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The City is responding to a widespread rash of vehicle damage and theft over the last month with more than 580 vehicles damaged or rummaged through. The most recent occurred overnight Aug. 19 affecting 118 vehicles across the city. Together, these crimes have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
The City’s focus is on disrupting and ending these crimes and arresting the people responsible for them. With 911 calls reporting the suspicious activity and officers patrolling impacted areas Aug. 19, the Police Department realized a crime wave was happening and took an all-hands-on-deck approach. Officers have so far recovered two vehicles believed to be involved in some of the recent damage and arrested three people, who are booked for auto theft. Two dozen community service officers were assigned to affected neighborhoods to gather evidence, speak with residents and help victims complete police reports.
What you can do
The City asks our community to stay vigilant and keep calling 911 immediately for suspicious activity. Provide details if you can: describe the clothing, direction of travel, vehicles and license plates. And share video evidence if you have it. Report damage on your vehicle if you have it. Community reports are helping make the difference.
 Serving on a City board or commission is your chance to directly shape policies that affect daily life, like housing, transit and public safety. Your voice brings fresh perspective and drives transparency in City decisions.
Most boards meet monthly, and it’s a great way to gain valuable skills, build relationships with community leaders, and grow your understanding of local government.
Right now, Minneapolis is accepting applications for several boards. Opportunities include:
- The Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights works to promote and enforce civil rights across the city.
- The Heritage Preservation Commission safeguards the city’s historic and cultural legacy.
- The Workplace Advisory Committee advises City leaders on employee and workplace issues.
Ready to get involved? Explore current openings, and apply Sept. 1-30.
Open Streets transforms major business and commercial corridors into car-free fairs for all ages to enjoy and connects all of its neighbors to enjoy culture, entertainment, activities and local vendors. Watch a video about Open Streets 2025.
- Sept. 20, Hennepin Avenue between West 26th and 36th streets
Find details about the 2025 Open Streets on the City website.
Please take a look at the proposals for community space in the Democracy Center and fill out the survey by Sept. 12.
This survey is to collect feedback on the two applicant proposals for the community space. After the survey closes, we’ll review feedback as well as the original proposals and select a single applicant to award a contract for the community space. We anticipate this to happen later this fall.
Next steps
LSE Architects will continue to advance the design plans for the building and present to City Council later this fall. It is anticipated that construction will begin in early 2026 and continue into early 2027.
Visit the Minneapolis Democracy Center webpage.
Sign up for Minneapolis Democracy Center updates.
Take the survey
You can find presentations about the proposals for the community space from Change Inc. and Mama Sheila's House of Soul on the City website.
After reviewing the proposals, please take the survey by Sept. 12.
Share your feedback on the City’s draft requirements for the first phase of building at the New Nicollet site, the former Kmart site. This draft is based on the approved New Nicollet Development Framework, which calls for this phase to include buildings with affordable housing and ground level spaces for retail, nonprofit services, and Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board space. The draft explains what the City will ask developers to include in their development proposals.
City staff will give a short presentation, then lead small group discussions. If you live near the project area, we especially encourage you to come.
6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 Whittier Recreation Center, 425 W. 26th St.
Light snacks will be provided. Free Somali and Spanish interpreters will be available.
See the New Nicollet Development Framework (PDF) on the City website.
The City is currently evaluating the feasibility of a pedestrian mall concept layout along Chicago Avenue between 37th and 38th streets. The proposed layout would restrict through traffic and create a cul-de-sac and public plaza near 3744 Chicago Ave. (also known as The Peoples’ Way).
See the concept and renderings for the potential pedestrian mall alternative on the City website.
Next steps
The engagement feedback and findings of this evaluation will be presented to the City Council’s Climate and Infrastructure Committee to consider Dec. 4.
To learn more about the City's efforts at George Floyd Square, visit the program webpage.
 Join me for Lutunji’s Palate 7th Anniversary & Back to School Block Party!
Come out for an afternoon of food, music, fun, special guests, and performances—including the Brooklyn Park Lions Drum & Dance Team. Enjoy live entertainment, meet your neighbors, and celebrate community together before the school year begins.
Let’s make it a day full of joy, connection, and celebration. I hope to see you there!
📅 Saturday, September 13th, 2025
🕚 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 1400 Park Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
The Board of Estimate and Taxation is holding a public hearing Sept. 10 for public input on the proposed maximum property tax levy for 2026.
The board will then vote to adopt the maximum levy payable in 2026 at its Sept. 17 meeting. This sets the maximum tax levies for the City, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and Minneapolis Public Housing Authority.
The mayor’s proposed 2026 budget is $2 billion with a proposed tax levy of 7.8%. The City Council is reviewing the 2026 budget – the second year of the biennial budget cycle – and will adopt the final budget in December.
Board of Estimate & Taxation public hearing 5:05 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 Public Service Center, Room 350 250 Fourth St. S.
A signup sheet to speak will be onsite 30 minutes before the meeting. Learn how to participate in a public hearing.
Read more about the hearing and budget process on the City website.
The cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul host a biweekly immigration forum to offer immigration-related updates to the community. Topics include:
- Federal immigration news and resources.
- City, community and advocacy organization updates.
- Other topics important to immigrant, refugee and new American communities.
Find dates on the events calendar. Get a link to the meeting series by emailing the Minneapolis Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs.
Check the events calendar for community office hours.
Find more resources on the City website.
 The City of Minneapolis’ first-ever Mobile Medical Unit is officially on the streets, bringing important healthcare services, addiction treatment and recovery resources, and connections to primary preventive care directly to neighborhoods with limited access to healthcare.
The vehicle will offer care in a private, respectful space. Services will include:
- Basic health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)
- Mental health counseling and referrals
- Youth health services (physical exams, dental care, wellness checks)
- Medications for opioid use disorder
Read more about the City’s mobile medical unit on the City website.
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.
Dear Ward 6 Constituents,
Please join me during our community office hours to chat and discuss issues that matter the most to you.
Thank you!
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