July 12th, 2024

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Hello neighbors, 

Last week our office received a lot of outreach about 29th Ave construction. A lot of neighbors were rightfully alarmed when stop signs were removed from Hayes and Buchanan street. Our office, along with many residents, reached out to our Public Works staff and made sure the stop signs came back right away. The stop signs were only temporarily removed for construction reasons at those intersections and people can rest assured that they will be there permanently. The resurfacing and shrinking of the street while adding the bollard-protected bikeway along with medians at certain intersections are safety improvements that should make a noticeable difference. This was slated to be a simple resurfacing and these improvements only came as a result of great grassroots organizing by many residents who live along 29th who worked in conjunction with the Audubon neighborhood association to fight for the safety of our whole community. There will be a community celebration of the new 29th Ave at Audubon Park later this summer that we will be sure to share more about in future newsletters when the details are finalized. 

Best,

Elliott

Connect with Council President Payne

July Community 1-1s

When: Tuesday July 23rd 9-11:45 AM

Where: Pilllar Forum Cafe 2300 Central Ave Ne

Sign up: Sign up for a time slot here.

Share your thoughts on the plans for Lowry Avenue with Hennepin County

From Hennepin County:

While crews continue construction on phase 1 between Washington and Johnson streets, the design team is collecting feedback on the initial concept for phase 2 of Lowry Avenue between Marshall Street (County Road 23) and Washington Street.

Time is running out for you to share your thoughts.

If you haven’t already shared your thoughts with us, you can still view the initial concept for phase 2 and add comments online.  

• Visit the online engagement map

We will be collecting comments on the design through July 19. Once we close the comment gathering, our design team will start refining designs based on your feedback and design feasibility. Look for future updates about the next opportunity for you to share your feedback.   

Transit Assistance Program enrollment now available at Minneapolis Service Center

The Transit Assistance Program offers discounted transit fares for low-income residents, making it easier to commute to work, school, medical appointments and other essential activities. With a reduced fare TAP card, riders pay just $1 per ride, even during rush hour.

Now, qualifying riders can sign up for a TAP card at the Minneapolis Service Center in downtown. With its location near high traffic areas like the Government Center and Metro Transit’s Blue and Green light rail lines, the service center will be easily accessible by thousands.

Minneapolis Service Center Public Service Building, skyway level 505 Fourth Ave. S.

Find out more about the new location on the City website.

Start your enrollment on the Metro Transit website.

Minneapolis Black Business Week, July 22-28

Show your support for Black business development in Minneapolis with the City’s annual Black Business Week, July 22-28.

Highlights include:

• Black Business Week kickoff.
• Doing business with the City mini conference.
• Career and networking fair.
• Emerging developer project tour and social hour: Coliseum building
• East African business resource fair.
• West Broadway business area tour, discussion and networking event.
• Pop-up markets.

Watch a video featuring local Black business owners, view a full list of events and register for events on the City website.

Free Narcan available at Fire Station 21

This month, the City launched the first Narcan vending machine.

The pilot program provides a free life-saving resource for people in need. It is located outside Fire Station 21 in an area that has seen a high amount of substance use and overdoses. So far this year, there have been 74 suspected overdoses and four suspected fatal overdoses. Between 2017 and 2021, there were 38 opioid-related deaths in the area.

Vending machine details

• Fire Station 21, 3209 E. 38th St.
• 24-hour access.
• Free to community members with no barriers.

Watch the news conference and hear from Minneapolis resident Christopher Burks who was saved by Narcan six times.

Find opioid and substance use resources on the City website.

Protect your family from measles

Recent measles cases in Minnesota and Chicago serves as a reminder to protect yourself and your loved ones from this highly contagious disease.

Measles can easily spread and lead to serious health complications, including death. Vaccinations provide the best protection.

If you are not vaccinated and are notified that you have been exposed to measles, you must quarantine for 21 days to prevent spreading the disease. Quarantine can lead to significant life disruptions.

Read more about the importance of protecting yourself from measles on the City’s website.

Creating a Climate Legacy: Green Cost Share program makes weatherization more affordable

As part of the Climate Legacy Initiative, the City’s Green Cost Share program is helping Minneapolis residents make weatherization and other energy-saving improvements to their homes.

Owners of single-family or 2- to 4-unit residential properties can receive funds to make their property more energy efficient through rebates of up to $14,000.

From insulation to air-source heat pumps, the City can help you save money on utility bills and make your home more comfortable year-round.

Minneapolis resident Jamie Laudert received City funds to make her 100-year-old home energy-efficient year-round.

Watch Jamie’s video.

Apply for funds to make your home more energy efficient on the City website.

Become a Cultural District Ambassador

The City of Minneapolis is calling on individuals, cultural groups, arts spaces, schools and neighborhood organizations to become Cultural District ambassadors. In this role you can engage deeply with your community, celebrate its rich cultural heritage and contribute to the vibrancy of our city. Join us in creating a thriving, connected, and dynamic community experience.

The City's seven Cultural Districts are:

• 38th Street
• Cedar Avenue South
• Central Avenue **Ward 1!**
• East Lake Street
• Franklin Avenue East
• Lowry Avenue North
• West Broadway

The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 26.

Apply on the City website.

Minneapolis sister cities celebration July 14

Join in the Sister Cities Day celebration with a free ice cream social and gathering. This family event features an afternoon of entertainment to honor Minneapolis’ international connections. All Sister Cities will be highlighted with a special a special spotlight this year on the 10th anniversary of our sister city, Bosaso, Somalia.

Sister Cities Day 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday, July 14 Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St.

Set alongside the Mississippi River in one of the most beautiful parks in Minneapolis, the Sister Cities Day celebration will occur rain or shine.

This event is sponsored by Meet Minneapolis in partnership with its sister city organizations. Meet Minneapolis supports these relationships on behalf of the City of Minneapolis.

Find more information about the free celebration on the Meet Minneapolis website.

Connect with Elliott and Ward 1 Staff

Elliott Payne was re-elected in 2023 to represent Ward 1

Elliott serves on the President of the Minneapolis City Council, Chair of the Audit Committee, member of the Public Health & Safety Committee, Budget Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and Committee of the Whole. 

Contact the Ward 1 Council Office

Elliott Payne, Council Member - Email

Liam Davis Temple, Policy Aide - Email

Ikram Mohamud, Policy Associate - Email

Office Phone - (612) 673-2201

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward1

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.