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Greetings Ward 11,
I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather and that back-to-school week was a success for all!
An update from the City Council meeting last week:
The City Council received a report on the potential co-location of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) 3rd Precinct with the 1st Precinct at the Century Plaza location currently under development. The proposal was to purchase 2 additional floors to develop for the 3rd Precinct, to purchase 1 additional floor for future development, and to sign a long-term lease for private secure parking, and the cost was $30,500,000. The final decision on the proposal was delayed for further discussion and evaluation… Click here to read the rest of my “Update on the Report on the Potential Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) 3rd Precinct Co-Location”.
A few other updates:
Today, the Mayor nominated Hennepin County Chief Judge Todd Barnette to serve as our next Community Safety Commissioner. Chief Judge Barnette brings over three decades of legal expertise and management to the position in addition to deep existing relationships with residents, safety officials, reform experts, and elected leaders… Click here to read the rest of “Mayor Frey Nominates Chief Judge Todd Barnette as Community Safety Commissioner”.
Thank you to the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for hosting the 15th Annual Monarch Festival! It was wonderful to spend time with the community enjoying the music, art, food, and monarch butterflies. |
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Last week, I volunteered with Xcel Energy and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity for their critical home repair program, A Brush With Kindness. We spent the morning helping Ward 11 homeowners by making necessary carpentry repairs to home exteriors. I am passionate about ensuring our residents have safe homes and are able to age in place, so I was grateful for the opportunity to provide Ward 11 homeowners with the support and resources they needed at a low/affordable cost. |
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The next Ward 11 Monthly Meeting is October 3rd, 2023 from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM at Pearl Park Recreation Center (414 E Diamond Lake Rd, MPLS, MN 55419). I hope to see you there! |
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In Gratitude,
At the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 5, 2023, we received a report on the potential co-location of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) 3rd Precinct with the 1st Precinct at the Century Plaza location currently under development. The report included a proposal and cost.
The proposal was to purchase 2 additional floors to develop for the 3rd Precinct, to purchase 1 additional floor for future development, and to sign a long-term lease for private secure parking, and the cost was $30,500,000. The final decision on the proposal was delayed for further discussion and evaluation.
$30 million is a significant investment for a temporary solution, and I need to know that we will see a return on that investment, not just in the short-term, but in the long-term. I want to see a holistic plan for the development of the Century Plaza location, the future use of the temporary space, and the 3rd Precinct facility, and I have a responsibility to you to ensure you will see and feel the value in our decisions.
As I learn more in the coming weeks, I will continue to keep you updated. And, if you have any comments in regard to the potential co-location of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) 3rd Precinct, please contact the Ward 11 Office via email at Ward11@minneapolismn.gov, via phone at (612) 673-2211, or via our contact form.
To view the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 5, 2023, click here.
To view the City Council meeting on September 7, 2023, click here.
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Council Member Emily Koski and Council President Andrea Jenkins are hosting the South Minneapolis Seniors Fair on Wednesday, October 25th from 9:30 AM-2:00 PM at Pearl Park Recreation Center (414 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55419).
The Seniors Fair will feature workshops, an elected officials panel, a resource fair, and a free lunch.
Schedule:
- 9:30 AM: Doors Open
- 9:45 AM-10 AM: Welcoming Remarks
- 10 AM-10:30 AM: Mindful Mornings
- 10:30 AM-11:30 AM: Workshop Session #1
- 11:30 AM-1 PM: Resource Fair & Free Lunch
- 12 PM-1 PM: Elected Official Panel
- 1 PM-2 PM: Workshop Session #2
Workshops:
- Personal Safety and Crime Prevention
- Traffic Calming and Snow Removal
- Writing Our Memories, Our Stories
- Using Today's Technology
Elected Officials Panel:
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Council President Andrea Jenkins
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Council Member Emily Koski
- County Commissioner Angela Conley
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Attorney General Keith Ellison
Other Elected Officials may be added as available.
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Skirtcraft
www.skirtcraft.com
hello@skirtcraft.com
Ward 11 resident Joe Quarion started a home-based business called Skirtcraft which sells unisex skirts with large pockets. Joe created the company in 2014 with the idea that both skirts and functional pockets are for everyone. Skirtcraft’s three designs were launched via Kickstarter campaigns in 2015, 2018, and 2023.
The unisex skirts are made in the USA at a factory in Los Angeles. You can purchase one at Skirtcraft’s website or Etsy shop.
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Visit the Ward 11 Construction Map to learn more information about the construction projects happening in Ward 11. The interactive Ward 11 Construction Map will be updated throughout the construction season.
If you have any questions about construction projects, please use the contact information listed for each project, or contact the Ward 11 Office.
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Featured Job Opportunities:
LGBTQIA+ Equity Program Manager
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Salary:$97,997.12 - $114,662.08 Annually
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Location: Minneapolis, MN
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Job Type: Full-Time
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Department: Racial Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
The LGBTQIA+ Equity Program Manager is responsible for developing and overseeing the City’s internal- and external-facing efforts for LGBTQIA+ equity. The LGBTQIA+ Equity Program Manager also assists elected officials in the creation of policy that advances said efforts and supports effective partnership between LGBTQIA+ community members and City staff to move forward both community and City-driven initiatives.
Other Job Opportunities:
To view all job opportunities with the City of Minneapolis, click here.
Today, Mayor Jacob Frey announced his nomination of Hennepin County Chief Judge Todd Barnette to serve as the City’s next Community Safety Commissioner. Barnette brings over three decades of legal expertise and management to the position in addition to deep existing relationships with residents, safety officials, reform experts, and elected leaders.
As Chief Judge for the state’s largest Judicial Court District, Barnette has established himself as a leader in Minnesota’s public safety and criminal justice communities – one who sees and understands the full scope of the community safety system and can successfully manage complex, multi-departmental and multi-jurisdictional plans and programs while building trust with all stakeholders involved. He currently oversees Minnesota’s largest county court operations, managing 63 State judges and supporting over 550 employees, so he is no stranger to coordinating many entities, departments, and programs.
“Over the last three decades, Chief Judge Barnette has established himself as a leading voice in Minnesota’s public safety and criminal justice communities,” said Frey. “With his broad set of lived and professional experiences, he is uniquely situated to forge the partnerships necessary to continue building out a strong, comprehensive safety system and lead a team to keep Minneapolis safe. Judge Barnette is a rare talent, one that has deep connections in Minnesota, and I’m grateful he has agreed to serve as the next member of our administration’s cabinet.”
As Chief Judge for the Fourth Judicial District Court in Minnesota, Barnette recently oversaw the transition from in-person to remote trial work and led an innovative approach to ensuring the administration of justice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also represented the Fourth District Judiciary as an observer and participant in community and public safety around topics of critical interests facing the City of Minneapolis.
Throughout his career, Barnette has worked as a judge, prosecutor, and public defender, presiding over thousands of cases, including several high-profile cases and numerous trials. He has a unique skill set with vast knowledge in city, county, and state resources, including a leadership role on the Hennepin County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee – a coordinator of multiple government parties to ensure justice and safety in the region. As Commissioner, he will use this experience to better visualize and coordinate multi-jurisdictional work. Barnette has also remained committed to justice and equality and has played a pivotal role in implementing policies that align with the needs and values of residents.
“I know public safety is a top priority for Minneapolis and the residents who live here,” said Barnette. “I am dedicated to implementing effective strategies that address crime prevention, community policing, and the overall safety and well-being of Minneapolis residents and visitors. I am grateful for this opportunity and eager to work collaboratively with local, county, and state leaders to develop innovative solutions that promote safety and foster positive relationships between law enforcement, the city, and the community.”
In 2020, Barnette was the first person of color to be elected chief judge of Hennepin County District Court. Prior to that, Barnette served the Court as the Assistant Chief Judge and District Court Judge and worked as an attorney for the Office of the Hennepin County Public Defender for more than a decade. Barnette received the Hennepin County Bar Association Professionalism Award in 2012 and the Hennepin County Champion of Change Award in 2004.
Locally, Barnette’s efforts to strengthen community safety in Minneapolis are already underway through volunteer work and different committee memberships. He currently serves on the Hennepin County Bar Association Bar Memorial Committee and is a part of the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District Safety Collaborative, where he helps amplify and bolster community-led solutions to address crime and safety initiatives downtown.
Barnette’s work extends beyond the courtroom. For more than a decade, he’s mentored aspiring young law professionals at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and he’s worked as an adjunct professor at the university for the past five years. Barnette received his B.A. from The George Washington University in Washington D.C., and his law degree from the University of Minnesota.
Upon City Council approval, Barnette would lead and direct the City’s Office of Community Safety (OCS) into the next chapter of Minneapolis’ safety work, including management of five departments: Police, Fire, 911, Emergency Management, and Neighborhood Safety. Since its creation roughly one year ago, OCS continues to support and foster a comprehensive approach to community safety in Minneapolis. Barnette would step in as Commissioner with a focus on strengthening internal partnership between the five safety departments; collaborate closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies; and coordinate with external businesses and community leaders to address any emerging safety issues.
Lee Sheehy has served as Interim Community Safety Commissioner since early September following the retirement of Dr. Cedric Alexander, the City’s first commissioner.
The mayor’s nomination will be transmitted to the full City Council for consideration at its September 21 meeting. The Community Safety Commissioner is a four-year appointed term.
Pledge to boost your health, save money and reduce stress by shifting at least one of your weekly car trips to walking/rolling, biking or transit. Maybe you opt for a short walk to the grocery store, hop on the bus to work or bike your kids to school one day this week.
The As You Go MPLS campaign celebrates getting around the city in ways that support the City’s mode-shift goal in the Transportation Action Plan. By 2030, the City aims to have three out of every five trips taken by walking, biking or transit.
Visit the City’s website to take the pledge. It’s available in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong. You can also choose to share your personal experience or story about what motivates you to get around by walking, rolling, biking or transit.
Learn more about the As You Go MPLS campaign.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you’re struggling or you know someone who is, know that there is help.
Resources:
- Call, text or chat 988 if you’re in a crisis, or share this number with someone you know who’s struggling. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers access to trained crisis counselors every day, any time.
- The Crisis Text Line also offers free mental health support anytime for anyone. Text “10-18” or “SCRUBS” to 741741 for help.
- For professionals in health care or public safety who struggle with stress, trauma, depression or substance use: The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
- For employees in public safety and emergency services and their family members: Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service. Call 1-206-459-3020.
The City of Minneapolis has a list of mental health support resources on its website.
The City of Minneapolis is honoring Latino Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Observances include a bridge lighting, City Council resolution and Latino cultural dress exhibit.
The City Council approved a resolution celebrating Latino Heritage Month. The Sept. 7 resolution commemorates Latino Heritage Month to protect and uplift the voices, visions and contributions brought forward by Latinos throughout Minneapolis, the United States and the world.
The 35W Bridge will light up in teal and orange overnight Friday, Sept. 15.
A public exhibit will showcase the textures, colors and history of traditional outfits from Central and South America.
Latino Cultural Dress Exhibit 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays Oct. 2-13 Hennepin Gallery, Hennepin County Government Center, A-level, 300 Sixth St. S.
The State is asking for your feedback on a draft plan to help give more people in Minneapolis and across Minnesota access to high-speed internet and other technology. The plan’s goals include access to high-speed internet, computers, and technology jobs and training.
Read The Plan:
Share Your Thoughts:
- Attend an in-person listening session in Minneapolis. 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 North Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave. N., Meeting Room 205 Register online (optional).
- Join a virtual listening session on Zoom. Register online.
- Option 1: Noon-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.
- Option 2: 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27.
- Submit public comments by Sept. 29 online or by mail.
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Complete the online comment form.
- Mail to: Office of Broadband Development, Attn: Digital Opportunity Plan Great Northern Building 180 E. Fifth St. Saint Paul, MN 55101
Visit the State's website to learn more and to see the full list of listening sessions.
Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated the City of Minneapolis’ director of Inspection Services, Enrique Velázquez, as the next director of Regulatory Services. Under the new government structure and upon City Council approval, Velázquez will step into a leadership role in the Office of Public Service to manage the Regulatory Services Department and collaborate across the enterprise.
As the director of Regulatory Services, Velázquez will lead more than 190 department staff members in four divisions: Traffic Control, Inspection Services, Animal Care & Control, and Operations & Engagement.
Velázquez has worked for the City for seven years, first as a manager in the Community Planning & Economic Development Department and most recently as the director of Inspection Services in the Regulatory Services Department. He is known for fostering creative and people-centered business operations to protect the health, safety and well-being of all residents.
Throughout his time at the City, Velázquez has demonstrated a deep commitment to collaboration – including building and maintaining rapport with colleagues, community members, and business leaders to ensure diverse voices are heard in the decision-making process. He supported many cross-departmental teams aimed at finding and implementing creative solutions to support local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. His hard work has directly led to a drop in the City’s rental property inspections backlog.
The mayor’s nomination will be submitted to the Sept. 7 City Council meeting for consideration and referral to the relevant committee. Under the new government structure, charter department head terms are four years.
Read more about the nomination.
The City of Minneapolis is celebrating Welcoming Week. Welcoming Week is a nationwide celebration that brings together immigrants, refugees and native-born residents to foster a sense of community. Learn more about the history of Welcoming Week and how to lead a Welcoming Week event at the Welcoming America website.
As a Welcoming City, the City of Minneapolis hosts annual events in recognition of Welcoming Week to welcome new residents to the city and, because Citizenship Day always takes place during Welcoming Week, share information about how to become a United States citizen and the importance of United States citizenship.
Watch the City’s Welcoming Week webpage for updates to this year’s calendar of events including:
- A special citizenship and immigration fair. Attendees can learn about how to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization and the benefits of U.S. citizenship, and how to get help in the application process. This month’s citizenship and immigration fair will also include representatives from the Department of Vehicle Services talking about Drivers Licenses For All. 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Pkwy N., Saint Paul
- A Welcoming Week edition of the Twin Cities Immigration Forum. 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 Microsoft Teams meeting
For more information, visit the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs webpage or reach out by email.
You might be eligible for free or low-cost internet services and a discounted computer. The City is partnering with local providers to help make the internet more accessible.
Resources include:
- Discounted internet for household use.
- Free temporary internet access at Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Free internet access to public sector information including City, County and State resources.
- Low-cost computers.
- Public computer access.
- Personal help from a “digital navigator.”
Internet Services:
Call 311, email 311 or look on the City website to find details, a list of resources and how to find out if you qualify for different internet services programs.
Internet Service, Learning How to Use the Technology and Discounts on a Computer:
The Affordable Connectivity Program helps households pay for internet service and get a discount on a device. Find out if you qualify for the program on the Hennepin County website. This information is also in Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
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