, this is only open to residents of Minneapolis who have or buy a current pet license. Residents can sign up for an appointment using this form or by calling 311 or 612-673-6222. Appointments are available 1-4 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Residents can sign up for an appointment using this form or by calling 311 or 612-673-6222. Appointments are available 1-4 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
|
|
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
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
| 
