City of Minneapolis News Update: Aug. 12, 2020

COVID-19
CoM news update

Aug. 12, 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.


Minneapolis is on track to have highest primary turnout in more than 50 years

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More ballots have been cast in this year’s primary in Minneapolis than any other primary in the city in more than 50 years. That includes primaries in years that had presidential and gubernatorial races.

As of Tuesday night, an estimated 103,222 Minneapolis ballots have been cast in the State primary and special election in City Council Ward 6. This is a preliminary count including all received absentee ballots (as of Aug. 10) and the City’s unofficial, estimated voter turnout count from all precincts as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. 

New State law requires counting all mailed ballots for the State primary that are postmarked on or before the day of the primary (Aug. 11), and received in the mail no later than two days after the primary (Aug. 13). The results released last night are partial, unofficial results. Mail ballots processed today will be added to the partial, unofficial totals this evening, and the same process will follow tomorrow. The final unofficial results of the State primary will not be available until Thursday night or Friday morning.

Since 1968, the only year with close to as many votes in a primary was 2018, with 101,266 ballots cast. Results for the special election in City Council Ward 6 will be available following the tabulation on Friday. Follow the Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services Twitter account for the special election results.


Mayor Frey to deliver 2021 budget address Friday, Aug. 14

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Mayor Jacob Frey will deliver his third annual budget address and release his 2021 budget proposal 8:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14. 

Frey’s remarks will focus on the City’s COVID-19 response, public safety response, affordable housing and economic recovery.

The City Council recently adopted the revised 2020 budget on July 24, 2020.

The City Council will next begin reviewing the mayor’s recommended budget, hold a series of budget presentations in September and October, and vote on adopting the budget in December. The Board of Estimate and Taxation will also hold a public hearing in September to set the maximum property levy.

How to watch the mayor’s budget address: 

Visit the City’s budget website to learn more about the budget process, key dates, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.


Gov. Walz extends peacetime emergency

Following the advice of public health experts, senior advocates, labor leaders, doctors, hospitals, and long-term care providers, Gov. Tim Walz today signed an executive order today extending the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to rapidly-evolving issues stemming from COVID-19.

The President’s COVID-19 national emergency remains in effect, and states of emergency are in place in all 50 states. Minnesota’s peacetime emergency protects Minnesotans against evictions and wage garnishment; provides expedited procurement power for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment; allows Minnesota to re-open society strategically, while following the advice of public health experts; protects workers from unsafe worker conditions; requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in certain settings to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and provides economic relief and stability to those impacted by the pandemic. If the peacetime emergency were to end, it would jeopardize over $50 million each month in federal funding.


Minneapolis Forward: Community Now Coalition proposes first slate of recommendations for recovery efforts

The Minneapolis Forward: Community Now Coalition has issued the first round of recommendations aimed at rebuilding the city in the aftermath of civil unrest surrounding the death of George Floyd. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins convened a virtual briefing of coalition members and funding partners to present the proposals from first of three planned work cycle sprints on Aug. 6.

The first round focused on four key areas of action including: business retention, prioritizing BIPOC/minority-owned businesses, supporting entrepreneurs who invest in the community, and real estate and investment. 

Participants in the Minneapolis Forward: Community Now Coalition reflect leadership from Twin Cities foundations, community-rooted businesses, and community organizations that are working together to transform Minneapolis into a stronger, equitable, inclusive and innovative city. The coalition is a cross-sector action team whose work is guided by the expertise of Black people, indigenous communities, people of color, and immigrants, including young people.

Learn more about the coalition on the City's website


Loans available for Minneapolis businesses and nonprofits affected by civil unrest

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for areas in Minnesota impacted by the recent civil unrest. Minneapolis business, nonprofits, and individuals are now eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans directly from the SBA, including both physical damage and economic injury loans.     

See the SBA news release and fact sheet for more information; two online training sessions are also available.

For additional guidance and assistance, Minneapolis businesses can consult with an advisor through the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program or contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team at 612-673-2499 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.

Apply online.


Important census updates: complete your census by Sept. 30, census takers begin door knocking

Have you completed the census yet? Completing the census will ensure that our communities receive resources for programs and services that we need. Many programs that our communities rely on, including SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and Head Start are funded through data that is obtained by the census. The 2020 Census is our chance to shape the future of Minneapolis for the next 10 years.

Census takers have begun following up in Minneapolis with households that haven’t yet completed the 2020 Census. Census staff have been hired locally and are here to help households complete their census forms. The goal of census door knockers is to help get an accurate count. Census staffers can be easily identified by a valid government ID badge that includes their photograph and a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark.

Census field staff follow both CDC and local public health guidelines, are trained in physical distancing protocols and will provide census takers with masks during their visit. Census staff have sworn a lifetime oath of confidentiality. Any information that you provide to them will not be shared with any entity other than the Census Bureau for statistical purposes only and never to identify an individual.

Find more information here on verifying a census taker’s identity, COVID-19 protocols or the strategy to visit households that haven’t responded yet.

Learn more

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Free COVID-19 testing events coming up Aug. 15 and 25

Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 testing events Aug. 15 and 25. All are welcomed. The tests are available to people arriving on foot or by car.

  • Free COVID-19 testing focused on Latinx community members: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 Incarnation-Sagrado Corazon Church, 3817 Pleasant Ave. S. Register onsite. Registration forms are available in English and Spanish. Spanish interpreters will be onsite.
  • Free COVID-19 testing focused on PICA Head Start families: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25 McKnight Early Childhood Family Development Center, 4225 Third Ave. S. Hmong, Somali and Spanish interpreters will be onsite.

You can expect to get your test results in about two days. The test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

If you are unable to attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you.


Emergency regulation orders closure of indoor bar areas to help curb spread of COVID-19

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Mayor Jacob Frey has issued an emergency regulation aimed at curbing community spread of COVID-19 in Minneapolis bars and restaurants.

The regulation orders the closure of bar areas in restaurants, clubs, and other indoor spaces. Indoor table service, including at high tops, will be allowed under the regulation as long as patrons follow the existing state guidance.

The Minneapolis Health Department has reported a rate of 18 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 per day while the statewide rate has remained closer to 11 per 100,000. Public health experts have attributed the higher rate to people congregating at bars, among other reasons. More than 50 percent of new cases in Minneapolis continue to be in young adults under age 35 who report increased exposure in bars and at gatherings of friends and family.

If you see violations of the new rule, please report them by calling 311. Businesses can reach out for compliance support and guidance at 612-673-2080 or businesslicenses@minneapolismn.gov.

Read more about the emergency regulation


Diverse applicants wanted for Minneapolis boards and commissions

Twenty-four City boards and commissions have openings for appointments this fall. Applications are open now. The positions are open until filled; application review begins Sept. 30 unless marked otherwise. The City seeks applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences representing the demographics of Minneapolis to strengthen the work of the City. Translation and interpreting services are available so all residents can participate.

City boards and commissions have brought forward recommendations that resulted in renter protections, wage protections and a ban on a hazardous chemical in dry cleaning. Board and commission members in the City of Minneapolis help shape key policy decisions, give community-based input into the City’s administration of services and supply valuable insights.

People can apply through the open position pages linked below and stay up to date on vacancies, position descriptions and timelines by visiting minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings. Applications are open now.

Learn more about the openings


Statewide mask mandate in effect

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Minnesotans are required 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 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. Find information on how to get a mask.  

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.


Public health information: Slow the spread of COVID-19

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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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