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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors on a chilly Winter day with snow on the way,
This week at the Public Health and Safety Committee we received a report from staff on the navigation center established by the City in 2018 in response to the Wall of Forgotten Natives encampment along Hiawatha Ave. Staff also gave an overview of the feasibility of establishing a new navigation center on City-owned land at 2717 Longfellow Ave, 2600 Minnehaha Ave, or 3605 44th St E. In reviewing the potential sites for a new navigation center, staff expressed concern over all three options due to size, future development, and lack of community support.
We learned that the 2018 iteration cost the City $2.92 million with the County and State not providing any financial help. The Facility was designed for 130 people and over half the residents were able to find housing before the closure in June of 2019. The site was closed due to the construction of a 200 unit apartment building. An important learning is that there is a great need for wrap-around services as we help our unsheltered sisters and brothers. The weakness in our current system is that not everyone is ready to accept services and permanent housing. The good news is that the City is going to begin using the drug buprenorphine, which helps prevent withdrawal symptoms, and gives individuals time to seek treatment.
Other activities this week included:
- A report from the Minnesota Attorney General's office on the use of pricing algorithms to inflate rents.
- An update on Inclusionary Zoning requirements and its effect on the current housing development market.
- An analysis of drug overdose prevention strategies in other cities.
- A planning session with all relevant City departments to begin planning for the 3rd season of Warehouse District Live. It has been a successful program and similar programs have been started by Anoka, Stillwater, and Shakopee.
In closing I want to alert you to two important meetings. The first is on February 25th at 5pm in Edison High School where MnDOT will hold an open house regarding its plans for reconstructing Central Ave NE. The second meeting will be on March 12th at 5:30pm at the Ukrainian American Hall to hear from the independent monitor overseeing the police department's settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. These meetings will be held every four months in different parts of the City.
Congratulations are in order for Chef Diane Moua of Diane's Place. She has been named a James Beard Award semifinalist for best Midwest Chef!
As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.
Your neighbor,
Michael
Throughout the snow season and especially when a lot of snow is in the forecast, make sure you have ways to find out if a snow emergency is declared. Whenever there’s winter weather, from freezing drizzle to a large snowstorm, City crews provide snow and ice control. When snowfall is heavy, we may declare a snow emergency – temporary street parking rules – so we can clear the streets, including parking lanes, as wide as possible.
Sign up now, stay informed throughout the season
Residents, workers and visitors have several ways to learn when snow emergencies are declared and what to do when they are. We recommend signing up for at least two types of alerts:
- Call the snow emergency hotline. You can reach our automated hotline at 612-348-SNOW (7669). If a snow emergency is in effect, the hotline will have information on that day’s parking restrictions that drivers need to follow to avoid tickets and tows. The hotline includes information in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
- Check our social media pages.
- Watch local TV or listen to the radio.
Read more about snow emergencies.
The first semi-annual report is out from the independent evaluator on Minneapolis compliance with police reform. The Effective Law Enforcement for ALL (ELEFA) report documents the City’s advance toward compliance with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement and finds that the City is on track to meet nearly all of its year-one goals assessed during this period.
ELEFA’s report covers the period from March 18 to Sept. 30, 2024. It highlights progress made in policy revisions, trainings, misconduct complaint backlogs, and plans for equipment, technology, facilities, and data systems. These achievements are key to transforming the MPD’s approach to policing and building a strong foundation for the next phases of compliance.
The report is on ELEFA’s website. ELEFA will continue to host regular community engagement sessions. The next review period will cover work completed between Oct. 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.
Read more on the City website.
All Minneapolis residents, neighbors and community members are invited to attend the 2025 Community Connections Conference this Saturday, Feb. 8.
The conference offers a day of connecting, sharing and learning about all the ways to be involved in the local community. You can also meet the people behind important City services, community groups and other institutions. The conference is free and open to everyone, and Metro Transit will also offer free rides.
Program highlights
The theme for the 12th annual conference is “Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow.” The City invites you to:
- Speak: Weigh in on important decisions.
- Act: Vote, join neighborhood groups or serve on City boards.
- Grow: Learn new things to improve your community, neighborhood and life.
This year's conference will have workshops, music and dance, activities for the whole family, an exhibit hall and afternoon community conversations about health and food systems in Minneapolis. Flu and COVID vaccines are also available for free at the pop-up clinic in the exhibit hall while supplies last.
Register ahead of time online or at the conference.
Read more on the City website.
The City of Minneapolis is seeking qualified applicants to serve on the Community Commission on Police Oversight. The independent body allows the public a forum to have meaningful engagement in police oversight and review. Members of the commission serve on the Police Conduct Review Panel as civilian panelists making recommendations about whether MPD policies and procedures have been violated and making recommendations about discipline.
Applications are open now for three current vacancies plus eight seats that will open in May. Applications are due by March 16.
Read more on the City website. |
