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Tracey Williams-Dillard from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder invited me on to her show last week to discuss Ward 4 and City Council.
Watch the full episode on YouTube.
Thanks for having me, Tracey!
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The V3 Center is almost finished! I got to take a peek inside recently and it is looking gorgeous.
The Northside very soon is going to have a state of the art athletic facility with a pool, gym, child care center, workspace, and a restaurant.
I am so proud of what V3 has been able to accomplish and and very grateful for this investment into the Northside.
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I was able pay a visit to Lutunji from Lutunji's Palate at her bakery & cafe in Elliot Park.
Of course, I had to get a peach cobbler (or two) to take home.
Make sure you stop by to get your hands on her peach cobbler, pecan cobbler, lemon pound cake, and more! She also has vegan and gluten free treats as well as homemade soups, salads, burgers, vegan burgers, omelets, waffles, etc.
Thank you for having us, Lutunji!
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Congratulations to A Mother's Love Initiative for being honored by the Fast Break Foundation and the Timberwolves at last week's game.
AMLI received a $15,000 grant to continue their work and dedication to community.
Northsiders are proud of you!
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 Seeds to Harvest and the Northside Bulldogs are hosting a Litter League Challenge Saturdays February through May.
If you would like to get involved, use the QR code above to register or contact Coach Mike at 612-419-3913 or miketate1959@gmail.com
If you want to schedule a meeting or phone call with me, reach out to Maggie Kohl via email maggie.kohl@minneapolismn.gov or leave a message at 612-673-2204
If you have questions, comments, or concerns please contact Betsy Brock via her email betsy.brock@minneapolismn.gov or cell 612-257-5242
You can also reach me directly at my email latrisha.vetaw@minneapolismn.gov or cell 612-322-1143
Minneapolis voters can still cast ballots in the presidential primary at the main Early Vote Center, vote by mail and vote on Election Day.
Mail ballots should be delivered in person
With less than a week before the presidential primary March 5, return your completed mail ballot in person. The mail now may not be delivered in time to be counted in the presidential primary. Ballots can be dropped off during regular business hours at Minneapolis Election & Voter Services, 980 E. Hennepin Ave. The office is open the day of the presidential primary, March 5, until 8 p.m. for dropping off mail ballots only (no in-person voting). Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on election night to be counted.
The Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services Division is responsible for administering elections in the City of Minneapolis.
For information about registering and voting in Minneapolis, go to the City website.
Carolina Amini has been named the interim director of the Office of Police Conduct Review and will begin the role March 6. The Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR) within the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department is responsible for investigating allegations of police misconduct made to the City of Minneapolis.
Amini has worked for the City of Minneapolis for over eight years. Most recently, she has been working for the implementation of the City’s court-enforceable settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Amini is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with two degrees in psychology and sociology and holds a master’s degree in forensic psychology.
Read more on the City website.
The City of Minneapolis has received approximately $18 million in settlement funds to address the opioid epidemic in our city. Opioids include pain relievers, heroin and fentanyl. We’d like your feedback on how to best support our community.
Please take our quick 15-minute survey to share your thoughts on:
- Unmet needs.
- Barriers to getting services.
- Your priorities for using the money.
Take the survey.
Watch the Minneapolis Minute for a snapshot of opportunities and important information for residents. Each episode provides timely news and how you can get involved.
In the latest edition: Drop off mail-in ballots in person by March 5, open house for New Nicollet redevelopment, tap water ambassadors.
Watch the Minneapolis Minute.
A State of Minnesota tax credit of up to $1,750 per child is estimated to cut child poverty by up to one third in Minnesota. Nearly 300,000 households, including 513,000 children, are estimated to qualify for the credit.
Minnesotans can now claim the child tax credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return to claim the credit.
Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the child tax credit webpage.
Free tax preparation
Most taxpayers who are eligible to claim the new child tax credit are also eligible for free tax preparation assistance. Over 170 sites offering free tax preparation assistance are now open to help those filing income tax and property tax refund returns. Sites are staffed by certified volunteers and offer in-person and virtual options with most being open through April 15.
Find free tax preparation sites on the governor’s website.
Minnesota has a new law that allows certain people to ask the courts to stop someone from buying or having a firearm. The new law is often called a "red flag" law. The law is an effort to prevent gun violence.
If someone poses a risk of suicide or serious bodily harm to others, certain people can now ask the court for an extreme risk protection order. If granted, these orders temporarily stop someone from buying or having a firearm.
Find more information on the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s fast facts page (PDF).
You can also find information on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website or by contacting:
The City of Minneapolis will update community members March 7 on new concepts for the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project. The concepts address the road and the public spaces. A once-in-a-generation opportunity, this project can help reshape the site for a better quality of life in the area.
The City plans to reconnect Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane. We’ll work in partnership to develop the rest of the site into a walkable area with housing and retail. In November 2023, the City demolished the former Kmart building.
Based on community input, City policies and project goals, the project team selected concepts for the site. City staff will first present the recommended selections to the community. The recommendations will go to the City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey this spring.
New Nicollet Redevelopment Project Open House 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 7 Abyssinia Cultural Center, 322 W. Lake St.
The open house will be a fun, family-friendly event to see the design concepts and talk with staff.
Community engagement on the development is expected to start in summer 2024.
Learn more about the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project and how to stay up to date on the project.
A community safety center pilot is expected to open late this summer on East Lake Street. Commissioner of Community Safety Toddrick Barnette and Office of Community Safety Director of Design and Implementation Amanda Harrington recently presented an update to the City Council on the project. The center will allow neighborhood residents to have space in the neighborhood where they can access a select number of services and resources until the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center opens in 2025.
The Office of Community Safety will be meeting with partners across the enterprise and the community to determine what services and resources could be located at the East Lake Street location. Feedback from the community will also play a large role in this determination.
A potential site for the center has been identified. The City is currently following its procurement process to lease space.
To watch the presentation, click the play button for the Feb. 14 Public Health & Safety meeting. Then you can click “select chapter” and choose “discussion” to go directly to this presentation.
The City of Minneapolis has been softening your drinking water since the 1940s. This means you don’t need to install your own water softener at home.
Watch a fun video and learn more about City’s treatment and delivery process on the City website.
If you receive a water notice on your door, make sure to look for the City of Minneapolis logo and phone number.
If you have any questions, contact 311.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s International Festival celebrates the different cultures in the City of Minneapolis and surrounding communities. Join in to celebrate with music, dance, art, cultural learning booths, exhibits and demonstrations. At this free event, learn about many amazing cultures that help make Minneapolis such a wonderful place to live.
Minneapolis International Festival 1-5 p.m. Saturday, March 9 Central Park Gym
Watch for updates and more details on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s website.
Other Park Board events
Minneapolis Public Schools are closed on March 1 and 29. Many Park Board recreation centers offer extended programs for students while school is out. Visit the Park Board website to find school release day activities and camps in your neighborhood.
If you’re a City Solid Waste & Recycling customer, watch your mailbox for your annual service guide. Your guide will include a collection schedule for the year; ways you can create less trash and reuse what you already have; and a catalog of what belongs in the black garbage cart, blue recycling cart and green organics cart. The guide also has instructions for setting out large items and for managing household hazardous waste.
More resources
Choose from multiple resources for the best ways to use recycling and trash services.
- A reminder for recycling day.
- Holiday notices with any collection day changes.
- Seasonal notices such as the start and end of yard waste pickup for the year.
- Upcoming events to reduce waste, reuse what people already have and drop off household hazardous waste.
- Fun facts about recycling and composting.
Learn more about recycling and organics on the City website.
The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department honored community leaders and their contributions with the 2024 History Makers at Home awards. The awards honor African American leaders and organizations dedicated to elevating, engaging and educating their community and improving their quality of life.
This year’s honorees include:
- Dr. Josie Johnson, an iconic civil rights leader and activist.
- Nothando Zulu, a master storyteller and author who passed away in September 2023.
- Larry Cook, senior pastor of Real Believers Faith Center, entrepreneur, mentor and community leader.
- Violence Interrupters: community-led outreach groups working to end violence.
- Touch Outreach.
- WePush4Peace.
- MAD DADS of Minneapolis.
- Restoration Incorporated.
- Metro Youth Diversion.
- Strength Group.
- Maleta (Queen) Kimmons of One Family One Community.
The guests were honored Feb. 22; you can watch a recording of the event.
Read more on the City website.
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