In this issue:
Counci Member Cashman speaking from the dais with the U.S. Flag and City Seal in the background
Amid escalating tensions with the Trump Administration regarding immigration enforcement, the City of Minneapolis wants to affirm that we are a Welcoming City, and that isn't changing any time soon. The other week, our office hosted a Q&A with the Director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. It was clear that people have concerns about immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. But it was also clear that our City is ready to stand up and fight for our neighbors.
Being a Welcoming City means everyone is protected and respected when they interact with our employees and services. We provide resources and support to immigrant and refugee communities. We help community members know their rights and what to do if they encounter ICE. We also follow our Separation Ordinance. This is a city law that says City staff, including police, cannot take part in civil immigration law enforcement. And it’s one of the strongest such laws in America.
This means you can safely access City programs and services, no matter your immigration status. Police and firefighters are here to protect you – we do not enforce civil immigration law. Our goal is to ensure everyone can feel safe using City services, reporting crimes, and being part of our community.
More information on the City's response to Federal actions, including immigration enforcement, is available on the City website.
If you have additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to our office by contacting 612-673-2207 or ward7@minneapolismn.gov.
Council Member Cashman trying out the new group swing, giving it two thumbs way up.
As we head into a weekend of beautiful weather, I am excited to share that Loring Greenway’s new play equipment is installed and Public Works, Kompan Equipment, and Albrecht Landscaping worked collaboratively and creatively to make the pavement ADA accessible. The City's Street Engineer Ahmed Omer and Special Services manager David Bauer conducted an inspection on October 23rd, and gave it the go ahead. The installers will take the fence down on October 24th, and kids will be free to play! I am very proud of this collaboration with Public Works. 9,000 Loring Park residents will benefit because of this tangible investment in livability, safety, and child development.
Map of Uptown boundaries, courtesy of Mei-Ling Smith.
Calling all Uptown leaders! We want to hear from YOU about the future of Uptown and what policies and plans you'd like the City to put into place to build a thriving commercial corridor. When passing our 2025 City budget last year, one of my City Council amendments for Uptown was to dedicate $50,000 to conduct a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) with the Urban Land Institute.
The TAP is a method we used to identify policy and planning options for the former KMART site at Nicollet and Lake Street and the Warehouse District. These stakeholder panels and reports have been deeply impactful in how the City moves forward with our plans in these neighborhoods. It's my belief that revitalization is never achieved through one single action - a silver bullet - but rather through the joint efforts made by the most involved members of the community.
If you have time on Oct 29, we would love your perspective at this stakeholder panel. Please use this link to sign up for a 55-minute, small group interview slot.
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Green and blue ribbons tied on light poles and street signs.
Following the Aug. 27 tragedy at the Parish of the Annunciation, Minneapolis residents and community members showed an outpouring of support and solidarity by displaying thousands of blue-and-green “Bows of Love” throughout the city. However, as winter approaches and bows begin to fade, fall to the ground, or become affected by street cleaning and snow removal, the community group Bows of Love is working to collect bows from across the city with the intention of turning them into a future creative memorial. Here’s how you can help this memorial live on!
Between now and Oct. 30, the City encourages all residents to remove any commemorative bows hanging on public property near their homes and in their neighborhoods, including on trees, light poles, and street signs in or on public spaces.
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If you wish to contribute to the collection efforts, please reach out to Bows of Love.
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Follow Bows of Love on social media as they provide updated information.
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You may also move the bows to your own property, out of the way of street sweepers and snowplows.
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Beginning Friday, Oct. 31, Public Works crews may collect any remaining bows found on the ground or on public property, such as boulevard trees and light poles.
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While Minneapolis City ordinance limits how long memorials can be displayed, the City will not proactively remove the bows – but may take them down if they come across them during their regular routes or routine maintenance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Annunciation is not a drop-off location for collected bows. Please do not bring bows there, as the parish has no room on campus to collect or store them. If you wish to save bows for future collection, please do not attempt to bring them anywhere before confirmed collection information is available.
The Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership is seeking new Energy Vision Advisory Committee (EVAC) members to advise the Partnership as it seeks to meet its goals. The Clean Energy Partnership includes the City of Minneapolis, Xcel Energy, and CenterPoint Energy (the City’s electric and natural gas utility providers) as they collaborate to help the City reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals through energy conservation and renewable energy.
EVAC is charged with reviewing and providing strategic feedback on the Partnership’s biennial work plan and annual reports; providing feedback and working on special initiatives; and communicating to and from the members’ respective constituencies. Members should be a Minneapolis resident or associated with a business or organization located within the City of Minneapolis. Preference will be given to individuals or entities with a history of working in or with the City and who represent the diversity of Minneapolis.
Applications are due Nov. 14. To apply for the 2026-2027 term:
Hazy Minneapolis skyline.
In the Climate & Infrastructure Committee, we received a quarterly update on how our Climate Legacy Initiative work is going at the City (2025-01052). 2025 has been the second hottest year on record after 2024, further amplifying our climate crisis. That’s why our Climate Legacy Initiative (CLI) work is so vital in both combatting climate change while supporting our most vulnerable residents. It was exciting to learn that our green cost share programs have achieved $70 million in savings for residents since beginning this work. However, this year, the CLI ran out of funding in August. That is why I have proposed increasing our Franchise Fees for gas by 1% (2025-01061) and electric by 0.25% (2025-01062). With a small fee increase, we can bring in an additional $3 million to support our most energy-burdened residents with weatherization and retrofitting, and in turn lower utility bills while supporting our climate.
In an effort to increase oversight and increase fiscal responsibility, Council has unanimously determined that any services with contracts over $175,000 need to give quarterly updates to the full Council (2025-00508). Amid so many questions about contract oversight, and concerns about financial health during an economically challenging time, this additional step will strengthen Council’s role in oversight of the administration.
Neon signs in Minneapolis for Monte Carlo Bar & Food, Murrays, and parking.
I have spent the past few months working with the Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department to find ways to modernize our signage code The goal of these updates is to support neighborhood and business vibrancy across our city. We have been thoughtful about ensuring these changes support revitalization of our commercial corridors and downtown area, without negatively impacting the livability of our residential areas or the visual character of our city. I expect that these changes will help businesses succeed, creativity to thrive, and everyone have an easier time finding where they need to go!
The proposed amendments would change the zoning rules for things like:
- Types, sizes and locations allowed for local business signs.
- Testing creative sign ideas in entertainment destinations.
- Flexibility for signage in downtown skyways
- Changes to rules for billboards.
I am very proud of the work my staff and CPED has done to hear from community members and community institutions to shape these amendments. You can learn more about sign regulations in Minneapolis and watch a video about the proposed changes .
City Council unanimously approved a Legislative Directive to review the full report from Guidehouse Inc that analyzed the salary and compensation of staff throughout the entire City (2025-01144). This report came from a Master Contract the City passed in 2022 to use $650,000 of American Rescue Plan dollars and tax dollars to analyze pay equity and consistency throughout the City. When asked for this full report, Council Members were informed they could receive a summary, but not full details from the report. Half of the General Fund for the City covers personnel, meaning that the details of this report have a direct impact on City budgeting and residents’ taxes. While I understand this report may not be public data, the Council deserves to see the full results of this report that had over half a million dollars invested in it. That is what fiscal transparency and responsibility looks like.
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Council President Payne; Council Vice President Chughtai; Council Members Cashman, Chowdhury, Ellison, Jenkins, and Koski; and members of the community stand together in City Hall chambers.
Council Members had an Honorary Resolution declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month (2025-01156). This comes at an important time, as more concerns in our community are rising concerning the negligence of domestic abuse cases involving black and indigenous women, specifically the murders of Alison Lussier and Mariah Samuels. We heard powerful testimony from community members who have been directly and indirectly impacted by domestic violence. This resolution is a call to people in power, Council and myself included, to step up and stand up against domestic violence by creating meaningful changes in our public safety systems so no one life is lost to domestic violence ever again. My heart is with the families of Alison Lussier, Mariah Samuels, and Sarah Patrick, and I thank them for sharing their stories today.
The perpetrators of Alison Lussier and Mariah Samuels’ deaths have hearings in Hennepin County on the same day (Thursday, October 30th). Both families have requested community support this day by having people attend a press conference and rally at 12pm at the People's Plaza at 352 S 5th St in Downtown Minneapolis.
If you, or someone you know, needs help in a relationship, contact the Day One Crisis Hotline by calling 1-866-223-1111 or texting 612-399-9995. The hotline offers confidential help and resources for individuals experiencing domestic and sexual violence, general crime, and trafficking, and can also help people concerned about a loved one.
Council Members approved four honorary resolutions recognizing: 2025 Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Month (2025-01104). October 2025 as National Community Planning Month in the City of Minneapolis (2025-01105), October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Minneapolis (2025-01106), and supporting the Samuels Family in pursuing justice for Mariah Samuels through the formal channels available to them (2025-01110).
Ordinance Notices, Introductions, & Referrals: Council Members introduced and referred to the appropriate committee ordinances and/or amendments on provisions related to: updating the Gas franchise fees ordinance (2025-01061), and updating the Electric franchise fees ordinance (2025-01062).
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.
City Planning Commission Monday, November 3 | 4:30pm | 250 S. Fourth Street, Room 350
Zoning code text amendments (2025-00744): Amend regulations related to on-premises and off-premises signs, to increase vibrancy, arts and culture, and safety, with a particular focus on signs in downtown Minneapolis.
Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee Tuesday, October 28 | 1:30-4pm | 250 S. Fourth Street, Room 350
Heritage Preservation text amendment: (2025-00744): Update and modernize heritage preservation regulations including application types, fees, review processes, and standards for nominating and designating landmarks and historic districts.
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: As we continue working on building the 2026 City budget, we regularly comb through the "City of Minneapolis 2026 Mayor's Recommended Budget". Is this a source of information you were aware of? Do you feel it is user friendly to find information? Why or why not?
The City will host an online meeting Nov. 18 about rail safety during construction of the METRO Green Line extension, also known as the Southwest Lightrail (SWLRT) project. The extension will add 14.5 miles to the existing METRO Green Line, which currently connects downtown Minneapolis with downtown Saint Paul. Residents will receive new information and have the opportunity to ask staff questions. Participants include the Southwest LRT Project Office, Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company, and the Minneapolis Fire Department.
Rail safety meeting 6-7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18
Or call in: +1 612-276-6670 Phone conference ID: 358 220 044#
If you need accommodations for this meeting, you can contact our office by emailing Ward7@MinneapolisMN.gov or calling 612-673-2207.
This fall, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is conducting prescribed burns in several areas of the park system, including Theodore Wirth Regional Park. They will occur in the following areas:
MPRB staff conduct prescribed burns in spring and fall. The "burn prescription" outlines approved ranges for weather and environmental conditions on a specific day, including:
- wind speed and direction
- humidity levels and cloud cover
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temperature
Prescribed burns cannot occur during air quality alerts or burning restrictions issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or Department of Natural Resources.
During a prescribed burn, MPRB staff with training in prescribed fire operations are on site with fire control equipment necessary for safety.
People in or near the area may smell or see smoke or flames. Depending on the location, adjacent pedestrian/bike paths or parkways may close temporarily during active fire operations.
People who live or work in a building within 500 feet of a planned prescribed-burn area should receive a postcard notification, with the option to receive timely email updates before the prescribed burn takes place.
Piles of fresh produce on a farmers market stand.
As the Federal government shut down continues, there are insufficient funds for November SNAP and EBT benefits. I know this shut down has dragged on for over three weeks, and is making significant impacts on our community. Our office is doing our best to direct people to available resources, such as the Hunger Solutions food shelf locator. However, we know there are numerous additional needs throughout this trying time. If you have any questions or need additional support during this shut down, please reach out to our office by emailing Ward7@MinneapolisMN.org or calling 612-673-2207.
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Purple and orange poster with a dancing zombie. Text reads “Thrill Uptown. Saturday, Oct 25 2-6pm, 5pm dance. Seven Points 3001 Hennepin Ave S. Sponsored by Kenwood Neighborhood Organization, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, East Isles, West Maka Ska, The Wedge, and CIDNA. Hosted by True North Studio and Fueled by Curioso Coffee, Artrageous Adventures, and Lucent Blue.” The Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs logo is in the upper right corner.
With Halloween just next week, we wanted to share some fun things happening in the ward to celebrate the spooky season.
Bright pink "STREET SWEEPING, NO PARKING" sign.
City crews have started 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 began the big task of curb-to-curb street sweeping throughout the city on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
During the four weeks in October and November, crews clean about 1,000 miles of city streets.
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.
Voters have several options for how to cast their ballots in this year’s municipal election, and any voter is allowed to vote early or on Election Day, which is Nov. 4 this year.
The Early Vote Center is open for early voting in person 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-3p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 7.a.m.-5p.m. on Monday, November 3rd . Voters can also cast their ballot by mail or by dropping off a ballot.
Join Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and nationally recognized author, professor, and scholar James Densley on Tuesday, October 28th, from 6-7:30pm at Minneapolis Central Library for a conversation about public safety, guns, justice, and the criminal legal system. Professor Densley is author of The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic. This conversation will be a live recording of the podcast “We Don’t Have to Choose”, available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Youtube. Learn more and RSVP on the Mobilize website.
New Loring Greenway playground complete with slides, a group swing, and ADA accessible pavement.
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.
- The new Loring Greenway playground is officially open!
- Hennepin Ave will officially reopen in full on Friday, October 31st at 10am. Celebrate Halloween by visiting the incredible local businesses on this corridor.
- Meet Minneapolis has begun a campaign to be labeled the Number 1 City for Women’s Sports. Shout out to the Lynx, Vixen, Gemini, Frost, and Aurora teams that put us on the map!
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The new jazz club coming to 28th & Hennepin is creating buzz for its opening this winter.
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Chef Kamal Mohamed will open PaperBoy, a Tuscan panini-centered skyway sandwich shop, downtown in the Baker's Center before year’s end.
Fifty plus people gather in a circle on the shore of Bde Maka Ska at sunrise.
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 the Meet Minneapolis Executive Committee meeting.
- Got a tour of the Tallmadge building.
- Spoke at the West Maka Ska Neighborhood Council and East Isles Neighborhood Association monthly meetings.
- Attended the inaugural City of Lakes Art Fair on Bde Maka Ska.
- Celebrated the Bakken Museum's 50th Birthday.
- Honored Indigenous People’s Day with the Metro Urban Indian Directors at a sunrise ceremony on the shores of Bde Maka Ska.
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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