I hope you’re kicking off 2025 with joy, excitement, and all the positive energy the new year has to offer! As we step into this fresh chapter, let’s continue to build on the progress we’ve made, connect with our neighbors, and create a community that’s stronger, smarter, and more vibrant than ever.
Here’s to a year filled with new opportunities, big wins, and lots of laughter. Let’s make this our best one yet! Stay tuned for all the updates and exciting events coming your way. You won’t want to miss out.
Wishing you all health, happiness, and plenty of good vibes in 2025!
Sidewalks are an important part of Minneapolis’ transportation system, and they should be open for everyone. That’s why Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall for houses and duplexes and four daytime hours for all other properties. It’s the law, and it’s the neighborly thing to do. If your walk’s not cleared, the City could have it cleared and you would be billed.
Don’t forget your garbage, recycling and organics carts. Crews need a 36-inch-wide path from your carts to the street or alley.
If you need help clearing snow, you can call 311 for a list of resources that might be available. Read more on the City website.
 Minneapolis minimum wage increases to $15.97
The minimum wage across the city of Minneapolis is now $15.97 for all businesses. There is a higher Minimum Wage in Minneapolis than the rest of the state.
Coverage depends on the physical location (in the City of Minneapolis) of the employee while the employee is performing work, regardless of the employee’s age or training. Read more about City of Minneapolis labor standards.
Register now for the 2025 Community Connections Conference
The City of Minneapolis is organizing the Feb. 8 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 annual free conference connects Minneapolis residents, community groups, neighborhoods and local government.
You can register early now.
Community Connections Conference 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Exhibitor check-in 8 a.m. Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E 1301 Second Ave. S.
Theme
The theme this year – Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow – invites people to:
· Speak: Voice their 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 they can use to improve their neighborhood, community and lives.
Not just any event
We believe:
· People from all communities should feel welcome in City spaces.
· It should be easy for everyone to get involved and influence important decisions.
· People from all communities should get information about programs and policies in language they understand.
Learn more and sign up online.
 Minneapolis residents are invited to a follow-up meeting about the Lowry Avenue Station project on January 14, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the North Regional Library.
While the first meeting in December had good attendance, organizers are hoping for more input from local residents at this second meeting. The meeting will cover the project’s progress and allow time for questions and feedback from the community.
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.
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.
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.
Applications are open now for public health internships with the City and 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.
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 open until Feb. 14.
At a Fix-It Clinic, volunteers help you 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 theHennepin County website.
Gov. Tim Walz has issued a writ of special election following the death of Minnesota Sen. Kari Dziedzic. The City of Minneapolis is working closely with Hennepin County and the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office in coordinating the Jan. 28 special election.
Minnesota Senate District 60 comprises all of Minneapolis Ward 1, most of Ward 2 and portions of Wards 3 and 6. Find more including instructions for voters on the City website. |
