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Hello Ward 3, I’m Julianna, and I’m Council Member Michael Rainville’s new summer intern. I’m an 18-year-old Puerto Rican and Mexican girl from south Minneapolis. I recently graduated from DeLasalle Highschool on Nicollet Island and will be commencing my college journey at Loyola University in Chicago this fall. I intend on pursing a pre-law track with a double major in Political Science, and Journalism, as well as a minor in Spanish. My post-college goals include going to law school and following a career path in immigration law with ambitions to move my way up to State Attorney. I’m incredibly passionate about helping create a society that runs on a basis of equity, and celebration of diversity, while also taking account matters of the environment. These aspects make me beyond excited to join Council Member Rainville’s team in a community outreach position.
With this internship I will be communicating to Ward 3 on a weekly basis through articles similar to this in the newsletter, I’ll also be observing Council Meetings, and getting a chance to join in on so many amazing projects and opportunities around Ward 3. Having obtained this internship, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my goals for the summer; I hope to broaden my perspective and get a chance to form connections. To elaborate, the political field is complex as there are many key components such as the team of council members that go forth to create a basis of community and organization within our city. With a team of 13 council members comes forth different perspectives, some may compare, and some may contrast but, at the end of the day they unite for the common goal to benefit the people in Minneapolis. This leaves me very interested to see what I can learn from all these perspectives that separate and unite to tackle the issues our city may face. A part of learning is connecting, and I can’t wait to connect with all of Ward 3.
Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
With Father's Day weekend upon us, don't forget to take in the Stone Arch Bridge Festival of the Arts located along the Downtown side of the riverfront from Gold Medal Park to 4th Ave N. I will be enjoying this wonderful event both Saturday and Sunday. I hope to see you there.
Many of you have called to my attention the increase in vehicle noise throughout the Ward. Staff have been directed to conduct an analysis of State, County, and City authority in Minnesota over vehicle noise regulation. They will also review noise abatement practices in municipalities across the country. The goal is to learn how we can improve the quality of life in Minneapolis by reducing noise pollution.
Another issue many residents of Ward 3 have raise is the lack of public restrooms in Downtown. Last week the Council directed the Legislative Department to develop a national analysis of municipal public restroom programs. This will include the current public restroom situation in Minneapolis and applicable regulatory and zoning issues.
At the Public Health and Safety Committee, the Office of Community Safety presented its quarterly update. I want to highlight the report's key year-to-date reductions in crime:
- 36% reduction in robberies.
- 35% reduction in carjackings.
- 26% reduction in gunshot wound victims.
- 40% reduction in auto thefts.
- 7% reduction in aggravated assaults.
Last week I informed you of the Council action to have the City Auditor conduct an after-action review of MPD's involvement in the federal law enforcement action on Lake St. and Bloomington Ave. This week, the U.S. Attorney's office released additional information about the incident: "According to court documents, on June 3, 2025, law enforcement officers from multiple federal agencies were executing federal search warrants at eight Twin Cities locations. These search warrants were related to a long-term investigation into narcotics trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and related offenses. The investigation began with the seizure of 900 pounds of methamphetamine, with a street value of between $22 million and $25 million."
The City's after-action review is due to be completed in July and I will share that information with you.
Your neighbor,
Michael
Mayor Jacob Frey signed an executive order June 10 to keep moving forward on Minneapolis’ police reform efforts that had been covered in a U.S. Department of Justice consent decree. This action comes just weeks after the federal administration dismissed the consent decree.
In a commitment to carry out the reforms without the federal government, the executive order addresses:
- Identifying reforms in the consent decree that aren’t already included in a separate Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement.
- Identifying steps to enable the independent evaluator of the State settlement agreement to assess these reforms as well.
- Full cooperation from City leaders and employees.
Read more about the executive order on the City website.
Minneapolis is a welcoming city. We believe that when everyone feels like they belong, we all benefit. Regardless of immigration status, we want you to feel:
Find resources to learn your immigration rights and responsibilities from the Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs. Information includes:
Visit the City’s Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs webpage to learn more.
The Minneapolis Police Department operates under the City’s separation ordinance and does not participate in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
That means MPD will not:
- Ask about your immigration status
- Detain anyone based on a civil immigration warrant
- Enforce federal immigration law
MPD remains committed to public safety and maintaining trust within our communities. This includes responding to incidents involving property damage, injury, or threats to personal safety.
That means MPD will:
- Respond to 911 calls from the public
- Respond to threats to life or property
- Ensure public safety for protests
- Ensure access for emergency vehicles
Learn more about the separation ordinance.
The City of Minneapolis recognizes the constitutional rights of free expression and peaceful assembly of all residents and visitors of Minneapolis.
Public gatherings are an important part of our democracy. It is also important to keep everyone safe and protect our communities. Together, we can help make sure that public gatherings remain safe, while amplifying the voices of our community members.
Peaceful, lawful gathering is encouraged and protected
You can:
- Participate in peaceful protests
- March safely, but not on freeways or in other ways that create a safety hazard
- Carry signs and use other peaceful forms of expression
- Gather and speak in areas where free speech activities are allowed
Private property
- Private property can only be used for free speech activities with the consent of the owner.
- Property owners can ask law enforcement to require that unauthorized people leave private property.
Government property
- Free speech activities can only take place on government property where the general public is welcome.
- Secured areas or employee-only areas are not considered open for expression.
Unlawful behavior poses a risk to public safety
You cannot:
- Enter or protest on a freeway as a pedestrian or in a way that obstructs freeway traffic
- Throw objects or set fires
- Damage property or create graffiti
- Use fireworks or weapons
- Drive recklessly, especially near pedestrians
You cannot act violently or engage in riotous behavior
Violent behavior
- This includes anything that intends to hurt someone
Riotous behavior
- Any behavior in a group setting (more than three people) that disturbs the peace by either:
- Using force or violence
- Threatening to use force or violence against people or property
Read more about safe gatherings.
The City uses Smart911 to send important information to residents during an emergency.
Get alerts
You can choose to receive Smart911 alerts by:
- Text messages
- Emails
- Phone calls
- Push notifications in the Smart911 mobile app
- Wireless emergency alerts*
Alert topics
The City of Minneapolis will use Smart911 to send alerts on topics including:
- Snow emergencies
- Severe weather
- Public safety incidents
- Major infrastructure issues
- Major special event impacts
Find out more and subscribe on the City website.
*Wireless emergency alerts come through the nationwide Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
Fourth of July fireworks are part of Independence Day celebrations, and the noise complaints and safety issues they can generate lead to high call volumes at 911 call centers across the country. That’s why the City wants to make sure people stay safe during fireworks season and know what to do if they have fireworks related complaints.
Instead of calling 911 for Fourth of July noise reports, please . City staff will review the reports during normal business hours.
Visit the City website for:
- Fireworks safety tips.
- What’s legal, what’s not.
- When to call 911.
- How to make a noise report.
Smoke from wildfires has been affecting local air quality in June. Poor air quality is dangerous for all community members, especially those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens.
Stay informed about local air quality this summer to keep yourself safe:
https://www.airnow.gov/
"Man up" is not the answer.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. As we highlight men's health this month, remember that pain is not weakness and ‘Man up’ is not the answer. Self-care looks different for everyone, whether it’s taking a stroll or slowing down, what matters is making it a priority. Let’s shift the mindset from ‘Man up’ to ‘Speak up.’ Watch the video, and find support and resources on the City website
Over the weekend, I-94 entrance and exit ramps between I-35W and Huron Blvd. will be closed. Both directions of I-94 will close in the same area. Crews are doing a traffic shift from the eastbound lanes to the westbound lanes this weekend, so they’ll be able to continue their bridge repair work along eastbound I-94.
To avoid the closure, follow the posted detour of I-35W to Hwy 36 to I-35E to I-94.
By 5 a.m. on Monday, June 16, I-94 will reopen and be reduced to two lanes in each direction on the west side of the interstate through mid-August. Six ramps will remain closed through mid-August.
Plan ahead by checking 511, give yourself additional time to reach your destination, and remember to drive with care in work zones.
Find details on the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.
Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board have announced their 2025 summer event schedules.
Hennepin County’s free, family-friendly events include live music, Pianos on Parade, movie nights at Target Field Station, fitness classes and more. See the entire “Go Outside with Hennepin County” lineup.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board movies in the parks runs through Aug. 30 with 66 free outdoor movie screenings planned. Music in the parks runs through Labor Day with more than 200 free outdoor concerts in eight park venues. Read more about this year’s movies and music in the parks on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website. |
