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On February 29, 2024, Camp Nenookaasi was burned to the ground by a fire. There have been a variety of community members who have reached out about how this happened. Whether it was an accident or arson. I was also told that a porta potty was burned to the ground days prior, which left unhoused residents shaken on why someone would do this. If this was a hate crime, it should not be tolerated.
My office reached out to the Minneapolis Police Department and the Office of Public Service regarding the camera footage that could possibly alleviate some community concerns. This case is an open criminal investigation. The Office of Community Safety said that they do not anticipate disclosing evidence at this time because of this. However, my office will receive an update by tomorrow on some questions community members have raised. I will be sure to update our residents on this.
50+ people lost their shelter and belongings, and the neighboring residents' homes were damaged. Phillips is worthy of the same robust investigations that we see in other communities. I will keep pushing for transparency in this case. Whether this was an accident or arson, our community needs answers.
On Thursday, March 7, the Minneapolis City Council adopted the Public Health and Safety Committee Work Plan. My office and Council Member Wonsley reached out to every single council member and asked them to send us their priorities to include in this plan. This will help guide the Committee’s discussions and actions towards a more healthy, safe, and thriving Minneapolis for all, focus Committee time and efforts on democratically agreed-upon goals and priorities, support Committee leadership to best serve the Council, and will Increase public engagement, transparency, and accountability.
Check out this article that dives deep into my role as the Chair of the Public Health and Safety Committee.
 The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office cordially extends a formal invitation to you for the upcoming U Visa & T Visa Policy Kickoff Event! We are excited to announce a new policy that removes obstacles from our former practices, aiming to encourage victims to report crimes without fear.
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 12 at 5:30 PM
Location: Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Hosts: Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, Minneapolis City Council Member Jason Chavez and Eder Castillo.
Food: Salsa a la Salsa Restaurant
RSVP/Share @ this Eventbrite link, this Facebook Events link or Minneapolis Ward 9 Facebook Post.
This kickoff event is not only a chance to learn about new policy but also an opportunity to engage in a community conversation. We aim to connect with you and discuss how we can collaborate to ensure the safety of immigrant and refugee communities. Your support in spreading awareness about this new policy is invaluable. We have attached an informative flier, suggested social media posts, and social media graphics to make it easier for you to help us spread the word.
Last week, I joined the Lake Street Council, Vice-President Chughtai and Council Member Chowdhury to discuss New Community Safety Strategies for Lake Street.
We spoke about several community safety strategies and corridor improvement initiatives that were amended to the city of Minneapolis' 2024 budget. We also discussed how some community safety strategies and other pilot programs will roll out and impact Lake Street areas, from Uptown to Longfellow.
During the budget amendment process, the City Council approved over $11 million in investments to directly impact and stabilize the Lake Street corridor. As the Chair of the Public Health and Safety Committee, I will be using every tool at my disposal to ensure these are implemented.
 Last week, I attended a Listening Session hosted by Council Vice-President Chughtai regarding a Labor Standards Board Ordinance. This ordinance is being authored by her, Council Member Chowdhury, and Council Member Cashman.
300+ people showed up and participated to show their support for a board to be established. They shared stories of horrendous working conditions and unjust firings of staff. I look forward to supporting this ordinance when it comes before the Council.
 I went on a tour to visit AVIVO Village with Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura. We discussed the multitude of ways we can address unsheltered homelessness and how we can support our neighbors most in need.
These services will continue to be a big priority for my office. I will also continue to support the expansion of a site to South Minneapolis and the current site in Northloop. We need short, medium, and long-term solutions to address this crisis head on.
 I joined UNIDOS MN, ISAIAH, Sierra Club, SEIU Local 26, Council President Payne, Council Member Cashman and many other labor union partners at Mercado Central last week to announce their plans to fully decarbonize and set the standard for the Lake Street Corridor.
And how we can build out clean energy benefits with union jobs, block by block, and ensure benefits for all residents. We also spoke about how we can and should ramp up our $10 million investment in climate action, improve workforce development and prioritize environmental justice.
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.
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.
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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.
 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.
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.
 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.
 Please take our 15-minute survey to share your thoughts on how to address the opioid epidemic in our city. Opioids include pain relievers, heroin and fentanyl.
The survey will ask for your thoughts on:
- Unmet needs.
- Barriers to getting services.
- Your priorities for using the money.
Take the survey.
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:
Contact the Ward 9 Office
Email: jason.chavez@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2209
We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:
Room 100, Public Service Center
450 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. |
