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 The annual free seniors fair will take place Wednesday, Oct. 22. The gathering is for seniors and people who care for seniors. Its purpose is to provide education about services and resources that support independent living and community building. This is an in-person event featuring complimentary breakfast and lunch, with the opportunity to attend workshops and peruse a vendor fair featuring community partners and organizations that provide services to seniors.
Seniors fair 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave. S.
Schedule
- 9 a.m. - Welcome and breakfast, City Council 101 presentation
- 10 a.m. - Morning workshops: Community Safety: When to Call 311 vs 911, Technology and Fraud
- 11 a.m. - Resource fair and lunch
- Noon - Panel discussion with local elected officials including Attorney General Keith Ellison and City Council Members Andrea Jenkins, Emily Koski and Aurin Chowdhury. More to be announced.
- 1 p.m. - Afternoon workshops: Election Services and Ranked Choice Voting, Building Community through Art: Legos activity
The seniors fair is sponsored by Wards 8, 11 and 12; the City of Minneapolis; and TRUST, Inc.
 On October 1, State legislators, City leaders, and community members came together to dedicate the 10th Ave Bridge as the Kari Dziedzic Memorial Bridge. This is a bittersweet moment in our community as we deeply miss Senator Dziedic and as we get to honor her life and legacy.
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Senate unanimously passed a measure to designate the bridge as the Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Karl Dziedzic Memorial Bridge. I am proud to have authored a complementary resolution that was unanimously passed by the City Council shortly after.
Senator Dziedzic was one of my first mentors in public service and I am so honored that I got the opportunity to learn from her. She stood up for renters, students, workers, and our immigrant community. She lit the spark in me to continue on to have a career in public service, as she has done for many young leaders in our city and state. Senator Dziedzic was a team leader, a bridge builder, and someone who was truly dedicated to serving her constituents.
At the September 30 Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee, the Slumlords Tier Oversight and Protections Policy that I am co-authoring came up for a public hearing. After hearing the testimonies of various residents, it is clearer than ever that our city needs stronger oversight on landlords that have rental properties with several health and safety code violations.
This was passed unanimously at the Full Council on October 9.
Many of the rental properties in Tier 3 status are located in Northside neighborhoods, Southside neighborhoods that are areas that are predominantly working class, and areas that have student housing, as well as predominantly immigrant communities.
This policy is not intended to increase revocations of rental licenses, but to hold landlords accountable, especially when many of Tier 3 properties are renewed year after year with no improvements in condition. This policy will require Tier 3 properties rental renewal applications to come before Council for approval. Tier 3 rentals are the highest risk rentals and have reached that designation often through multiple law and code violations. This process is standard with other license renewals such as liquor and gambling licenses.
I am proud to have co-authored this policy with Council Member Osman, Wonsley, and Cashman. It was passed Unanimously today at our City Council Meeting.
I write this with gratitude and excitement as the City Council and Mayor have unanimously approved the renaming of Edmund Boulevard to Lena Smith Boulevard. This was made possible through a community-led effort and broad support for racial justice through renaming from across Ward 12 and Minneapolis. I was proud to help shepherd the application through the Planning Commission and City Council to now have this prominent street recognize Lena Smith, a trailblazer, civil rights leader, and the first African American woman to be an Attorney in Minnesota.
This name change is now in effect as of September 20th, you can find additional information about the street name change on ReclaimingEdmund.com
The City of Minneapolis has notified USPS Postal Services, Utility Billing and Election and Voter Services of the name change. Longfellow Community Council has been hosting help sessions for affected residents and property owners to navigate tasks related to address update.
The next help session is taking place at 6:00pm on October 29th at 3101 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
Unfortunately the State of Minnesota DVS has recently informed us that they have changed its policy & no longer allows DMV fee waivers for affected property owners and residents. Our office learned of this news after its enactment, and had hoped the county could help bridge this issue, however due to budgeting constraints within the county, they are unable to waive the fees.
By renaming this street, we not only reject the actions of a painful past, but we uplift the stories that have been erased or dismissed and honor the legacy of someone whose life embodied the values of justice, courage, and inclusion. The unveiling celebration of the new street name will be announced soon.
If you are a neighbor who needs additional assistance, please connect with my office at 612-673-2212 or email Ward12@minneapolismn.gov
City crews are getting ready to sweep streets across Minneapolis. Street sweeping helps keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains. That helps keep them out of our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River. Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb street sweeping throughout the city Tuesday, Oct. 21.
During the four weeks in October and November, crews clean about 1,000 miles of city streets.
Stay informed
Temporary hot pink “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours before they start so the street will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, Oct. 20, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules, or their cars may be ticketed and towed.
Stay informed about the parking rules through a web map showing when your street is scheduled for sweeping, “no parking” signs on the street, and email and text alerts.
Learn more about street sweeping on the City website; Facebook, Bluesky, Threads and X; and videos in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
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 Thank you to Cedar Inn, neighbors, and city staff for engaging in robust conversations regarding the expansion permit for the business. Our office became aware of ongoing concerns from neighbors related to loud noise late at night until 2am-2:30am every night, issues with trash, patron behavior-- all of which are well documented. There was significant neighborhood concern about Cedar Inn's plan and receive a hard liquor license. My job as a Council Member was to ensure that the concerned voices of neighbors and the desire for a local business to succeed where heard and a plan was created that could help address everyone's need s through compromise.
In response, we hosted several community meetings with both the Cedar Inn’s management and local residents to work toward a compromise that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
The Cedar Inn recently purchased the building next door and applied for a full liquor license in anticipation of opening the larger space. Currently, the business serves only strong beer and wine. At the initial public hearing, several neighbors expressed concerns about being kept awake by noise and disturbances, including patrons who appeared to be overserved. Based on this testimony we chose to delay our decision on the new license in order to explore solutions.
We met with both neighbors and management to figure out a pathway forward. Neighbors voiced frustrations with Cedar Inn's current operating hours (open until 2 AM daily) and the noise that would keep them and their families awake. Some felt the Cedar Inn was not being a positive presence in the community. Cedar Inn responded by admitting they had a noise issue and proposed several solutions to fix it. They also highlighted all the neighborhood activity and local teams or clubs that they sponsor.
A major concern raised by residents was that adding hard liquor could worsen the issues they were already facing. To address this, a key compromise was reached: while the Cedar Inn will be permitted to serve hard alcohol, its operating hours will be reduced. The new hours will be:
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Sunday and Monday: open until 12
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Tuesday- Saturday: open until 1 am
Many other conditions were also reached as a compromise. The patio is to be closed at 10 PM every single day. Alcohol service will stop one hour prior to close, and no new patrons are allowed one hour prior to close as well for at least 8 months. Cedar Inn is required to hire dedicated security to help facilitate this. Cedar Inn will have a dedicated phone and email for neighbor complaints. Additionally, Cedar Inn will only start with a strong wine and beer license, if there are no alcohol code violations or violations of conditions-- they will switch to a full liquor license 8 months after their doors open. Read the full conditions: https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/FileV2/51945/Cedar-Inn-Final-Business-Conditions.pdf
Living in community means working together to address challenges through respectful, face-to-face dialogue. While it was challenging, everyone did their best to lean in to get the best outcome. I’m grateful to all the community members and to The Cedar Inn staff who participated and helped get us an outcome that balanced the needs of supporting local business and quality of life for nearby residents. , and help shape a solution that balances growth with quality of life.
Our office regularly hears from residents concerned about speeding in residential areas, especially near schools where kids are walking. We're in ongoing communication with Public Works about traffic calming efforts in the ward, and I’m excited to share three new pilot projects in Ward 12 recently announced as part of the City’s MSA Traffic Calming Program:
- 28th ave S & 45th St E
- 28th St at 37th and 34th aves
- 42nd ave at 32nd and 33rd sts
I’m glad to see the projects on 28th St near Brackett Park, which is an area where we’ve heard from countless constituents about cars speeding. I am grateful to see 45th Street selected as the neighbors in the Standish Ericsson have long expressed concern about the dangers of speeding traffic on a street that is often crossed to enter and leave Lake Hiawatha park. Finally, the project at 42nd ave has long been an area where there have a been several crashes and I appreciate Public Works willingness to work with me and neighbors to expediently study the area and address the concerns.
These improvements are the result of shared advocacy between our office and the many neighbors who called, wrote in, or spoke up to Public Works. Well done!
Have other spots in the ward that could use traffic calming? Let us know!
 The City is replacing lead water service lines. In Minneapolis, the property owner owns the water service line. The service line is the pipe that connects a property to the water main in the middle of the street. Contractors will perform the work, and the City will inspect their work.
State and Federal funds are paying for this work at no cost to property owners. Rules for state funding will determine the project areas. We will contact eligible property owners before work begins on their property.
The State of Minnesota has a goal to replace all lead service lines by 2033. The federal government is requiring replacement of all lead service lines by 2037.
Residents in project areas may be impacted by:
- Temporary traffic lane shifts
- Short-term limits on street parking
- A brief disruption in water service to individual customers while we replace their service line
View interactive map: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/lead-service-lines/project-map/
 Every year, the City cleans and lines some of its water main pipes by removing rust from the pipes and installing a high-quality lining.
These updates help:
- prevent future rust
- extend the life of the pipes
- improve the look and flow of water through the pipes
We choose water pipes for cleaning and lining based on City inspections.
Water fees fund the project. Residents pay water fees with their monthly utility bill. The cost is not assessed to your property.
Temporary water mains
- The water main must be empty to complete the work.
- Therefore, each building connected to the water main being worked on, is given a temporary water line.
- We test the water in the temporary lines throughout the project to make sure that the water meets drinking water standards.
View interactive map: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/water-main-cleaning/project-map/
 The City of Minneapolis has partnered with LSE Architects to transform the former 3rd Police Precinct site into the new Minneapolis Democracy Center that will house the City’s election services. You can now see a video and the presentation document on the proposed design.
Schematic designs feature a 19,000-square-foot addition, a highly visible early vote center, and interior renovations, including a large ground-floor space within the existing building to be leased to a community partner.
Currently, the City’s election and voter services are spread across three locations. By consolidating them into a single, central facility with access to public transit, bike routes and pedestrian paths, the project aims to make it easier to vote.
LSE Architects will now refine the design, including selecting exterior colors and materials, and prepare construction documents. Work is expected to begin in early 2026 and finish in early 2027.
At a recent open house, two applicants for tenants to lease the community space — Change Inc. and Mama Sheila’s House of Soul — presented proposals. Feedback from the open house will be shared with the City Council later this year to help guide the selection of the tenant.
Watch a video and read the presentation document on the City website.
The 2026 City Budget process is underway. I strongly encourage all residents to participate so that your priorities can help shape the budget. You can share your thoughts and feedback by testifying in person or submitting written testimony:
In person budget hearings with public testimony:
- Wednesday November 19th at 6pm
- Tuesday December 9th at 6pm
- Public hearings are at the City Council Temporary Chambers located in the Public Service Building: 250 South 4th Street, Room 350.
- Any resident can testify for two minutes about their priorities for the City’s 2026 Budget.
Submit written testimony:
- Testimony can be submitted in writing at any time using this form.
- Submissions can include personal/individual comments, or official organizational statements.
- For “Subject or File Number,” write 2026 Budget
 Early voting is now underway for the Nov. 4 municipal election. Ballots may be cast early by mail or in person at the Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave.
Early voting began Friday with the City mailing out 12,640 requested mail-in ballots to Minneapolis voters – a record for a municipal election. Another 351 people voted at the Early Vote Center on the first day.
Voters who applied for mail-in ballots should allow up to seven days for their ballot to arrive and plan an equal number of days for returning the completed ballot. All mail ballots need to be received by Election Day, Nov. 4, to count. Important change: Mail ballots that are dropped off in person must be returned to the Elections & Voter Services office, not polling places, by 5 p.m. Nov. 4.
The Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., is open for early voting in person 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Early Vote Center will have expanded hours starting Oct. 20. Voters can also cast their ballot by mail or by dropping off a ballot. More locations and hours will open up over the election season.
Find more details about voting on the City website.
Voters, make your plan for the voting option that works best for you. You can vote early in person or by mail, or you can vote at your polling place on Election Day, Nov. 4.
Vote early in person
- Five pop-ups will open for a day of voting each:
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 21 Weisman Art Museum
- 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 22 Minneapolis Public Service Building downtown
- 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 23 Urban League Twin Cities
- 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 24 Midtown Global Market
- 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 27 Webber Community Center
If you’ve never voted before and need to register, now’s the perfect time. If it’s been more than four years since you last voted, or you’ve moved or changed your name since you last registered, you’ll also need to re-register.
Register ahead of time
You can register to vote online. You can use this same registration link to update your current name or address on your registration.
Unsure if you’re registered at your current address? You can use the online lookup tool to check your registration.
Register when you vote
You can also register to vote in person when you vote early or vote on Election Day.
You’ll need to show proof of residence. Certain types of ID can be your proof of residence, but there are other options that don't require an ID. Be sure to read all your options and come prepared.
Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services is responsible for administering elections in the City of Minneapolis. For information about registering and voting in Minneapolis, visit the City website.
 Protecting our source – the Mississippi River – keeps it swimmable, fishable and drinkable. You can help.
How to make a difference
Together, we can protect our waters and the river that supplies our drinking water.
- Don’t feed ducks or geese. It leads to crowding and increases droppings near shorelines.
- Avoid overwatering lawns, and keep water, grass and debris from washing into storm drains.
- Use mindful seasonal maintenance: use less salt in winter, and sweep up grass clippings and leaves.
- Let lawns dry out between watering; don’t let sprinklers cause runoff.
- Pick up litter and pet waste.
Sign up for Adopt-a-Drain and help keep storm drains clear from materials that would run into our water bodies.
 On the edge of downtown Minneapolis sits the city’s busiest fire station: MFD Station 6. The station serves one of the city’s most vibrant yet historically underserved communities — one rich in culture, tradition and resilience. Engine 10, based at Station 6, is the city’s second busiest crew, responding to hundreds of fires, medical emergencies and other calls each year. Engine 10’s A Shift is also the Minneapolis Fire Department’s first all-Native firefighter crew.
For these firefighters, every call carries deeper meaning, as they bring representation, service and understanding responding to a neighborhood that’s predominantly their own community.
Video
Meet the crew: Serving their people - Introducing the Minneapolis Fire Department's first all-Native fire crew.
 The City is taking a modern approach to responding to emergency calls. Instead of only sending a traditional responder for all 911 calls, we’re also offering other services more suited to help someone in a crisis. Our newest step is directly connecting some 911 callers with a social worker.
When someone calls 911, the call taker decides if a social worker can support the caller instead of needing to dispatch an emergency response. Our dispatch center-based social worker will talk with the caller and figure out the best way to help them. It could be over-the-phone crisis intervention; counseling; or connecting the caller with mental health care, addiction treatment or housing support.
Read more on the City website.
 The City of Minneapolis is hosting a free vaccination clinic for Minneapolis dogs and cats Wednesday. No appointments are necessary to get animals vaccinated for rabies and distemper, which also comes with free microchipping. All told, that’s about a $120 value.
Free dog and cat vaccinations 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 Minneapolis Animal Care & Control, 212 17th Ave. N.
The vaccinations are paid for through a $4,000 “Subaru Loves Pets” grant. Animal owners can also get a free pet license, which is required in the City of Minneapolis. License fees will be donated by a City partner, My Pit Bull Is Family.
You can help your friends and neighbors know by sharing the Facebook event.
The City of Minneapolis is nominating three sites at the heart of Minneapolis’ African American history to the National Register of Historic Places. The sites are:
- The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder building. The oldest Black-owned newspaper in Minnesota is one of the longest continuously operated family-owned Black newspapers in the United States.
- The former home of Harry Davis, Sr. Davis was a beloved community leader, civil rights advocate and the first Black candidate for mayor in Minneapolis.
A spot on the register means the space is recognized for its important history. It can open opportunities for national and state historic preservation grants and tax credits.
Read more on the City website.
Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context Study
These sites are featured in the Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context Study. The study highlights Minneapolis’ Black history from around 1800 to the present. It identifies important people, places and events in the city. It has a lot of rich stories, and more stories can and should also be uplifted in the future.
Read the full context study on the City website.
 Join us in celebrating a new public artwork, a mural at the redesigned Hi-Lake intersection. This new mural is grounded in the medicine wheel, a symbol used by Indigenous communities around the world. We will also celebrate the conservation and reinstallation of “Crossroads” by Seitu Jones.
The new Hi-Lake mural is by artists Daniela Bianchini, Pablo Kalaka, Natchez Beaulieu and Greta McLain.
The event will feature artist remarks, refreshments, and performances by local artists including the Brass Messengers.
Hi-Lake mural dedication 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 Hiawatha Avenue underpass on Lake Street (between Target and the Lake Street/Midtown transit station)
See more about the mural project on the City website.
The Cold Weather Rule is now in effect. The Cold Weather Rule means that if you can’t pay your home heat bill, your heat can’t be shut off Oct. 1-April 30. If you get a notice about disconnecting your primary heat source, make sure to immediately contact the utility and set up a payment plan.
Find resources on the State of Minnesota website. This information is available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
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