Growing Minneapolis: News and Information from the City of Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development
City of Minneapolis sent this bulletin at 06/11/2021 12:02 PM CDT
June 2021
Partner Spotlight: American Indian OIC
This month’s spotlight highlights the work of American Indian OIC and the Takoda Institute, the career pathways division of the organization. Takoda is the Dakota word for “friend to all.” Over the past year, the organization has been working to serve, support and train job seekers in one of the most diverse and economically challenged areas of the Minneapolis, rapidly adapting to add and broadening virtual services to sustain connection with clients and allow greater access to programs and training. The American Indian OIC’s culturally competent and compassionate staff have remained committed and unfazed by the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
Dr. Joe Hobot, the President and CEO of American Indian OIC, remarks, “Going forward, the American Indian OIC is primed and ready to meet the tremendous needs of our community members who will soon be exiting unemployment and will be in need of assistance to secure meaningful employment. For all of the clients and staff of who will be part of this process, I say Wopila Tanka (“A great thank you”) for your heroic efforts towards building an authentic economic recovery that includes all Minneapolitans!”
Bloom Lake Flats Groundbreaking
Developer Project for Pride in Living (PPL) and service provider Clare Housing broke ground on the Bloom Lake Flats project on Thursday May 20, 2021. Located at 3020 16th Avenue South in the East Lake Street Cultural District, the project will provide 42 units of supportive housing for families and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Bloom Lake Flats includes features such as solar panels, on-site stormwater retention system, and a significant amount of greenspace for residents to encourage socializing and community gardening. PPL and the Family Partnership worked together to develop their adjacent projects so they can provide complimentary services and meet the needs of the neighborhood. The project will also provide 21 units for people experiencing long-term homelessness. The City of Minneapolis contributed to the project through programs such as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Green Cost Share, Solar Rebates, and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) funds. Other funders include Hennepin County, Minnesota Housing, Met Council, and MPHA. Construction is expected to be completed in Summer 2022.
Parking Reform
In May, the City Council approved new, comprehensive parking regulation and requirements for new building infrastructure that supports public transit and bicycle and pedestrian use. This ordinance makes Minneapolis one of the few cities in the country, and the largest in the Midwest, that has done away with minimum parking requirements citywide and creates more stringent auto parking maximums. The ordinance advances several Minneapolis 2040 goals and promotes the goals of affordable and accessible housing.
June is Pride Month, when the world’s LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves.
The movement for LGBTQ rights in the United States dates at least as far back as the 1920s. The LGBTQ+ community celebrates PRIDE in June in recognition of the Stonewall riots that began on June 28, 1969, which are seen as a focal point for the Gay liberation movement. Learn more about LGBTQ+ inclusion at the Human Rights Campaign.
Locally, the Twin Cities Pride Festival is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ Community. The 49th annual Twin Cities Pride Festival will be held at Loring Park on July 17 – 18, 2021 (due to COVID delays). All LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome!
Upcoming IT Core Skills training opportunity
Job seekers with an interest in tech: join a free, online 12-week class starting July 12. Participants must be 18+ and need no experience in tech. The class is Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Participants who do not have computers or internet access can receive support in getting those for training. Explore Tech Trainings
Free training to become a Pharmacy Technician
Join Project for Pride in Living's (PPL) Pharmacy Technician training! The first step for all PPL training programs is to attend a virtual information session. Join via Zoom on your phone or computer any Monday from 10 a.m.–11 a.m.
Graduates are registered with the MN Board of Pharmacy and receive Customer service & sales certifications through Minneapolis College.
40-hour paid job shadow, mock interviews, and networking opportunities with PPL employer partners, including CVS, Walgreens, Hennepin Health, Allina, and more local employers looking to hire pharmacy technicians
Enrollment process must be completed by July 2
Schedule:
July 12 - October 14, 2021
Online classes three evenings per week
Qualifications include:
High school diploma or GED
At least 18 years of age
Legal to work in the United States
At or below 200% poverty level
Proficient math and reading skills
Proficient typing skills
6 months of customer service experience
Events
Preserve Minneapolis Summer Tours (various dates) June 12 – September 25
Learn about the city with Preserve Minneapolis! Preserve Minneapolis' popular tours of Minneapolis neighborhoods and architecture shed new light on the city’s history, culture, and urban design, from the biggest landmarks to little-known streets and districts. This year, Preserve Minneapolis will be offering a hybrid season of virtual and in-person tours.
Community Input for a New Mural on E Lake St Saturday, June 12 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. OR Monday, June 14 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
The Family Partnership is looking for your input and ideas for a new mural outside of the new building on E Lake St in Minneapolis.The primary way to attend is through Zoom; however, if technology is a barrier, there is limited in-person capacity. Please register for the event and check the associated box to have a staff person reach out with more information about attending in-person. Somali and Spanish interpreters will be present. If you have a different interpretation need, please type in the language when registering for the event.
Little Asia Market Pop-Up – Arbeiter Brewing 3038 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MiN 55406
Head to Arbeiter Brewing to enjoy the work of the Twin Cities Asian art community. The pop-up event will be indoors and outdoors, and will adhere to social distancing guidelines. Each of the Asian artists were chosen to show the resilience and steadfastness of the community.
For 2021, MPRB and the Juneteenth Community Board commemorate Juneteenth with a week of activities in various parks. A variety of in-person, virtual and distanced options allow everyone can participate based on their own comfort level with small or larger groups of people.
THE BLACK MARKET - The Soul Food Fest! Saturday, June 26 | 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Downtown Minneapolis (TBD)
The Black Market is a unique shopping event where people may purchase goods, learn about services, connect with community, enjoy live entertainment, and taste a multitude of foods from around the cities. Located Downtown Minneapolis, The Black Market is an annual event that takes place the last Saturday of every month (May - July).
Stone Arch Bridge Festival Saturday, June 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. & Sunday, June 20 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. West River Parkway
Join the 26th Annual Stone Arch Bridge Festival. This summer the Stone Arch Bridge Festival will move to the west side of the Mississippi River. The festival grounds will span the riverfront area on W. River Parkway from Portland Ave to N. 4th Avenue. This change has been made to accommodate the current COVID-19 government mandates and ongoing construction obstructions.
Growing Minneapolis is published monthly by the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department. If you have questions, please contact kelly.stacken@minneapolismn.gov.
For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please call 311 at 612-673-3000.
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.
