 The ruins from the deconstruction of the Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C.
Dear Neighbors,
Well, its unofficially spring. And wow, does it feel good. I spent the early part of this week in the nation’s Capital meeting with our State and District Delegation, which includes Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith as well as Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. There we discussed issues pertinent to the city, including support for the reconstruction of 1st Avenue downtown, ADA accessibility ramps across the city, and rail improvements on the north side. However, we mostly expressed our deep concern regarding the impending Continuing Resolution that would dramatically reshape our system of American government . We encouraged them to vote against it. We told them we’re opposed to the dismantling of the Department of Education, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as laying off thousands of government workers. As Jimmy Fallon said, “maybe Elon should lay off Donald Trump, since he’s ruining the economy.”
We were there to attend the National League of Cities, which brings together city councilmembers, mayors and city managers from all over the country to discuss best practices and understand what resources and supports are available from the federal government. Unfortunately, I witnessed the sad deconstruction of the Black Lives Matter Plaza, which was located right near the White House. I got this sinking feeling that if we keep dragging our feet on the revitalization of George Floyd Square it may suffer a similar fate in reverse, meaning it will never get done. Symbols and institutions are important to civic and cultural life. That is why I’m working so hard to bring some of that to George Floyd Square.
On Friday, at the city council meeting I co-authored a resolution with Council Member Ellison to recognize and bring awareness to Multiple Sclerosis Week, March 9th -15th. As you may be aware, I was diagnosed with MS in the fall of 2017. MS attacks the central nervous system and affects everyone differently. My symptoms have been varied, sometimes it manifests with mobility issues, urgent and frequent urination, and always chronic pain. This, in turn, impacts my energy levels, so I must make decisions about how and when it is best to use my limited energy. I was pleased to be able to offer the resolution and to request the I-35W and Lowry Bridges be lit up in orange last night, as that is color that represents MS awareness. Learn more here.
Love,
Andrea
 CM Jenkins with CM Ellison and members of the community supporting the MS Awareness Week Resolution.
The City Council has passed a resolution honoring Women’s History Month. The resolution commemorates the achievements of women and pledges to continue efforts to promote gender equity, celebrate diversity, and support the empowerment of all women in our community.
The resolution also:
- Recognizes that all women are leaders, regardless of their formal roles or leadership positions.
- Supports opportunities within our organization where women, especially Black women, Indigenous women, transgender women, and women of color, are equitably represented and thriving across departments and roles.
Read the full resolution on the City website.
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Mayor Jacob Frey has set his 2025 priorities to guide policy and budget decisions. The 2025 priorities focus on safety, housing, economic inclusion, climate and good governance.
Read more about the 2025 priorities on the City website.
 The City of Minneapolis has launched an initiative aiming to move the Minneapolis community toward a future grounded in racial equity and justice by harnessing the power of conversations to heal racial divisions. "Minneapolis Your Story,” a partnership with independent nonprofit StoryCorps Studios, will create an archive of community-centered stories focused on racial healing.
Now through May, people can record their perspectives in their own words and archive them as part of this special partnership. The community archive will include stories about the history of racial discrimination and injustice in Minneapolis, George Floyd’s murder, the civil unrest that followed, and the ongoing efforts to reform the Minneapolis Police Department.
The City will then host a community listening session to hear selected recordings.
Read more about StoryCorps and share your story on the City website.
 The City is looking for community input before advancing a development group for Peoples’ Way to the mayor and City Council for approval. Please take a survey by March 21 to share your feedback.
Redeveloping the Peoples’ Way site for community use is a part of the City’s effort to work with community on a new vision for George Floyd Square. Years of feedback from community members has informed a shared vision for the area.
Read more about Peoples’ Way on the City website and take the survey by March 21. You can also see presentation materials and video recordings from a Feb. 26 event with four applicants to redevelop the site.
The Cultural Districts Arts Fund is a new initiative coordinated through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department of the City of Minneapolis. The 38th St. Cultural District is located in Ward 8! This initiative aligns with the City’s Comprehensive Plan: Minneapolis 2040
Currently accepting applications through April 15, 4:30 PM for
Festivals & Cultural Spaces Activation Program
Pop-up Art Activation Program
Minneapolis renters, you have housing rights that protect you. Two new renter rights went into effect March 1.
Changes to the pre-eviction filing notice for unpaid rent
Renters at risk of being evicted for not paying their rent will now have a longer notice.
Before property owners start the eviction process, they must now give renters 30 days’ notice. Before, the notice period was 14 days. The period begins once the notice is mailed or the day it’s hand-delivered to the renter.
Mandatory information from property owners
In 2024, the City passed an ordinance that set a new standard for transparency in renting. The ordinance helps new renters learn more about the places they call home and their protections and resources. Property owners must share some information before new renters sign a lease, and other information within 90 days after the lease starts.
Make sure to visit the City website to see the full explanation of what property owners must share and when.
 If you or someone you know is a college, graduate or law student, encourage them to apply for the Urban Scholars Internship Program. This summer leadership internship is for college and graduate students interested in public sector careers.
The 2025 Urban Scholars program runs from June 2 to Aug. 15. The program is a full-time summer program providing internships, professional development and mentorship opportunities for young professionals. The interns work full-time with the employers four days a week with leadership development every Monday.
Candidate applications are due March 17.
 The City of Minneapolis is moving forward with a plan to create the Minneapolis Democracy Center at 3000 Minnehaha Ave., the former 3rd Precinct police building. The Minneapolis Democracy Center will house Elections & Voter Services as well as a large, ground-floor space for community use.
Progress on cleanup
City crews are cleaning up the site. Fences are now off the sidewalk, and the razor wire is gone. Cleanup inside the building includes selective demolition before a complete building renovation. More work will include building systems updates, replacing windows and doors, and rebuilding the front entry at Lake and Minnehaha. Work will continue through the summer.
Read more on the City website.
 Recruiting members for boards and commissions is now open. We’re looking for applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences representing the demographics of Minneapolis to strengthen the work of the City. Translation and interpreting are available so all residents can participate.
Serving on City boards and commissions offers a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them. This is a way to help make changes and improvements that affect your community.
Applications will be taken throughout March for these boards and commissions:
- Advisory Committee on Aging
- Advisory Committee on Disabilities
- Advisory Committee on Housing
- Bicycle Advisory Committee
- Community Commission on Police Oversight (applications open until March 16)
- Homegrown Food Council
- Pedestrian Advisory Committee
- Public Health Advisory Committee
Apply by March 31, and stay up to date on vacancies, position descriptions and timelines by visiting the City website.
The Vibrant Storefronts pilot program is expanding to offer rental support for artist spaces in new parts of Loring Park, Downtown and Uptown. Bringing property owners and artists together ensures stable tenants for the owners and furnishes space for the local creative community.
The first three awardees from November have opened their doors in the Harmon Place Historic District: Black Business Enterprises, Blackbird Revolt and Pride Cultural Arts Center. The two remaining awardees will open this spring. The Vibrant Storefronts pilot is a part of Minneapolis 2040.
Applications open March 14. The City will hold site visits April 11, 12 and 19. Interested artists can learn more and apply by May 16 on the City website.
 The public is invited to a brief presentation and discussion March 24 to learn more and share input on a planned METRO station. The Met Council’s Blue Line Extension Project is seeking community feedback on an updated design for the light rail station planned for the intersection of Lowry and West Broadway avenues in north Minneapolis.
Your feedback will help shape the final design of the station.
Minneapolis Lowry Avenue Station Design Workshop 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 24 Sanctuary Church, 2018 Aldrich Ave. N.
If you have questions or need help to attend this meeting, email the Blue Line Extension team.
Learn more about the Blue Line Extension Project.
 Join us in our City’s annual celebration of National Public Health Week honoring our local public health heroes. The City will host a resource fair and Local Public Health Heroes Awards ceremony on April 9. This year’s theme is Building Bridges to Create Healthier Communities. This event is free and open to the public.
Local Public Health Heroes April 9 11 a.m.: Resource fair Noon: Award ceremony Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 100
A free lunch will be served.
Nominate a local public health hero
The work community members do in public health is essential to building healthier communities in our city. To honor those who do this important work, we give Local Public Health Hero Awards to individuals, teams/collaborations and organizations.
Nominate a Local Public Health Hero by 5 p.m. March 19.
For the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual Fix a Leak Week this month, take time to see if there’s a leak in your home plumbing. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other easy fixes. Stopping leaks can help conserve water and save money on your water bill.
Nationwide, more than a trillion gallons of water are wasted every year because of household leaks.
Resources
Find a checklist, a video and instructions on the City website for steps you can take to fix leaks in your home plumbing.
Minneapolis is making history by becoming the first city in North America to own and operate a biochar facility. The City will process wood waste from Xcel Energy’s tree trimming around power lines. The facility will transform the wood waste into biochar, a specialized charcoal that holds onto carbon dioxide. This helps clean the air while also serving as an extremely powerful soil amendment for growing plants and trees.
Read more about the plan for biochar on the City website.
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 National Night Out is a time for City residents to come together and celebrate with neighbors. Many blocks in Minneapolis take this opportunity to reconnect, eat and build relationships while kids play and bike freely in the closed street.
Registration is now open and is free. Pro tips:
- Include neighbors in your organizing efforts.
- Register only one event per block (appoint one neighbor to register).
- Consider whether you want your street blocked off to traffic.
- Checking the box for 75% approval is fine if you plan to notify every household of the event.
- Call 311 to request a firetruck, MPD K9, and/or MPD Mounted Patrol.
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Contact a City crime prevention specialist with questions.
Registration closes July 29. Read more about National Night Out and register your block’s event on the City website.
March is Explore Construction Employment month in Minnesota. This industry offers good wages and career advancement. Registered apprenticeship is a common path to a job in construction. The City is a partner in a new resource on apprenticeships, the Apprenticeship Outreach Office. The office is a valuable resource for anyone looking to start their careers and earn while they learn.
Construction companies hire the most apprentices in Minnesota. Apprenticeships are also growing in other industries.
The Minneapolis Apprenticeship Outreach Office is a partnership of the City of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Apprenticeship 101 workshops are held monthly at the CareerForce Minneapolis North. If you have questions, please contact Navigator Harrell Mathieu or call 612-494-8755.
 With the early warmup, some people may want to tidy and rake up their yards. But pollinators nest in the broken stems of plants and overwinter in leaf piles. To protect them, please do not rake any leaves or clean up your yard until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees.
Yard waste collection will begin the week of April 7.
 Help us understand how you use tap water. This survey will guide us as we plan for a sustainable future that meets human needs and protects the environment.
When you take the quick survey, you'll get the chance to enter into a raffle to win an iPad. Your answers will stay anonymous and will only be used to help with planning.
Take the five-minute tap water survey from the City of Minneapolis and the Water Research Foundation.
The City of Minneapolis has appointed Robert Timmerman the new city auditor, effective immediately.
The Office of the City Auditor office provides independent, objective review and consulting services to add value and improve City operations. Services also include auditing, continuous monitoring and investigations. The city auditor reports to the audit committee, which is made up of two City Council members, a Park Board commissioner and four community members.
Timmerman comes to the City of Minneapolis with strong state experience. Most recently, he served with the Minnesota Department of Transportation as acting director of the Office of Audit and an internal audit and investigations supervisor. Timmerman also served as a senior auditor for the Minnesota Office of the Legislator Auditor and a tax supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Timmerman holds a business administration degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a certificate in law enforcement from Metropolitan State University. He has performed government audits and led professional level government auditors for most of his 18 years in public service.
Read more about the city auditor appointment on the City website.
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Minneapolis is working to start a pilot for traffic safety cameras and wants to hear from you. Take a new survey to share your feedback on camera locations. A new State law allowing this pilot requires protections for fairness, equity and privacy.
Camera enforcement is proven effective at saving lives and reducing crashes. It’s one part of the City's effort to get to zero traffic deaths and serious injuries.
The pilot will launch as early as August with about five camera locations that will enforce speed limits. The pilot will run for up to four ears and may expand to a maximum of 42 locations. The program may also expand to enforce red lights.
The City will gather feedback on potential camera locations through mid-May.
Read more about the traffic safety camera pilot and take the survey on the City website.
Nearly half a million people call Minneapolis home. Twenty-seven departments serve our residents, businesses and visitors. We all do our part to make this city hum, with each department offering its specific expertise and contributions.
So even a few months into the new year, we think it’s a healthy exercise to look back at some accomplishments from 2024: from being named the happiest city in the country to showcasing strides made in affordable housing.
Let’s show off Minneapolis a bit, shall we? Take a look at our 2024 highlights and, for a few moments, celebrate what makes Minneapolis shine.
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