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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week was a Ward Work Week. These are weeks without any City Council meetings and happen five times a year. This allows me to spend more time in the community listening and learning from all of you. Here are some of my activities this week:
- On Saturday I met with residents of the Towers Condominium to learn more about their concerns regarding city services and answer questions.
- Also on Saturday I attended a St. Anthony West Neighborhood community open house. They were asking neighbors what issues the Organization should focus on. Over 125 neighbors attended to express their thoughts and give feedback to the board. Congratulations to the St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization for their successful outreach and board recruitment effort.
- Sunday was another listening session at the Stone Bridge and Washburn Lofts. If your neighborhood or building would like to schedule time with me, please call Henry at 612-673-2203.
- On Monday I spent half the day at the North Regional Public Safety Training Facility. I rode out with the Chief of the Metro Transit Police Department in order to discuss your concerns of public safety on buses and trains. At the training center I learned how both new and current police officers receive ongoing training. In the afternoon I had a meeting with City staff and the Downtown Council to make a plan on re-approaching the US Postal Service about purchasing the downtown post office. This would create a pedestrian route along Hennepin Ave to the river by tearing down the parking ramp, and allow for the conversion of the beautiful building into a mixed-used space.
- On Tuesday I had breakfast with the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation to learn about their top priorities. I then had lunch at the 2nd Precinct with neighbors to celebrate the successful resolution of a very complex case. A big thank you to the 2nd Precinct officers, the City Attorney's office, the embedded social worker at the precinct, and the behavioral crisis response team.
- Tuesday evening I spent time with the DMNA Land Use Committee to discuss the empty lot at 800 Washington Ave S. I also met with Park Commissioner Meg Forney to discuss the future of the area around the St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam.
- On Wednesday I had breakfast with neighbors from the Sheridan neighborhood who are having issues with a late-night party house in their neighborhood. I then met with City staff to receive an update on proposed changes to the City's signage rules in Downtown and the North Loop. Later on I had lunch with a constituent who works for Catholic Charities and their new CEO. A big thank you to Catholic Charities for the housing and services they provide.
- Thursday morning I had the opportunity to speak at a Mill City Commons breakfast club about public safety. I then met with Somali elders who provide outreach services along both sides of the River during evening hours.
- Today I had a chiropractic appointment and haircut--yes, even Council Members have personal lives. Then dinner with my wife before an evening meeting with residents from the Sheridan neighborhood to discuss the upcoming reconstruction of 13th Ave NE.
I absolutely love the busy schedule that comes with being a public servant and look forward to hearing from you.
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
Recruiting for several of the spring boards and commissions has stayed open through April 20. 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.
This is a way to help make changes and improvements that affect your community. Serving on City boards and commissions offers a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them.
Apply by April 20 on the City website.
The 2025 season for Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling collection of leaves, brush and other yard trimmings starts the week of April 7. Customers can set properly prepared yard waste at their alleys or curbs next to their garbage carts by 6 a.m. on their pickup day.
You can set yard waste out in a reusable container, compostable bags (paper or certified compostable plastic), or bundled with string or twine.
See how to prepare it on the City website.
In recognition of National Public Health Week, we’re hosting our annual resource fair, a free light lunch and Local Public Health Heroes award ceremony. This year’s theme is Building Bridges to Create Healthier Communities.
Wednesday, April 9 Resource fair: 11 a.m. to noon Awards ceremony: Noon to 1 p.m. Public Service Building, Room 100, 505 Fourth Ave. S.
Resource fair
The resource fair booths include:
Find full event details on the City website.
The City of Minneapolis is finishing up renovations to City Hall that improve accessibility and update workspaces while preserving the 130-year-old historic building. City offices have begun to return with the Office of Mayor moving to Room 330, City Hall, March 28.
The construction updated heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems. The third floor now features a new formal media room and more natural light, as the process uncovered many windows.
Meetings that use the Council Chamber will move back to City Hall over the next few months. For locations, check the meeting’s agenda. As departments move back to City Hall, find their locations in the contact section of each department’s webpage.
Read more building updates on the City website.
April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. Make sure your loved ones know what you want so your health care choices are honored. Anyone over 18 can draft health care directives.
The directive outlines your health care wishes. It can be informal, but it must show your name and date, have your signature verified by a notary public or two witnesses, and name a person to make health care decisions for you if you’re unable to.
Resources
If you have questions, contact Christina Kendrick.
Come to the Minneapolis Music Summit for a day of community-building, celebrating and imagining the future of Minneapolis music. Whether you’re a musician or a promoter, working in management, recording, venues, studios or policy, and whatever your genre, you’re invited. This event is free.
Connect to resources, give feedback on policy ideas, and be a part of the conversation.
Minneapolis Music Summit 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 10 Green Room, 2923 Girard Ave. S.
The Minneapolis Music Summit is a partnership of the City of Minneapolis and Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance.
Please RSVP, and watch the City website for updates.
The 2025 Earth Day cleanup is April 19. Join friends, family and neighbors in the largest community service event in Minneapolis, with more than 40 sites across the city’s park system. Since the event began in 2008, more than 23,000 residents have removed more than 165,000 pounds of garbage.
Just drop in to volunteer. Choose a site and arrive at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will bring bags and gloves, and the City of Minneapolis will dispose of the trash you collect.
Read more on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website. |
