March 8th, 2024

Message from Council Member Rainville

Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,

This week I want to share the excitement and energy that returned to Downtown Minneapolis with Target employees working in person for the first time since the pandemic, as well as the Big Ten Women's Basketball tournament. Even though Target employees will only be required to be in the office one week per quarter, it is a step in the right direction and I encourage them to add more in-person days in the near future. I appreciate the continued call back to in-person work by companies such as US Bank, Wells Fargo, and Hennepin Healthcare. It is so important for the recovery of Downtown. Perhaps Hennepin County will be inspired by the leadership of other large employers in Downtown. It is a joy to walk along crowded sidewalks and skyways once again.

Some highlights of my activities this week:

• I testified in support of traffic cameras for red light running and speeding enforcement at the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill was passed forward to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
• I authored an amendment to the ride share ordinance which calls for all evaluation and reporting to include the impact of the ordinance on people with disabilities, low-income communities, hours worked by drivers, and the added cost of enforcement by the City. This passed unanimously. My vote on the final ordinance was no, however. My reason was that the State of Minnesota's wage report had not been released. I believe this should be resolved at the State level and be treated as a seven county metro area issue. Minneapolis and neighboring cities should have the same regulations on this. 
• The Council was given an update on the independent evaluator for the settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. 
• The City launched the new recruitment campaign for MPD and 911.
• I met with Todd Duessing, the new CEO of the Hennepin Theater Trust, to learn of the exciting plans to revitalize the theater district and the world premier of the Prince musical in 2025.
• A shout out to Public Works staff who have a plan to rest ripe 11th Ave S next to the Bridgewater Lofts. This will allow for better access to their garage.
• A big thank you to the Building Operators and Management Association and Minnesota Sports and Events (hosts of the Bit Ten basketball tournament). They each attended three roll calls on separate days to thank the officers of the 1st Precinct. Their warm, heartfelt words of gratitude were wonderful to hear.

As we move into Spring, please remember to enjoy the many neighborhood coffee shops and restaurants. Everything tastes better when you are walking to a local establishment. 

As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.

Your neighbor,

Michael

New MPD and 911 recruitment campaign

The City of Minneapolis has launched a multi-year recruitment campaign for hard-to-fill positions in 911 and the Police Department. We’re looking for talented, community-oriented people to apply for public safety careers like 911 call takers and police officers. Cities across the country are grappling with staffing shortages in critical public safety departments. Minneapolis is competing with local governments across the state and U.S. to recruit and retain officers.

Imagine yourself making an impact in Minneapolis. Find your potential while building a strong career.

Learn more on the City website.

‘Dinner dialogue’ on the future of George Floyd Square

The City and engagement team (4RM+ULA and the Cultural Wellness Center) are holding a “dinner dialogue” March 28 to gather community visions within George Floyd Square. This event begins this year’s effort to create a community-centered vision for the area, including the Peoples Way site, street improvements, memorials and more.

Dinner dialogue on the future of George Floyd Square 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 28 Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St.

Food and refreshments will be served; please RSVP.

Read more on the City website.

Learn more about George Floyd Square on the City website. 

Upper Harbor community meeting March 26

The City of Minneapolis will update the community on the Upper Harbor redevelopment at a meeting March 26. The expansive parcel of land on the North Side between Washington Avenue and the Mississippi River is being transformed to accommodate new places to live and work, a 20-acre riverside park, and a community performing arts center.

All are invited to hear from the development team, led by United Properties, as they share information about latest updates on the project, a proposal for the Health & Wellness Hub, and next steps.

Upper Harbor Redevelopment community meeting 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave. N.

Read more online about:

• Upper Harbor redevelopment.
• Street construction at the Upper Harbor.
• Upper Harbor Regional Park project page (Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board).

Minneapolis recognizes March as Women’s History Month

The City Council has passed a resolution honoring Women’s History Month. The resolution commemorates the achievements of women and pledges to continue efforts to promote gender equity, celebrate diversity, and support the empowerment of all women in our community.

This year's theme for International Women's Day, “Inspire Inclusion,” echoes the need for calls for a collective effort to forge a more inclusive world for women, emphasizing the importance of understanding, valuing and promoting women's inclusion in all aspects of society.

The resolution also:

• Recognizes that all women are leaders, regardless of their formal roles or leadership positions.
• Acknowledges that the women’s movement has historically left out Black women, Indigenous women, transgender women and women of color and chooses to recognize and address the specific challenges faced by marginalized groups of women in the quest for true equity and inclusion.

Read the full resolution on the City website.

First Avenue North street reconstruction: Project kickoff

Changes are coming to downtown Minneapolis along the First Avenue North corridor.

The Minneapolis Public Works Department is reconstructing half a mile of First Avenue North between Washington Avenue and Eighth Street North in 2028. The project will include a range of right-of-way and public realm improvements that would make it easier for people to move safely and comfortably along the street.

Some of the project goals include:

• Expanded, ADA-compliant sidewalks and safer street crossings.
• New green stormwater infrastructure and sustainable landscaping.
• Enhanced streetscape elements, including improved lighting and public art.
• Active public spaces that attract and retain residents, businesses, and visitors.

The project also gives the opportunity to improve traffic signals, signs and underground utilities along the route.

Survey: Take our short survey to tell us what you envision for First Avenue North. Your input will help us design a street that serves your needs and desires.

Learn more about the project and how to stay up to date on more ways to participate in the planning and engagement process.

Change your clocks, change your batteries

This Sunday, March 10, our clocks will spring forward once again. When you change your clocks, that’s a good time to remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO alarms.

Some smoke alarms are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years and don't have replaceable batteries. That means that if the alarm chirps because the battery is low, the whole alarm will need to be replaced. Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. When replacing a battery, refer to the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm resources

Everyone should have working smoke alarms in their home. If you don't, the American Red Cross can help. Fill out this form to request an appointment for free smoke alarm installation.

Local resources and opportunities for immigrants and refugees

The Minneapolis Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs Community office hours provide basic information about immigration legal services, shelter resources, health care and more.

Office hours

Stop by South Minneapolis CareerForce, 777 E. Lake St.:

• 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 6.
• 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 13.
• 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 20.
• 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 3.

Twin Cities monthly immigration forum March 14

Join in monthly for immigration-related updates from the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Twin Cities monthly immigration forum 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, March 14 Join online over Microsoft Teams. Or call in (audio only) at +1 612-276-6670 with meeting ID 365504388#

Find details, dates and links to future and past meetings on the events calendar.

Learn more on the City website, email Michelle Rivero, or call 612-394-6018.

Volunteer for Animal Care & Control

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control relies on volunteers to help feed, exercise, play with, train and clean up after the animals in the shelter. Volunteers can make a huge difference for the animals in the shelter.

Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities include:

• The Animal Safety Net Program: Short and long-term care for animals facing displacement from their families from medical emergencies, disasters, domestic violence and other reasons.
• Foster care: A temporary home to save lives and reduce the stress for animals in transition.
• Rehabilitation: Working with staff to rehabilitate animals in physical, mental or behavioral crisis to help them safely return to the community.
• Dog walking and running: Every animal gets out of its kennel or cage every day. Volunteers walk dogs three times a day.
• Cat cuddling: Volunteers give cats 1:1 socialization and exercise daily.
• Dog play groups: Dog play groups let dogs learn good behavior from other dogs.
• Matchmakers: Specially trained volunteers work with customers to help them find the perfect pet for their family.
• Administrative projects: Volunteers who may not be able to work directly with animals can still help us.

See the City website for ways to help and requirements for volunteering.

Go solar by joining the Twin Cities Area Solar Co-op

The City of Minneapolis partners with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to help community members go solar through a solar co-op.

About solar co-ops A solar co-op is neighbors coming together to get the best price from a vetted solar installer by using their group buying power and to tap into the co-op’s expertise.

Homeowners with low incomes who qualify for energy assistance, Medical Assistance, WIC or EBT also qualify for substantial financial incentives that can cover most of the cost of going solar.

Everyone can take advantage of the Solar Investment Tax Credit which allows you to claim 30% of the cost of going solar as a credit against federal income tax owed.

SUN will also help solar co-op members apply for Minneapolis Green Cost Share funds to cover part of the cost.

Join the solar co-op by May 31.

Contact Ward 3

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward3
Email: ward3@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2203

We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:

Room 100, Public Service Center
250 South 4th St.
Get directions

For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.