September 6th, 2024

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Hello neighbors, 

At yesterday's City Council meeting we took action on 43 items forwarded to us from our standing committees, received notice of 4 new ordinance introductions, referred 5 different ordinance introductions to our standing committees, approved 5 honorary resolutions, and extended our purchase agreement with the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute for the old roof depot site. All votes by the Council yesterday were unanimous expect one item that was a 10-1 vote.  

I also wanted to highlight that today Council Members Chavez, Osman, and I announced that we are proposing a $1.5 million grant for the rehabilitation of Agates Board and Lodge Transitional Housing and Shelter Facility. The grant proposal is in response to an Aug. 15 announcement by the Agate Housing and Services board of directors that it would be closing its 42-bed shelter program and 95-bed board and lodge program at 510 South 8th St. The organization cited increased financial pressure on nonprofits serving the homeless community and the need for more than $3 million in repairs to safely operate the 100-year-old building. The building is slated to close Oct. 9, affecting more than 80 residents and 23 employees. This grant would be contingent upon Agate Housing and Services, Inc. securing at least $1.5 million in additional funds by Dec. 31, 2025, for the rehabilitation project. The grant agreement between the city and Agate would include standard contingencies and require an operations plan acceptable to the City’s director of the department of community planning and economic development.

Words alone will not solve the crisis of unsheltered homelessness in our City. The City Council is committed to doing everything in our power to address this crisis, including putting our money where our mouth is to stop the loss of over 100 beds at Agate’s Board and Lodge Transitional Housing and Shelter Facility. You can read more about the proposal in this article. It will first come before the City Council at our Budget Committee on September 16th. 

Best,

Elliott

Connect with Council President Payne

September Office Hours 

When: Tuesday September 10th 5:00-7:00 PM

Where: Bauhaus Brew Labs 1315 Tyler St Ne

Details: Facebook event

Transit: Route 10

September Community 1-1s

When: Tuesday September 24th 3:00-6:00 PM

Sign up link will be included closer to the date

Logan Park Reconstruction Community Vision Workshops

Request traffic calming in your neighborhood

You can request a traffic calming treatment for streets in your neighborhood for 2025. The deadline to send your application is extended through this Sept. 15.

We use different treatments to reduce speeding and improve safety. Some examples of those treatments are speed humps, curb extensions, traffic circles and median islands.

Request traffic calming in your area by filling out the online traffic calming application. You can do it online or if you need help, you can call Minneapolis311.

If you can’t use the online application, you can print it and email it, or mail it to: Traffic Calming, 300 Border Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55405.

Find more information including current and past projects on the City website.

Public hearing Sept. 12 on the METRO Blue Line extension

You can comment on preliminary design plans for the METRO Blue Line Extension. The project will extend the Blue Line from Target Field Station through North Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park.

The project can improve the speed and reliability of transit, enhance street safety for all modes of travel, advance climate goals, and make it easier to reach resources, schools and workplaces.

Cities along the proposed route are holding public meetings to discuss the plans. Minneapolis will hold its public hearing in September:

Minneapolis public hearing 1:30 p.m. during the Climate and Infrastructure Committee meeting Thursday, Sept. 12 Public Service Center, 250 Fourth St. S., Council Chamber, Room 350

Find out how to participate in a public hearing.

You can also send your comments by email.

The project is co-led by the Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County.

Find more information on the Blue Line Extension project on the City of Minneapolis website or Metropolitan Council website.

Diverse applicants wanted for Minneapolis boards and commissions

The City is recruiting members for boards and commissions to strengthen the work of the City. People with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are encouraged to apply.

Members are recruited twice each year, in the spring and fall. Fall applications will be accepted through Sept. 30.

City boards and commissions offer a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them.

Check for current openings and apply for positions on the City website.

For more information call 612-673-2216 or email staff.

Northeast Bike Commute September 16th

Northeast bike commute ride Sept. 16

Join us for a Northeast bike commute ride with Council President Elliot Payne on Monday, September 16 at 8:00am at Recovery Bike Shop (2504 Central Ave NE). We'll have bike commute tips and a group ride to downtown Minneapolis. Click here for more details on upcoming events.

Back-to-school health checklist

The City’s Health Department has compiled a back-to-school health checklist. You’ll find tips, advice and resources to ensure your child is ready for a healthy and successful year.

As the new school year begins, set your child up for success academically and also healthwise.

Read more resources and information on the City website.

Celebrate Welcoming Week for a sense of belonging

Welcoming Week is recognized Sept. 13-22. This year’s theme is “We’re All In.” Welcoming Week is a nationwide initiative to bring together immigrants, refugees and native-born residents and foster a community where everyone feels a sense a belonging.

As a Welcoming City, the City of Minneapolis hosts annual events for Welcoming Week. We welcome new residents to the city. Because Citizenship Day always takes place during Welcoming Week, we also share information about how to become a United States citizen.

Welcoming Week events

Welcoming Week resolution before City Council Watch the recording of the resolution before the Sept. 5 council meeting on the City of Minneapolis YouTube channel.

Twin Cities monthly immigration forum - Welcoming Week edition 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 Join online over Microsoft Teams. Or call in (audio only) at +1 612-276-6670 with meeting ID 365504388#

Learning lab on engaging with immigrant and refugee communities Noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S. Register online.

Welcoming Week celebration and citizenship and immigration resource fair 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 South Minneapolis CareerForce, 777 E. Lake Street.

Visit the City’s website for this year’s calendar of events and updates.

Office hours for immigrants and refugees

The Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs hosts weekly community office hours. Office hours provide basic information on immigration legal services, shelter resources, health care and more.

Stop by South Minneapolis CareerForce, 777 E. Lake St. 1- 4 p.m. Mondays and 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays.

Discover potential savings with a free Home Energy Squad visit

Minneapolis residents and property owners can start their own climate legacy by getting a free Home Energy Squad visit from the City, while funding lasts. A Home Energy Squad visit is a professional detailed review of your home’s energy efficiency.

Watch a video of a step-by-step Home Energy Squad visit.

This program is provided by Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy and is delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment. It is part of the City’s commitment to Creating a Climate Legacy.

Schedule a Home Energy Squad visit.

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control warns of scam involving lost pets

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control has received 30 reports about a scam that works like this: scammers look for posts about lost pets and then contact the owners. Sometimes they spoof the City’s phone number and pose as an animal control officer. They lie about finding a pet needing a bogus emergency surgery. They send a link to wire money, potentially defrauding pet owners of thousands of dollars.

The City wants residents to be aware. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control will never ask for money in a lost pet situation. When we identify owners of lost pets in its care, the owner must visit the shelter in person and show proof of ownership.

For more information – or if you believe you’ve received a scam call or text – call 612-673-6222 to talk to a staff member.

Read more on the City 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

Brandon Garcia, Policy Aide - 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.