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Hello Neighbors,
As we approach the holidays, it is a good time to reflect on what we are grateful for. I personally am grateful that so many of you thought me worthy to continue to represent this community in City Hall. Thank you, thank you, thank you. On November 2nd we heard several messages from voters. The passage of Charter amendment 1 pushes our city government towards more clarity of responsibilities and identifies clearer lines of accountability. Although Charter amendment 2 (new department of Public Safety) did not pass, it is very clear that we must continue to focus our attention on re-imagining public safety and creating a continuum that respects and protects us all. We also heard loud and clear that the residents of Minneapolis want something to happen that stabilizes rents and creates more opportunities for affordable housing for low wealth communities.
These are the priority issues that the next council will be focused on, in addition to imminent work of addressing climate change. The work on Truth and Reconciliation will continue, as will addressing Racism as a Public Health Crisis. I know that we’ve have been plagued with car-jackings and other personal aggravated robberies and home break-ins. I have been in communication with MPD leadership and they are pursuing mutual aid agreements with other jurisdictions to assist in addressing these issues.
We know that, unfortunately, the pandemic continues to accelerate. It is imperative that we continue to inoculate ourselves, wear a mask when indoors, and limit the extent to which we gather with our loved ones. I wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday. I look forward to continuing to work alongside of all of you to make Minneapolis the safest, most equitable city for everyone.
Minneapolis City government offices, including Minneapolis 311 and the Minneapolis Service Center at 505 Fourth. Ave. S. are closed Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. City offices resume regular business hours Monday, Nov. 29.
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Garbage and recycling – There are no garbage or recycling pickups on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25. Pickups normally scheduled for Thursday will be made Friday, Nov. 26, and pickups normally scheduled for Friday will be made on Saturday, Nov. 27. The Solid Waste and Recycling Customer Service Office is closed Thursday and Friday.
The South Transfer Station closes 4:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 24 and is closed Thursday, Nov. 25. The station is open Friday, but customers need to schedule vouchers in advance to visit and will not be able to do that scheduling Thursday or Friday.
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Metered parking – The City's metered parking is not enforced Nov. 25 and Nov. 26. Other metered parking restrictions in the city may be in effect and subject to enforcement, including Park Board, University of Minnesota and private organizations that operate their own meters. Always read the information posted on the meter or pay station to be certain.
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911 and emergency services – The holiday weekend does not affect Minneapolis police and fire emergency services.
 Inspector Blackwell shared with fifth precinct residents guidance to help alert community members of the recent uptick in robberies and carjacking's in the area. We have seen an increase in aggravated robberies. Particularly in the Lowry Hill East and Whittier Neighborhoods; however, we know some incidents have occurred in the Kingfield neighborhood too.
The suspect descriptions vary in race, gender and age. The majority of suspects have been described as males, and in a few cases females, in their late teens to 20 years old. Often times, suspect(s) approach victims and there are additional suspects nearby as a lookout or to drive them away. In some cases a weapon is displayed or implied. It appears most victims are by themselves or in a pair; either walking, sitting in their vehicle or near their vehicle. The suspects are looking at stealing vehicle keys, wallets, purses and/or cell phones. In some incidents the suspects are using the stolen credit cards shortly after the incident or they steal the vehicle.
We are asking the public to remain aware of their surroundings, drive or walk away if they are not comfortable with a situation, lock your car doors, and provide the best description of the suspects and/or their vehicle to 911.
There will be additional squads that are actively conducting directed patrols in the high pattern areas and Inspector Blackwell will be working with specialty units to focus on these incidents and investigations.
As we come up on the end-of-year holidays, we find ourselves at a difficult point in the pandemic. Vaccination numbers continue to rise, and the recent authorization of vaccinations for kids ages 5 to 11 is encouraging. On the other hand, the highly contagious delta variant is driving Minnesota’s COVID-19 case numbers to an alarmingly high level, our hospitals remain crowded, and many of our fellow Minnesotans still do not have vaccine protection.
 COVID-19 Rapid Testing
The State of Minnesota has opened a rapid testing site at the Minneapolis Convention Center to help residents and families get quick answers. Rapid test results will be available within about one-three hours.
Rapid testing at State sites is recommended for symptomatic Minnesotans and is open to Minnesotans with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested can be found on the COVID-19 Testing webpage.
Testing is free at all the State’s community testing sites. Participants who have health insurance will be asked for their insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or if insurance does not cover some or all of the cost, the State will cover the difference, ensuring testing remains open to all at no cost.
More ways Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test
COVID-19 Vaccination clinics:
- Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 4 Pfizer (12 and older, Pfizer boosters available)
Find more information, updates and new free community vaccinations on the City website.
Other ways to get a vaccine
Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can.
Sick and safe time covers vaccine appointments
Accrued sick and safe time hours can be used to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and recover from any side effects. Learn more about the City's Sick and Safe Time ordinance.
Questions about the vaccines? Find answers on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
Three online public hearings are available for people to provide feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2022 City budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website.
Online public hearings
- 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1.
- 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8.
Learn how to participate in online public hearings.
Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget Wednesday, Dec. 8.
The proposed 2022 $1.599 billion City budget includes a 5.45% levy increase.
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.
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 On Dec. 3, Minneapolis City government will restructure to reflect the charter amendment passed by voters Nov. 2. The mayor will become the City's chief executive officer and the City Council will become a legislative body.
Find more information on the City website about the new government structure, including:
Join representatives from the City's Public Works department for an informational session on Thursday, Dec. 9th from 2- 3:30 pm at the 38th St. Event Center, 3740 Chicago Ave S. to learn about positions that the department will be hiring for in the coming months. You will have the opportunity to learn about these jobs beyond the City's website and talk to staff about what skills Public Works is seeking and the application process.
The department will be hiring the following positions through Dec. 6th through January, 16, 2022:
- Public Works Service Worker I Trainee
- Public Works Service Worker I
- Public Works Service Worker II
- Water Distribution Operator I Trainee
If you have any questions please contact Bridgette Stewart with the Agape Movement at either 612-991-4274 or Agapebstewart@gmail.com.
 The Community Connections Conference is planned for Feb. 12, 2022. This yearly event brings together residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. This year's conference theme, "forward together," welcomes all communities to reconnect with the City and get involved in moving Minneapolis forward.
Opportunities to get involved as a workshop presenter, exhibitor or volunteer will be announced this fall and winter.
Forward together: 2022 Community Connections Conference
Minneapolis Convention Center, lower level, Hall A Feb. 12, 2022
This event will follow any necessary safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and make the conference a safe and welcoming place.
Share the conference details
 Public Works is proposing a new process for addressing traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests in the City of Minneapolis.
The City receives over 2,500 requests for traffic calming each year and responds to requests in the order they received them. Most commonly, Public Works hear concerns about speeding, cut-through traffic, or drivers failing to yield or stop on neighborhood streets. If staff can validate the concerns, they can utilize resources and tools to implement and install low cost and temporary changes to address the issue to encourage drivers to slow down and drive more carefully.
The proposed process
Public Works would like your input on a new process they are proposing to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests. The proposed process for neighborhood traffic calming seeks to provide a process that:
- better considers the overall network
- is data-driven and transparent
- is more equitable
You can find details about the proposal including the streets that are eligible for this process, an application form, an update toolbox, information about how we rank the applications, and a proposed timeline here.
Share your feedback
Please share your comments, questions, and suggestions on this proposed process before December 19, 2021.
 Join Minneapolis Climate Action and the Central, Bryant and Lyndale neighborhood associations for Climate and Cocktails on Tuesday, Dec. 7th.
When: Tuesday December 7, 2021 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Pat's Tap 3510 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis MN 55408
This partnership is hosting a casual, fun event to talk about environmental justice and local, equitable climate solutions and build community empowerment. You will be able to chat with neighbors about environmental justice, local climate solutions, play climate bingo and enjoy a free exclusive Southside Toxins Cocktail (or non-alcoholic drink) and appetizers, generously donated by Pat's Tap.
Tickets are free, but limited to 30 people, so please register at our Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../climate-and-cocktails...
¡Disfrute de una noche de música relajante, excelentes refrigerios y experimente una nueva forma de energía!
 Through funding made available through the Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention, a partnership between Restorative Justice Community Action, Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute (Peacebuilding), and community leader Manu Lewis was formed to collaborate on bringing a multi-dimensional process for communities to develop skills and create a public safety model that fits the needs and desires of local neighborhoods.
They are seeking a dynamic Minneapolis neighborhood organization to participate in an exciting opportunity to create a neighborhood public safety model. The project will provide trauma training, restorative justice training, program development, and mentoring through June 2022.
They are currently seeking applications for the program which is January-June 2022. The timeline for this process is:
- Application due December 10, 2021—access application HERE
- Info sessions December 2, 2021, at Noon & December 3, 2021, at 7 PM
- Interviews week of December 13th
Requirements for consideration in applying:
- Must be a neighborhood organization in Minneapolis
- Provide space for meetings/trainings that are in-person
- On-going support for project participants
- Can identify and recruit a core team of 5-10 community members committed to full training and mentoring throughout the project
- Strategies for Trauma, Resilience, and Awareness (STAR)—MN Peacebuilding Leadership Institute: 5-day Virtual training: January 18-19 and 24-26, 2022
- Restorative Circle Training—Koinonia Leadership Academy: 4 day In-person training—March 1-4, 2022
- Public Safety Workshop: Saturday March 19, 2022
- Monthly mentorship gathering
Please direct any questions to cprosek@rjca-inc.org or by phone 612-746-0787.
Join the City for an event celebrating 17 new public artworks for the Public Service Building featuring the artists, self-guided tours, music and refreshments. This unique public art collection by a diverse group of artists features a suspended lobby sculpture, murals, illuminated elevator lobby ceilings, artist-designed bird-safe glass, and a restored 26-foot high stone carving of the Minneapolis City Seal.
Celebrate new public artworks
- Public Service Building conference center, 505 Fourth Ave. S. Masks are required at the event.
- Friday, Dec. 10, 4-7 p.m., remarks at 4:30 p.m.
Find more information about the artwork and artists on the City’s website.
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 The Metropolitan Council is developing a Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) and electric vehicle transition plan, to be finalized by February 15, 2022.
In November 2021, Metro Transit held two Zero Emission Bus Summits to engage with stakeholders. The summits included both informational presentations and interactive portions. The presentations provided background, technical aspects, and context for electric buses.
The interactive portion of the summits included facilitated discussion around equity considerations for the implementation and use of electric buses. Participants provided feedback around how Metro Transit should prioritize and measure equity and environmental justice in the transition to electric buses. Participants also provided feedback on the population characteristics and environmental factors that Metro Transit has already identified.
Metro Transit is conducting outreach to neighborhood organizations in Minneapolis and St. Paul in November 2021. Everyone is invited to take Metro Transit’s survey regarding the transition plan by clicking the button below. The survey closes on November 30th, 2021.
Provide input on the survey today!
 Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) is launching a new civic engagement tool called the "Documenters" where community members can be trained and paid to take notes at local government meetings for the broader community. Documenters will be paid $20/hour for training and assignments.
All are welcome, they are especially seeking:
- Multilingual residents
- Black, Brown and Indigenous people sand members of other marginalized communities
- People curious about government and journalism
If you are interested please e-mail: jackier@pillsburyunited.org.
The Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota and Homegrown Minneapolis at the City of Minneapolis, in collaboration with Terra Soma, are inviting up to seven community-based organizations serving Minneapolis communities of color and American Indians to partner on a community engagement process. The goal of the partnership is to gain input on proposed Minneapolis Food Action Plan (MFAP) priorities. The MFAP will serve as a roadmap toward a more equitable, climate resilient, just and sustainable local food system and local food economy.
Minneapolis community-based organizations can apply for an up to $2500 stipend for each cultural community they would engage with on the Minneapolis Food Action Plan. Selected organizations will obtain feedback from members of the African American, American Indian, East African, Latinx and Southeast Asian communities to help shape the Food Action Plan.
Important dates:
- Partnership Proposal Form deadline: December 3rd, 2021
- Notification of partnership: December 10th, 2021
- Engagement is to be completed by January 14th, 2022
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Latest Project News and What to Expect Next Week
Last week, sidewalk were replaced up to 48th Street, the last concrete bus pad and driveway aprons were installed, and signs between 46th and 38th continued to be installed.
This week, crews worked to install the last remaining sidewalk on the south side of 48th, boulevard restoration between 46th to 48th will take place, sign installation will be ongoing, and the few remaining pedestrian street lighting bases will be installed. In observance of Thanksgiving, no work will take place on Thursday or Friday next week.
The last two blocks between 46th and 48th will be opened up once traffic signs are installed and all construction activities are completed.
With substantial construction on Phase 1 wrapping up, the weekly stakeholder meetings held Tuesdays at 9am will be suspended until next spring when preparations for Phase 2 construction (Lake-38th St) begin.
Sign up for the Project E-newsletter
If you have any questions or concerns about this improvement project, please contact Beverly Warmka, Project Manager at 612-673-3762. You can also reach out to the Peter Behnk, Construction Engineer at 612-772-3883 or Chief Field Inspector on the Project, Iskandar Umar, at 612-368-5668.
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Winter in Minnesota can be tough with extreme cold, whiteout blizzards and power outages. Children, older adults and people with chronic illness are especially at risk during cold months. Take steps in November to prepare for severe winter weather:
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Sign up for weather alerts on your device and download apps such as the free FEMA app.
- Know important weather terms:
- Winter weather advisory means that snow, sleet or freezing rain is accumulating.
- Winter storm watch means that conditions are right for a storm to happen.
- Winter storm warning means that a storm is happening.
- Have a plan to stay home safely if the power goes out. Check in with neighbors, friends and family.
- Have a plan to stay safe while you travel. Don’t crowd the plow. Have supplies in your vehicle such as boots, a blanket and a shovel.
There are ways to stay safe during severe winter weather too:
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