In this Issue:

• Street sweeping is underway
• Bryant Avenue redesign public engagement opportunity, May 4
• Diverse applicants wanted for Minneapolis boards and commissions
• Resources to find COVID-19 vaccinations
• Sections of W. River Parkway and Lake Harriet Parkway are still closed to auto traffic for social distancing through May 31
• Sign up now for transforming community safety learning lab May 6
• Farmers markets opening for the season
• More “20 is Plenty” speed limit yard signs now available
• Provide feedback on potential route options for METRO Blue Line extension
• Summer activities with Minneapolis Public Schools
• COVID-19 emergency rent and utility bill assistance now available
• Renewing an expired driver’s license or identification card
• A reminder: never put fat, grease or oil down the drain
• Participate in the first ever Minneapolis garden tool swap
• Having a recreational fire this spring? Please be a good neighbor
• Know where your food comes from to protect the environment and each other
• Get a free COVID-19 test and help stop the spread

Street sweeping is underway

Multiple notifications make it easy to do your part to help the environment, and avoid a ticket and tow

Public Works crews have begun the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program to clear away what has accumulated in the streets over the winter. 

For approximately four weeks, sweeping crews will take care of more than 1,000 miles of city streets. Alley sweeping will be completed by then. To make sure the crews can do the most complete job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

Residents, workers and visitors have several ways to find out more about street sweeping:

• “No Parking” signs – Crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day a street is swept. The “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking. Drivers should not park along these streets until these temporary “No Parking” signs are removed.
• Phone calls to residents – The City will make about 3,500 automated phone calls each evening to let residents know their street will be swept the next day.
• Interactive web tool – You can visit the interactive street sweeping map to see when your street is scheduled to be swept.

Clean streets mean a healthier environment

Minneapolis is known for its clean lakes and waterways, and we want to keep it that way. That’s why protecting and enhancing our environment is one of the City’s top priorities. Street sweeping is one way we work to protect our environment because it keeps leaves, trash and other pollutants from clogging our storm drains and polluting our lakes, creeks and the Mississippi River.

Residents should not push leaves, grass clippings, or anything else into City streets. Not only is it bad for our waterways, it’s against the law. Anything that goes down a storm drain flows directly into our lakes, creeks and the Mississippi River, and decomposing plant material in the water encourages the growth of harmful aquatic plants and algae. 

If you are looking to help keep our waterways clean, consider participating in the Minneapolis Adopt-a-Drain Program, where you can commit to clearing leaves and trash regularly from your adopted storm drains.

Bryant Avenue redesign public engagement opportunity, May 4

The City's Public Works Department will be hosting a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, May 4 at 7:00pm to collect feedback from residents about the proposed Bryant Avenue S redesign project. During the meeting, project staff will provide an overview of the project, discuss construction impacts and answer questions and concerns. This meeting will be hosted using the Microsoft Teams virtual meeting platform, which can be accessed here. 

Proposed concept designs

Please check out the updated concept designs for Bryant Ave S and Lyndale Ave. Bryant Ave. Two-way and One-way design proposal 

Can't attend?

If you are unable to attend the May 4th open house or would like to watch the presentation in advance, you can view the recording by following the linked provided below. Pre-recorded open house presentation

Project feedback survey

Provide feedback on the updated concept designs by taking our brief online survey: Bryant Ave. S. feedback survey

The survey is available through May 31, 2021.  

Diverse applicants wanted for Minneapolis boards and commissions

Nine City boards and commissions have openings for appointments this spring. 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.

The positions are open until filled; application review begins April 30. These nine City boards and commissions have 91 open positions:

• Animal Care and Control Advisory Board.
• Bicycle Advisory Committee.
• Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
• Public Health Advisory Committee.
• Minneapolis Arts Commission.
• Southside Green Zone Council.
• Racial Equity Community Advisory Committee.
• Upper Harbor Terminal Collaborative Planning Committee.
• Workforce Development.

Boards, commissions and advisory committees

The City of Minneapolis has more than 50 volunteer-based boards, commissions and advisory committees that advise the City on issues and help develop policy and administer services. Boards and commissions fall into a handful of categories: appeal boards, development boards, general advisory boards and special service districts (defined areas within the city with special services).

Appointments to boards and commissions are made twice a year: in the spring and fall.

Potential applicants can find more information at 612-673-2216 or OpenAppointments@minneapolismn.gov.

Resources to find COVID-19 vaccinations

As vaccination eligibility in Minnesota is now for those 16+ and vaccine supplies are increasing, we're seeing more and more opportunities to get vaccinated. Here are some resources to help get you connected.

• Register for the vaccine connector to get invited to make an appointment at a State or City vaccination event.
• Use the State’s map to find vaccine providers near you.
• Contact your primary health care provider.
• Use the CDC’s VaccineFinder.
• You may also hear from your employer about vaccination opportunities.

Sections of W. River Parkway and Lake Harriet Parkway are still closed to auto traffic for social distancing through May 31

Parts of West River Parkway and Lake Harriet Parkway are closed to automobile traffic through May 31. Lake Harriet Parkway between West Minnehaha Parkway and West 43rd Street and one lane of West River Parkway between Fourth Avenue North and 11th Avenue South are reserved for walkers, bikers and rollers to protect social distancing. The southbound lane of West River Parkway will remain open to vehicles; the northbound lane will close to automobile traffic.

The trails adjacent to these parkways have been busy this spring, while COVID-19 is still a threat to public health. Allowing trail traffic to spread out into the parkways will allow greater separation of park users for social distancing as directed by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Find more information about the parkway changes on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website.

Sign up now for transforming community safety learning lab May 6

All community members are invited to join the Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention in a learning lab on transforming community safety at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 6. This kickoff for the learning lab series features Anthony Smith, the executive director of Cities United, a national organization focused on reducing homicides and shootings. Cities United is committed to supporting cities, their elected officials, their violence prevention staff, young people, community partners and other national partners in their efforts to do that.

Smith will provide an overview of violence prevention approaches for cities that incorporate proven on-the-ground violence prevention, intervention and healing strategies and policy solutions.

This meeting will be recorded.

Invite your friends and community using the Facebook event.

Register to get the Zoom link emailed before the meeting.

About the Transforming Community Safety Learning Lab Series

The series will feature partners and national experts in violence prevention and other areas related to transforming community safety. The series will:

• Provide information about relevant research, evidence-informed practices, practice-based evidence, promising practices, and innovative solutions and models for community safety from around the country.
• Offer information and inspiration about what may be possible with reimagining community safety.
• Create deeper understanding of some of the existing community safety models and practices we have locally that we can build on.

Watch the City website for future sessions in the series.

Farmers markets opening for the season

Nearly 20 farmers markets will operate throughout Minneapolis this year, and they have already begun to open. Farmers markets are a great way to get fresh food on the table, an important part of our food supply and an essential connection to our farmers. There has never been a more important time to buy local and contribute to a healthy local food economy. Market Bucks The Market Bucks incentive matches up to $10 worth of coupons per day to customers who use SNAP benefits to purchase eligible foods at participating farmers markets. Participating markets are noted in the map and downloadable list. Schedules, map of markets Find a map and schedule for farmers markets in Minneapolis. The map and schedule will be kept up to date as schedules shift. COVID-19 safety measures will be in place in the farmers markets. Homegrown Minneapolis also offers other ways to get healthy, local food on the table. Homegrown Minneapolis is a citywide initiative expanding our community’s ability to grow, process, distribute, eat and compost more healthy, sustainable, locally grown foods.

More “20 is Plenty” speed limit yard signs now available

Speed limits in Minneapolis and Saint Paul are 20 miles per hour citywide unless otherwise posted. Slower speeds on local streets make travel safer for everyone no matter how you get around. Speeding was involved in about 75% of fatal crashes in Minneapolis last year; please slow down to save lives. To help get out the word about the new speed limits and the importance of slower speeds for safety, the City again has yard signs available for community members. You can pick up your “20 is Plenty” yard sign at any of the free sidewalk sand pickup locations: North: 2710 Pacific St., outside the main Public Works gate. Northeast: 1809 Washington St. NE, outside the fence at Jefferson Street and 18th Avenue. South: 27th Street just east of Longfellow Avenue near the Public Works gate. Southwest: 6036 Harriet Ave. S., at the southwest corner of 60th Street and Harriet Avenue. Signs will be available 24 hours a day for no-contact pickup while supplies last. Signs come with metal stands. Learn more about the new speed limits.

Provide feedback on potential route options for METRO Blue Line extension

Metro Transit staff are seeking feedback on potential route options for the METRO Blue Line extension, which will connect communities from downtown Minneapolis northwest to Brooklyn Park.

Based on community input, technical considerations and past project work, project staff believe these routes shown on the Metro Transit website present the best opportunities to deliver a light rail project that benefits the community most and connects even more people to jobs, education, healthcare and other key destinations. These routes are also consistent with the project principles adopted by the Corridor Management Committee in December 2020.

These routes are intended to advance a conversation many years in the making and identify a single community-supported route by the end of this year.

Share feedback with project staff

• Complete a community survey by May 28.
• Email feedback to Sophia.Ginis@metrotransit.org.
• Invite project staff to present at your community or business meeting: Email Sophia.Ginis@metrotransit.org.

Learn more about the METRO Blue Line extension project.

Summer activities with Minneapolis Public Schools

Students have tons of fun options this summer with Minneapolis Public Schools to keep their minds active and their bodies moving. Check out the program options below.

• Summer Scholars is free and open to all students in pre-K-8, with both in-person and virtual options depending on a student’s grade. Many programs are also available to students who live in Minneapolis but do not attend an MPS school. Learn more at org.
• Many old favorites like swim lessons will return with class content adjusted to maximize safety, along with expanded programs like Freedom Schools and Natural Leaders. Learn more about Super Summer programs for youths on the Community Education website.
• MPS' School Spirit Sport Camps are available to elementary students (K-5 grades) from Aug. 2-6 and Aug. 9-15, with both morning and afternoon options. Sport Camps are free and registration is required once the registration opens (date to be announced). Sports offerings include soccer, volleyball, flag football, and track may be available depending on field and staff availability. Adaptive sports will also be available. Transportation is provided.

COVID-19 emergency rent and utility bill assistance now available

If the pandemic has caused you hardship and you need help catching up on your rent or utility bills, you may be eligible for Minnesota’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance. Eligible Minneapolis renters can receive help with rent and utility bills dated on or after March 13, 2020. If you qualify, you could receive up to 15 months of total assistance.

While you can’t be evicted for not paying rent during Gov. Walz’s executive order, rent is still due. When the order is lifted, people owing unpaid rent could be at risk for eviction.

Apply now for RentHelpMN

To apply for RentHelpMN or find more information, visit renthelpmn.org or call 211. The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions about RentHelpMN 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

In Minneapolis, you can apply through renthelpmn.org, 211 or one of these community partners:

• Comunidades Latinos Unidos en Servico (CLUES) Assistance in Spanish 651-362-0162
• New American Development Center (NADC) Assistance in Somali, Oromo and Amharic 612-823-0180
• NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center 612-767-9198

Renewing an expired driver’s license or identification card

Minnesotans who haven’t renewed their driver's licenses or ID cards that expired March 31 when COVID-19 extensions ended should renew as soon as possible. They no longer have valid driver's licenses or ID cards. No testing is required as long as a driver's license is expired less than one year and was in good standing prior to expiring.

• Renew a standard driver's license online at drive.mn.gov.

This convenient option is available for standard driver's licenses or ID cards that do not require changes to name, address, signature or driver's license number. Your driver's license or ID card must be valid or expired less than one year. A person's record is updated as soon as the online application is complete.

• Renew in person at a regional Driver and Vehicle Services exam station, deputy registrar or driver's license agent office.
• Minnesotans must use this option if they need to make changes to their driver's license or ID card or apply for a REAL ID or enhanced driver's license or ID card. They should pre-apply online at drive.mn.gov before visiting their local office.

Those who choose to apply for a REAL ID will not be able to use their expired driver's license or ID card as a valid proof of Minnesota residence. State and federal law require valid driver's licenses or ID cards for proof of residence. REAL ID applicants will need to select two other options from the required document list.

• Regional Driver and Vehicle Services exam stations accept driver's license renewals and applications first-come, first-served. No appointments are required. Customers check in to a virtual lobby at the office entrance and wait in their vehicle until they receive a text that it is their turn for service.
• Deputy registrar and driver's license agent offices are independently owned and operated. Many require appointments for all services and have limited appointments available. Find locations and service information on the Department of Public Safety-Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Find more information about Driver and Vehicle Services in this FAQ.

A reminder: never put fat, grease or oil down the drain

We have all been cooking at home more often during the Covid-19 pandemic. Remember to never put fat, oil or grease down your drain – even if you have a garbage disposal. Just like eating greasy food can clog people’s arteries, grease and fat can build up in drainpipes in homes and out under the streets. These clogs can cause sewage backups into basements and require expensive repairs. Fat, oil and grease can destroy your property’s interior plumbing or connection to the City’s system, resulting in expensive repairs that are the property owner’s responsibility. Rather than dumping it down the drain, you can let liquid fat cool in the cooking pan or pour it into a disposable container. Once it solidifies, it can be reused or thrown in the trash. Fat trimmings can go in your organics recycling. Find more information about proper disposal of fat, oil and grease and why it’s so important on the City website.

Participate in the first ever Minneapolis garden tool swap

Bring the yard tools and gardening items you don’t use anymore to the first ever citywide swap event of garden tools and plant related equipment. From first-time gardeners to those with green thumbs, Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling and community partners welcome all at this free event May 8.

When cleaning out your storage, hang on to unused yard tools and gardening items. Bring them to a swap event near you.

Minneapolis garden tool swap 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8

Event locations

• Corcoran Park, 3334 20th Ave. S.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S.
• Folwell Park, 1615 Dowling Ave. N.
• Logan Park, 690 13th Ave. NE

Face masks are required, and residents must maintain at least 6 feet from other people.

Visit the City website for more information.

Having a recreational fire this spring? Please be a good neighbor

This time of year, more Minneapolis neighbors will be enjoying family time or safe gatherings with friends over outdoor fires. Please be sensitive to our neighbors with asthma and other respiratory conditions.  Following these laws will help keep Minneapolis neighborhoods safe and livable:

• Outdoor recreational fires are permitted between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• Keep fires small: less than three feet in diameter and two feet high.
• Postpone a fire when Minneapolis is under an air pollution advisory. Fires release fine particles that contribute to air pollution and are implicated in health problems including strokes, heart attacks and asthma. Sign up for air quality alerts at http://mn.enviroflash.info.
• Burn only untreated, unpainted, dry wood. Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris, because the smoke can be toxic.
• Fire must be at least 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material and in a fire ring or pit with edges more than six inches high.
• Have a hose or fire extinguisher present.
• Postpone the fire when the wind exceeds 10 mph.
• Fire must be constantly attended by someone 18 years or older and completely out before being abandoned.

Illegal open burning or recreational fires could result in fines that start at $200.

Be a good neighbor

These simple suggestions could help neighbors be considerate of each other when having a fire:

• Letting neighbors know when planning a fire.
• Postponing a fire when smoke will blow directly at a neighbor’s house or when still weather conditions prevent smoke from moving away at all.
• Understanding that recreational fires can have serious health impacts, especially for children, older adults and people with existing health conditions. If neighbors say they are affected, please respect the serious medical harm you could be doing to them and extinguish the fire.

Also, be safe and check the National Weather Service for special weather statements around elevated fire weather conditions.

Recreational fires in the city Here's what you need to know when having a recreational fire in Minneapolis.

For more information on recreational fires or to register a complaint about a recreational fire, call 311 or email Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov, or to register a complaint about a recreational fire outside 311 hours, call 911. The Fire and Police departments are authorized to extinguish a fire immediately if it violates City ordinances.

For the Minneapolis law on recreational fires, visit the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, Chapter 178 at www.minneapolismn.gov/government/ord/index.htm.

Learn more about air quality research in Minneapolis here.

Know where your food comes from to protect the environment and each other

Our food takes a lot of water, land, energy and labor to grow, process and distribute. Large-scale food production can threaten the safety of the environment and people. Food business giants often hire and exploit workers who are Black, Indigenous and people of color. Field workers often receive low wages, and have poor living and safety conditions. Pesticides present serious health risks for field workers and consumers.

What can we do?

Your buying decisions matter. Research the food brands you buy. Support farmers who do not jeopardize peoples’ safety or our environment.

Learn more about food manufacturing, food waste and what you can do from the City Love Your Stuff campaign.

Get a free COVID-19 test and help stop the spread

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. While the coronavirus spread continues to increase, fewer people have been getting tested for it. Testing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus along with wearing masks correctly, keeping 6 feet from anyone you don’t live with, hand-washing and getting vaccinated.

With variant cases on the rise in Minnesota, you should get tested if you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms; if you were close to someone who tested positive for COVID-19; if you attended a one-time, high risk activity with people you do not live with; if you are actively engaging with people outside of your household or working outside of your household; or if you are returning to a classroom or a school campus. In particular, young people in school and their families should get tested every two weeks until the end of the school year. This strategy is to help keep schools and sports open.

Free COVID-19 tests

Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.

Sanctuary Covenant Church, 710 W. Broadway Ave. Noon-3 p.m. Fridays, April 30, May 7, 14, 21

You can expect to get your test results in about 24 hours.

More free COVID-19 tests

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing webpage to register.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.

Brooklyn Park Starlight Center 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing webpage to register.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport 7 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing webpage to register.

Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you.

Free at-home saliva tests

The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.

Resources

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.