 The ribbon cutting at the Aliveness Project, Thrive Clinic and Pharmacy
Dear neighbors:
Brrrrrrr…… winter is here, I hope your heating systems are fully functioning and you have extra blankets just in case. Minnesota winters are nothing to play with. Neither are workers’ rights; it is serious business. I know that many of you are wondering about my change in decision around the proposal initially introduced. I offered amendments I thought would bring a level of fairness to the process that would bring all the stakeholders together to have equal standing (or seating as it were) at the table. Those amendments were declined by my colleagues. My thought at the time was that I would vote to support the ordinance and then work to improve it over time. I did not know the mayor would veto the measure, however once he did, that presented an opportunity for us to work with constituents from the small business community, many of whom are women and people of color. What I’ve heard from folks is they do not feel they have had a voice in how the Labor Standards Board was drafted. There were repeated asks for public hearings to understand those concerns but those requests were denied.
I want to be clear that, as a member of SEIU 284, I am committed to supporting workers of all income levels, especially working-class people. I am equally committed to working with the authors, stakeholders, unions, and the mayor to create an advisory board that reflects fair representation and creates a Labor Standards Board we all get behind. That work will begin in January of 2025.
December 1st, 2024 was World AIDS Day. On that day, the Aliveness Project (An HIV and AIDS service organization) located at 38th and Nicollet, celebrated the opening of their expansion which now provides private and personalized services for persons accessing lifesaving and life affirming medications and care. Congratulations, Aliveness Project! You exemplify the theme for this year: “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.”
Last week, we had the opportunity to join Pillsbury House + Theater for the kick-off of their Pillsbury Creative Commons Project. I’ve been working with Pillsbury House for years to help bring this vision to fruition, so it is great to see this exciting stage in the process.
Today the Council took a vote on the proposed layout for the reconstruction of 38th and Chicago, known as George Floyd Square. That vote failed and an alternative proposal offered by Council Member Chavez prevailed which has the potential to delay the project for a year or more. I was disappointed in this development, as the proposed layout presented by Public Works represented several hundred hours of engagement, planning, and process with community members. We continue to work towards a resolution at this intersection that is meaningful and equitable for everyone.
Stay warm!
Love,
Andrea
 Breaking ground at Pillsbury Creative Commons
Affordable housing is essential to thriving communities, but what does it mean, how does it work, and what is the City of Minneapolis doing to ensure everyone has access to a safe, stable and affordable home? Watch a new video series based on insights from The Way Home report that unpacks these questions, providing an inside look at our strategies, success stories and ongoing efforts.
This video series is the next phase of enhanced communications of the City’s community development impacts. You can also see the award winning Minneapolis Forward Stories of Recovery series and the CPED Impact annual report.
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 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.
 Despite the cold, December is the perfect time to pick up sustainable gifts, local food and handmade goods at several winter farmers markets across Minneapolis. Support local farmers and producers all while finding something special this month.
Winter markets
- Visit the Mill City Winter Market Dec. 7 and 21, as well as the first and third Saturdays in January through April.
- Visit the Minneapolis Farmers Market Dec. 7, 14 and 21 as well as select Saturdays in January through April.
- Visit the Northeast Farmers Market Dec. 8, as well as one Sunday a month January through April.
- Neighborhood Roots winter market is closed in December, but you can visit Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 8.
Learn more about winter farmers markets on the City website.
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.
 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. You can find an interactive map of the water service line inventory 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 Metropolitan Council is simplifying and lowering transit fares starting Jan. 1. Full-price fares on all Metro Transit buses and trains will be $2 any time of day. Young people, seniors and Medicare recipients will be able to ride Metro Transit’s non-express buses and light rail for $1 all day, every day. The cost of all-day and seven-day transit passes will also be reduced.
The changes are expected to make transit easier to use.
Read more about transit fares on the Metropolitan Council website.
Russell Fujisawa has been named director of the City of Minneapolis Civil Rights Department’s Office of Police Conduct Review. Fujisawa takes over for Carolina Amini, the acting division director since March. Fujisawa is charged with leading the division that investigates allegations of police misconduct.
Read more on the City website.
 If you recycle or compost through the City’s collection program, here’s guidance on getting rid of an item:
If you don’t have City collection, check Hennepin County's Green Disposal Guide.
How to dispose of common holiday items
- Holiday lights. Post usable holiday lights on Buy Nothing, another social media exchange site, or bring to a donation center. Bring non-working holiday lights and holiday lights that were not accepted for donation to a Hennepin County drop-off site.
- Pie tins, trays and aluminum foil. Recycle aluminum pie tins, trays and foil balls that have minimal food debris in your recycling cart. Aluminum foil must be in a ball at least 3 inches in size to be properly sorted.
- Gift wrap and bags. Reuse gift bags. Most wrapping paper is not recyclable and needs to be put in the trash. Only plain kraft paper gift wrap is accepted for recycling in your recycling cart. Make sure wrapping paper is flattened and not balled so it can be properly sorted. Consider alternatives to paper gift wrap and sticker gift labels.
- Cartons. Cartons are accepted for recycling in your recycling cart. Keep them in their three-dimensional shape. They’re kept separate from other paper and shipped to special paper mills that can manage the layers of plastic and aluminum.
See Hennepin County’s checklist for gift wrap alternatives and other ways to reduce waste this holiday seasons.
 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.
A lot of people have extra recycling this time of year. Here’s how to set out extra recycling on your recycling day:
- For boxes that do not fit in your recycling cart, you can place them next to your recycling cart in another box. Keep boxes set outside of the cart to less than 3' x 3' and under 40 pounds. This is for safety and proper sorting.
- Put any extra bottles and cans next to your recycling cart in cardboard boxes or paper bags. (If you use plastic bags, the entire bag will be disposed of as garbage.)
Remember there's no charge to get another recycling cart. If you regularly have more recycling that will fit in your cart(s), contact our office at 612-673-2917 to request another cart.
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The Minneapolis Health Department has opened its ninth school based clinic at Wellstone International High School. The new clinic in the school will serve more than 240 international and multilingual students in grades nine through 12.
Minneapolis school based clinics offer easy and confidential access to health care services for no cost to high school students. The clinics allow students to:
- Take charge of their health.
- Get no-cost, confidential services.
- Go to appointments without leaving school.
- Build relationships with providers who understand teens.
- Reduce school absences and parents missing work.
- Increase their success in school.
Read more 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.
Hennepin Avenue South has reopened from West Lake Street to West 26th Street with a new, multimodal design with better access for people walking, riding transit, biking and driving.
The redesigned street includes infrastructure upgrades and space for future METRO E Line stations, improving the overall flow of traffic while promoting safer and more efficient transit.
Work on Phase 2 from West 26th Street north to Douglas Avenue will begin in the spring.
Read more on the City website.
The Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts initiative will subsidize rent in vacant storefronts for five local arts organizations. This new pilot initiative’s inaugural awardees are Blackbird Revolt, Black Business Enterprises, Flavor World, Twin Cities Pride and Skntones.
In its first year, the Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts fund will distribute awards totaling $224,202 to foster creativity, enhance vibrancy and promote sustainability in Minneapolis.
Read more 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. More service providers are now available for the community.
Service providers in the center include:
- Community navigators. They provide cultural or issue-specific support to victims and survivors of crimes.
- Crime prevention specialists. They can help you with safety concerns and resolve conflicts.
- Lake Street safety coordinator. The Lake Street safety coordinator can help business and property owners in the area.
- LEAD Minneapolis. They provide care and support to people needing services in the East Lake Street corridor.
- Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. They offer peer recovery support for the East African Community struggling with substance use disorder. They offer housing services, such as rental help and rapid rehousing.
- City’s 311 department safety center agents. Community members can walk in five days a week and get help with non-emergency issues and information on City services. The safety center agents can also connect you with the right support service, depending on your needs.
For more information on the services and their office hours, visit the City website.
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.
Host a meeting at the safety center
Community members can now request to book the conference room to host a meeting. The room comfortably seats eight people. Wi-Fi and a large screen TV with HDMI hookup is available. Groups must bring their own laptop and any other equipment they need.
You can learn more about how to book the conference room on the City website.
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 plans.
There are two more update sessions left of this series. Any Minneapolis community member is welcome to attend.
Online 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 Check the City website for the Zoom link when it’s available.
Ward 2 January 2025, time and location TBD
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 downtown Minneapolis side of the Stone Arch Bridge is now closed through fall 2025 for repairs. The St. Anthony Main side of the bridge has reopened, so you can walk or bike to the middle of the bridge from that side. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2026.
You can use the new protected pathways on the Third Avenue Bridge as your detour route to walk or bike across the Mississippi River.
For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation project webpage.
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.
 The City of Minneapolis is organizing the Feb. 8, 2025, Community Connections Conference around the power of participating in your community and local decision-making. The theme is “Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow.” The conference is an annual free event that connects Minneapolis residents, community groups, neighborhoods and local government.
Volunteer or exhibit
We welcome volunteers to help spread the word about the conference and to volunteer on the day.
We also invite everyone in the community to share information, skills, resources and opportunities through exhibitor booths.
Apply for your exhibit space by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 13. We are especially looking for informative, fun, interactive exhibits for both children and adults. Exhibit space is free for nonprofits and public institutions, and conference partners will also have booth spaces.
Learn more and sign up online.
Read more on the City website. |
