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You can still request traffic calming in your area for 2026. Make your request online by Aug. 1. If you’re not able to use the online form, you can print the application and either email it or mail it (postmarked by Aug. 1) to: Traffic Calming, 300 Border Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55405. If you need help filling out the form, you can contact Minneapolis 311.
Find more information about traffic calming projects on the City website.
 This morning, my team and I joined roughly 30 other volunteers to clean up litter in Midtown Phillips, starting at Lake and Chicago. This is part of an initiative that originated in the Lake Street Greenway Partnership Health and Safety committee under the leadership of Kali Pliego (Crime Prevention Specialist), and has grown over the past two years. These litter clean ups are about so much more than the act of picking up trash. It’s about ownership, presence, activation, and the message to businesses, customers, and the larger community that the Lake Street corridor is an important place in which many people are invested in taking care.
 Join my office and City staff on Wednesday July 23 from 9:00 a.m to noon. We will be meeting at Lake Street and 12th Ave. S.
Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling staff will be providing gloves, trash bags, and pick up materials. We encourage all participants to wear full length pants, closed toe shoes, and sun protection. You are welcome to invite volunteers to participate in this cleanup effort.
To reiterate what I included in my previous newsletter, Minneapolis has a separation ordinance. When you come to the City for help, the ordinance says that City employees cannot ask about your citizenship or immigration status, ask you for documents to prove your immigration status, or use any knowledge of your status to enforce immigration laws. Further, the separation ordinance prohibits the Minneapolis Police Department from participating in any immigration enforcement actions that the federal government, such as ICE, undertakes in our city.
Actions taken by the federal government in recent months have caused significant concern regarding the safety of Minneapolis residents. Many council offices, including mine, have fielded questions regarding the City's separation ordinance and what safeguards are in place to ensure the Minneapolis Police Department will support compliance. Along with Council Member Wonsley, I introduced in April a legislative directive (LD) meant to provide both the council and the public information to reaffirm the city's commitment to being a welcoming city. In that LD, we requested that the mayor’s administration present the requested information, including any proposed changes or policy implementations, along with a fiscal analysis of any recommendations no later than May 19, 2025. During the last week of June, the council finally received that information.
During MPD’s presentation, we received an overview of the training that officers receive regarding the separation ordinance; safeguards that are in place; the disciplinary process when the policy is violated, and; barriers to compliance that exist.
Based on what we’ve seen, we know that while the separation ordinance is a positive policy, there is still a lot more work that the City needs to do to keep our immigrant neighbors safe.
My office is working on an ordinance to strengthen the separation ordinance (along with Council Vice-President Chughtai and Council Member Chowdhury). At yesterday’s Council Meeting, this was referred to the Public Health and Safety Committee where we plan to continue to draft the possible changes. I will keep you updated on that. In the meantime, we are doing everything we can to serve as a watchdog to ensure that the city follows the policy, often with the help of our community.
In 2022, the City established the Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO). The CCPO was created as part of a comprehensive revision of police conduct oversight to provide a forum for the public to have meaningful engagement in police oversight through a civilian body appointed by the Mayor and City Council.
In accordance with its enabling legislation, the CCPO’s three major functions are: (1) To provide a public forum for meaningful community engagement in police oversight; (2) as individual members, to serve on deliberative panels to review investigations of police officer misconduct complaints and make recommendations to the police chief; and (3) to make recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and/or the police chief on matters within its defined jurisdiction.
At yesterday’s council meeting, we approved Alexander Zyla to the Ward 9 seat, with their term ending on May 31, 2028. Most of the community work that Alexander has done has centered around working in homeless shelters, as well as actively going around via bike in the neighborhood and offering food and supplies to homeless individuals. They were heavily active during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and is part of a large mutual aid network with nearly 2000 members. They have been performing oil changes and teaching people basic automotive upkeep as well as helping community members source cheap or free bikes as transportation methods.
Alexander has lived in Minneapolis for around two years, and each year of their life has brought them closer and closer to the Twin Cities until they finally found their place in Powderhorn. In their day job, Alexander is a licensed electrician.
Congratulations on your appointment, Alexander, and thank you for stepping up to serve our community!
 On November 4, 2024, the City of Minneapolis made a Request for Qualifications to select a qualified artist or artist team to design and create a large-scale, two-dimensional public artwork for the Hiawatha Lake Underpass. Twenty-three proposal responses were received. The selection panel shortlisted and interviewed three artist teams. GoodSpace Murals was selected with a team of artists including Greta McLain, Daniela Bianchini, Natchez Beaulieu, and Pablo Kalaka.
This public art project is located on the bridge pier of Hiawatha Avenue where it crosses Lake Street (Hiawatha/Lake Bridge Pier), in coordination with the ongoing redevelopment of the Hiawatha Avenue and Lake Street intersection. The proposed project will consist of the design and fabrication of a roughly 5200 square foot, two-dimensional public artwork installed on the north and south vertical walls of the Hiawatha/Lake Bridge Pier adjacent to Lake Street.
 Parklets are seasonal public spaces that make the city more livable and walkable. The City designs these low-cost portable parks for people to relax and enjoy the city. Public spaces where people can gather and interact, such as parklets, are an asset to our community. Parklets are accessible and open to all.
Galapagos Bar and Grill, located at 3508 E. Lake St., applied to host a city-owned parklet for the 2025 season, and they were recently selected by Public Works staff as a host. This is exciting news for our community, and I urge you to check out the parklet once it’s installed.
At yesterday’s council meeting, we passed an ordinance that will help to reduce consumption of commercial tobacco products by setting a minimum price for e-cigarettes/vapes and where tobacco product shops can be located.
In 2024, council set a minimum price for commercial tobacco products including cigars, cigarettes, moist snuff, snus, and loose tobacco. The purpose of this change was to improve the health outcomes for Minneapolis constituents by reducing consumption of commercial tobacco products. Research demonstrates that raising the cost of commercial tobacco products is an effective way to reduce consumption.
While these changes were significant, they did not address the price of e-cigarettes/ vapes, which are primarily consumed by youth and younger adults. Setting a minimum price for e-cigarettes/vapes would likely reduce consumption of these products, especially among youth who are more price sensitive. When the price of cigarettes is increased 10 percent, adult smoking decreases by three to five percent, and youth smoking decreases by six to seven percent.
Both location and density of tobacco retailers is associated with consumption of commercial tobacco products; this is true for both youth and adults. Currently, there is an exemption for exclusive tobacco dealers located within Downtown Zoning districts that allows them to be within 2000 feet of another exclusive tobacco dealer. Outside of Downtown Zones a new exclusive tobacco dealer is required to be located greater than 2000 ft from an existing exclusive tobacco dealer. The vote we took yesterday removed this exemption from downtown zones and all new exclusive tobacco dealers will be required to meet the 2000 foot spacing requirement from an existing exclusive tobacco dealer.
Additionally, our vote added a spacing requirement for new exclusive tobacco dealer licenses to be more than 300 feet from a K-12 school. There is currently no spacing requirement from K-12 schools. This ordinance mirrors spacing requirements for off-sale liquor and cannabis dispensaries. Limiting the locations where commercial tobacco products can be sold will help to reduce consumption of these products.
 Whether it’s somebody dressing up as a law enforcement officer to attack an elected official or a federal agent masking their face, hiding their badge, and wearing street clothes, there is understandably a lot of angst in our and many other communities. If you’re ever unsure whether someone is a real police officer—whether in a traffic stop or at your door—do not hesitate to call 911. 911 agents can tell you if an officer is there.
How to identify an officer
- Minneapolis police officers will say their name and agency when talking with you.
- Check their uniform and vehicle for badges, patches, and insignia that show which agency they represent. A lack of markings may be a warning sign.
- Make sure the agency serves your area. Agencies serving Minneapolis include:
- Minneapolis Police Department
- Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
- Metro Transit Police
- Minnesota State Patrol
- Always feel free to ask for their name, badge number and agency. Officers will provide this information.
If you didn’t call the police, be extra cautious. You can call 911 or the non-emergency line at 612-673-5335 any time.
Minneapolis joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2015, becoming the first Minnesota city to officially take up this age-friendly framework created by the World Health Organization. The City of Minneapolis recognizes our communities are getting older and the need for support services will continue to grow. The Neighborhood & Community Relations (NCR) Department manages the Senior Services and Senior Community Navigator Services program on behalf of the City. The program partners with community organizations that provide critical services enabling older adults to remain active members of their communities. The services focus on diverse elder populations, including those living in subsidized housing, and address the strategic need of “Supporting Housing Stability.”
NCR issued in April an RFP to contract with partners with organizations capable of delivering senior services where there is currently a gap in service delivery. Furthermore, partner with organizations capable of providing services that are culturally appropriate and in the language of preference to ensure older adults and their caregivers are connected directly to the services and programs needed.
Thanks to a budget amendment authored last year by Council Member Chowdhury, we funded $235,000 for senior community navigators, who work to identify low-income and underserved older adults within the city of Minneapolis who need assistance accessing the benefits and resources they may be eligible for. Our Navigators have provided resources on transportation, housing, food support and more. They assist with applications like Elderly Waiver, CADI Waiver, energy assistance, and Medical Assistance.
Community navigators, stationed throughout the city, will provide person-to-person and care coordination services for older adults at no cost to the older adult or their caregiver(s). Services will be culturally relevant and are intended to assist the older adult and any caregivers to keep older adults in their homes and communities. This furthers the Minneapolis for a Lifetime: Age Friendly Action Plan priority area to put in place support services that promote independent living. Specifically, this RFP serves to provide affordable services and support for older persons.
At yesterday’s council meeting, we approved funding for a number of organizations who provide senior services. Among them are Longfellow Seward Healthy Seniors, and the Minneapolis American Indian Center and the Immigrant Women Resources, the latter two of whom will also provide senior community navigator services.
The Lake Street Council is partnering with LegalCORPS and Madeline Thieschafer of Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. to offer a free workshop at the Historic Coliseum Building, 2708 East Lake Street in Minneapolis. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, July 15 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Topics covered include: knowing your rights as a business owner, business structure, legal protections, and regulatory compliance, contingency planning, staying safe from scams and predatory practices, as well as community resources and legal help.
More information can be found here.
 Last year, I joined Council Member Cashman and Council Vice-President Chughtai in authoring a budget amendment to provide $100,000 to the Rise Up Center. This will be an opportunity center and an energy resilience hub where multiracial, low-income, working families can access pre-apprenticeships, jobs, and job readiness training in the fields of green energy, construction, service, and food.
Led by BIPOC labor and power-building organizations, the Rise Up Center will be capable of training 3,000 Minnesotans annually. This project is being led by Tending the Soil MN, a coalition of partners including Unidos MN, SEIU 26, Unite Here 17, the New Justice Project, UFCW 663, the Building Dignity and Respect Standards Council, and the Future Builders Cooperative.
We voted yesterday to approve this loan, which will last for 20 years, includes deferred payments, 0 percent interest, and will be forgiven upon maturity. Previously, we appropriated $250,000 for the project in the 2023 City budget and another $250,000 in the 2024 City budget. This new loan will therefore be the organization’s third City-supported financing, totaling $600,000. The City is also facilitating two pass-thru grants from the Met Council for the project.
 The 2025 Cultural District Arts Fund will grant awards to 65 art projects across the city. The projects will support community engagement, artistic expression and cultural celebration across the seven Minneapolis cultural districts:
- Lowry Avenue North
- 38th Street
- Cedar Avenue South
- Central Avenue
- East Lake Street
- East Franklin Avenue
- West Broadway
Find highlights of the projects and a full list on the City website.
 You can still register your event for the 2025 National Night Out, Aug. 5 this year. 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 open until July 29 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 fire truck, MPD K9, and/or MPD Mounted Patrol.
- Confirmation emails are sent on Mondays. The confirmation will include the NNO pop-up calendar for picking up caution tape and other supplies for your event.
- 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.
The City Council has approved a vendor for the upcoming traffic safety camera pilot program. Beginning in September, cameras in five locations will enforce speed limits. A public information campaign will cover the locations of the five cameras. It’ll explain how the cameras will work and what enforcement will look like.
The pilot program may expand up to 42 camera locations and may also include red lights.
Read more about the traffic safety camera pilot on the City website.
Show your support for Black business development in Minneapolis with the City’s annual Black Business Week July 24-31.
- Black Business Week Kick-off - Legacy on the Block: A Black Business Showcase
- Ignite Business Conference: From Spark to Strategy
- Black Business Week Street Mall
- Webber Camden & Northside Epicenter Black Business Expo
- The Business of Self-Care: A Micro-Workshop for Entrepreneurs
- Black Business Week Summit
- The Black Business Exchange – Speed Mentoring with the Experts
Find more details about Black Business Week events on the City website.
 Register now for the City of Minneapolis’ Trans Equity Summit Aug. 11. This year’s theme is Trans Equity and Intergenerational Power: Strengthening the Future by Honoring Our Past.
The Trans Equity Summit is a free event designed for trans and gender nonconforming community members. The day is meant to:
- Connect to resources.
- Connect with each other.
- Learn more about important issues.
2025 Trans Equity Summit: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE
Check back for more specific information about keynotes, workshops and more. The planning committee will also share up-to-date information about the schedule, speakers, workshops and accessibility on the Facebook event page.
Register now.
 You now have more ways to manage your City utility bills. A new bill payment service has added Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal as options with easy signup and a mobile-friendly design. The new features also include autopay, payment reminders and secure one-time payments.
Whether you prefer auto pays or one-time payments, the upgraded system makes it easier than ever to stay on top of your account. For more information, visit the City website.
 Every year, the City publishes an annual report showing water quality test results, the steps we take to make our water safe, and tips for wise water use. The 2024 report is now out.
Minneapolis treats and delivers more than 57 million gallons of world class drinking water every day.
To learn more, check out our new and improved drinking water report.
Minneapolis Police officers and community members recently dedicated a new memorial garden outside the 5th Precinct to honor Officer Jamal Mitchell. Officer Mitchell worked in southwest Minneapolis before he was killed while doing his job almost a year ago. The garden is a peaceful place where people can stop, think and remember him.
Inside the police precinct, there is now a portrait, a shadow box and a bronze plaque. These are permanent displays to remember Officer Mitchell’s bravery, kindness and strong dedication to helping the community.
Join in the Sister Cities Day celebration with a free ice cream social and gathering. This family event features international entertainment. It highlights all of Minneapolis’ International Sister Cities. This year the celebration will have a special spotlight on the 25th anniversaries with sister cities Eldoret, Kenya, and Uppsala, Sweden, and the 45th anniversary with Ibaraki City, Japan. We’ll have visiting delegations at the celebration from both Kenya and Japan.
Sister Cities Day
- 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 20
- Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St.
This event is sponsored by Meet Minneapolis in partnership with its sister city organizations. Meet Minneapolis supports these relationships on behalf of the City of Minneapolis. Find more information about the free celebration on the Meet Minneapolis website.
One year ago, the City installed its first free naloxone vending machine at a Minneapolis fire station. By today, two vending machines together have dispensed more than 2,200 boxes of the life-saving medication. Naloxone is a drug that reverses opioid overdoses.
The two Minneapolis vending machines were placed in neighborhoods with a high amount of substance misuse and overdoses. They’re free to community members with no questions asked. Read more about the naloxone program on the City website.
Join in a public event July 30 honoring 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Share your story, watch a documentary and panel, and see the disability pride flag unveiling.
Signed into law July 26, 1990, the ADA is a critical civil rights law for people with disabilities. The law bans discrimination in all aspects of public life. This includes discrimination in City programs, services and buildings.
This anniversary celebration honors the importance of this law and the local leaders who have improved countless lives in and around the city. The City recognizes the important role the ADA plays in making life more accessible for people in Minneapolis.
ADA 35th anniversary celebration Please note the new date and time: 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 Public Service Building, Room 100 505 Fourth Ave. S.
Get more details and register for this free event on the City website.
If you have questions, email Guthrie Byard, community specialist – people with disabilities or call 612-554-3666.
 Hennepin County is hosting community collection events for county residents to safely and properly dispose of unwanted garden and household hazardous wastes.
Upcoming Minneapolis event
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9 South High School, 3131 19th Ave. S. (enter off 21st Avenue South)
Visit the Hennepin County website to learn what items will be accepted, to review safety guidelines, and to see all 2025 events.
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. |
