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At yesterday’s City Council meeting, we passed a resolution recognizing May 25, 2025, as the fifth year since the Minneapolis Police Department murdered George Floyd in the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood. It was a stark reminder of the desperate need for structural reform within the Minneapolis Police Department.
This led to a worldwide racial reckoning against racism and police violence. Across the country, community members stood with Minneapolis during the 2020 uprising—amplifying the fight for justice, dignity, and liberation. Across Minneapolis, our communities came together, fed one another, defended each other, and demanded systemic change. Calls for justice, police accountability, and equity continue to be at the forefront of community members.
Now, in 2025, many of our communities continue to be impacted by racial injustice layered with a Trump administration attacking peoples' human rights. The pedestrian plaza concept is more than an urban design—it is a symbol. A symbol of presence, resistance, and the legacy of those who rose up. From D.C. to Salt Lake City to Minneapolis, our goal is to preserve our art, protect our land, and honor our ancestors.
We will continue to demand that the victims of police brutality and systematic oppression are seen, heard, centered and uplifted. The pedestrian plaza is a reminder that we must never forget May 25, 2020 and the stark reality that we still need structural reform in the Minneapolis Police Department.
Please read this document to learn more about the future of George Floyd Square and the work that my office is committed to moving forward.
The Rise and Remember event activities focus on education, empowerment, healing, celebration, and our collective pursuit for racial justice and equity with live music, market, food trucks, and more. The event will occur on Chicago Ave S between 37th St E and 39th St E as well as 38th St E between Columbus Ave S and Elliot Ave S.
Street closures include:
- Chicago Ave. S. between 37th St. E. and 39th St. E. as well as 38th St. E.
- 38th St. E. between Columbus Ave. S. and Elliot Ave. S.
The map shows these street closures. Road closure times are approximate and subject to change due to various constraints, including contractor availability and the complexity of setup. Setup efforts will result in roadway closures from Saturday, May 24, starting at 7:00 a.m. and reopening by Sunday, May 25 at midnight.
According to the Festival’s organizers, the “Rise & Remember Festival exists to hold in remembrance George Floyd and those we have lost unjustly to the pervasive impacts of systemic racism. Activities focus on education, empowerment, healing, celebration, and our collective pursuit for racial justice and equity. Through Rise & Remember Festival, we will host a candlelight vigil, a Night of Honor, and the street festival that continues to highlight the role of community-rooted healing and art as activism. Our vision is that this experience inspires people to rise to the occasion to come together in community and build racial justice and equity.”
More information, including a calendar of events, volunteer opportunities, and programming notes can be found at the Rise & Remember website.
 I had an incredible Bike to Work Day! We started at the 38th Street Station and met at City Hall with the rest of the participants. I am thankful of all the Public Works staff that made this happen.
 Council President Elliott Payne and I were able to visit various Catholic Charities Twin Cities locations with Jamie Verbrugge, Keith Kozerski, Carole Specktor, and staff at different sites. We are extremely grateful for their time and dedication to serving unhoused residents.
We enjoyed hearing about their work at Higher Ground Minneapolis, the Mary F. Frey Opportunity Center and Hope Street. The ways they help provide showers, food, lockers, employment support, address youth homelessness and support residents.
As we begin to feel the impact of federal funding cuts, it’s important for the city to work with our multi-jurisdictional partners to ensure services stay intact.
Last week, I proudly joined the House POCI Caucus, community advocates, and neighbors, advocating against the threat of dismantling healthcare for immigrants, reducing government services, and enacting policies targeting our BIPOC and working families. I am appreciative of the POCI Caucus and Legislators who are continuing to push back against this.
Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz, Senator Erin Murphy, Speaker Lisa Demuth, and Representative Melissa Hortman announced a framework and budget agreement. Unfortunately, they signed off on a deal that would strip healthcare away from immigrants who are undocumented (adults).
As we head into the last few days of the legislative session, it’s clear that healthcare for undocumented immigrants has become a huge talking point, yet it’s only a small part of the state's budget. There is still time to advocate against this measure.
I will continue to implore our state leaders not to cut lifesaving healthcare for our communities and to protect these life-saving policies for our communities. When the state legislature expanded healthcare access in 2024, it was in support of an inclusive state, not one that promotes exclusion.
Let’s continue to be an inclusive state for all. Everyone should have healthcare.
 Over a week ago, Minneapolis City Hall was transformed into “Pittie Hall” for a day. This was meant to bring attention and raise awareness of the adoption of pit bulls and other pets. Learn about pet adoption here.
Residents and visitors searching for the MPLS Parking app should look out for a scam posing as the legitimate app. This does not affect people already using the MPLS Parking app.
When using a search engine to find the MPLS Parking app, some people are finding sponsored ads instead that mimic the logo and language used in the official app. If clicked, these ads lead to third-party websites unaffiliated with the City of Minneapolis. These fraudulent websites ask for a credit card to download and use the free app, exposing victims’ card numbers and personal information. The City has taken action and reported four of these fraudulent advertisements to the search engine on which they’re sponsored.
Tips
- Download the true Minneapolis Parking app directly from your phone’s app store:
If you believe you’ve been the victim of this scam, immediately contact your bank or credit card company and file a report with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Find information on parking and driving in Minneapolis on the City website.
The City has updated its action plan for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Conversations with cultural communities and City staff were held in 2024. The feedback informed recommendations for the City to improve digital and physical accessibility.
Please comment on the updated ADA Action Plan by May 31.
With warmer temperatures and bright, sunny days, the City has tips for residents as your gardens grow:
- Mow grass that reaches 8 inches or taller.
- Trim or cut back vegetation that hangs over sidewalks or the edges of alleys to keep them clear for people and vehicles.
- Mow vegetation that hangs over the street. It should be trimmed to the curb line.
- Prune and maintain the health and integrity of trees. (Residents with hazardous trees may qualify for help through the condemned trees assistance.)
- Discard rubbish such as loose or overflowing trash, scrap wood, brush piles, animal feces, etc., to keep rodents from setting up residence in yards.
If you receive a notice from the City to correct an issue, make sure to address it by the due date on the letter. After that, either the City or a hired third-party takes care of the complaint at the property owner’s expense. Find out more or report an issue on the City website.
The draft 2025 Minneapolis Consolidated Plan is posted for public comments until May 23, and the public hearing will be held May 20. The plan describes the City’s housing and community development strategies for residents with low and moderate incomes.
Goals of the Minneapolis Consolidated Plan
- Provide decent affordable housing.
- Develop housing and services for people experiencing homelessness.
- Provide special needs housing.
- Expand economic opportunities.
- Improve neighborhood conditions.
2025 Consolidated Plan public hearing
1:30 p.m. before the Business, Housing and Zoning Committee Tuesday, May 20, Room 350, Public Service Center, 250 Fourth St. S.
Find out how to participate in a public hearing on the City website or call 311. If you’re unable to attend this public hearing, you can send written comments by May 23 to Rachel Boehm. See the draft plan and learn more on the City website.
A new citywide student dance program is bringing dance education to students in all 13 wards. After the closure of the Cowles Center for Dance Education in 2024, the city’s dance community rallied for something new, something bold. This program is the response. The program will include:
- Dance classes in every Minneapolis Public Schools elementary school
- Dance companies in residence at Minneapolis Public Schools secondary schools
- Dance programming at every Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board recreation center
Dance education improves physical health, builds confidence, sparks creativity, and helps students express themselves emotionally and artistically. When offered in schools and rec centers, these classes can be a lifeline for students seeking connection, belonging and a safe outlet for self-expression. Read more on the City website.
 This weekend welcomes the fourth Doors Open Minneapolis, a free event that invites residents and visitors to stroll through public and private buildings throughout the city. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of government and business, and see what makes the city tick. Doors open, literally, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18.
Doors Open Minneapolis marks the first public opportunity to see the renovated Minneapolis City Hall – the oldest and most historic building in the city. While construction is still underway in parts of the building, the $34 million multi-year project included updating heating and cooling systems, renovating the City Council Chamber and remodeling the mayor’s office and a brand new press room. Volunteers will lead tours during Doors Open to showcase the renovated spaces and the green roof They’ll also quiz visitors with Minneapolis and City Hall trivia.
Several other City buildings are part of the citywide tour for one or both days including:
- Minneapolis Eastside Maintenance Facility
- Manhole and CCTV inspection (part of Public Works)
- Minneapolis Fire Station 1
- Minneapolis Traffic Management Center
- Theodore Wirth home (courtesy of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board)
Find more information and see all the participating buildings on the Doors Open Minneapolis website. Check out the interactive map to plan your weekend.
Contact the Ward 9 Office
Email: jason.chavez@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2209
We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:
Room 100, Public Service Center
450 South 4th St.
Get directions
For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311. |
