In this issue:
Counci Member Cashman speaking from the dais with the U.S. Flag and City Seal in the background
On Tuesday, August 5th, in our Committee of the Whole, City Council received the Lake St & Bloomington Ave federal law enforcement after-action review (2025-00598) regarding how the Minneapolis Police Department interacted with ICE when they were present at Lake & Bloomington on June 3rd. The City Auditor found that there was no explicit violation of the City’s Separation Ordinance and there was no record of police misconduct. However, the Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR) is aware that things can be missed when reviewing still images and body cameras. OPCR has requested that if you or someone you know witnessed the Minneapolis Police Department actively working with ICE or engaging in misconduct, please report it through this online form or contact our office for additional support by emailing Ward7@MinneapolisMN.gov.
The after-action review also found that there was a significant lack of communication between the Chief of Police, the Mayor’s office, and the City Council. The Chief of Police was informed of ICE’s actions at 9:57am, the Mayor was informed at 10:45am, and City Council was informed at 1:50pm. In committee, I asked City Auditor Timmerman why this process occurred how it did, and was informed the processes used “lack a mechanism for informing and communicating with the Council”. I believe the Council Members who have been democratically elected to represent and advocate for their constituents should be a part of these communication channels, and I am optimistic that will be the case going forward.
While no direct action is being taken in response to the events that transpired on June 3rd, we need to strengthen our Separation Ordinance to better protect our immigrant communities. Originally written in 2003, this ordinance needs significant updates, especially considering it was written before ICE existed as a Federal Department.
At a time when the Federal government has increased attacks on our immigrant neighbors and communities, it is understandable that there is fear and concern. The City has an abundance of resources online to support immigrant communities, as well as the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to provide direct support. I also want to take this opportunity to remind constituents that our office is here to provide support in navigating City services.
Lastly, I want to thank all the community members who showed up on June 3rd to stand up for our immigrant neighbors, and who showed up again during the public comment period to express that our City needs to do better. I take your comments and feedback seriously, and I am dedicated to helping Minneapolis live up to its Sanctuary status.
This week Council approved a contract extension for the Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR) program (2025-00792) and is now housing it in the Fire Department. The BCR program is not just an innovative approach to expanding our public safety services, but it has been an incredibly successful approach. Thanks to BCR, we are improving our rate of diversion of 911 calls to alternative first responders. MPD staff have expressed to me many times that this program has helped lighten the workload for police so they can focus on active public safety concerns. Trained mental health professionals are better equipped to address behavioral crises. I personally have seen the BCR responders help individuals in distress with compassion and patience. I’m really proud to be in City that takes such an innovative approach. You can learn more about the success of this program in the presentation that was given to Council this week.
Two people smiling in a white van.
During the 2025 City Budget change items update (2025-00840), we received the exciting news that most of the new initiatives from the 2025 budget are either complete or on track to be complete soon.
Highlights include:
- Hiring five full-time civilian investigators.
- Continuing school-based clinics.
- Hiring another full-time Homeless Response Team member.
These amendments that Council Members brought to the budget are about doing our job as representatives; being responsive to our constituents and addressing emerging community needs in a timely way. They are also about building trust in government. Today, many people doubt that government at any level can move quickly and solve real problems in their lives. This Council knows that local government can and should respond to emerging needs on the ground. You can find the status for every budget amendment in the presentation given by the relevant department leads.
Council Member Cashman, Ward 7 staff, City staff, and Farmers Market director smile with a proclamation in City Council chambers.
Council Members approved five honorary resolutions recognizing: 2025 Farmers Market Week honorary resolution (2025-00878); Michelle Phillips honorary resolution (2025-00884); Ecuadorian Independence Day honorary resolution (2025-00877); Transgender Equity Summit honorary resolution (2025-00882); 2025 Black and POC LGBTQ+ Pride weekend honorary resolution (2025-00883).
Ordinance Notices, Introductions, & Referrals: Council Members introduced and referred to the appropriate committee ordinances and/or amendments on provisions related to: renewing the Downtown Business Improvement Special Service District ordinance (2025-00834); establishing a process to provide local approval for and to regulate and permit events held by state-licensed cannabis event organizers (2025-00881); Ethics in Government provisions related to City property and resources and use of official time (2025-00885); structure demolition and wrecking (2025-00886); and; amending provisions related to rental dwelling licenses (2025-00887).
Upcoming Public Hearings: Public hearings are officially confirmed when meeting agendas are published in the roughly 48 business hours prior to a scheduled meeting, so I recommend checking back on the respective links to verify the timeline. Find out more about participating in scheduled hearings and submitting a public comment or watch meetings on the City’s YouTube channel.
Heritage Preservation Commission Tuesday, August 12 | 4:30pm | 250 S. Fourth Street, Room 350
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4708 Emerson Ave S (PLAN19689): to demolish and rebuild a garage in the Lynnhurst Residential Historic District.
- 321 25th St E (PLAN19810): to demolish property in the Washburn-Fair Oaks Historic District.
- 2620 8th Ave N (PLAN19897): historic designation of the Nelson House.
- 3 East Minnehaha Pkwy (PLAN19502): demolition of historic resource application.
- 3026 Lake St W (PLAN19904): Establishing the property as a landmark, with interim protection, and directing the Planning Director or prepare a designation study.
Climate and Infrastructure Committee Thursday, August 14 | 1:30pm | 250 S. Fourth Street, Room 350
Sidewalk repair and construction assessments (2025-00699): adopting and levying the assessments for sidewalk repair and construction for the 2024 season.
Public Health Committee Wednesday, August 13 | 1:30pm | 250 S. Fourth Street, Room 350
Fees for use of City-owned resources ordinance (2024-00147): amending the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances relating to License Fee Schedule, adding fees related to City-owned resources.
Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee Tuesday, August 12 | 1:30pm | 250 S. Fourth Street, Room 350
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Minneapolis 2024 HUD: Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (2025-00811): Receiving public comment on the 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to be included in report submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on August 29, 2025.
- University Gateway Corporation bond issuance: 200 Oak St SE (2025-00810): Passage of Resolution approving the issuance of up to $42,100,000 in 501(c)(3) tax-exempt revenue bonds to University Gateway Corporation to refinance outstanding City of Minneapolis revenue bond Series 1997B, Series 2002, Series 2009, and Series 2015.
- Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review Appeal: Molly Reichert, 3003 Hennepin Ave, 1340 W 31st St, 3045 Hennepin Ave, 1305 W Lake St, and 1330 W 31st St (): Considering an appeal submitted by Molly Reichert regarding the decision of the City Planning Commission (PLAN19737) to approve the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a 228-unit residential development located at 3003 Hennepin Ave, 1340 W 31st St, 3045 Hennepin Ave, 1305 W Lake St, and 1330 W 31st St.
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On the left: downtown Bob Dylan Mural made by Eduardo Kobra. On the right: State Theatre marquee reading We Are Now Hennepin Arts. Photo credit to State Theatre.
In each Ward 7 Newsletter, we include a question for constituents to weigh in on. Questions may be related to upcoming policy decisions, future planning, issue prioritization, community project ideas, and more.
Today's question:
We are updating the signage code to create opportunities for more on-premises signage that supports local businesses and organizations, and we are also considering changes to our off-premises (e.g., billboard) credit system. Examples of on-premises signage would include murals, blade signs, and decals. What kinds of signage do you find the most helpful and visually attractive when navigating neighborhoods, businesses, and tourist attractions? What signs would you like to see more of in Minneapolis?
Photo of Justin “Juice” Marshall, smiling in sunglasses and with his DJ gear. Photo courtesy of Ellie Olson and Megan Prebag.
On Friday, July 25th, Justin “Juice” Marshall was shot and killed outside Mortimer’s around 2:30am, after celebrating his birthday with friends. Those close to Justin asked us to share the following: Justin was a kind man with a gentle soul who worked full time for decades at Kowalskis on Lyndale, and was the DJ of countless events all over Minnesota. He was a peaceful person who was friendly and filled with laughter.
My condolences are with Justin’s friends and family in this difficult time. Police are asking for help from neighbors and patrons of the local businesses if they witnessed anything. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact MPD by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-5845 to leave a voicemail. Mention Case number: 25-207056.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org. All tips are anonymous, and information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.
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Part of the clean up crew gathering their bags of trash and wearing orange reflective vests.
Thank you to everyone who joined the Ward 7 office last week in helping clean up the Loring Park neighborhood along Nicollet and Lasalle Ave. Together, we filled 13 trash bags in just a little over an hour! We followed up the clean up with discussion about opportunities to adopt blocks for community clean ups, and how to use the 311 website to report more complicated waste concerns. If you are interested in hosting a community clean-up of your own, fill out the Litter Cleanup form on the City website.
Additionally, please continue supporting the businesses in Loring Park. One of the best ways to combat anti-social behavior is by activating our neighborhoods with positive activity. The Citizens for a Loring Park Community has a long list of events happening this summer, as well as a monthly safety meeting, with all the information available on their website.
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Various types of waste receptables lined up in a driveway.
Five projects throughout the City have been awarded grants through the Climate Legacy Initiative fund to bring creative opportunities for waste reduction to their neighbors. This was a budget amendment that I led last year to advance our City’s Zero-Waste goals. Grants have been awarded to the following:
- Art to Change the World was awarded $15,700 to organize an “Artistic Re-Use-A-Thon" to focus on making art with reused, upcycled, and recycled materials.
- Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) was awarded $25,000 for developing education and outreach materials concerning composting, recycling, and waste reduction.
- Lyndale Neighborhood Association was awarded $18,560 for educational outreach concerning e-waste and hard to recycle materials.
- Resilient Cities and Communities was awarded $20,000 for organizing block leaders in the Phillips community to work with property owners to expand waste disposal options in apartment buildings.
- West Bank Business and Area Coalition was awarded $25,000 to work with commercial properties along West Broadway Ave to participate in the City’s Recycling and Organics Recycling programs, and will partner with Jordan Area Community Council and Power North Youth to educate Near North and Camden neighbors on the benefits of reusable bags.
The I-394 construction continues into the fall. The latest update includes overnight closures between Penn Ave and North 11th Street from 7pm-6am nightly through November. Starting Monday, August 11th, there will be demolition work between 7pm-5am through Friday, August 15th. More information can be found on the MN Department of Transportation website. For questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact the project team using the form on the project page.
Photo of Bernese Mountain Dog smiling and wagging its tail. The Minneapolis Animal Care & Control logo is in the corner. Text reads Adopt One, Help Many. That’s the Rescue Effect.
Every Wednesday through September, you can adopt a pet for free at Minneapolis Animal Care & Control. As part of its nationwide campaign, The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA awarded Minneapolis a $13,300 grant to cover fees for adoptions and Minneapolis pet licensing.
Free pet adoptions will happen from 1-5:30pm every Wednesday in August and September at the Minneapolis Animal Care & Control office (212 17th Ave. N). All cats and dogs up for adoption are healthy, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. You can learn more on the City's website.
Colorful flyer for Vibrant Storefronts Art Walk, with event information and photos of different Vibrant Storefront Celebrations.
On Monday, August 11th from 5-8pm, join the City's Arts & Cultural Affairs department and Danger Boat Productions at 1121 Hennepin Ave to celebrate our Vibrant Storefronts in the Harmon Place District. This initiative to include artistry into our businesses helps local artists gain recognition while also helping preserve and represent the culture of our community. Recognized awardees include Blackbird Revolt, Black Business Enterprises, Flavor World, Pride Cultural Arts Center and Skntones™. Self-guided and guided tours are available, with a limited capacity of 20. To learn more and register, check out the Vibrant Storefront Arts Walk event page.
After a long wait, the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership website is finally live. With this website, community members can learn more about how franchise fees from Centerpoint Energy and Xcel energy fund our Climate Legacy Initiative, and how community members can become involved in the fight against climate change through energy efficiency efforts.
Blue sky with clouds in the background, with people dancing under an orange and blue logo that reads Mni House Picnic.
Voice of Culture (VoC) is hosting the first ever Mni House Picnic. VoC is a non-profit dedicated to celebrating the art and culture of black communities. Visit Loring Park on Saturday, August 23rd from 2-7pm for a free outdoor celebration of the history and legacy of House music. Bring a picnic blanket, a cooler, and your dance moves! More information can be found on the Voice of Change website.
For the seventh year in a row, an array of artists will flock to Nicollet Mall for the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival. From live art making, to independent vendors, and free family-fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The event will be on August 9th & 10th from 11am - 5pm each day. You can learn more on the event website.
Graphic with event details, a gritty black background, and four head shots of the young artists.
The Pride Cultural Arts Center by Twin Cities Pride will be hosting their junior artists-in-residence art exhibition on August 22nd at the Twin Cities Pride office. These artists have been working hard to put this show together, and we are thrilled to support this next generation of artists. Check out the show between 5-8pm at 1201 Harmon Place.
Up to $15,000 of funding is now available to businesses, cities, multifamily properties, nonprofit organizations, and institutions in Hennepin County to establish organics recycling drop-off sites. Funding can be used for hauling and disposal costs, necessary infrastructure, or education and promotion. Priority will be given to drop-off sites that increase access to organics recycling for residents in apartments and condos.
Miss Major smiling for a headshot in purple.
I am thrilled to share that the iconic transgender activist, Miss Major, will be headlining the tenth annual Trans Equity Summit on Monday, August 11th from 9am-4pm at the McNamara Alumni Center. This event is focused on connecting transgender and gender expansive community members with resources, and with each other. In a time of increased attacks on our transgender community members, I am so proud to be in Minneapolis, where we uplift and celebrate the unique insight and contributions the transgender community brings to our City. You can learn more about the event, and RSVP, on the City website.
Logo for Utepils Brewing Kielbasa Festival with the 2025 printed on a kielbasa link.
Utepils Brewing and Kramarczuk’s Deli are teaming up once again for another celebration of sausage and beer. On August 15th and 16th, visit Utepils Brewing for music, food, and family-friendly fun. More details will be available on the Utepils website.
Families fishing off the dock on Cedar Lake. Photo credit to Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association.
Saturday, August 9th, from 10am-12pm, join the Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association, Kenwood Neighborhood Organization, Cedar-Isles-Dean Neighborhood Association, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for an afternoon of fishing at Cedar Lake. This is an all-ages event for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. More information can be found on the Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association website.
Table with samosas, cannoli, fruit parfaits, and other sweet treats at the Albi Kitchen grand opening. Photo credit to Tusmo Times.
Sometimes the news can get us down, but there is a lot to be excited about in Minneapolis! This year we will be sure to call out some good news in each of our newsletters. Do you have some good news to share? Let us know by emailing ward7@minneapolismn.gov and including “Good News Round-up" in the subject line.
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Minneapolis Vintage Market will have a night-time pop-up event at Warehouse District Live on Saturday, August 23rd, from 7pm-1am.
- Streetlight repairs are in progress on Lake of the Isles, with Bde Maka Ska and Cedar Lake next on the list.
- A new late-night cafe on Eat Street, Albi Kitchen, had their grand opening at 14th & Nicollet on August 1st.
- Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jimmy Jam has received an honorary diploma from Washburn High School 49 years after early departure.
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Shop My Closet will have their grand opening on Saturday, August 9th, from 3-8pm at 3001 Hennepin Ave, Suite 1150. Shop My Closet will be a rotating set of vendors selling second-hand vintage and consignment clothes.
- According to the American College of Sports Medicine, Minneapolis is ranked 6th in the list of most fit U.S cities, citing our significant amount of public green spaces and accessible bike infrastructure as a major contributor.
- A new slate of Cadet and Community Safety Officers will be welcomed by Police Chief O'Hara on August 27th at Eagle Brook Church.
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Owner of Matriarch smiling at the boutique counter of her new Uptown Business.
The Ward 7 team continues to get out in community to talk to neighbors and stakeholders where they are. Here are a few highlights from the past couple of weeks.
- Attended Neighborhood Night Out celebrations in all nine Ward 7 neighborhoods.
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Held a team meeting at Sebastian Joe’s on Hennepin & Franklin.
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Visited new plant-forward restaurant, Matriarch, in Uptown, owned by Michelle Courtright.
- Got a brief, but informative, historical tour of the Young Quinlan building downtown.
- Met with Bryn Mawr neighbors on Cedar Lake to develop pedestrian safety solutions.
- Co-worked at Dunn Brothers in Loring Park.
To find out about what’s going on in your part of town, check out the nine neighborhood organizations working to keep folks connected and engaged in Ward 7:
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