|
Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day. In recognition of the 72nd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the City of Minneapolis, the United Nations Association Minnesota Chapter and the City of Saint Paul are cosponsoring a virtual panel discussion about human rights challenges in our communities from the death of George Floyd to the disproportionate health, economic and social impacts of COVID-19.
The panel is scheduled for Dec. 10, 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and will discuss how we squarely face our own human rights record and commit to actionable steps as our communities process the traumas of 2020.
Find more information on Human Rights Day from the United Nations, from the University of Minnesota and from the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
Read more.
As of Dec. 4, 2020 the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been fully restored, including for first-time DACA applications, thanks to a new federal court decision. While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may consider future legal action, for now, USCIS must:
- Accept first-time DACA applications and DACA renewal requests
- Accept applications for advance parole (travel) documents
- Extend one-year DACA statuses to two years
- Extend one-year DACA employment authorization cards to two years
The Citizenship and Immigrations Services website contains updated information regarding these changes, and applications are being accepted now.
Read more.
|
The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (LRIF) permits certain citizens of Liberia to immediately file applications for permanent residence in the United States. The deadline is Dec. 19, 2020.
More information about this Act is on the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota's LRIF page as well as the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) LRIF webpage.
If you need help finding a lawyer to assist you with an LRIF application, you should contact one of these nonprofit organizations or find a qualified private immigration attorney through the American Immigration Lawyer's Association.
The last upcoming online public hearing for people to share thoughts on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2021 City Budget is Dec. 9. The start time for this public hearing is shifting earlier in the afternoon to accommodate more speakers. The public hearing will now begin at 4 p.m. Each speaker is limited to one minute, and the public hearing will go no later than 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night.
City Council will vote on the proposed budget following that comment period.
Online public hearing
Submit comments online
Comments submitted online will enter the public record and be shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed $1.5 billion budget calls for a 5.75% maximum levy increase. With a 12% increase in the overall tax base growth, three-quarters of Minneapolis residential property owners will see a decrease in their property tax bills with the median-valued household set to experience a $59 yearly decrease.
Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.
|
The East Phillips Improvement Coalition (EPIC) is hiring an executive coordinator. Apply by Dec. 20, 2020.
Phase one deadline to share your opinions on community safety and violence prevention extended to Dec. 18
Minneapolis community, you're invited to share your ideas about the future of community safety and violence prevention.
The phase one deadline to fill out the Office of Violence Prevention's survey on transforming community safety has been extended to Dec. 18 to hear from more voices for the first phase of survey results, which is planned to be presented to council in early January. If you submit your survey answers after Dec. 18, they will be used for future engagement phases.
Take the survey and share it with your community in any of these five languages:
You can also check back to stay up to date on progress and more opportunities to provide input.
Read more.
Share your opinions about COVID-19 vaccine distribution in this short survey by Dec. 31
Help the City, State and County plan to equitably distribute the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available in 2021. This quick survey asks:
- What vaccination means to you.
- Your concerns, hopes and suggestions.
Take the survey
City seeking input on 38th Street Strategic Development THRIVE Plan
The City of Minneapolis is seeking community feedback for the final revision to the 38th Street Strategic Development THRIVE Plan by Monday, Dec. 7. Learn more about the plan and how to provide feedback on the City's website.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board public comment period open for comprehensive plan, board meetings go fully virtual
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has published a draft of Parks for All, a new comprehensive plan that will set Park Board priorities and policy direction for the next decade. Minneapolis community members and park users are encouraged to review the plan and send feedback by Jan. 18, 2021. Read more.
Because of the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Board of Commissioners meetings are completely virtual. Read more.
Help shape the future of Hennepin, First Avenue Northeast
Hennepin County is looking for feedback on a plan for roadway improvements on Hennepin and First avenues (County Road 52) between Main and Eighth streets in Minneapolis. Visit the project website to take the project survey and explore the virtual tour. Your feedback will help share the future of Hennepin and First. You can also participate in a community listening session on Dec. 10. Register here to participate.
|
How has COVID-19 affected your purchases and trash at home?
Minneapolis Public Works would like to learn how COVID-19 has affected how you buy, use and discard clothing; household goods (cookware, toys, home décor, etc.); food and one-time-use products. Take the survey by Dec. 20.
Because of the explosive community spread of COVID-19 all across Minnesota, holidays need to be different this year. In order to stay safe, protect our loved ones and slow the spread, stay home this holiday season. A huge part of the spread has been through people with no symptoms who don’t even know they’re sick.
Restrictions from Governor Walz limit social gatherings to only the people you live with. This applies to both indoor and outdoor gatherings. These restrictions will help fight the spread of COVID-19. For everyone’s safety, do not host in-person gatherings with anyone outside of your household.
Celebrating virtually is always a way to feel the love while protecting our loved ones.
 To address the surge in COVID-19 cases, in-person social gatherings with individuals outside your household are prohibited; bars and restaurants are dialed back to takeout and delivery service only; gyms, fitness studios, entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments will need to close; and adult and youth sports are paused until Friday, Dec. 18.
Retail businesses, salons and places of worship may continue to operate with proper precautions in place. Child care remains open. Schools will continue to operate under the Safe Learning Plan, which shifts between in-person, distance, and hybrid learning depending on the local conditions of the virus. All other current restrictions also remain in effect.
Find more information on the restrictions.
The pandemic has reached a concerning and dangerous phase throughout much of the Midwest this fall. The rate of spread increased significantly. It took 29 weeks for Minnesota to reach 100,000 infections, but only six weeks to double to 200,000. Now the state has surpassed 350,000 total infections.
Spread the word
Watch the governor's address in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
Minnesota has joined more than 20 states and territories using a new COVID-19 exposure notification app with secure, anonymous technology. Download COVIDaware MN to get an alert when another app user you’ve been exposed to tests positive for COVID-19. Some people have no symptoms and don’t ever feel sick, and they can still spread the virus to others.
Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to download COVIDaware MN today. The app can be used in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
Learn more about the app on the COVIDaware MN website, and download it from the Apple or Google app store. 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 Dec. 14. 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. Find housing resources.
Watch for future extensions of the peacetime state of emergency on the Governor's Executive Orders page here.
Find free COVID-19 tests; help stop the spread
The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. The COVID-19 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.
Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 19
Columbia Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 13, Dec. 14, Dec. 20, Dec. 21
Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 9, Dec. 16
Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E Noon-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Make an appointment here. Find instructions here.
Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.
Spanish and English COVID-19 hotline
Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER) is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Health to launch a COVID-19 hotline in Spanish and English. This statewide service provides accurate and culturally relevant information regarding COVID-19 to Latinx communities.
Call 651-304-6145 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for assistance in Spanish with questions or concerns about topics such as testing, results and how to self-isolate.
 National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 6-12. The week reminds everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu to be protected during the upcoming winter and holiday months. Getting a flu shot is easy, safe and free, even if you don’t have health insurance. Find a flu shot near you. Read more.
|
To help pets find their forever homes for the holidays, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is waiving adoption fees for all adoptable animals during December.
Adoption details
|
|
 |
When our winters get really cold, water in the pipes can freeze, preventing it from getting to your faucets. Read more about frozen water service lines and how to prevent them.
| 
