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Dear neighbors,
I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful summer weather we’re having right now; trips to the lake, backyard cookouts, and summer festivals dominate our landscape right now and I am here for it. Yesterday, the Council passed the negotiated MPD union contract. This contract comes as a result of a historic amount of community engagement that shaped many of the gains reached in the contract. I was proud to have initiated that process and I’m grateful for many of the resident groups that weigh in, Minneapolis For a Better Police Contract and Communities United Against Police Brutality. Their input was crucial to many of the gains achieved in the contract.
Of course, you’ve heard about the large pay increase, but passage of this contract is not the end of public safety reform efforts. It’s one step in the continuous efforts to improve public safety in Minneapolis. I will continue to advocate for and support policies that provide alternative approaches achieving true community safety.
During a recent "ward week", my team and I had the opportunity to visit with the folks at The Aliveness Project. The Aliveness Project is a service provider for individuals living with HIV. We learned about their expansion project that will create more space for a health clinic to support their PrEP program and other services they provide. I’m looking forward to being there when they cut the ribbon on the facilities toward the end of the year.
July is Disability Pride Month. As someone living with a disability, I want to acknowledge the challenges that many folks in our community face every day. I want to honor those living with disabilities, both visible and invisible. I will continue to advocate for people living with disabilities and create a more equitable and accessible city for us all.
We have some exciting projects in the works, beginning with the kick-off to Black Business Week! Deebaa Sirdar, Kristina Mitchell and our summer intern Ryan Pritchard, a 2nd year student at the Humphrey School of Public Policy, have been working so hard to bring this 4th annual week-long initiative to fruition. I hope you can join us.
Love,
Andrea
 CM Jenkins, CP Payne, CM Ellison, CM Wonsley, and CM Vetaw presenting the Resolution honoring Black Business Week
Join us for an exciting evening to kick-off Black Business Week, featuring a panel discussion on Access to Capital, shopping with local vendors, and networking. Food will be provided, plus a paid bar is available on site. I’m thrilled to co-host this event, launching us into the week of events and into Black Business Month, along with Mayor Frey and Council President Payne.
Monday, July 22, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Minneapolis Events Center
212 2nd St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Parking options:
- On-street (metered)
- Parking ramp located across the street
The kickoff event includes a robust panel discussion focused on Access to Capital, moderated by City of Minneapolis Business Development Manager, Miles Mercer. Panelists include representatives from banking, economic development, philanthropy, and the cannabis industry:
Trent Bowman, VP-Community Impact Manager, Bremer Bank
Dondi Edwards, Project Director, GroundBreak Coalition
Drinal Foster, Treasurer, Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, and Workforce Engagement Leader
Neela Mollgaard, Executive Director - Office of Small Business and Innovation, Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED)
Anthony Newby, CEO and Founder of Cultivated CBD
 August is National Black Business Month! To start it off, we’re celebrating with a range of events and activities. Show your support for Black business development in Minneapolis with the City’s fourth 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 about Black Business Week, view a full list of events and register for events on the City website.
By an 8-4 vote, the Minneapolis City Council approved a collective bargaining agreement on Thursday, July 18, with the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis (POFM). The agreement gives Minneapolis police officers a historic pay increase and important reforms. The vote marks the successful conclusion of a nearly 10-month negotiation between the City and POFM.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, City leaders, labor relations representatives and members of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) gathered to celebrate the milestone following the City Council vote.
The contract, which applies to the period January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025, includes a 21.7 percent pay increase over three years. The salary bump means MPD officers will be among the highest paid in Minnesota by 2025.
MPD Chief Brian O’Hara praised the City Council’s vote to strengthen and support the police force.
Key reforms and contractual changes include:
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A zipper clause: A common term in collective bargaining agreements which eliminates any prior side agreements (LOAs) that are not attached to the contract. This gives the City, the POFM and the public the full scope of what has been agreed to in writing at the start of the term of the contract.
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Increased staffing flexibilities: the agreement gives management more discretion over job assignments and staffing ratios, so that Chief O’Hara and his leadership team can assign officers to areas of the greatest need and make promotions based on candidate readiness, not based on a mandated percentage.
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Employing civilian investigators: the MPD has identified opportunities to assign civilians clerical and investigative work so officers are deployed where they’re needed most.
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Public data requests: Officers will no longer receive automatic notification of the identity of the person requesting public personnel data about them.
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Extending investigation leave time: If there are allegations of severe misconduct, Chief O’Hara will have complete discretion to place the officer on paid investigatory leave and continue the leave for up to 180 days, instead of 30 days. This keeps the officer off the street while an investigation continues.
More information on the City’s contract negotiations with the POFM is available on the City’s website.
The full, clean version of the contract will be made public in the coming days after final review by both parties.
Staff from the City’s Office of Community Safety (OCS) gave an update to the Minneapolis City Council on Wednesday, July 10, about the new community safety centers in south Minneapolis.
OCS Director of Design & Implementation Amanda Harrington shared with the council that the first round of community engagement has finished. In order to hear from as many people as possible, the City reached out to residents in many different ways. “Some people may be OK filling out a survey, but for others it’s better to talk,” Harrington said.
According to the community engagement report, participants prioritized social services for affordable housing, mental health, unsheltered resources, substance use disorders and youth.
Participants also cited the following important resources: community meals and meeting spaces, childcare for center users, legal services and medical services. They also mentioned concerns about domestic violence, human trafficking and food insecurity.
The next step is for the City to decide on the services and resources that will be found in the centers, find providers, and continue the design process.
More information about the community safety center can be found on the City website.
Read the community engagement report (PDF).
 Join City staff and an engagement team from 4RM+ULA and the Cultural Wellness Center for a facilitated discussion to create a community-centered vision for the area. Topics for the third visioning workshop will include memorial locations, the Peoples Way site and right-of-way design priorities.
Visioning workshop on the future of George Floyd Square 5:30 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 The Square 3736 Chicago Ave. S. RSVP online.
Refreshments will be provided.
Find out more about the future of George Floyd Square and sign up for updates on the City website.
 Michelle Phillips was sworn in Tuesday, July 16, at City Hall. Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Phillips and the City Council unanimously confirmed her appointment in May.
Director Phillips joins the City after previously serving as the first Inspector General for the City of Oakland, California. She has a deep expertise in civilian oversight of police, providing leadership in the promotion of constitutional policing and building departmental infrastructure to ensure thorough and fair investigative processes. Prior to her service in Oakland, Phillips served as Deputy Inspector General with the City of Baltimore, leading an investigative team focused on rooting out fraud and abuse and building trust in local government.
The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is tasked with:
- enforcing the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances,
- investigating discriminatory practices,
- ensuring the protection of members of protected classes and
- promoting the understanding of civil rights among residents, businesses and government.
The department, through its Office of Police Conduct Review, also plays a critical role in implementing reform efforts required by the settlement agreement reached with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
Read more about Phillips appointment on the City website.
This month is a time to celebrate Disability Pride. Honor the diversity within the disability community, reflect on issues that people with disabilities are facing and inspire action to make the world more inclusive and accessible. Disability Pride Month occurs in the United States every July to commemorate the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990.
The Disability Pride Flag was created by Ann Magill and updated in 2021 to ensure accessibility. Each color of the flag represents a different type of disability: physical (red), cognitive and intellectual (yellow), invisible/non-apparent and undiagnosed (white), psychosocial (blue) and sensory (green).
The Minnesota Council on Disability has several resources to better understand the history of disability rights, including stories from those with disabilities.
Recently the City of Minneapolis updated it’s ADA Transition Plan addressing the accessibility of city streets and sidewalks and is currently updating its ADA Action Plan which addresses the accessibility of city programs and services.
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 Courtesy Hennepin County Library
The City has appointed 15 community members to serve on the African American Heritage Work Group. They will advise the Minneapolis City Council on efforts to document and honor African American history.
The group will focus on the Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context study. It will include research on 25 sites that are culturally relevant or historically significant to the City’s Black community. Three sites from the study will be nominated to the
Artists, educators, community leaders, and planners are among the volunteers selected for the work group. They will begin meeting in late July.
Read more about the African American Heritage Work Group and sign up for an email newsletter on the City website.
Find out about the Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context study
 The FRNNG Greening Committee is continuing its creek restoration project this year in partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and volunteers like you. Our June sessions were a blast and we hope you can join us for July, August and September sessions! Training and tools are provided and please bring water and sunscreen. Check out the open shifts and sign up with your friends, neighbors and older kids and teens. If you have a scout or corporate group who want to get involved, please email us at greening@frnng.org. Learn more about the project here.
Xcel Energy is convening a new Environmental Justice Accountability Board (EJAB) under Minnesota Public Utilities Commission docket E002/M-22-266. EJAB will continue the Company’s work since 2022 with their Equity Stakeholder Advisory Group, which sought to develop new strategies to reduce energy burden for low-income customers, promote equitable access to energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, and diversify the energy workforce.
Xcel Energy aims to create a board that reflects the diverse racial/cultural/ethnic backgrounds and Tribal affiliations of communities they serve, including both urban and rural parts of its service territory, and includes members with a demonstrated commitment to equity and environmental justice. Experience with energy programs is not required, but they hope to have some members with such experience, especially in programs designed to serve low-income customers. The primary purpose of EJAB is to help Xcel Energy better understand and serve their low-income and BIPOC customers, so they want the EJAB to reflect those voices.
Xcel Energy is accepting applications through July 31, 2024 to serve on the EJAB. For more information and to receive an application form, please email ejab@xcelenergy.com.
The new deadline for the three Cultural Districts Arts Fund program is now Friday, August 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
The Arts & Cultural Affairs (ACA) department is looking for more artists and art enthusiasts to demonstrate their love for Minneapolis. The Cultural Arts Districts Fund (CADF) provides a series of financial awards. The goal is to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and equitable future for Minneapolis through its seven Cultural Districts.
The funding opportunities will:
- Empower community-based ambassadors
- Support temporary arts activations
- Bolster cultural festivals, events and spaces
Applicants from all creative disciplines encouraged to apply. This includes visual, performing, literary, media, culinary, digital and public arts. As well as design, craft and non-traditional mediums.
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
- 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 is one of the country’s greenest cities according to EcoCation.
The City Trees program is creating a climate legacy by providing low-cost trees to Minneapolis property owners. Since the program began in 2006, the City has helped plant more than 20,000 trees.
Trees are available year-round to:
- Businesses
- Non-profits
- Organizations
- 5+ unit apartments
Residents in Minneapolis Green Zones are encouraged to participate and to plant shade trees for the most benefits, including natural cooling during the hotter months.
The Climate Legacy Initiative is funding the City Trees program.
See what tree programs are offered on the City website.
Watch a video and hear from our City Trees team.
 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.
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.
 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.
 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.
This year’s celebration of the City of Minneapolis takes place July 24-27.
Mark your calendar for the parade, fireworks, music, triples tennis, water ski show, on-the-go AquaTivities and more.
Find details on the Aquatennial website.
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 Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council photo by Hoskovec Photography
From 2023 into 2025, CenterPoint Energy has been and will continue to replace natural gas lines in the Bryant, Regina, Field, Northrop, and Page Neighborhoods. The pipes used in these pipeline replacement and modernization projects are more resistant to corrosion and leakage, helping us continue to provide the safe, reliable service you count on that keeps you comfortable in your home. The schedule below is tentative and subject to change due to budget, weather, and crew availability:
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Summer 2024 (Northrop): From Monday, July 22 into early August, the crews will replace small-diameter natural gas plastic mains, move inside meters outside, and replace and/or reconnect service lines to the new mains. They will work along the following streets:
- 43rd Street E. from Chicago Avenue S. to 10th Avenue S.
- 44th Street E. from Chicago Avenue S. to 10th Avenue S.
- 46th Street E. from Columbus Avenue S. to 13th Avenue S.
- 10th Avenue S. from 43rd Street E. to 44th Street E.
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Summer 2024 (Regina, Field, and Bryant): From Monday, July 29 into September, the crews will remove and replace a large-diameter steel main on Columbus Avenue from 41st to 48th Streets E. They will install an underground vault at the intersection of Columbus Avenue S. and 48th Street E.
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Late summer or early fall 2024 (Regina): For a few months in late summer or early fall 2024, the crews will replace a small-diameter plastic main, move inside meters outside by appointment, and transfer the service lines to the new main in the Town Oaks Townhomes between 43rd Street E. and 44th Street E. and between 3rd Avenue S. and 4th Avenue S.
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Fall 2024 (Page): For several months this fall or next year, this work is anticipated on Columbus Avenue from Minnehaha Creek to 54th Street E. The crews will replace a small-diameter plastic main, move inside meters outside by appointment, and transfer the service lines to the new main.
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Spring and summer 2025 (Field and Page): This work is anticipated on Columbus Avenue from 48th to 54th Streets E. The crews will remove and replace a large-diameter steel gas main. Although Columbus Avenue S. is anticipated to be the crews’ primary replacement corridor, they may seek realigning the Minnehaha Creek crossing on a different street.
There will be no assessment or cost associated with our work.
How can I contact CenterPoint Energy?
Check out our website for more detailsand for updates on the crews’ progress. If you have questions, please contact our Communication Specialist at 612-321-5546 or hannah.gullickson@centerpointenergy.com. We appreciate your patience as we’re upgrading our infrastructure. We wish you a great season!
In 2016, JaLisa Calaway founded Jalisa’s Gorgeous Extensions and has since offered a way for people in Ward 8 and the South Minneapolis community at large to become gorgeous extensions of themselves through offering top quality virgin and Raw Indian, Raw Burmese & Raw Vietnamese extensions as well as custom wigs, custom hot tools, lash extensions services, press on nail services and more! Miss Calaway’s shop can be found at 3802 Grand Ave South.
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Council Member Jenkins holds weekly office hours for members of the community on Monday's from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Sabathani Community Center. To book an appointment, please reach out to the Ward 8 office. |
