 The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1 with no resolution in sight.
City staff are monitoring potential impacts from the shutdown in Minneapolis. We continue to have enough cash on hand to keep City programs and services that depend on federal funding going temporarily despite a slowdown in payments from the federal government.
But with federal programs at growing risk as the shutdown continues – especially for food assistance – we’re sharing some key information our community should know.
Shutdown impacts to food assistance
Food security is a critical priority and a real concern for many families in our community. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued beginning in November due to the federal shutdown. Over 60,000 of our Minneapolis community members, which is 14 percent of our City’s residents, will be affected by the lack of SNAP benefits.
On Oct. 27, Governor Tim Walz announced the State of Minnesota would provide $4 million in emergency funds to support food shelves.
Attorney General Keith Ellison is co-leading a coalition of 22 other attorneys general and three governors in filing suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for issuing SNAP benefits, and Secretary Brooke Rolling for unlawfully suspending SNAP. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order, arguing that the USDA has repeatedly stated its authority to continue SNAP benefits during a shutdown.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is monitoring this situation and providing information to counties and tribal nations, which administer SNAP benefits in Minnesota.
Find more information on the State's website
Food shelves
Minnesota has more than 300 food shelves and meal programs to help support families when they need help right away.
Residents can find a local food shelf using the Hunger Solutions’ map or by calling 1-888-711-1151.
Nutrition and breastfeeding program
If you have children up to age 5, you may qualify for WIC. WIC is Hennepin County's Women, Infants and Children nutrition and breastfeeding program that can help get food on the table.
Learn more about WIC on the Hennepin County website
How to help support our community
You can consider donating your dollars or time to a nearby food shelf to support neighbors. Locally, Minneapolis food shelves buy food that meet the specific needs of the communities they serve. Cash donations have the greatest impact because they allow local food shelves to:
- Access wholesale and discounted prices so they can stretch your dollar
- Make purchases based on inventory and cultural needs
- Purchase fresh foods like produce, eggs, meat and milk
Impact to family planning services
We're monitoring potential impacts to the City’s family planning services. There have reportedly been mass layoffs to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs (OPA) made during the shutdown.
OPA administers the nation’s Title X family-planning network, teen-pregnancy prevention, and LGBTQ+ health initiatives. If the program does not exist, it will affect City services provided at school-based clinics and jobs supported through OPA grants.
The Minneapolis Health Department has identified funding that would allow services to continue through December.
Read the City's previous federal government shutdown update published on Oct. 2
Find more information on the City's response to federal actions
 You can still vote early by Monday, Nov. 3, or you can vote at your polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.
What's on the ballot
Vote early in person
The Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., is open for early voting in person 8 a.m.-6 p.m. through Oct. 31; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1-2; and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3.
Drop off your mail ballot
If you have a mail ballot, you can still drop it off in person through 5 p.m. on Election Day. Bring it to Elections and Voter Services, 980 E. Hennepin. (They may not be returned to individual polling places on Election Day.) Or you can choose to vote at your polling place on Election Day with a new ballot.
Vote at your polling place on Election Day
Find your local polling place to vote in person on Election Day.
Find more details about voting on the City website.
Double check your polling place
Double check your polling place before heading to the polls, as some locations may have changed. Read more about polling place changes.
Protection from heat being shut off
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.
 Following the Aug. 27 tragedy at the Parish of the Annunciation, Minneapolis residents and community members displayed support and solidarity via thousands of green and blue bows. As winter approaches, the bows fall to the ground or become exposed to the elements. The community group Bows of Love is working to collect and preserve the bows to turn them into a creative memorial.
The City is supporting this intention by sharing the following information. We encourage residents to remove any bows hanging on public property near their homes and in their neighborhood. They could be on trees, light poles and street signs in or on public spaces. You can sign up for a specific area, but it’s not required.
Feel free to save them on your own private property, or hold onto them for the Bows of Love project. The City will help share information about any effort to collect the bows as it becomes available. You can also follow Bows of Love on social media for its updated information as it becomes available.
Beginning Oct. 31, Public Works crews may collect remaining bows found on the ground or on public property such as boulevard trees or light poles. Crews will not be going out to collect the bows but may take them down if they come across them during their regular work.
Read more on the City website.
This October, NCR welcomed the City of Minneapolis’ new language access program coordinator, Brenda Morales.
Brenda brings over six years of experience in community engagement, policy planning and program development in both state and local government. She is passionate about building authentic relationships with residents, especially those from underserved communities.
Before joining NCR, Brenda served as a senior public engagement coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, where she led statewide initiatives and partnered with community-based organizations to strengthen collaboration and trust.
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops, traveling and going on walks with her dog Chorizo.
In her new role as language access program coordinator, Brenda will work to make City programs and services accessible for people who speak limited English.
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 Minneapolis is a Welcoming City – a place where all should feel safe, respected and included, regardless of immigration status. The City of Minneapolis works hard to put these values into policy and practice because we know that when everyone in our city feels like they belong, we all benefit.
Immigration rights and responsibilities
You can find information from our community partners on the City website. Some of that information includes:
- What to know in interactions with ICE (federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement):
- How to prepare:
- Make a plan to prepare your family.
- Carry a “know-your-rights” card.
- Keep your immigration papers on you at all times.
- Meet with a lawyer to learn about your immigration options.
- Learn how to prepare for an immigration encounter. Attend a workshop, information session or community hours.
Visit the City’s website to learn all this and more.
Immigrant and Refugee Affairs new community office hours
The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) hosts community office hours at the South CareerForce Center on 777 E. Lake Street. You can now stop by on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 – 4 p.m.
Check the OIRA events calendar in case of cancelations and holidays.
Get important updates at the Twin Cities immigration forum
The City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) in partnership with the City of Saint Paul Immigrant and Refugee Program hosts a biweekly immigration forum to offer immigration-related updates to the community.
The topics covered include:
- Federal immigration news and resources.
- City, community and advocacy organization updates.
- Other topics important to immigrant, refugee and new American communities.
Find dates on the OIRA events calendar.
Get a link to the meeting series by emailing oira@minneapolismn.gov.
Learn more about the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) at minneapolismn.gov/oira.
Find resources and know your immigration rights on the City website.
 City staff, neighborhood organizations, City partners and community members are invited to learn strategies for effectively engaging Minneapolis communities through this free learning lab series.
This is a good opportunity to meet City staff and organizations doing community engagement work and learn more about how the City engages residents.
This session began on Oct. 1 and continues in November.
All learning labs are in person at the Public Service Building downtown from 12-1:30 p.m.
Registration is required to attend.
View the schedule and register
The City of Minneapolis Department of Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) staff, including community and neighborhood specialists, teach the learning labs.
 The City of Minneapolis shares important news and updates in English, Spanish, Somali, Oromo and Hmong over community radio stations and two television programs.
You can see the upcoming schedule for these shows and find past recordings on the City website.
Give your feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2026 City budget
There are two upcoming public hearings for people to provide feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2026 City budget.
City budget public hearings
These public hearings will take place at the Public Service Center, 250 Fourth St. S., Room 350.
- 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19
- 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. (The City Council will vote on adopting the budget following the hearing.)
Learn how to participate in public hearings.
Comments can also be submitted at the City’s website.
Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended 2026 budget, details of the 2025-2026 adopted budget, quick facts, an explainer video and more.
Public hearing Nov. 3: Recommended changes for signs and billboards in downtown
You can attend a public hearing Nov. 3 on proposed changes to our rules for business signs and billboards downtown. The goal of these changes is to:
- Help make downtown feel more lively.
- Improve the sense of safety.
- Support public access to arts and culture.
- Increase visibility for downtown businesses.
A proposed sign code amendment would change the zoning rules for things like:
- Types of signs, size and locations allowed for local business signs.
- Testing creative sign ideas in entertainment destinations.
- Flexibility for skyways downtown.
- Changes to rules for billboards.
Watch the video
Learn more about sign regulations in Minneapolis and watch a video about the proposed changes on the City website.
The Planning Commission will consider the sign code amendment at a public hearing on Nov. 3. The public can attend and make comments.
Planning Commission meeting
4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3
Council Chamber Public Service Center, Room 350
250 S. Fourth St.
Learn how to participate in a public hearing.
Next steps
If the Planning Commission approves, the sign code amendment will advance to the City Council’s Business, Housing and Zoning Committee, and then to the full City Council.
Join virtual annual meeting about rail safety during light rail construction
The City of Minneapolis will host an online meeting Nov. 18 about rail safety during construction of the METRO Green Line extension. The project is also known as the Southwest light rail. The extension will add 14.5 miles to the existing METRO Green Line, which connects downtown Minneapolis with downtown Saint Paul.
Residents will get information and have the opportunity to ask 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
Join the meeting live on Microsoft Teams.
Or call in: +1 612-276-6670 Phone conference ID: 358 220 044#
Hydration station competitive grant program open now
Minnesota organizations such as schools, Head Start centers, community centers, non-profits and clinics receiving water from a municipal community public water system (PWS) are eligible to apply for a grant to install a new hydration station. Applications are due to the Minnesota Department of Health by Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Learn more on the hydration station competitive grant program website.
You can also view all open requests for proposals at on the Minnesota Department of Health webpage.
Hennepin Avenue reopens
Hennepin Avenue South reopened on Oct. 31 after major upgrades over two years. The new design improves space for people to walk, ride transit, bike and drive.
The redesigned corridor features:
- Modernized signals and lights.
- Upgraded water, sanitary, electric and gas utilities.
- Wider and safer pedestrian spaces.
- A protected bikeway.
- Green stormwater infrastructure.
- More efficient, reliable transit service.
- Space for the future METRO E Line stations.
Lanes will close as needed through the fall for finishing work.
Social worker taking Minneapolis 911 calls
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.
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City responds to recent federal actions
The City of Minneapolis has responded to recent federal government actions that threaten our City’s core values. These actions include the federal government shutdown, federal law enforcement targeting of immigration communities, and a federal lawsuit challenging our Welcoming City values. A new City webpage brings together the key updates, information and resources in one place.
The content covers key information about the City’s response including:
To be clear, Minneapolis will always remain committed to serving everyone in our community. City staff, including police and firefighters:
- Do not ask about immigration status or documentation
- Do not enforce federal civil immigration laws
This ensures everyone can feel safe using City services, reporting crimes, and being part of our community.
From the new webpages, you can also access immigrant and refugee resources to know your rights and stay fully prepared.
Learn how the City is responding to federal actions and threats on the City website.
Office of Community Safety commissioner’s reflection on two years of progress and partnership
Oct. 23 marked Commissioner Todd Barnette’s two-year anniversary leading the Office of Community Safety. In his latest reflection, Barnette shares his gratitude for the dedicated people who make Minneapolis safer, stronger and more connected every day. He also highlighted major progress across our City’s safety system and Office of Community Safety departments.
From progress in police reform and violence prevention to faster 911 response and innovative new programs, Minneapolis continues to build a more compassionate, transparent and coordinated approach to community safety.
Read the full Commissioner’s Corner newsletter.
 Progress continues with the New Nicollet Redevelopment at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue. This summer, the City began rebuilding Nicollet Avenue through the former Kmart site. Now the City is seeking development partners to help bring the community’s vision for this area to life.
Phase 1 development will be on the southeast portion of the site and will focus on providing:
- Affordable housing
- Ground floor commercial space
- Nonprofit services space
- Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board space
Once the developer for Phase 1 is selected, it will take about three-five years for the buildings to be funded and constructed. Buildings on the rest of the site will happen after Phase 1 is underway.
Read more about the New Nicollet first phase of development on the City website.
Fall street sweeping has begun
City crews are sweeping 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. 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. 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.
Collection of leaves and bundled brush ends week of Nov. 24
Yard waste collection goes through November. City customers’ collection day the week of Nov. 24-29 will be their last 2025 pickup of leaves, brush and other yard trimmings.
For questions about leaf and brush pickup, customers can check the City website or call Solid Waste & Recycling at 612-673-2917 Monday-Friday.
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