 You can now register early for the 2025 City of Minneapolis Community Connections Conference. The Community Connections Conference is an annual free event that connects residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government.
Community Connections Conference
Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Exhibitor check-in 8 a.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E
Pre-register ahead of time online or in person on conference day.
Participation is Power
The City of Minneapolis is organizing this year's event around the power of participating in your community and local decision-making. Our theme this year will be “Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow.”
We invite people to:
- Speak: Voice your opinion about important upcoming projects and decision-making.
- Act: Take action by voting, joining a neighborhood organization board or a City appointed board.
- Grow: Learn skills and information you can use to improve your neighborhood, community and life.
Read more about the conference and our goals on the conference website.
What you will find at the conference
 Stop by the conference for:
- More than 100 exhibits from the City of Minneapolis, other public institutions and community groups.
- Workshops and community dialogues on important topics.
- Performances from local artists.
- Free lunch.
- A fun scavenger hunt side quest.
- Opportunities to connect with City leaders.
Check out the running list of exhibits on the City website.
Learn new things
 Some of the topics you can learn about this year include:
- Contacting City Council.
- Funding for community projects.
- Immigration.
- Renters' rights.
- First aid skills.
- How to administer NARCAN.
- Environmental programs.
- Jobs and internships for youth.
- Getting involved with your neighborhood organization.
Exhibit booth deadline extended to Jan. 12
 Organizations now have until Jan. 12 to request a space in the Community Connections Conference exhibit hall. We 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. on Jan. 12.
We are especially looking for informative, fun, interactive exhibits that fit this year's conference theme.
Exhibit space is free for nonprofits and public institutions, and organizers will also provide booth spaces for conference partners.
Volunteer at the conference
 You can help:
- Spread the word about the conference
- Welcome guests
- Guide people and answer questions
- Keep lunch services running smoothly
Bilingual volunteers are especially helpful.
Volunteers in these roles will still be able to participate in the conference activities and will receive a conference t-shirt.
Sign up to volunteer.
 The City of Minneapolis shares important news and updates in English, Spanish, Somali, Oromo and Hmong over community radio stations and two television programs.
You can see the upcoming schedule for these shows and find past recordings on the City website.
Twin Cities monthly immigration forum meets Thursday, Jan. 9
The City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) in partnership with the City of Saint Paul Immigrant and Refugee Program hosts a monthly immigration forum to offer immigration-related updates to the community. The next meeting of this series will be on Thursday, Jan. 9
Twin Cities monthly immigration forum
Thurs., Jan. 9, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Join online over Microsoft Teams
Or call in (audio only) at +1 612-276-6670 with meeting ID 508 613 777#
The topics covered include:
- Federal immigration news and resources.
- City, community and advocacy organization updates.
- Other topics important to immigrant, refugee and new American communities.
Watch previous forums on the City's YouTube channel.
Find dates and links to join the meetings on the OIRA events calendar. Learn more about the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) at minneapolismn.gov/ncr/oira or contact the office directly at oira@minneapolismn.gov.
 Applications are open now for public health internships and EMS Pathways Academy with the City, and they open Jan. 2 for Step Up internships.
Public Health Pathways Program internships
The City’s public health internship program provides hands-on experience, where students can gain real-world experience in public health, build a resume and develop a professional network. This cohort is for undergraduate and graduate students who are in school or graduated between February 2024 and January 2025. The internship runs from the end of January through May.
Apply by Jan. 5 on the City website.
2025 EMS Pathways Academy student internship
The EMS Pathways Academy Student Internship Program is helping the Minneapolis Fire Department and Hennepin EMS workforce to better reflect the community they serve.Graduates of this program have been successfully hired as Minneapolis Firefighters, Hennepin EMS Dispatchers, and into the Hennepin EMS trainee program, ultimately becoming HEMS paramedics.
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What: 12-week EMT training and certification course.
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Who: You must have a high school diploma or GED and be authorized to work in the United States.
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When: Class are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting March 10.
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Pay: $17.05 per hour.
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Deadline: Apply by Jan. 13
Learn more, attend an information session and apply on the City website.
Step Up internships
For more than 20 years, the City’s Step Up program has provided summer employment for Minneapolis residents 14-21. Youths are placed in internships at public, private, nonprofit and community organizations.
Applications for next summer are just around the corner opening Jan. 2, 2025.
 At a Fix-It Clinic, volunteers guide you to dismantle, troubleshoot and repair your small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices, and more. Learn valuable skills and reduce waste at the same time.
Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave. S.
Find more information on the Hennepin County website.
Energy rebates: Up to $14,000 to make your home warmer this winter
Are your windows and walls drafty? Is your energy bill too high? Save money, make your home more comfortable and help the environment through the City’s Green Cost Share program.
Depending on where you live, the City offers up to $14,000 in rebates to make energy-efficient home improvements.
Get started
Watch the video to learn how to get started making your home warmer this winter.
Go to our website for details on how to apply.
Help with heat bills
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.
Get ready for snow season
Avoid the hassle and expense of getting towed during a snow emergency this winter. Don't let unpredictable weather catch you off guard. Sign up for Minneapolis alerts to stay ahead of the snow and know about parking rules.
Sign up for alerts today
Text "MPLSAlerts" to 77295 or create a full Smart911 profile online to stay informed this winter.
Watch the video about signing up for alerts.
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