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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week in the Business, Housing & Zoning (BHZ) Committee and the Public Health & Safety (PHS) Committee we received reports from Avivo on Low Barrier Shelter and opportunities for sustainability with increased capacity, an update on the City’s Perpetually Affordable Housing Program as well as an analysis of the Uber/Lyft Vehicle and Operating Expenses.
Avivo helps our most disadvantaged neighbors with programs for recovery, employment, and job placement. They operate the 100 “tiny home” housing program in the North Loop, providing a private room to move individuals off the streets into shelter with 24 hour a day security and social services 16 hours a day. Avivo Village has served 520 clients in its 4 years of existence, with 200 clients being placed into permanent housing. For the full report, click here.
The City’s Perpetually Affordable Housing Programs are designed to eliminate racial disparities in homeownership. The program focuses on 7 areas:
- Home Buyer Education
- Down Payment Assistance
- Stabilization
- City Owned Property Purchases
- Financing
- Foreclosure Prevention
- Home Improvement
These programs are a very big help in creating the intergenerational wealth that homeownership provides. To see the full report, click here.
The update on Uber/Lyft Vehicle Expenses can be found here (TNC Report). At this time, the Governor’s office, several State Representatives and Senators, drivers, the authors of the city Ordinance and finally Uber/Lyft company representatives are meeting regularly to arrive at a new rate that is acceptable to all parties. The hope is to offer a different rate at the May 9th City Council meeting.
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
Many Minneapolis landmarks and buildings will light up green during the first week of May for Mental Health Awareness Month. If you join in by wearing green, tag us on Facebook or X and use #GoGreenMinneapolisMHAM to show your support.
Resources for mental health
Physical health benefits your mental health
Regular physical activity can lower stress, reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, and improve sleep, which further improves mental health. Remember that helpful physical activity includes stretch breaks, five-minute walks, standing and dancing.
Read more.
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.
City staff continue to meet with the south Minneapolis community about the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and the Lake Street Community Safety Center. Besides meetings, staff 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.
Upcoming for people in south Minneapolis, staff will talk with:
- People who identify as Oromo May 4.
- The Latino business community May 4.
- Older adults May 6.
- People who identify as African American May 8.
- People who identify as LBGTQIA+ May 14. We anticipate a big turnout for this event. To manage capacity, we ask that you please sign up. Watch this newsletter or the City’s Community Safety Center webpage for the signup link a few days before the event. This will help us ensure we have food, supplies and staff for people who attend.
- People living with disabilities who live in, work in, and visit south Minneapolis and agencies that work with them May 15. This conversation is part of the monthly meeting of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities.
- Residents of Hale, Page and Diamond Lake neighborhoods at their monthly community association board meeting May 20.
- Residents of the Field, Regina and Northrop neighborhoods at their monthly board meeting June 19.
Please note some dates and times may change. Please go to the community safety center website for the most up-to-date information.
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. Watch this newsletter or the City’s Community Safety Center webpage for the signup link a few days before the event.
Survey
Residents and businesses in south Minneapolis neighborhoods that will be served by the community safety centers should watch their mail for postcards arriving in early May. We hope to hear from everyone who works in and/or lives in the area served by the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center.
Stay tuned for reports on events that staff have recently attended.
Check out the City’s website for more information.
Applicants, hires, gender and ethnic diversity are all up after a sustained Human Resources push to bolster recruitment and retention shows successes. Minneapolis’ first quarter hiring figures this year are exceeding 2023’s in several categories.
The City has set out to attract, engage and hire people with exceptional and diverse talent and to align their skills and passions with opportunities for public service. That work is paying off in:
- An increase in hiring and applicants.
- Retention and pathways to growth.
- An increase in diversity.
Read more about hiring and City jobs on the City website. |
