Ward 1 City Council Updates - September 20th, 2024

Council Member Elliott Payne

Ward 1 News from Council President Elliott Payne

September 20th, 2024

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Hello neighbors, 

Yesterday was a very busy Council meeting that started at 9:30 AM and didn't adjourn until 3:45 PM! We took action on 71 items forwarded to us from our standing committees, approved 3 honorary resolutions, and forwarded 4 ordinance introductions and 1 legislative directive to our standing committees for consideration.

I want to highlight 3 actions we took to address the crisis of unsheltered homelessness. The City Council unanimously passed an ordinance I authored extending the notification period required for evictions from 14 to 30 days, passed an ordinance mandating the city report on the cost and effectiveness of encampment sweeps, and we allocated $1.5 million in funding for the rehabilitation of Agate’s Board & Lodge Transitional Housing Facility & Shelter – which services 137 residents –  to prevent them from closing their doors permanently. All three of these items passed with at least a supermajority of support from the City Council. 

I'm committed to doing everything in our power to address the crisis of unsheltered homelessness facing our City. From giving people more time when they are notified being evicted to prevent homelessness, to saving over 100 shelter beds we can’t afford to lose, and having more transparency and reporting around the removal of encampments, these three actions show we are looking to help people all across the spectrum of homelessness so we can solve this crisis.

I know the spots for next week's Community 1-1s filled up quickly. We have our October's community 1-1s coming up soon on October 3rd and the sign up link is live below. You can also always feel free to reach out to me if you need to set up a meeting with me outside of office hours or 1-1s. 

Best,

    Elliott


    Connect with Council President Payne

    September Community 1-1s

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

    Where: The Coffee Shop Northeast 2852 Johnson St Ne

    Sign up: Reserve your time slot

    October Community 1-1s

    When: Thursday October 3rd 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

    Where: Pilllar Forum & Cafe 2300 Central Ave Ne

    Sign up: Reserve your time slot

    October Office Hours

    When: Tuesday October 22nd 5:00-7:00 PM

    Location TBD


    Early voting opens Sept. 20 for the Nov. 5 election

    Voters can cast their ballots early by mail or in person at the Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., starting Sept. 20.

    Voting by mail

    All mail-in ballots need to be received by Election Day (Nov. 5) to count. If you choose to deliver your ballot in person to the Elections & Voter Services office, it must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. Mail ballots cannot be dropped off at polling places on Election Day.

    Find more information on how to vote by mail on the City website.

    Voting at the Early Vote Center

    The Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., makes early in-person voting more convenient for Minneapolis voters. It’s especially helpful if you need language support or other special accommodations, such as curbside voting. Voting early can also help you avoid lines and crowds at polling places on the day of the election.

    The Early Vote Center’s hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The center will extend its hours for the final two weeks of voting, including Saturdays and Sundays. Find all Early Vote Center hours on the City website.

    For more information about registering and voting in Minneapolis, go to the City 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.


    Help paying for private sewer line repairs

    Paying to repair your private sewer line that connects to the public sewer can be expensive. But if your line has cracks in it, tree roots growing into it, or gaps in the connections, it has to be fixed. This pipe carries your wastewater from your toilet, sink, shower, laundry, dishwasher, etc. to the public sanitary sewer in the street.

    Help paying for a repair

    The property owner is responsible for the line from the home to the public sewer. If you need help paying for a repair to your private sewer line, you might get help from a property tax assessment, an upcoming grant program or private insurance.

    • Property tax assessment:
    • Grant program: City staff hope to receive funding from the Metropolitan Council in 2025 to help homeowners pay for private sewer line repairs. For more information about this program, visit the City website and sign up to get an email when funding is available.
    • Private insurance: Some private insurance companies offer an endorsement or rider to help pay for the cost of a private sewer line repair. This needs you to take action before you find out your line needs repair. Contact your insurance company to see if this is an option. When doing so, get a quote for the annual cost, coverage limit and deductible. Make sure to read the fine print.

    Read more about home sewer maintenance on the City website.


    Health and wellness career fair Sept. 26

    Join the Health Department’s School Based Clinics team for a health and wellness fair as we connect the community to services, resources and career opportunities.

    The fair is for all ages. It will include:

    • Resources around mental health and social services for young people.
    • Career opportunities ranging from lifeguard and swim instructor to yoga instructor training.
    • Engaging activities for all abilities.

    Health and wellness career fair 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 Edison Senior High School, 2030 Monroe St. NE

    Learn more about Minneapolis School Based Clinics.


    Fall City tree sale: You can still buy a $30 tree

    You can buy up to three trees today for just $30 each through Sept. 30 while supplies last.

    Choose from shade trees, fruit trees, flowering trees and evergreen trees. Watch this video to see the types of trees you can get and the many benefits they provide.

    Since the program began in 2006, the City Trees program has provided more than 20,000 low-cost trees for planting on private property, with 7,500 trees distributed in the last five years.

    Funded by the Climate Legacy Initiative, we’re providing more low-cost trees than ever before.

    Read more and purchase your trees while they last.


    Open Streets Sept. 21 and 28

    Join your neighbors and explore vibrant spaces for walking, biking and rolling during two remaining Open Streets events this year.

    Open Streets West Broadway Between Lyndale Avenue North and Penn Avenue North 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21

    Hosted by the West Broadway Business Coalition, this event offers more than 250 vendors and activities across 17 blocks. Live music, dance performances and cultural showcases will celebrate the rich diversity of north Minneapolis. Pop-up markets and a cultural food court will feature the heritage of the community through handmade crafts and culinary delights.

    Open Streets Nicollet Avenue From West 31st Street to West 46th Street 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

    Hosted by the Lyndale Neighborhood Association, this event offers more than 2 miles of music and magic. Come for the live music, art activities and inflatables, skateboard demonstrations and a 5K Run for Beer. Restaurants will offer food and drink specials with special menu items only found at Open Streets.

    Read more on the City website.


    Applications open for 2025-2026 poet laureate

    Poets and spoken word artists are encouraged to apply for the role of the 2025-2026 Minneapolis poet laureate. Applications are due Nov. 15.

    The Minneapolis poet laureate is an official ambassador of the city’s literary culture, connecting our community through the art of poetry. As an advocate for poetry and literary arts in Minneapolis, the poet laureate will engage the community in meaningful, impactful and innovative projects. The goal is to share the transformative art of poetry through community and education.

    Poet laureate responsibilities

    The City of Minneapolis’ Arts & Cultural Affairs Department and The Loft Literary Center are partnering to identify the 2025-2026 Minneapolis poet laureate. The poet laureate’s responsibilities include:

    • Writing a poem reflecting on the current moment of the City of Minneapolis.
    • Celebrating the City of Minneapolis through public service engagements, including addresses at official City events.
    • Leading a public event that features the sharing of poetry and community.
    • Teaching classes through The Loft Literary Center that promote poetry as an opportunity for connection.
    • Advancing the art form of poetry in Minneapolis as an avenue for deep engagement in our community.

    Find guidelines and application links on The Loft’s website.

    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.



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