 On October 2, 2024, the Minneapolis City Council adopted an amendment to the 2025 License Fee Schedule to establish a new program that would charge large facilities $452/ton of CO2e. At each of these sites, city staff would conduct site visits to complete technical analyses of projects to reduce emissions and refer facilities to a contracted partner to apply for a Green Cost Share program. The implementation of this fee is estimated to cover the city’s cost of reducing emissions 6% at each of the large facilities in 2025, a total reduction of 605.81 tons of CO2e. Unfortunately, the Mayor vetoed this action instead of working with the council to address his concerns which could have been easily addressed.
At yesterday's Minneapolis City Council meeting, we overturned Mayor Frey’s veto of the City’s entire 2025 license fee schedule on a 9 to 2 vote. The fee schedule, which was unanimously approved by the City Council, was vetoed to try and stop fees on carbon emissions from being implemented on the city’s largest polluters in 2025. The Minneapolis City Council spoke clearly yesterday that taking this bold action on climate change can’t wait.
The override comes after nearly three years of work from Council Member Robin Wonsley, who was the lead author of the fee and has been a steadfast leader on addressing environmental racism. Despite consistent collaboration with the administration, including with the Health Department, the City Attorney identified last minute concerns. To address these concerns, Council Member Wonsley and our colleagues brought forward additional actions to address the concerns that were noted as the reason for the Mayor’s veto. With all concerns being addressed and a clear super-majority on the Council voting to override, the legislative body has made clear on the need for immediate action on the climate crisis, no matter the obstacles.
- Immediately following the override of the veto, myself, Council Member Wonsley, and Vice President Chughtai motioned to amend the 2025 fee schedule to include an implementation date of July 1, 2025.
- In the coming weeks, we will be advancing enabling legislation (an ordinance) with an implementation date of July 1 to coincide with the fee schedule.
- We also secured a commitment from the Health Department to develop the program to be ready for implementation prior to July 1, 2025. I am glad that our continued push moved the Mayor’s Administration off of the 2026 timeline.
- Earlier this year, the Minneapolis City Council asked city employees to come up with a plan for adding carbon dioxide to the pollution control system next year. This resulted in a report by the Health Department and the Office of the City Auditor estimating that staffing would cost $180,000 per year for one full-time employee, and the report estimated carbon emission fees of $450 per ton. This is how we got the number that was included in the fee schedule. That being said, the City Council still approved a legislative directive for the administration to complete a fee study of carbon fees by May 1 so that the rate could be updated prior to the implementation of the fee if needed. This was an effort to continue our collaboration.
Taken together, these actions address the concerns that were outlined in Mayor Frey’s veto. This is a success story. The mayor’s administration wanted to wait until 2026 and instead we have pushed forward on a 2025 timeline. As the Council Member who represents the Southside Green Zone and Ward 9, which has been disproportionately impacted by pollution, we can’t wait any longer to take action on our City’s polluters.
Since the civil unrest in 2020, the Frey administration has let the site of the former Third Precinct (3000 Minnehaha Ave.) sit empty. Neighbors organized through the Longfellow Community Council to process their relationships with the site and discuss priorities for the future.
In early 2022, the Minneapolis City Council allocated $100,000 for community engagement on the future of the site (seeing a lack of action and lack of community engagement), which was instead spent on a community engagement process around the location of a new Third Precinct. In 2023, the City Council passed a Resolution opposing any future use of the 3000 Minnehaha Ave. site for law enforcement.
In 2023, the City Council allocated funds for cleanup of 3000 Minnehaha Ave. The Frey administration committed to executing this cleanup by spring/summer of 2024, and instead we were faced with delays. During my briefing on the mayor’s proposed plan, staff told me the barbwires could be used as weapons and I asked them to take them down and was told that was not possible. I am glad this position has now changed.
In 2024, Mayor Frey proposed locating the city's Elections and Voter Services Center at 3000 Minnehaha Ave. This proposal was not based on the outcomes of any community engagement, nor was it accompanied by any commitment to Truth and Reconciliation or racial healing. Due to the unique history of racial trauma at the site, my office and Council Member Wonsley brought forward a resolution to designate 3000 Minnehaha for 100% public ownership and operation under the guidance of local residents and impacted communities. This would finally fulfill the city's stated values of meaningful community engagement and empowerment, particularly in the area of racial healing. This failed on a 6-7 vote.
I am not going to dig in my heels on this, and I'm willing to find a compromise for the betterment of our community. However, the mayor’s current proposal includes a warehouse component on Lake Street. There is broad agreement that any development at the site should not include any type of warehouse structure. This component could be used for community development (ways to address homelessness, the opioid epidemic, economic development) and racial healing while still having the Elections and Voter Services part of the building. This would help us make the best use of the site as well as the unique historic and social meaning of the area.
That being said, my Office, Council Member Wonsley, and Council Member Chowdhury brought forward a separate resolution expressing statements of position pertaining to the development of a warehouse on 3000 Minnehaha, which passed on an 8-3 vote. Here is what was included:
- The City Council opposes any construction or additions of a warehouse structure on the 3000 Minnehaha Ave. parcel. This is a separate component from the Elections and Voter Services Center.
- The City Council supports using the area designated for a warehouse in the revised site proposal for additional community development and use instead and encourages its use be for the purpose of racial healing and reckoning with past acts of racism, misogyny, and violence by Third Precinct Officers.
- The City Council supports the 8,000 square feet of community space in the current site plan and takes the position that additional community development and use is needed in the total site plan.
- The City Council supports and urges the Administration for the immediate clean-up, remediation, and beautification of the 3000 Minnehaha site including but not limited to the removal of fencing, jersey barriers, barbed wire, and all other exterior blight. This is an operational decision that only the Mayor can direct staff to do. As I mentioned earlier, in 2023, the City Council funded the cleanup of 3000 Minnehaha Ave but the Mayor has not taken the quick action that is needed. Thanks to pressure from residents action is being taken by the Mayor.
I love this community. And I believe this community deserves more than a warehouse on Lake Street. I would be okay with the Elections and Voter Services component as long as the issues outlined in the second resolution are addressed.
At yesterday’s City Council meeting, Council Member Wonsley and Council President Payne brought forward a motion that directs the City Attorneys to draft an ordinance giving the City the authority to collect off-duty fees. They also brought forward an additional item, which was a Legislative Directive to do a fee study to calculate accurate costs for use of city vehicles, materials, and administrative costs. This is the first step towards implementing these fees and regulating this incredibly broken system. Both of these items passed by a vote of 9-2.
In this moment, Minneapolis Police officers are allowed to work “off-duty,” meaning they take private security jobs for which they are paid directly by private entities, but use city weapons and cars, wear city uniforms, and carry city liability while doing so. No other city employee does this. City public works workers can’t take city trucks and go fill potholes after hours and get paid in cash for it, but that’s exactly what our MPD officers do. Everyone from small business owners to the US Department of Justice have recognized Minneapolis’ off-duty system as fundamentally broken and inequitable. Due to a mid-1990s court case, Minneapolis must allow MPD to do off-duty work.
Fees on squad cars are just one of many costs that we can start to quantify and recoup from officers when they work off-duty. Fees will not fully address MPD’s incredibly dangerous and unregulated off-duty system, but they are a strong starting place to ensure that taxpayers are not subsidizing officers when they are working off-duty for personal gain. Administering a fee collection system would also require MPD to adhere to more specific tracking of off-duty work in order to recoup these fees from officers.
- Here is a previous staff directive to the Legislative Department which resulted in a report that outlined that an off-duty fee of $19/hour for use of a Ford Explorer squad car would align with the city’s vehicle operations expense rates.
The mayor and chief of police lead and direct the Minneapolis Police Department. However, this is one of the tools the City Council can take to influence police reform. I look forward to supporting the passage of this work to ensure we are moving forward with police accountability.
 Please join neighbors for a community-led town hall with elected officials in attendance at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6 with doors opening at 5:30. It will take place at Calvary Lutheran Church at Belfry Community Space, 3901 Chicago Ave. S. Music will be provided by Brass Solidarity.
Three documents will be addressed:
- 38th Street Thrive Plan.
- 24 Demands for Justice Resolution.
- The GFS Community Survey conducted by the Center for Urban & Regional Affairs, U of M.
 The public is invited to attend the City's final engagement event on the future of George Floyd Square. The City and engagement team will host a dinner dialogue on October 29 to share a vision for the memorials, streets and Peoples’ Way site. The vision will guide the development of George Floyd Square.
The City and engagement team (4RM+ULA and the Cultural Wellness Center) have hosted five visioning workshops since the spring of 2024 and have organized community input into a final vision for George Floyd Square.
Dinner dialogue on the future of George Floyd Square
- 5:30-8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
- Calvary Lutheran Church, 3901 Chicago Ave.
Food and refreshments will be served; please RSVP.
Read more about the event on the City website.
 I hope to see you all this Saturday for the Phillips Clean Sweep!
Pick up Litter Pick Up Supplies and the Annual T-Shirt
- WeIna Ace Hardware Parking Lot - 2438 Bloomington Ave S
- 9am-10am
Phillips Clean Sweep! Meet your neighbors, help pick up litter, and clean up your neighborhood.
Lunch & Lunch, Resource Fair, Music & Children’s Activities
- Eat at Stewart Park (2700 block of 12th Ave South)
- 12pm-2pm
 On Saturday, October 19, community members are organizing a winter clothing donation drop off point for the families who lost their homes and belongings in the Stadium Place Apartments fire on August 13. With winter approaching, they are seeking donations of gently used winter clothing to keep these families warm this winter.
Donations will be collected at the Midtown Farmers Market on Saturday, October 19th from 9:00 am to 12pm.
Clothing needed:
- Washable winter coats, jackets, and snow pants
- Windbreakers
- Warm sweaters or sweatshirts
- Thermal/winter underwear
- Winter boots
- Hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and warm socks
Donations may also be dropped off at the Elliot Park Recreation Center, Monday-Friday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 pm to 12:00 pm. Any clothing not used by the fire victims will be distributed to other low-income people. For more information, please contact Shawne at sean@smartwire.net.
 From October 6-13, we hosted the first ever Latino Business Week in the City of Minneapolis. The kick-off was at Mercado Central, a thriving marketplace of 35 businesses at the corner of Lake St. and Bloomington Ave. and a cultural hub that shows how community economic development works. It was a beautiful day.
When I first ran for office, I promised my community that they would have a seat at the table and that they would be represented in city government. I saw so many of our neighbors at the event who were grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on Mercado Central.
So much work into organizing both the event and the week as a whole. I want to give a big thanks to Ivonne Hernandez, who works for the Ward 9 office and is a BIG reason the event happened and was so successful. I also want to thank the business owners at Mercado Central who helped shape the day with their vision, support, strength, and did a great panel!
I’m thankful to Colombia Live for participating and volunteering time to the event at Mercado Central and for the vendors who joined us and were able to sell their incredible products. I’m appreciative of all the community members that came and City staff that came and helped as well. The day ended with community members dancing, signing karaoke, and then wishing me a happy early birthday. I love our community so much.
Organizing the City’s first Latino Business Week was a good start, but we have a lot more work to do. I’m looking forward to the upcoming budget process to make sure that the Latino community is reflected. This includes budget amendments to help with rebuilding East Lake Street and securing funds to keep this successful week going next year.
 At yesterday’s Council meeting, together with Council Member Osman, we brought forward a resolution honoring Indigenous Peoples Day. In 2014, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day. At that moment, Minneapolis was only the second city to do so in the United States. The resolution recognized the annexation of Dakota homelands for the building of our city and acknowledged that Indigenous nations have lived upon this land since time immemorial.
Further, it stated that the City values the progress our society has accomplished through American Indian technology, thought, and culture. Indigenous people have made great contributions to the history and culture of Minneapolis. Indigenous Peoples Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and experiences of Indigenous peoples, fostering greater understanding, and increasing access and opportunity.
It was great to be joined by Native Community leaders. We also know that these resolutions need to be backed by policy that improves the lives of residents.
With Election Day just a couple weeks away, the main Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., is extending voting hours. Elections & Voter Services is also opening two more early voting sites. Anyone who can vote in Minneapolis on Election Day can vote early at these sites or any of the pop-up voting events regardless of where they live in the city.
Beginning Oct. 22, Urban League at 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. and Bethel Lutheran Church at 4120 17th Ave. S. are also open to serve Minneapolis voters.
The last day of early voting is Monday, Nov. 4, which is the day before Election Day, and hours Nov. 4 are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m Find all the early voting dates, times and locations on the City website.
One-day in-person early voting locations
Minneapolis residents can visit one of our 11 one-day pop-up early voting locations to cast their ballot. Each of these sites is open one day only between Tuesday, Oct. 22, and Friday, Nov. 1. Find pop-up voting locations, dates and other details on the City website.
Early voting by mail
Voters can apply to vote by mail and check on the status of their mailed ballot on the City’s website. We recommend applying for a mail ballot no later than Oct. 29. Consider applying earlier if you plan to both receive your ballot by mail and mail your ballot back. Ballots can also be dropped off at any early voting location during voting hours. Your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Ballots may be dropped off until 8 p.m. on Election Day at Election & Voter Services, 980 E. Hennepin Ave. Ballots may not be returned to the polls on Election Day.
Preparing for Election Day
If you’re planning to cast your ballot on Election Day, Nov. 5:
Hennepin County District 4 Commissioner Angela Conley will be hosting an event where residents can share your experience, thoughts, and feedback on the $38 million roadway improvement project between Interstate 94 and 46th Street beginning next year. Hennepin County Public Works staff will also be present to discuss the project’s goals, locations, and overall timeline for the project.
The event will take place on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 pm -7:00 pm. at Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th Street.
 On behalf of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Immigration Law Project attorneys will be giving a "Know Your Rights" presentation covering the rights of immigrants with police, protections for immigrants in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis and potential immigration consequences of criminal arrests and convictions.
The presentation will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Waite House, 2323 11th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55404.
October is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, and Minneapolis Animal Care & Control has plenty of four-legged friends available for adoption as the shelter is at maximum capacity.
The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) through the Subaru Loves Pets initiative granted the City $4,000 to cover adoption fees during a “clear the shelter” event this month. Normally Minneapolis residents pay no adoption fees for cats or adult dogs but $250 for dogs 6 months and younger. Non-residents normally pay a $250 adoption fee for any of the pets.
Adoptable cats and dogs are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. While adoption fees are covered, licensing fees for cities of residence still apply.
Clear the shelter event: Community members can take home a furry companion with no adoption fee (normally $0-$250.)1-5 p.m. Oct. 2511 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 26
The Best Friends Society has also awarded $10,000 to the City to waive first-time impound fees (up to $85) for cats and dogs to reunite them with their owners – now through the end of the year.
Find adoptable pets on the City website.
The Cold Weather Rule is now in effect. The Cold Weather Rule means that if you can’t pay your home heat bill, your heat can’t be shut off Oct. 1-April 30. If you get a notice about disconnecting your primary heat source, make sure to immediately contact the utility and set up a payment plan.
Find resources on the State of Minnesota website. This information is also available in Español/Spanish, Hmoob/Hmong and Soomaali/Somali.
From supporting renter rights to creating healthier homes and neighborhoods, our community and City offer a wide range of renting, housing and health services. The Minneapolis departments of Regulatory Services and Health are bringing several resources to you this fall at two fairs open to everyone.
Overcome common renting issues
More than half of Minneapolis households rent their homes. We’re here to support renters and rental property owners every step of the way. Come find help with common renting issues such as renter rights, your role as a property owner, maintenance and repair issues, retaliation, and mediation between a property owner and renter.
Free vaccines and health resources
Nobody wants to miss school, vacations or the holidays with family. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the community. Get your free COVID and flu shots at the fair. Other health resources involve these programs: Air Quality, Green Careers, Lead and Healthy Homes, Emergency Preparedness and City Trees.
Renter rights and health resource fairs
Whether you have questions about a renting issue or are curious about health programs available through the City, all are welcome.
 City customers’ garbage day the week of Nov. 25-30 will be their last 2024 pickup of leaves, brush, and other yard trimmings.
Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling customers can set properly prepared yard waste at their alleys or curb line next to their garbage carts by 6 a.m. on their pickup day. Set yard waste out in a reusable container, in compostable bags (paper or BPI-certified compostable plastic bags – look for the BPI logo) or bundled with string or twine (no wire or tape).
Other requirements
- Reusable containers must be 32-38 gallons in size and at least 26 inches high with sturdy handles. Reusable containers are lifted and emptied by hand; they must be easily managed. Yard waste is not allowed in City-provided containers.
- Any container, bag or bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds.
- Branches must be less than 3 inches in diameter and less than 3 feet long.
Bags marked “biodegradable” or “degradable” do not meet the State law and are not accepted. Raking leaves into the street is against the law and bad for our lakes, creeks, and rivers. City customers are encouraged to set out properly prepared yard waste as soon as possible. There will be no additional 2024 yard waste service after the last scheduled pickup.
For questions about leaf and brush pickup, customers can check the City website or call Solid Waste & Recycling at 612-673-2917 Monday-Friday.
Attend the free Oct. 23 seniors fair. The seniors fair is tailored for our senior community members and caregivers. The day will feature workshops, an elected officials panel, a resource fair, and a free breakfast and lunch. The workshops will cover yoga and meditation, City services, public safety and connecting with the community.
Free rides: Metro Transit will provide free rides to and from the seniors fair. Get your voucher online or by mail:
Seniors fair
- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23
- Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave. S.
Schedule
- Raffle with prizes to be announced
- 9 a.m. - Welcome and breakfast
- 10 a.m. - Morning workshops: yoga for all – mind and body; City services (presented by Public Works and 311) such as street maintenance and design, broken streetlight repairs, snow removal, solid waste, recycling, 311 operations and top service requests.
- 11 a.m. - Resource fair and lunch
- Noon - Panel discussion with local elected officials including City Council Members Andrea Jenkins, Emily Koski and Aurin Chowdhury.
- 1 p.m. - Afternoon workshops: the City’s holistic approach to community safety, unarmed responses, embedded dispatch and crime prevention; and making community connections through art.
The seniors fair is sponsored by Wards 8, 11 and 12. Watch the video invitation.
Contact the Ward 9 Office
Email: jason.chavez@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2209
We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:
Room 100, Public Service Center
450 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 ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311. |
