Update from Ward 5
City of Minneapolis sent this bulletin at 01/29/2026 07:12 PM CST
Ward 5 Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who continues to show up for one another. Ward 5 is carrying a lot right now, and my office remains focused on public safety, stability, and access to practical resources.
Town Hall Recap - Urban League Twin Cities (Jan. 27)
Last night, I joined Rep. Ilhan Omar, Senator Bobby Joe Champion, Rep. Esther Agbaje, Commissioner Irene Fernandez and Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw at the Urban League Twin Cities to hear directly from residents about safety, federal activity in our city, and the day-to-day impacts on North Minneapolis families.
This town hall was disrupted by an individual who approached the stage and sprayed Rep. Omar with an unknown substance. The individual was quickly apprehended, and Rep. Omar continued the event. No one in attendance were physically harmed during this incident. Thank you to event Security and Law Enforcement for their swift action in apprehending the alleged suspect.
My takeaway is this: Ward 5 residents want safety without fear and they want city leadership to be consistent about due process, civil rights, and accountability, while also ensuring residents can access services and report issues without hesitation.
Residents shared the need for safety without fear, due process, and consistent accountability. These conversations continue to guide my work at City Hall.
Eviction Moratorium & Car Tows
These last couple of weeks, the Ward 5 office has also received a lot of calls and emails requesting City Council Members to support an eviction moratorium.
I want to clarify how this action works in Minnesota:
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A statewide eviction moratorium cannot be enacted by the Minneapolis City Council alone.
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The City Council can urge action and build public pressure through resolutions and letters, but the authority to issue a statewide executive order rests with Governor Tim Walz.
As your Council Member, I've already taken the step that is within my power at the city level. At this point, the decision and next action are with the Governor’s office, including whether to issue the executive order and what scope/duration it would have.
Even while that state-level decision is pending, our office can help you access immediate eviction-prevention support. If you’re comfortable sharing whether you have a court date or notice deadline, we can direct you to the right resource. In the meantime, these are strong starting points in Hennepin County:
Housing and Rental Assistance Resources
Tenant Resource Connection (TRC): 612-767-9737
https://www.hennepin.us/prevent-eviction
RentHelpHennepin:
https://renthelphennepin.hdsallita.com
HOME Line Tenant Hotline: 612-728-5767
https://homelinemn.org
Hennepin County Emergency Assistance:
https://www.hennepin.us/en/residents/human-services/emergency-assistance
Stable Homes Stable Schools:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/stable-homes-stable-schools/rental-assistance/
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority:
https://mphaonline.org
Car Towing Resources
Impound Vehicle Search:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/impound-lot/vehicle-search/
Minneapolis Impound Lot Phone: 612-673-5777
Impound Lot Location:
50 Van White Memorial Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55405
General City Assistance: Call 311 or 612-673-3000
Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA)
Urban League Twin Cities offers Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) forms and on-site notary services (FREE) to support families in planning for their children’s care during emergencies or unexpected separations. These services are provided to help families feel prepared, protected, and empowered, with dignity and confidentiality at the center of our work.
A Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) is a voluntary, notarized agreement that allows a parent to designate another trusted adult to make certain decisions for a child (e.g., healthcare, school decisions) if the parent is unavailable. It does not transfer custody and is temporary (up to 1 year, renewable) under Minnesota Statute § 524.5-211.
Call for your appointment today at 612.302.3100 or 312-302-3156
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority has applied for the following variances for the creation of an off-street parking area for the property located at 1100 Irving Ave N:
- To reduce the required corner side yard.
- To reduce the minimum separation from a dwelling for a parking area.
- To vary the location standards for an off-street parking area.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., in Room 350, Public Service Center, 250 South 4th Street, Minneapolis, MN. Interested parties are invited to attend and be heard. Planning Department staff will issue a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. After hearing from the public, the Zoning Board of Adjustment will make a determination based on required legal findings of fact. Please visit https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/IndependentBodies/Meetings/zba for the agenda with staff reports (web page is typically updated a few days prior to the meeting date).
In accordance with the Zoning Code, all property owners within 350 feet of the subject property are notified of this public hearing. Your comments may be made verbally at the meeting, or submitted in writing, to:
Myles Campbell, City Planner
505 S 4th Ave #320
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 673-2247
E-mail: Myles.Campbell@minneapolismn.gov
For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact 612-673-2216. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850.
Para asistencia, llame al 612-673-2700 - Rau kev pab 612-673-2800 - Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.
Black History Month Events
The City is hosting several events throughout Black History Month this February to honor, celebrate and reflect. The 2026 theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations: Honoring Our History, Uplifting Our Legacy, Continuing the Celebration. All City of Minneapolis employees are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Black History Month kickoff: council resolution
Join us as we officially kick off Black History Month with our annual City Council resolution. This event sets the tone for our 2026 celebrations. Jamela Pettiford will lead us in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black national anthem, followed by guest speakers honoring the significance of Black History Month.
Breakfast and resolution Thursday, Feb. 5
8-9:15 a.m. Breakfast City Hall Rotunda
9:30 a.m. Resolution Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall
Moments That Matter: Celebrating Local Black Artists
Join us as we celebrate local Black artists in Minneapolis by showcasing their powerful and inspiring art. This event highlights creativity, culture and the lasting impact of Black artists within our community.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 Public Service Building, Room 100AB
A Touch of Soul
A Touch of Soul is a lively celebration featuring spoken word artists, dancers and an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses through tabling and product sales.
Noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 Public Service Building, Room 100AB
**To make a nomination for a Council Resolution, please submit the individual with their bio, accomplishments, and why they should be recognized to our Ward 5 Office at Ward5@minneapolismn.gov
Summer Internships 2026 - Taking Applications Until March 1
Applications are open now for summer internships for Minneapolis-area teens and young adults.
Step Up
Step Up interns, age 14-21 and not enrolled in college, can get training, work experience, mentoring, and paid internship experiences with local employers.
Placements are with parks, community organizations, public agencies, nonprofits and private sector businesses.
Find more details and apply for the Step Up program by March 1.
Urban Scholars
This summer leadership internship is for college and graduate students interested in public sector careers.
The 2026 Urban Scholars program runs from June 1 to Aug. 14. The program is a full-time summer program providing paid internships, professional development and mentorship opportunities for young professionals. The interns work full-time with the employers four days a week with leadership development every Monday.
Candidate applications are due March 1.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS if ICE Comes to Your Home
Everyone has constitutional protections — regardless of immigration status.
Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely.
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota suggests the following if federal immigration agents come to your home.
- ICE needs a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to enter.
- You can ask them to show you the warrant through the window or under the door.
- If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed.
Find more know-your-rights resources on the City website in:
Hennepin County Mobile Crisis Teams
This is a difficult time for everyone in our city. If you're in crisis or know someone who is, the Cope mobile crisis team can help 24/7. Cope responds to anyone in Hennepin County who needs an urgent response — whether one person, families or communities.
Cope has bilingual and bicultural staff available for face-to-face, phone, and video visits. It uses interpreters when needed.
Call 612-596-1223 or visit Hennepin County’s website. If the situation is life-threatening or you need immediate response, call 911.
Stay Connected
If you need help navigating any of these resources, please contact our office. We are here to support Ward 5 residents.
In service,
Council Member Pearll Warren
Minneapolis City Council, Ward 5
