 Council Members Jenkins, Chowdhury and Wonsley with City staff members from the office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, MPD, the Sexual Violence Center, Cornerstone, University of Minnesota Student Government and the State of Minnesota Health Department
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you have been enjoying some of the sunshine and warm weather we’ve been experiencing. I think it’s finally safe to say that spring has sprung!
The past couple of weeks have been busy for us at City Hall. Yesterday, I had the honor of authoring and presenting a resolution recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We all know that the plague of sexual assault affects every demographic and intersection of humanity, and it is on all of us to stand with survivors and support the efforts of organizations working to upend sexual violence in our communities. We have a long way to go, but transformation is possible.
My colleagues and I also passed a comprehensive amendment to the tobacco ordinance in Minneapolis. The amendment increases the minimum price of cigarettes to $15 per pack, eliminates discounts and coupons for tobacco products, and ends the indoor sampling loophole. The amendment was introduced to deter youth from using tobacco products and aid the health of our community overall. In the meeting, I shared my personal story about my struggle with addiction to smoking, and the rising cost of cigarettes was a key factor in helping me quit. My hope is that this amendment can do the same for others struggling with tobacco addiction.
Yesterday the City Council also confirmed Timothy Sexton as the next Director of the Public Works Department. I met with Timothy, one on one, and was able to discuss some of the priorities for Ward 8 specifically. I was impressed with Timothy’s commitment to bringing climate issues to the forefront of all transportation work. This is a crucial priority as we work together to build a more climate friendly city and sustainable future. ADA compliance and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities is another priority for which I will continue to advocate. Timothy will officially join the City on May 6, and I look forward to collaborating with him.
Speaking of climate, Earth Day was this past Monday. I hope that you all were able to take time to reflect on your gratitude for our earth and brainstorm on how we can work together to protect and preserve it. Senator Tina Smith and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joined leaders in our community right here in Ward 8 at Sabathani Community Center to learn about their plans for resilient and renewable energy improvements, and to celebrate Earth Day. I am thrilled that our federal representatives have Climate Justice on the forefront of their minds as we work together to shape policies to protect our planet.
There is much to look forward to. I’m pleased that, after much community input, our Public Works team has made recommendations for street design concepts for the New Nicollet project. While I’m disappointed that we did not reach agreement for the partial development of 3000 Minnehaha Avenue (former 3rd Precinct site) to include a much-needed new Election and Voter Services center for residents, I look forward to a process that may still incorporate this idea along with other uses identified through community input. A recurring theme we are hearing centers on an African American cultural center. I’m ready to work with my colleagues and each of you to advance this important work.
Love,
Andrea
The Minneapolis City Council passed a comprehensive amendment to the tobacco ordinance April 25. The amendment makes the minimum per-pack price of cigarettes one of the highest in the country and ends price discounts. It focuses on reducing health disparities and on youth initiation of commercial tobacco products, and it protects the health of the city’s residents as a whole. The ordinance includes:
- Increasing the minimum per-pack price of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products to $15.
- Ending price discounts and coupons for commercial tobacco products.
- Increasing the penalties for licensees that violate City policy.
- Ending the sampling “loophole” for any new commercial tobacco products shop.
An increase in prices is known to decrease commercial tobacco use.
- For every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes, adult smoking decreases by 3-5% and youth smoking decreases by 6-7%.
- An increase in price leads to more attempts to quit.
- Calls to quit lines increase when prices increase.
- A study that looked at raising the state-level minimum price of cigarettes by an average of $2 per pack projected a resulting reduction in cigarette consumption by 15.9%.
Read more on the City website.
 The City and engagement team (4RM+ULA and the Cultural Wellness Center) are holding the first visioning workshop for George Floyd Square April 30. Topics will focus on memorial locations and the Peoples Way site. This event will continue the discussion to create a community-centered vision for the area.
Visioning Workshop on the future of George Floyd Square 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 The Square at the Chicago Ave Shops, 3736 Chicago Ave. S. RSVP.
Food and refreshments will be served.
Read more about the event on the City website.
Future visioning workshops will be held from June through the fall.
Sign up for updates
Have friends or neighbors interested in this topic? Forward this newsletter or encourage them to sign up for updates.
To learn more about the City's efforts at George Floyd Square, visit the City website
Since the first Earth Day in 1970, it has evolved into the largest civic event on the planet. Billions of people each year care for the environment and take action for a brighter future. Here are some ways Hennepin County is taking action and how you can get involved this Earth Day.
- Cleaning up and protecting lakes, rivers and streams.
- Preventing trash.
- Planting and caring for trees.
- Learning and connecting.
- Getting around sustainably.
- Conserving energy and switching to renewable energy.
Find actions you can take for Earth Day and beyond on the Hennepin County website.
Public Works crews have started the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program to clear away what accumulated in the streets over the winter. Drivers should watch for hot pink temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow.
For approximately four weeks, sweeping crews will take care of more than 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure the crews can do the most complete job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.
Find your street on the schedule
You can see when your street is scheduled to be swept by visiting the interactive street sweeping map.
Learn more about street sweeping.
City staff have been meeting with the south Minneapolis community about the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and the Lake Street Community Safety Center. They’ve held public meetings and are also talking to people on the street about the two community safety centers. The information will help decide on what services could be in the community safety centers.
Staff have recently met with South High School students, people who identify as Southeast Asian and people who identify as East African.
Upcoming for people in south Minneapolis, staff will talk with:
- People who are unhoused or unsheltered April 26.
- People who identify as Latino April 27.
- People who identify as American Indian April 29.
- Older adults April 26 and May 6.
- People living with disabilities and agencies that work with them May 15 as part of the monthly meeting of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities.
Online meeting May 22
An online meeting about services in the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center will be held May 22. Everyone who lives and works in south Minneapolis is welcome, but an RSVP is required. Check the City website for information on joining the meeting.
Survey
Residents and businesses in south Minneapolis should watch their mail for postcards in late April or early May announcing a survey launching May 1. We hope to hear from everyone who works in, lives in and visits the area served by the South Minneapolis Community Safety center.
More information
See information presented to the City Council about the Lake Street Community Center.
Check out the City’s website for more information and the most up-to-date schedule:
Give your input on the capital budget at an upcoming listening session. Every neighborhood in the city is affected by capital projects such as streets, sidewalks, parks and much more. Each year, the Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee, an advisory committee made up of residents appointed by the mayor and City Council, makes recommendations about which capital projects to fund in the next year’s budget. The committee would like to know your priorities.
Join a listening session or send an email
You can share your priorities in person or by email.
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South Minneapolis public listening session 6:15 p.m. Thursday, May 2 Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W. Minnehaha Parkway, Multipurpose Room
See the proposed capital budget requests up for consideration this year
 The City of Minneapolis has launched a citywide music census to measure its music ecosystem. This will help make more informed, data-driven decisions about the local music economy.
The music census is an online survey that will include questions about:
- Demographics
- Workspace needs
- Health and wellness
- Housing history
- Sentiments around diversity, equity and belonging
All adults who work in the music industry in Minneapolis can take the music survey through April 26.
To complete the survey in English or Spanish, visit the City website.
Love parks? Make them your office. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is hiring for summer and beyond.
Job opportunities include
- Sports league staff
- Market staff
- Youth club lead
- Park lead
- Pop-up dog park staff
- Sound technician
- Event attendant
- Ambassador
- Water Works staff
More jobs with Minneapolis parks
See a full list of seasonal, temporary and year-round job postings and apply for any opening on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board website.
Park Board job fair Drop in 9 a.m.-7 p.m. May 1 Water Works Pavilion, 425 W. River Parkway
The draft 2024 Minneapolis Consolidated Action Plan is posted for public comments through May 21, and the public hearing will be held May 14. The plan describes the City’s housing and community development strategies for residents with low and moderate incomes.
Goals of the Minneapolis Consolidated Plan
- Provide decent affordable housing.
- Develop housing and services for people experiencing homelessness.
- Provide special needs housing.
- Expand economic opportunities.
- Improve neighborhood conditions.
2024 Consolidated Plan Action Plan public hearing 1:30 p.m. before the Business, Housing and Zoning Committee Tuesday, May 14 Public Service Center, 250 Fourth St. S., Room 350
Find out how to participate in a public hearing on the City website or call 311.
If you’re unable to attend this public hearing, you can send written comments by May 21 to Rachel Kennedy Boehm at rachel.kennedy@minneapolismn.gov.
See the draft plan and learn more on the City website.
Runway area construction and maintenance this summer and fall will require temporary runway closures. These closures will send flights to different runways, causing temporary changes in flight patterns. Residents might notice a difference until the construction is complete and the runways are reopened.
You can sign up for updates through the Metropolitan Airport Commission and read more on the airport’s website.
The City of Minneapolis has issued a request for proposals seeking event organizers for two of the 2024 Open Streets events. Proposals are due May 10.
The City is looking for event organizers to coordinate and implement Open Streets events at portions of Central Avenue Northeast and on Franklin Avenue from Portland/Park avenues to 26th Avenue South. The City will provide up to $50,000 for each event as well as in-kind services to support event planning and execution. If an event organizer is awarded both events, the contract would be up to $100,000.
Three 2024 Open Streets event dates and vendor organizations have been finalized and are pending City Council approval:
- Uptown Association: Lyndale on Aug. 24.
- West Broadway Business and Area Coalition: West Broadway on Sept. 21.
- Lyndale Neighborhood Association: Nicollet Avenue on Sept. 28.
Open Streets Minneapolis events give local businesses, artists and community groups a one-day opportunity to transform the streets into a place where people can gather and celebrate the diversity and creativity of the city while walking, biking and rolling. From the first event in 2011 through the 2022 season, Open Streets events have drawn more than 677,000 people.
Read more about the proposals wanted on the City website.
Garden tool swaps are coming up May 11. Stop by one of the seven garden tool swap locations to drop off your garden tools you don’t use anymore or to pick up garden tools you need. You do not need to bring anything to take something.
Garden tool swaps 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 11 Seven parks around the city:
- North: Folwell and Harrison parks
- Northeast: Logan Park
- Southwest: Martin Luther King and Armatage parks
- South: Longfellow and Lake Hiawatha parks
See what's accepted and find the park addresses.
Join and share the Facebook event.
Clean your tools
To prevent the spread of bird flu and invasive species such as jumping worms, please clean your tools and bird feeders before bringing them to a swap or before using items you took home.
Wash bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths and all tools with hot soapy water and spray them with a bleach solution or let them soak in a bleach water solution for 10 minutes. Let them completely dry before using them.
Cleaning guides will be available at each of the garden tool swap sites.
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The City would like your input on the accessibility of its programs and services. Please take the survey by April 30 on resident perceptions about the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessibility more broadly.
You can take the survey in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong or Oromo. Please share the survey with your neighbors.
Your feedback will help as the City updates its ADA Action Plan.
We will also hold community engagement sessions in May and June. Watch the City website and future newsletters for more details and ways to participate.
For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department at 612-673-3737. 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.
 The City of Minneapolis is proud to provide city residents and businesses with safe, high-quality drinking water. You can look at monthly water quality reports at the City’s website or watch a video about how the City’s water is brought from the river to the tap.
On April 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the federal agency responsible for regulating drinking water, issued new standards for several per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are a large group of human-made chemicals.
PFAS are used in many products, including:
- Nonstick cookware
- Food packaging
- Stain-resistant carpets
- Fire-suppressing foam
Unfortunately, research suggests that exposure to PFAS may result in adverse health impacts. The good news for Minneapolis residents is these regulated compounds have not been detected in the Mississippi River, which is our water source, or in the finished water that we send out to your tap.
The City of Minneapolis has been monitoring for PFAS for nearly 10 years. Minneapolis tap water has always met and continues to meet the new federal standards.
For continued information about Minneapolis drinking water, watch for our annual Consumer Confidence Report. This report has data and information about various water quality metrics we provide to customers and state and federal regulators. The new Consumer Confidence Report will be posted by the end of May on the City website.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is repairing the Stone Arch Bridge over the next two years. The St. Anthony Main side of the Stone Arch Bridge has closed through spring 2025 to allow construction crews to begin preservation work. The downtown side of the bridge will stay open until spring 2025.
During the closure, people can walk or bike across the Mississippi River on the new protected pathways on the Third Avenue Bridge. See the MnDOT website for detour details.
More about this project
Crews will repair and replace stone, replace the mortar on the entire bridge, and make other repairs as needed. Stone repair and mortar replacement will slow deterioration and improve the condition of the bridge. Construction is anticipated to be complete by spring 2026.
For more information, visit the MnDOT project webpage. If you have questions or concerns regarding the Stone Arch Bridge project, please contact the MnDOT project team.
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Sign up for the City of Minneapolis’ new alert system. You can get text alerts, create a full profile if you’d like alerts on specific subjects, and even download the mobile app to your phone.
Alert topics
The City of Minneapolis will use the new system, Smart911, to send alerts on many topics including:
- Snow emergencies.
- Severe weather.
- Public safety incidents.
- Major infrastructure issues.
- Major special event impacts.
Smart911 replaces the City’s former alert system, Swiftreach. If you were subscribed to Swiftreach, you'll get alerts in the new system. We encourage you to create a Smart911 profile for more precise alerts.
Sign up for alerts
To subscribe, text MPLSAlerts to 77295 or create a full Smart911 profile online.
Read more about the new alert system on the City website.
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