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From Ward 5 Minneapolis City Council Member, Jeremiah Ellison.
Family Caregivers Awareness Month shines a light on the invaluable contributions of those who provide care to their loved ones. These individuals often juggle multiple responsibilities, balancing their own needs with the demands of caregiving, which can be both physically and emotionally challenging. This month serves as an important reminder to recognize and support caregivers, acknowledging their sacrifices and the vital role they play in the health and well-being of their families. By promoting awareness and providing resources, we can help ensure that caregivers receive the appreciation, respite, and assistance they deserve, ultimately fostering healthier communities.
Animal Care & Control Director Tony Schendel, Animal Care & Control Officer Sue, and I at my animal control ride-along.
I met this adorable turtle during my visit to Animal Care & Control. Get let his cuteness fool you.. he bites!
Assistant Chief Christopher Gaiters and I speaking at Jordan Area Community Council's Annual Meeting.
Animal Control Ride-Along
I am so grateful that Director Anthony Schendel, Director of Animal Care & Control at the City of Minneapolis invited for a ride-along to experience and understand the day-to-day operations of our animal care and control officers. I loved being out and about in our community saying hi to neighbors and having a front row seat to answer calls with Animal Care and Control Officer Sue. During the ride-along, we rescued one stray dog.
It really was a "Bon A-pet-treat" getting to spend the day with Officer Sue. Thank you so much to Director Schendel, Officer Sue, and our team of staff members and volunteers who take such tender care of our animals in need in our city.
Jordan Area Community Council Annual Meeting
My team and I had an amazing time joining Jordan Area Community Council's annual meeting to share updates from the city, what our office is working on, and how to stay connected with our office. I was joined by Assistant Chief Christopher Gaiters who provided updates from MPD. Thank you so much to all of our neighbors who came out on rainy night to be in community together, the JACC executive board for all of your work, and Executive Director Audua Pugh for leading the program (especially on your birthday)!
Rep. Ilhan Omar's Town Hall
I had an incredible time joining Rep. Ilhan Omar on her most recent town hall event at Hall Stem Academy over North to share updates from city council, specifically the work our office is leading on for housing, climate resiliency, and the upcoming budget cycle. I am so appreciative of Rep. Omar's fierce advocacy for the Northside in Washington, especially for her leadership on housing issues and calling for deeper investments in public housing. Thank you so much to Rep. Omar's amazing team for coordinating this event and being incredibly helpful and responsive to my staff and constituents. And most importantly, thank you to my constituents who joined this town hall and raised thoughtful questions to me and our intergovernmental partners about issues that are important to you.
Urban Homeworks Housing Justice Forum
It was remarkable engaging with my constituents recently at a Housing Justice Forum hosted by Urban Homeworks at Sanctuary Church. Folks brought such thought-provoking questions and stories of lived experience that reminded me and others how critically important this work is to our community. Having intergovernmental partners on the country, state, and federal levels who prioritize building and maintaining affordable housing, and continue to expand pathways for homeownership moves mountains. Thank you so much to the phenomenal team at Urban Homeworks for inviting my office to be a part of this important discussion on housing issues and creating more opportunities for homeownership. Thank you so much to Natasha Rice, Community Representative for Rep. Omar, for joining me as panelist for this conversation and serving as a wonderful representative on behalf of the Congresswoman.
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In this picture, I am providing an update from the city council at Rep. Ilhan Omar's Town Hall at Hall Stem Academy.
Nastasha Rice, Community Representative for Rep. Ilhan Omar's Office, and I speaking at a Housing Justice Forum hosted by Urban Homeworks.
Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams, MPS leadership team, council colleagues, and I following MSP's Partnership Presentation at our most recent Intergovernmental Relations Commitee meeting.
Council colleagues and I speaking at a press conference following the passage of a resolution supporting the closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC).
Honorary Resolutions
- 2024 Election Judge Appreciation Day honorary resolution
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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon honorary resolution
- Cat Day honorary resolution
Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance
On Thursday, October 31st, the Minneapolis City Council voted (9-4) to pass the Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance. This policy would give qualified organizations the right of first offer and first refusal when certain rental housing buildings are made available for sale. If a qualified organization were to acquire a rental housing building through the established process, affordability requirements and renter protections would apply.
The Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance aims to (1) preserve and grow the City's affordable housing stock by providing opportunities for local community ownership, and (2) prevent displacement of renters, especially renters of color, due to the conversion of rental properties.
To learn more about the policy, click here to watch the most recent Business, Housing, & Zoning committee meeting where city staff gave a presentation outlining the ordinance.
Budget Update
Budget season is well on its way. We have been receiving departmental presentations and meeting with constituents to hear directly from Northsiders what budget priorities folks have.
There will be two public hearings for residents to come and share their thoughts. All public hearings will take place in the Council Chambers of the Public Service Center, 250 S 4th St., Room 350 Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Budget Public Hearings
- Tuesday, November 12th at 10:00 AM
- Tuesday, December 10th at 6:05 PM
Residents can also send in written public testimony any time by emailing CouncilComment@minneapolismn.gov. You are always welcome to contact the Ward 5 office directly as well to ask questions or share your thoughts.
HERC Closure Resolution
On Thursday, October 31st, the Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution supporting the closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC). The resolution was introduced to the Climate and Infrastructure (C&I) Committee last week, there was a public hearing for community members to share their thoughts, and the final vote came to Full Council this week.
The Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) is a trash incinerator that is located in North Minneapolis. Residents are organizing to demand the closure of the HERC, which contributes to environmental injustice and public health inequities on the Northside. This resolution sets the city’s official policy in support of closing the incinerator by 2027. My office is committed to continue centering the needs of our community and ensuring that we invest in waste reduction programs at the city level to combat climate change and environmental injustice.
Lead & Healthy Homes Team Receives $6.7 million Federal Grant
At a recent press conference, I joined Mayor Frey, Council Member Chavez (Ward 9), city staff, and community members to highlight the extraordinary work that our Lead and Healthy Homes has accomplished over the last several years. Lead poisoning continues to be a critical issue that negatively impacts the health and wellbeing of our residents, especially folks on the Northside. I have known about this issue and known people in my community who have been personally impacted by lead poisoning for a long time. Historically when children experience adverse effects from lead poisoning, that’s how folks learned if they have lead in their homes. It’s unacceptable to have our children be lead detectors for our homes.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development delivered a $6.7 million check to the Minneapolis Health Department’s Lead and Healthy Homes team during this press conference.
The funding over four years will help the lead team:
- Evaluate homes for lead exposure
- Mitigate lead hazards in homes
- Test children for lead exposure
- Fund staff
Our city is committed to eliminating childhood lead poisoning in our community and this funding will help us reach that goal. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this press conference, especially Jamie Laudert. Jamie is a mom of young children who lives on the Southside and her family received assistance from the City after her children tested for elevated blood-lead levels. Thank you so much for your vulnerability in sharing your family's story and hosting this press conference on your front steps.
Minneapolis Readying Mobile Medical Unit for Service
The City of Minneapolis is preparing its first mobile medical unit to help bring health care to people in underserved communities. The state-of-the-art vehicle should be fully operational and in the community by early 2025.
The Minneapolis Health Department is hiring and training staff to operate the vehicle and outfitting the vehicle with medical supplies. It can be used by anyone in the community but will deploy where access to care is challenging and needed most.
The unit will offer dignified care in a private, closed space. The Health Department’s Opioid Response Team will operate the unit, offering essential services such as:
- Basic health screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Medication consultation.
- Wound care.
- Vaccinations.
- Mental health counseling and referrals.
- Youth health services including physical exams, dental care and wellness checks.
- Medications for opioid use disorder.
Read more about the mobile medical unit on the City website.
Mayor Frey, Council Member Chavez, city staff, community members, and I speaking at a press conference highlighting our city's work in preventing and treating lead poisoning.
Are you experiencing struggles with food insecurity, housing, career readiness, and legal matters? Are you in need of help? Please look below to see which resources can be beneficial to you.
Career Readiness
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Project for Pride in Living (PPL)
- PPL builds the hope, assets, and self-reliance of individuals and families who have lower incomes by providing transformative affordable housing and career readiness services.
Family Support & Educational Programming
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Way to Grow
- Way to Grow is a nonprofit organization on the Northside that provides free, year-round family support and educational programming for families in Minneapolis and in surrounding suburbs.
Food Insecurity
- EMERGE Youth-Led Food Shelf
- Days/Times: Weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Location: ECTC, 1834 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.
- Free Dinner
- Days/Times: Weekly on Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
- Salem Lutheran Church, 4150 Dupont Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN
- Contact: 612-521-3644
- Haven Community Pantry
- Days/Times: Weekly on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Location: Sanctuary Covenant Church, 2018 Aldrich Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Free/Discounted Internet
Housing/Tenant Protections
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Home Line
- This organization provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.
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United Renters for Justice/Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia
- United Renters for Justice/Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia is a base-building nonprofit working to transform the Minneapolis housing system.
Legal Representation
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Attorney General Keith Ellison's Office
- The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office appreciates hearing from members of the public. In many cases, they are able to provide direct assistance to people. Hearing from members of the public also alerts us to problems occurring in the marketplace.
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Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
- This organization provides free legal aid to people with low-income, disabilities, and seniors in 20 Central Minnesota counties. These services include, but are not limited to:
- Debt collection and unfair loans
- Disability-related cases
- Divorce and child custody
- Domestic violence
- Elder abuse
- Housing discrimination and evictions
- Immigration and citizenship
- IRS Tax Issues
Minneapolis 311
- Need to report an issue? Can't find the right information? Minneapolis 311 can help. 311 coordinates with City departments and service providers to report your concerns, find you information and connect you with nonemergency City services.
- There are many ways to get in contact with Minneapolis 311 for non-emergency information. Choose what's easiest for you.
- Call 311. Agents are here to answer your call 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 311 from within city limits or 612-673-3000.
- Email 311. You can email 311 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Agents will respond 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Text 311. You can text 311 a short question any time. Just text two or three keywords to 311TXT (311898) to receive an answer from the Minneapolis 311 information database on your mobile phone.
- Get the 311 mobile app. Report neighborhood issues on the 311 mobile app 24 hours a day.
- TTY. 311 agents use computer-based technology so hearing-impaired callers can easily communicate with the City using TDD/TTY devices. Call TTY 612-263-6850.
- Use the contact form. You can send 311 your comments or questions on the website contact form.
City of Minneapolis
The City of Minneapolis has a ton of job opportunities that span across multiple departments.
Recent Job Postings
Federal Government
Recent Job Postings
Hennepin County
Hennepin County is the largest county in Minnesota and has a wide variety of job openings in different industries.
Recent Job Postings
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities can be a great place to start to look for a new job/change in your career. Start by viewing the MN Council of Nonprofits Job Board here.
Recent Job Postings
State of Minnesota
The State of Minnesota is a great place to start your job search. Click here to view job openings in the state.
Are you a New American looking to start a career in the medical field? The International Institute of Minnesota offers a free and high-quality certified nursing assistant (CNA) training that teaches the skills needed to begin a satisfying and rewarding career.
CNA stands for “certified nursing assistant,” an entry-level role that provides vital support to both patients and nurses. From transporting, bathing, and feeding hospital patients, to stocking medical supplies and logging patient information, CNAs are on the ground working to enhance patient outcomes. While a CNA is not classified as a nurse, this position is a fantastic entry point for dozens of different nursing careers.
There are online information sessions every Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM over Zoom. Attending an information session is a required step to be considered for the training.
Next Sessions:
- 7-week Intensive Class
- January 6th, 2025 to February 27th, 2025
- Tuesday through Fridays from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Hybrid (in-person and online)
- 11-week Supportive Class
- January 6th, 2025 to March 19th, 2025
- Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Interested? Click here to learn more and get started on a new career path!
Matthew Hulstein (Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid attorney) and Patty Walton (Community Clinics Fellow) met with my staff, Bethany Turnwall and Dieu Do, about the new in-person legal clinic in Harrison.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid has an in-person clinic in the Harrison neighborhood, offering free legal help! Legal Aid handles problems on this civil side (not criminal), including: housing, consumer, immigration, federal tax, public benefits, family law, and disability discrimination. Generally, clients must be Hennepin residents and be either lower income or aged 60+ (regardless of income).
Legal Clinic Details
- Days/Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Location: Harrison Neighborhood Association (HNA), 1501 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55405
- Walk-ins welcome/appointments preferred
- To schedule an appointment, call 612-352-9778. Residents can also call Legal Aid's central intake line: 1-877-696-6529 or visit www.mylegalaid.org.
- Patty Walton, pictured above in the yellow jacket, is a Community Clinics Fellow who is staffing the clinic in the Harrison Neighborhood.
First Generation Down Payment Assistance
Minnesota’s two new first-come, first-served, down payment assistance programs are still accepting applications, and 50% of allocated funds remain.
Hennepin County HRA Homebuyer Assistance Program
Limited Funds Available: Check Page For Updates
The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) created the Homebuyer Assistance Program to reduce racial disparities in homeownership. HCHRA will provide down payment financing to assist buyers interested in purchasing a home to have as their principal place of residence in Hennepin County.
Eligibility Requirements
- Borrower’s gross household income must be at or below 115% AMI.
First-time buyer: Borrower must not have an ownership interest in another property for the last 3 years.
- Borrower can have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).
- Borrower must contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds toward the purchase.
- Housing Ratios: Borrower’s PITI must be within 20-35% (front end), not to exceed 50% (back-end) of gross income.
Required Education
- Certificate of Home Stretch group education within one year prior to purchase; see available workshops on Minnesota Homeownership Center website. Framework or other curriculums are not accepted. Sign up for NWHP workshops.
- Certificate of 1:1 Pre-purchase advising is required within one year of purchase. Sign up for NWHP pre-purchase advising.
- If there are two borrowers, both must complete Home Stretch and pre-purchase counseling.
Click here for more information and to apply for this program.
Next Step Fund
Deadline: January 27th, 2025 at 11:59 PM (All times CST)
The Next Step Fund is made possible with support from the McKnight Foundation and provides project grants up to $6,000 to artists in any arts discipline. Applicants may be at any stage in their career, but must be able to provide samples of their own artwork. Individual artists must have a primary residential address in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington county.
The Next Step Fund grant is designed for artists to propose a project that has the potential to help them overcome a barrier to success, sustain the continued success of their artistic career, and/or leverage an opportunity that could benefit their career in the future.
Proposed projects may range from plans that propel an artist’s career forward to projects designed to maintain an artist’s ability to create. We value both ends of this spectrum and everything in between. Most importantly, projects should reflect the career stage of the applicant and be in alignment with their stated goals.
For more information, click here to learn about grant guidelines, timeline, and FAQs.
Northside Awesome Grant
Granted Awarded Monthly
The North Minneapolis Chapter of the Awesome Foundation grants support projects in business, sciences, arts, education, civic engagement, media, and entertainment — just about anything as long as it contributes to making the Northside of Minneapolis more AWESOME! And guess what – 501c3 status is not a requirement! The grants can go to groups, individuals, small non-profit organizations, almost any entity.
We prioritize applications that demonstrate clear ideas, project budgets, strong Northside connectivity and projects that positively impact the Northside. If you do not live in North Minneapolis or have a significantly strong connection to the Northside you will not likely be funded.
Apply by the end of each month to be eligible for a grant of up to $1000 for your Awesome Idea! One Grant of up to $1000 will be made each month. Click here to learn more and apply.
Join me from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM every Monday for Open Coffee Hours! These are informal and a chance for me to hear directly from you while we share coffee or a meal (virtually).
Office hours is on a first come first served basis. Please try not to call in past 12:50 p.m. as we want to leave enough time to chat about what you'd like to discuss.
Please RSVP here and my staff will follow-up with the call-in details. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Dieu Do, Policy Associate, at dieu.do@minneapolismn.gov.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Testing Kits
You can once again get up to four free at-home COVID-19 testing kits through the federal government. With a high number of cases in our community, it’s important to protect ourselves and our families. Regular testing can help you stay informed about your health and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to loved ones.
You can use these whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms. You can take the test at home and receive results within 30 minutes—no need to drop anything off at a lab.
Click here to order your free tests today (no cost including shipping).
COVID Test Expiration Dates
- Many COVID-19 tests have extended expiration dates, so you may still be able to use them after the date printed on the box. To check if your test has an extended expiration date, check the FDA’s list of extended expiration dates.
Get Vaccinated
Flu, RSV, and COVID season is just around the corner. Minnesota is also experiencing a significant rise in pertussis cases among children, and there is also a measles outbreak in the Twin Cities metro area. Talk to a trusted medical professional to discuss what works best for you and your family to stay healthy this season.
Available Resources:
Minneapolis Trees Program Creating A Climate Legacy
The City Trees program is providing low-cost trees to Minneapolis property owners. Since the program began in 2006, the City has helped plant more than 20,000 trees. Minneapolis is one of the country’s greenest cities.
Trees are available year-round to:
- Businesses
- Nonprofits
- Organizations
- Apartment buildings with five or more units
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.
The Minneapolis departments of Regulatory Services and Health are bringing several resources to the community this fall at two resource fairs. Whether you have questions about a renting issue or are curious about health programs available through the City, all are welcome!
Event Details
- Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN
- Date/Time: Saturday, November 9th, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN
- Date/Time: Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Did you know that 52% of Minneapolis residents rent their home? Come find help with common renting issues such as:
- Renter rights,
- Your role as a property owner,
- Maintenance and repair issues,
- Retaliation,
- Mediation between a property owner and renter, and more!
Did you know that you can get free COVID and flu shots at the fair? Other health resources include:
- Air quality,
- Green careers,
- Lead and healthy homes,
- Emergency preparedness, and
- City trees!
Did you know that there are a ton of free events every week at your local library? From reading with an animal, to community chess, to researching the history of your home, there are endless opportunities to learn, connect, and play at your local library! Click here to view a full list of upcoming events.
Here are a few notable events to highlight:
Funding for Artists
- Date/Time: Sunday, November 3rd from 1:00 PM 3:30 PM
- Location: North Regional Library
Career Counseling and Job Assistance
- Date/Time: Thursday, November 7th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Location: North Regional Library
Read with an Animal
- Date/Time: Monday, November 25th from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Location: North Regional Library
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