 CM Jenkins with members of the community honoring the Transgender Day of Remembrance Resolution.
Dear Neighbors,
There has been a significant shift in the political realities at the federal level and the local landscape as well. I know that many of you are still processing the outcomes of the most recent elections, as am I. I am worried about women’s rights, immigrant rights, labor protections, disability rights and LGBTQIA+ rights, specifically Transgender and non-binary individuals’ rights. These will be tough days ahead for many in our community and we must stand together to protect the most vulnerable.
Yesterday at the full city council meeting, I brought forth a resolution recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance. TDOR, as it is commonly referred to, honors and brings awareness to tragic and senseless murders of Transgender and non-binary folks. Thus far, in 2024, 27 murders have been identified. However, many Trans and non-binary murders go unreported due to mis-gendering, and dead-naming, i.e., referring to folks by their former names. As a Black, disabled, Transgender woman, I want to assure my community members, particularly gender non-conforming youth, that I will fight for your dignity, respect, and right to exist as human beings capable of determining your own identities.
Yesterday the Council addressed many contentious issues, one being the creation of a Labor Standards Board. I brought amendments I thought would strengthen and improve the resolution, however those amendments were not adopted by a majority of my colleagues. Ultimately, I voted in the affirmative to create the board. I’m committed to working to improve the resolution by ensuring small business owners’ voices are heard, and that there is equal representation on this advisory board.
Another controversial issue was a veto issued by Mayor Frey regarding the passage of the Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance. The ordinance, as written, creates an undue burden on small landlords. As well, many affordable housing organizations are already overburdened with properties they’re having difficulties maintaining due to increased insurance costs, security concerns, and other issues. I voted to sustain the mayors veto with hopes that we can craft a better ordinance that achieves the desired outcomes to limit the opportunity of corporate entities purchasing affordable properties and inflating the rents. I commit to working with staff and the author to craft a better policy.
As we approach the holiday season, I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Andrea
Come get a progress update on the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and Lake Street Safety Center. Hear about services and resources in the centers and how your feedback is being used to shape their plans.
More update sessions are now available. Any Minneapolis community member is welcome to attend.
Wards 8 and 9 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St.
Wards 11 and 12 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 42nd Street Event Center, 3410 E. 42nd St. Ward 6 5-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave.
Online 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 Check the City website for the Zoom link when it’s available.
City staff will be available for a Q&A after the presentation. Community members can also learn more about other safety programs in the city.
Learn more on the event flyer in English, Español, Af-Soomaali, Hmoob and Oromo.
Find more information on the City website.
The vision for George Floyd Square is rooted in community engagement. Since the murder of George Floyd in 2020, the City of Minneapolis has engaged with community members to create a vision for the space. The vision is intended to honor the space as an active memorial, center community needs, and take steps in repairing harms from the impacts of racism and the murder of George Floyd. Work guided by the community includes street redevelopment, memorials and the Peoples’ Way site.
The final vision document includes:
- The racial and cultural values, priorities and actions as the foundation for the future of George Floyd Square.
- The criteria for the use of the Peoples’ Way site.
- Locations for memorials and how the City can support memorial processes.
- A recommended design concept for streets and sidewalks.
Next steps
After having shared the vision with community Oct. 29, staff will share the final vision and preferred street design with the City Council’s Committee of the Whole Nov. 12.
Construction could start in 2025 after the five-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.
Read more about the vision for the streets, memorials and Peoples’ Way on the City website.
 Winter market season begins this month in four farmers markets around the city.
Winter farmers markets offer delicious ingredients including local produce, meats and baked goods. You can also find gifts and other handmade goods such as soap, jewelry and pottery. Shop at the winter farmers markets to pick up grocery staples and artisan goods but also to provide critical support to local producers and makers.
Winter markets
- Mill City Winter Market: Nov. 16 plus select Saturdays December through April.
- Minneapolis Farmers Market: Nov. 16, 23 and 30 plus select Saturdays December through April.
- Neighborhood Roots: Nov. 9, Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 8.
- Northeast Farmers Market: Nov. 10 plus one Sunday a month through April.
Learn more about winter farmers markets on the City website.
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.
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 free childhood vaccines and COVID and flu shots at our 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 fair
Whether you have questions about a renting issue or are curious about health programs available through the City, all are welcome.
4-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
1:00pm – 7:00pm
Brookdale Library 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
 Join us for a transformative day at the Hennepin County Expungement Clinic, hosted by the Hennepin County Attorney's office in partnership with the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. Together, we are committed to providing a crucial opportunity for individuals who have served their sentences to seal eligible records. Expungement plays a vital role in offering a fresh start, and we are here to guide you through the process.
We understand the significance of expungement in fostering rehabilitation and community reintegration. Our prosecutor-led expungement program, supported by our partners, is designed to expedite the process for individuals with adult felony convictions that were charged/prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. This unique collaborative effort ensures a more streamlined approach to help you move forward. Please help us spread the word for this free & transformative event!
Eligibility Criteria: Please note that only adult felony cases that were charged or prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office are eligible for review, and possible seal, at this event.
Community Fair: In addition to expungement services, we're excited to host a Community Fair with the support of our partners. Various community organizations will be present, providing valuable information and services to help connect our community to available resources and support.
PRE-REGISTER HERE for a 30-minute time slot with an attorney. By registering in advance, you are guaranteed a meeting with an attorney and will skip the line.
*Pre-Registration slots are designated for those with cases to be expunged. If you are a family member, loved one, or coming to support, please do not sign up for a pre-registration slot.
Walk-ins accepted on a first come, first served basis. Because the processing times for expungements vary and we've seen great interest in this free service, please come prepared to wait.
Light refreshments will be provided.
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.
|
 The Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance amending the City’s zoning code to govern cannabis businesses. Mostly, it helps clarify where and how dispensaries and other licensed cannabis businesses can be located.
State department grants licenses
The State Office of Cannabis Management grants the licenses. Minnesota law requires the City to allow a minimum of 34 licenses for dispensaries, based on a requirement of one cannabis retailer for every 12,500 people. State licenses cover the entire market from seed to sale. This includes cultivation, manufacturing and processing, distribution and sales.
City staff worked with the City Council to vet the standards and make adjustments. The City is taking a safe and permissive approach to regulation and business support, focused on education and social equity. The City’s work addresses all facets of the industry including land use and zoning regulations, enforcement, small business assistance, business registration processes, and public health initiatives.
Read more about the ordinance on the City website.
Yard waste collection ends for 2024 on your garbage day the week of Nov. 25-30. Make sure to properly prepare it for collection and set it out for pickup (at your curb or alley collection point) by 6 a.m. on your collection day. Yard waste must be in an approved reusable container, compostable bags (paper or BPI certified compostable plastic), or bundled with string or twine.
Read more about preparing yard waste on the City website.
Leaving leaves in your landscaping and garden beds shelters pollinators for the winter. And mulching leaves on your lawn helps them break down faster and release those nutrients into your soil. Mulching leaves may have the same impact as applying fertilizer. You can do that by running over them with a lawnmower.
 When you’re done with your carved pumpkins and other gourds, you can put them in your green organics recycling cart. They don’t need to be bagged. Remember to remove any candles or lights first.
If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling, you can put carved pumpkins and other gourds with your other yard waste.
Added synthetic materials such as paint, permanent markers, glitter or jewels make pumpkins non-compostable, and then they have to go in the black garbage cart.
Find more information about organics recycling on the City website.
 The new Lake Street Safety Center has opened at 2228 E. Lake St. next to the METRO Light Rail Lake Street/Midtown Station. The safety center features both City and community-based resources and social services. Community members can walk in five days a week and get help from City 311 customer service staff.
Now available, 311 staff can help with non-emergency issues and provide information on City services. They can also connect you with the right support service, depending on your needs. Services in the center so far include community navigators and crime prevention specialists. Community navigators will be in the center 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Crime prevention specialists are available three days per week 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Coming up, other partners will be in the center at varying hours and days. Soon, these organizations will operate out of the center:
- Be@School
- Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches
- Lake Street Safety Coordinator
- LEAD Minneapolis
The center is open weekdays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Please note: The Lake Street Safety Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 21, for a training.
For more information on the services and office hours, visit the City website.
Using new state and federal funding, the City of Minneapolis has started work to replace aging water infrastructure for property owners across the city. The City has completed a citywide inventory of all water service lines. The water service line is the pipe that runs from the water main in the street to the meter inside a property. In Minneapolis, the entire water service line is owned by the property owner.
Residents who have either a lead water service line, a galvanized water service line requiring replacement or a water service line of unknown material will receive a letter from the City. The letter has information about the water service line material, steps that can be taken to minimize lead exposure in drinking water, and an update on the City’s effort to replace lead water service lines. An interactive map of the water service line inventory can be viewed on the City’s website.
How we know our tap water is safe
Minneapolis water is tested hundreds of times a day to ensure it’s safe to drink, and it has always met all federal drinking water standards for lead. The water is treated to make sure lead from pipes does not get into the water.
This year, using the new grant funds, we began proactively replacing lead service lines at no cost to the homeowner. In total, we will replace around 400 lead service lines using grant funds in 2024 with a plan to replace 1,000 in 2025. This effort will continue until we have replaced or attempted to replace every lead service line in the city (replacement requires the property owner’s consent). It is important to note this is not an opt-in program. The state legislation requires us to prioritize replacement based on:
- Focusing on areas with lower-income residents and other disadvantaged communities.
- Focusing on areas with children with elevated blood lead levels.
- Coordinating the replacement of lead service lines with other capital improvement projects for the most efficient use of grant funding.
You can find more information on the City website.
|
The Minneapolis Health Department is committed to eliminating childhood lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is 100% preventable and is detected with a blood test. Contact your health care provider and test your child for lead poisoning if they:
- Are under 6 years old.
- Live in a home built before 1978.
- Live in a home with recent repairs to painted wood trim, walls or floors.
Or if you are concerned for your child’s health.
Read more on the City website about managing lead paint and how the City can help.
|
Minnesota homeowners and renters can apply for energy assistance to help keep their homes warm this winter.
By applying for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program, homeowners and renters may also qualify for Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program and receive free home improvements to help save energy and ensure a warm, healthy, safe home.
Find more information and apply on the Minnesota Commerce Department website.
 The City’s Green Cost Share program continues to help Minneapolis residents reduce their home energy use. From better insulation to new heating and cooling systems, the City helped residents with more than 200 projects so far this year to improve Minneapolis homes.
Need funding for your next home energy-saving project? We are offering rebates up to $14,000 for homes in a Green Zone and $5,000 for homes outside a Green Zone.
Learn more about the program and apply now.
Hear from homeowners who received funding from the program
Under an earlier phase of the program, the City offered 0% interest loans for energy-efficient improvements to Minneapolis residents. Watch a video on how residents Vivian Johnson and Mike Rivard used their 0% interest loan.
 Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for cooking in the U.S. Did you know that cooking accidents are the leading contributor to house fires in the U.S.?
If you have a cooking fire:
- When you’re cooking, keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it’s completely cooled.
- Never use water on a stove fire. Water will spread grease and flames, and it’s dangerous around electricity.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
Find more safety guidance around fires from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
With more dark hours this time of year, you might notice lights out more on parkways or in parks. If you see a light not working, contact:
For parkway lights
The City of Minneapolis 311 Service Center: Call 311, email or report it on the City website or the app.
For path and trail lights in parks
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board customer service: Call 612-230-6400 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday or email anytime.
If you witness someone damaging a light, call 911 regardless of location.
Minneapolis 311 and the Minneapolis Service Centers downtown and in the East Lake Community Safety Center will close Thursday, Nov. 21, for one day. The team will focus on strategies to enhance service and better support residents.
They will resume regular business hours Friday, Nov. 22.
How residents can get information when 311 services are closed
Residents can get City information and make reports online whenever 311 is closed or leave a message for a call back.
- Residents can find information about City topics or departments on the City website.
- Residents can tell the City about issues from barking dogs to graffiti using an online form.
- Residents can dial 311 or 612-673-3000 and leave a message for a call back when business hours resume.
As always, call 911 for emergencies.
About the 311 Service Center
The 311 Service Center offers City information and services online on the City website; over the phone at 311 or 612-673-3000; and in person at 505 Fourth Ave. S., skyway level, and the East Lake Community Safety Center, 2228 E. Lake St.
|
 There is one remaining public hearing for people to provide feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2025 City budget and 2026 plan. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website.
The proposed 2025 budget is $1.88 billion with a maximum tax levy of 8.3%. The City Council has started reviewing the 2025 budget – the first year of the biennial budget cycle – and will vote on adopting the budget Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.
City budget public hearings This public hearing will take place at the Public Service Center, 250 Fourth St. S., Room 350.
- Truth in Taxation hearing, 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. (The City Council will vote on adopting the budget following the hearing.)
Learn how to participate in public hearings.
Council Member Jenkins holds office hours on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Sabathani Community Center. If you'd like to make an appointment, please reach out to the Ward 8 office. |
