July 24, 2025

A message from Council Member Chavez

Dear neighbor,

It’s been a busy and productive couple weeks at City Hall. As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, the City Council offices have moved back into City Hall after more than a year in our temporary office space. We’re getting settled into our (old) new digs, and are looking forward to construction wrapping up around here within the next month. For the time being, committee and full council meetings are still taking place across the street in the Public Service Center.

Earlier this week, my office co-hosted a cleanup with Public Works. We were joined by city staff, community volunteers, and immigrant rights advocates to clean up litter in the East Lake Street Cultural District. More than 20 people showed up, and as you can see from the photo above, we collected nearly 50 bags of litter. Our group cleaned up on and around E. Lake St. from Portland Ave. over to 15th Ave.

I also wanted to state up front that the deadline to apply for Traffic Calming projects in your neighborhood is August 1. This is the issue that nearly every council office hears about from residents more than any other, my office included. That’s why I signed on to a budget amendment last year to triple the traffic calming program’s budget after the mayor’s proposed budget was not sufficient.

Traffic calming is a high priority from residents across the city, as reflected in the hundreds of applications that have been submitted each year since the Neighborhood Traffic Calming program was created. 

More information about the Neighborhood Traffic Calming program, including the ability to apply for a project, can be found here. 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. 

Relatedly, at this morning’s Council meeting, we voted to accept a $1 million grant from the State of Minnesota through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure program for the South-Folwell SRTS project. The MnDOT SRTS infrastructure program provides financial assistance to eligible recipients to construct capital improvements of transportation infrastructure that improve safety and encourage non-motorized transportation to and from schools.

The project project will add street improvements to 21st Ave. S. in the Corcoran and Standish neighborhoods. This route includes South High School, Folwell Community School, MPS Adult Education South Campus, and several neighborhood parks. The focus will be on improving safe access to these destinations for people of all ages and abilities. Construction for this project is currently planned to start in 2026.

Project Goals 

• Make it easier to walk, bike, roll and take the bus to schools 
• Create a calmer neighborhood street for users of all ages and abilities 
• Improve access to other neighborhood destinations 
• Address traffic safety needs at high injury street intersections 

Route Characteristics 

• Connects to three schools, three parks and two rec centers 
• Intersects with five high injury streets: 28th St, Lake St,  35th St, 38th St, and 42nd St 
• Connects to the Midtown Greenway bike path at 28th St and the future B Line bus rapid transit route at Lake St 
• Designated as a near-term low stress bikeway on the All Ages and Abilities bicycle network map

More information about this great project coming to our community can be found on the City’s website here. 

Sincerely,

Jason Chavez

Supporting Immigrant Families Resolution

At this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting, I was honored to present—along with my co-authors Council Vice President Chughtai and Council Members Chowdhury and Osman—a resolution calling on the Trump  administration to end its campaign of mass deportations and family separations. 

The Trump administration has called for the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history, seeking to separate 3,000 families per day. They have made multiple references to the Eisenhower administration’s racist campaign against immigrants, which resulted in over 1 million deportations, including the deportations of many U.S. citizens. Numerous federal agencies within the Trump administration, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have increased arrests of U.S. citizens, asylum seekers, and other immigrants regardless of immigration status and public safety record. And they have invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 while exploring suspending the writ of habeas corpus to deny due process.

The United Nations states that “Human rights violations against migrants can include a denial of civil and political rights such as arbitrary detention, torture, or a lack of due process.” The rhetoric of mass deportations has driven many families into the shadows, with children afraid to go to school and play and their parents afraid to go to work, essential medical appointments, and to the grocery store. The Minnesota Chamber Foundation has concluded that, “the success of Minnesota’s economy, both now and in the future, is intrinsically linked to Minnesota’s immigrant communities.” 

The City of Minneapolis stands with immigrant families and will work to further defend immigrant rights. 

Little Earth project financing approved by City Council

At today’s City Council meeting, we approved up to $1,150,000 to help fund housing at Little Earth. This project involves the rehabilitation of an existing 212-unit multifamily property located in the East Phillips neighborhood that was built in 1973. The property includes 78 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and 134 three-, four-, and five-bedroom townhomes. Little Earth is the only indigenous preference project-based Section 8 rental assistance community in the United States. Since 1983, the community has been continuously owned and operated by a 100% Native resident governing body, Little Earth United Tribes Housing Corporation (LEUTHC). LEUTHC is not affiliated with any Tribe or Tribal government but is committed to providing housing for Native Americans from all tribes.

The proposed project includes a substantial rehabilitation to replace exterior windows, doors, roofs, and siding; make structural repairs to the townhomes; and to replace the interiors of all dwellings, including cabinetry, flooring, appliances, bathrooms, kitchens, interior door replacement, and general repairs, as needed. LEUTHC has contracted with LaSalle Development Group for developer services to complete the rehabilitation project.

All units are supported by a HUD Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment (“HAP”) contract that reduces the rent the occupying households pay to 30% of their income. Though the Little Earth HAP contract allows households with incomes up to 50% Area Median Income (AMI), according to a recent analysis by Little Earth management, 76% of Little Earth households have incomes of less than 20% AMI.  In addition to affordable housing, the property provides culturally relevant support services to residents of all ages through the Little Earth Residents Association (LERA), including youth workforce development programs, after school support, personal and professional development opportunities, women’s empowerment programming, counseling, recovery support, advocacy coaching services, and culturally relevant fresh food from the Little Earth Urban Farm. As part of the rehabilitation project, Little Earth will set aside 22 units for High Priority Homeless, and 22 units for Persons with Disabilities, with supportive services provided by LERA. These units will be filled through Hennepin County Coordinated Entry.

The developer aims to close on project financing for the Little Earth rehabilitation project in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Recognizing National Intern Day and the Urban Scholars program

As I have mentioned before, when I was 19 years old and in my first year of college, I had the opportunity to join the Urban Scholar program and work in the Minneapolis Public School District. As an alumnus of the program and now a Council Member, I take immense pride in watching this program continue to nurture leaders, visionary thinkers, dedicated advocates, and passionate activists. I am constantly inspired by the incredible individuals who come through this program. They make up a new generation of leaders ready to push boundaries and drive change. Our city will continue to thrive because of their energy, ideas, and dedication.

That is why I was proud to present at today’s council meeting a resolution honoring the program. National Intern Day is celebrated annually to recognize and appreciate the contributions of interns across the country and to highlight the important role they play in workplaces and communities. The City of Minneapolis values the talent, creativity, and commitment that interns bring to public service and recognizes that internships provide critical pathways to future leadership and career opportunities.

The Urban Scholars Program, administered by the City of Minneapolis, is a nationally recognized leadership and professional development initiative that invests in the future of young people from diverse backgrounds by providing meaningful work experience in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Since its inception, the Urban Scholars Program has empowered hundreds of students and emerging leaders through hands-on experience, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities, fostering a more equitable and inclusive workforce. Urban Scholars contribute significantly to the work of city departments and partner organizations, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep commitment to public service and social justice. In adopting the resolution this morning, the City of Minneapolis reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting diversity in public administration, and creating accessible career pipelines for all. 

Celebrating the fifth annual Black Business Week in Minneapolis

Since 2004, Black Business Month has been celebrated in August in the United States to honor the success of Black entrepreneurs and honor the challenges they face. To honor Black Business Month, Minneapolis is hosting its fifth annual Black Business Week, the goals of which are to honor, empower, inspire, and support Black businesses in the city, as they play an important role in the economy. The theme this year is Building Legacy with ten events throughout the week across the city.

The fifth annual Minneapolis Black Business Week will commence at 38th and Chicago, known as George Floyd Square, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn from both lasting and emerging Black business owners about the success stories, challenges, and tools and strategies for building an entrepreneurial legacy while supporting local Black vendors in a market on site. Black Business Week 2025 covers a variety of events, such as a business conference and summit, panel discussions, career and networking events, Black business and historical tour, self-care workshops for entrepreneurs, business mentoring workshop, legal workshop, East African Business Resource Fair, street mall, art and a music festival.

More information about Black Business Week, including a calendar of events, can be found here.

Join the Hi-Lake Mural artists for community paint parties and mosaic make days

Artists Natchez Beaulieu, Pablo Kalaka, Greta McLain and Daniela Bianchini will be installing a new mural at the Hiawatha Lake Bridge Underpass. Participate in free events and help create the mural, which will be installed this fall.

Mosaic Mondays in August

• When: Mondays, August 4, 11, 18, and 25
• Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
• Where: Semilla Center for Healing and the Arts, 2742 15th Ave S

Midtown Farmers Market

• When: Saturdays, July 26 and August 2
• Time: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Where: 2225 East Lake Street

Vehicle Theft Prevention Month: Tips to keep your car and valuables safe

Recent reports of car break-ins and damage to vehicles in Minneapolis and surrounding cities over the last two weeks serve as a reminder to take simple precautions to protect your vehicle and valuables.  

Keep your car safe: 

• Always take your keys with you. 

• Lock your doors and windows. 

• Park in well-lit, busy areas. 

• Use an engine lock or install a GPS tracker. 

• Don’t leave valuables like bags or electronics in your car. 
• Help MPD locate video evidence by registering your cameras. 

Report suspicious activity: Residents play a crucial role in preventing crime. If you see something suspicious, call 911 right away. Try to give a clear description of the people, cars and where they went. 

Report stolen vehicles: Call 911 and your insurance company right away if your vehicle is stolen. If your car is found, let them know immediately.

Register your event by July 29 for National Night Out Aug. 5

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.

Trans Equity Summit Aug. 11: Registration open

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 Summit9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11McNamara 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.

ELEFA public meeting July 30: Update on Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement

Come to a public information session July 30. You’ll get updates about the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department’s path to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement.

Effective Law Enforcement For All (ELEFA), the independent evaluator of the settlement agreement, will present the updates. ELEFA will present an overview of its role in the settlement agreement, describe its requirements and how it checks compliance, and provide implementation updates from the second semi-annual evaluation report.

5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 5:30-6 p.m. Food and refreshments 6-8 p.m. Event presentation 3333 Penn Ave. N.

If you have questions or require accommodation to attend, please contact ELEFA.

Learn more about the July 30 information sessions on these flyers (PDFs) in English and in English, Oromo, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.

You can also learn more about the evaluator and its work on its website.

Contact the Ward 9 Office

Email: jason.chavez@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2209

City Hall
350 S. Fifth St., Room 370
Minneapolis, MN 55415

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.