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It’s been a busy summer here in Ward 4, and there’s plenty to share. From stepping up efforts to keep our streets and alleys safe, to celebrating community events like the Folwell Ice Cream Social and the Great Minnesota Get-Together, North Minneapolis continues to shine.
In this issue, you’ll find updates on how the City is responding to a rash of vehicle damage, new tools to prevent bike theft, and the work being done to make Penn Avenue brighter and safer. You’ll also see ways to get involved whether it’s joining us at Open Streets on West Broadway, taking part in the City’s low-cost tree program, or lending your voice at an upcoming public hearing on the 2026 property tax levy.
Most importantly, this newsletter highlights the power of community. Whether we’re coming together to enjoy ice cream in Folwell Park, cheering on our neighbors at the State Fair, or working side by side to improve safety, it’s clear that Ward 4 is stronger when we look out for one another.
Thank you for staying engaged, and as always, I look forward to seeing you out in the neighborhood.
Warmly,
 The City is responding to a widespread rash of vehicle damage and theft over the last month with more than 580 vehicles damaged or rummaged through. The most recent occurred overnight Tuesday affecting 118 vehicles across the city. Together, these crimes have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
The City’s focus is on disrupting and ending these crimes and arresting the people responsible for them. With 911 calls reporting the suspicious activity and officers patrolling impacted areas, the Police Department realized a crime wave was happening on Tuesday and took an all-hands-on-deck approach. Officers have so far recovered two vehicles believed to be involved in some of the recent damage and arrested three people, who are booked for auto theft. Two dozen community service officers were assigned to affected neighborhoods to gather evidence, speak with residents and help victims complete police reports.
What you can do!
The City asks our community to stay vigilant and keep calling 911 immediately for suspicious activity. Provide details if you can: describe the clothing, direction of travel, vehicles and license plates. And share video evidence if you have it. Report damage on your vehicle if you have it. Community reports are helping make the difference.
Register – or re-register – your bicycle serial number
The City is switching its bicycle serial number registry. In the future, Minneapolis Police will check the serial numbers of recovered bikes on Bike Index, the largest bicycle registration service in the United States. This change offers City staff a wider pool of data to help return missing bicycles. Take a few minutes today to register (or re-register) your bicycle serial numbers.
Public, free and national serial number registries make it easier for police departments anywhere to return recovered bicycles. It's also easier for bike buyers to know they’re buying from a legal owner. If you’re buying a bicycle from a stranger, check the bicycle's serial number against a public index before you buy to confirm that it's not stolen. It's harder for thieves to sell stolen bicycles when we use these registries.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Nationwide Bicycle Index
Neighbors have raised concerns about safety, and we are listing. We have increased crime deterrence tools and police presence along the corridor to address ongoing problems and deter crime. In addition, new lighting has been installed in key hot spots—not only on the street but also in alleyways—making it harder for illegal activity to hide in the shadows.
These steps are part of a team effort between residents, businesses, MPD and City staff. While added patrols and lighting make a real difference, lasting change comes from the entire community working together.
Looking for extra light and security in your alley?
Minneapolis residents who have an Xcel Energy pole behind their house can request an additional Nightwatch light to be attached to the pole. There’s no charge for installation, and the monthly fee of $7.71 will appear on your electric bill. Xcel Energy will need enough room to bring a truck into the alley and close to the pole. Lights are typically installed 4–6 weeks after the request. To request a light or learn more, email OutdoorLighting@xcelenergy.com.
We need your help:
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Report suspicious activity right away by calling 911/311
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Stay connected with neighbors through block clubs and community meetings.
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Share feedback on what’s working and where more attention is needed.
- Sponsor a Nightwatch light
By combining stronger enforcement, smarter design, and community partnership, we’re building a Penn Avenue that feels safer and more welcoming for everyone.
 It’s State Fair season, and North Minneapolis is part of the fun! From mini donuts to BBQ, many of your favorite fair foods come from vendors who live right here in Ward 4. Local artists and entrepreneurs are also showing off their talent, sharing the creativity that makes our community unique.
The fair also connects back home urban farming exhibits, safer streets, and good-paying jobs all reflect the work we’re doing in North Minneapolis.
So while you’re enjoying the rides, concerts, and food on a stick, remember: Ward 4 is helping make the Great Minnesota Get-Together great!
Getting to the State Fair Made Easy
The Great Minnesota Get-Together is here! With big crowds expected each day, the best way to enjoy the fun is to plan your trip ahead of time. Here are a few tips to make getting in and out of the fair smoother for Ward 4 residents:
By Bus Take Route 3
Good news for North Minneapolis!
Metro Transit Route 3 runs right through Ward 4 and takes you straight to the gates of the fairgrounds on Como Avenue. No need to worry about parking, long walks, or traffic jams just hop on, relax, and ride.
Skip the Parking Hassle
Fair parking lots fill quickly, and neighborhood parking near the fair can cost up to $40 a day. Save your time (and money) by riding the bus instead.
Minnesota State Fair Park & Ride Locations: CLICK HERE
 Folwell Park was buzzing with laughter and music on Wednesday, August 20, as families gathered for the annual Ice Cream Social and Resource Fair. The event was a big success, bringing together families for an evening of connection, community pride, and plenty of fun.
Kids were the stars of the day receiving free meals, ice cream, and backpacks to help them start the year off strong. Families enjoyed games, music, and activities, while community partners shared helpful resources and support.
The event showed the best of North Minneapolis: neighbors looking out for one another, kids smiling from ear to ear, and a park filled with joy. The Folwell Ice Cream Social has once again proven that when we come together, we build not just memories, but a stronger, more connected community.
Open Streets Sept. 6 on West Broadway
There’s plenty of summer fun still to be had. Open Streets Minneapolis, the City’s popular summer event series, continues Sept. 6 on West Broadway.
Open Streets transforms major business and commercial corridors into car-free fairs for all ages to enjoy and connects all of its neighbors to enjoy culture, entertainment, activities and local vendors. Watch a video about Open Streets 2025.
· Sept. 6, West Broadway between Logan and Lyndale avenues
· Sept. 20, Hennepin Avenue between West 26th and 36th streets Find details about the 2025 Open Streets on the City website.
Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his 2026 budget address Aug. 13. The budget proposal focuses on a city built to last by protecting core services, investing in affordable housing, advancing community safety, expanding inclusive economic opportunities, and driving climate and public health initiatives.
This budget includes:
· $23 million in strategic savings
· Disciplined savings to reduce the levy increase by 40% from what was projected (7.8% increase, down from a projected 13%)
· No layoffs or cuts to basic services
· Strong reserves to help Minneapolis weather national uncertainty
The public is invited to comment on the maximum property tax levy for 2026. The Board of Estimate and Taxation will take public comments at its meeting Sept. 10.
5:05 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 Room 350, Public Service Center, 250 Fourth St. S. A signup sheet will be onsite 30 minutes before the meeting. You can also send comments online or directly to your Board of Estimate & Taxation elected officials or the city clerk. Find out more about the board, find meeting agendas and minutes, and see the meeting schedule on the City website.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
We’re proud to share some exciting news—MPD now has 55 Community Service Officers (CSOs) serving across the city, the highest number in department history! 💙
And we’re not stopping there—more CSOs are expected to be hired this year. Additionally, seven interns are spending the summer with us, gaining valuable experience.
Choose Minneapolis to become a CSO:
✅ Free college tuition – your education is covered
✅ Earn while you learn – get paid while gaining real-world experience
✅ A career launchpad – a direct path to the MPD Academy and high-paying public safety career!
Ready to start your journey? Learn more about how to become a CSO at our upcoming August 25th Information Session from 5-6:30pm at the Special Operations Center, 4119 Dupont Avenue North.
Minneapolis anti-discrimination protections now include housing status, criminal history, height and weight
Anyone living in, working in or visiting Minneapolis will enjoy new civil rights protections under the City’s expanded civil rights ordinance. It’s now illegal in Minneapolis to discriminate based on height or weight, a criminal history, or housing status. There are also expanded rights around race, family status, disability, pregnancy and religion.
The ordinance protects you from discrimination across the city including in the workplace, at school, where you rent, where you shop, when interacting with City employees and more. Anyone experiencing discrimination in Minneapolis can make a complaint.
Great memories grow under trees. Order up to three low-cost trees for your yard through the City Trees Sale. Trees help provide shade, lower energy bills and increase property values.
The City Trees program has provided more than 28,000 low-cost trees over the last 19 years for residential properties. Order your trees today. If you live in a Green Zone, you may be eligible for free trees that will be planted for you. Find out if you live in a Green Zone.
Starting Sept. 3, Metro Mobility riders can choose UZURV for their Premium On Demand service. When riders choose UZURV, Metro Mobility will contribute up to $20 towards every ride.
UZURV offers
· Same-day, on-demand rides or scheduling ahead.
· A $5 base fare. Metro Mobility pays up to $20 of the remaining fare.
· Accessible, door-to-door service every ride.
· Courteous drivers who know how to help people with disabilities.
· An easy-to-use, accessible UZURV Ride app and full-service call center.
Plus:
· No tipping is necessary.
· Up to two guests ride free.
· Service animals are always welcome.
· Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available.
· All rides are monitored by real people in real time.
Nearly 400 people came together in community for the 2025 Trans Equity Summit Aug. 11. This year’s theme was Trans Equity and Intergenerational Power: Strengthening the Future by Honoring Our Past. The City of Minneapolis partnered with community members to organize and plan the all-day, free event that provided space to connect on social, legal and health issues important to the trans and gender non-conforming community.
The sold-out 10th Trans Equity Summit featured the keynote speaker Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, iconic transgender activist and veteran of the 1969 Stonewall riots. The summit also included breakout sessions, performances, a career and resource fair and onsite community health and wellness resources.
The Trans Equity Summit organizing team would like to thank the guests, partners, volunteers, and organizing team and looks forward to seeing everyone again in 2026.
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.
We’re on a mission to help more animals find homes. Like many shelters and rescues across the nation, our shelter is consistently full. You can change lives by adopting a pet and freeing up shelter resources for other homeless animals who need them. When you help one, you help many. That’s the rescue effect.
Free pet adoptions 1-5:30 p.m. every Wednesday in August and September Minneapolis Animal Care & Control, 212 17th Ave. N.
All cats and dogs up for adoption are healthy, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.
Are you out of work? CareerForce is here to help you with your resume, interview skills and job search.
The City of Minneapolis supports two CareerForce locations where you can get help: · South Minneapolis CareerForce, 777 E. Lake St.
· North Minneapolis CareerForce, 800 W. Broadway
Get connected
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