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This week has been nothing short of amazing, rooted in community, connection, and meaningful conversation. I’ve had the privilege of engaging with so many of you, hearing your voices, and feeling the strength that comes from a community that shows up, speaks up, and stays involved.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of my constituents who have been calling, sharing their thoughts, and weighing in on the important issues facing our city, especially those impacting Ward 5. Your voices matter, and they continue to shape the work we do every day.
Please know that you can always reach out to me and my staff using the contact information provided at the bottom of this newsletter. We are here to listen, support, and serve you.
As the seasons begin to change, we’re also entering a time of increased construction and development throughout our community. In the weeks ahead, this newsletter will serve as a key source of information, keeping you informed about upcoming projects, timelines, and what to expect as these improvements take shape in our neighborhoods.
Thank you for your continued trust, your engagement, and your commitment to making Ward 5 a stronger, more connected community. Wishing you a safe, smooth, and beautiful transition into the new season.
With warmth and gratitude,
This week, I had the honor of visiting Plymouth Avenue Apartments, and it was truly a wonderful experience. Being able to connect directly with residents, listening, sharing, and building relationships, reminded me just how strong and vibrant our community is.
 Group photo of all the participants at the Park Avenue Apartments Meet and Greet with Council Member Pearll Warren.
I was especially grateful for the opportunity to bring together valuable resources from incredible organizations like NorthPoint , MACV, Property Solutions and Services, and the Urban League Twin Cities. It was meaningful to not only share the wide range of programs and services they offer, but also to see residents engaging, asking questions, and making those important connections.
It was especially encouraging to see property owners show up, check on their properties, and stay closely connected with their property management teams. Even more powerful was witnessing collaboration between owners, agencies, and case workers who work directly with residents every day.
When everyone comes to the table with intention, creating safe spaces, building genuine relationships, and understanding their role in the community we see real impact.
Minneapolis is continuing to support renters and housing stability following Operation Metro Surge. While 30-day pre-eviction notice requirements remain the same, the City has expanded rental assistance to help residents stay in their homes.
Renters and property owners can find information about the 30-day pre-eviction notice and resources for renters on the City website.
Help for residents who are behind on rent
There are funds available for renters to access. With $2 million in City funding, alongside a $1 million private funding donation from the Wilson Foundation, this emergency rental assistance will be distributed through existing systems to deliver the aid quickly.
Through the City’s partnership with Hennepin County, the relief will reach renters faster and make it easier for residents to access help when they need it most. These funds will not require an eviction filing for residents to seek access.
This assistance is designed to:
- Help renters experiencing sudden financial hardship
- Prevent evictions before they happen
- Get support to residents quickly through trusted partners
The City will continue focusing on proven strategies that help renters stay in their homes while maintaining a stable housing market. We will also continue monitoring housing data closely and reassess policies if conditions change.
To access emergency rental assistance, complete an application on the Hennepin County website.
Keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe starts with all of us. The City of Minneapolis provides designated drop-off sites for items that don’t fit in your regular trash, but there are important rules to follow.:
Dumping Vouchers Required
Minneapolis homeowners receive **6 free disposal vouchers each year** to use at City drop-off sites. These vouchers help cover the cost of disposing of large or bulky items. Be sure to bring your voucher(s) with you when visiting a site.
Who Can Use Drop-Off Sites?
Minneapolis homeowners receive 6 free disposal vouchers each year to use at City drop-off sites. These vouchers help cover the cost of disposing of large or bulky items. Be sure to bring your voucher(s) with you when visiting a site.
What You CAN Drop Off:
- Household garbage and bulky items
- Furniture (mattresses, couches, tables)
- Electronics (TVs, computers, small devices)
- Appliances (fees may apply for some items)
- Yard waste (leaves, brush, grass clippings)
- Scrap metal and recyclables
What You CANNOT Drop off:
- Hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, gasoline)
- Medical waste (needles or biohazards)
- Explosives or flammable materials
- Commercial/business waste
- Large amounts of construction debris
Drop Off Locations:
South Transfer Station
2850 20th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 673-2917
Important Reminders:
- Bring your vouchers and ID
- Follow posted hours and site rules
- Separate materials as directed
- Some items may require additional fees
For full details, including hours and accepted materials, please visit:
👉 City of Minneapolis Garbage Drop Off Site
When we dispose of waste properly, we keep Ward 5 clean, safe, and strong. Thank you for doing your part!
 MnDOT is making significant bridge and pavement improvements to Highway 280 from I-94 in Saint Paul to Highway 36/I-35W in Roseville.
Northbound lanes will close at 5 a.m. April 13, with southbound lanes fully closing on April 29. Highway 280 will reopen before the State Fair in late August.
The ramps to both directions of I-94 from Franklin Avenue and the ramps to University Avenue from both directions of I-94 will be closed. Cross streets will remain open except Broadway Street.
Please visit the project webpage to see a full list of ramp and lane closures and sign up for construction email updates.
to make your neighborhood streets safer and reduce risky driving. We have identified several areas for traffic calming projects in 2026.
We want to hear your concerns about traffic safety near the projects. You can provide feedback in several ways.
Tell us about traffic safety concerns in your neighborhood
Use the project feedback map to tell us about safety concerns you experience near the projects.
Complete a short survey by May 1 to share more of your thoughts.
Attend a neighborhood open house
Attend an open house to learn about specific projects in your neighborhood and provide feedback to staff.
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East Central open house April 9 from 5-6:30 p.m. Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S.
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South open house April 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. Pearl Recreation Center, 414 E. Diamond Lake Rd
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North open house #2 April 15 from 5-6:30 p.m. North Commons Recreation Center, 1801 N. James Ave.
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South/Uptown open house April 21 from 5-6:30 p.m. Whittier Recreation Center, 425 W. 26th St.
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Northeast open house April 22 from 5-6:30 p.m. Van Cleve Recreation Center, 901 15th Ave. SE
 Photo of a person working on on the traffic signals.
The City of Minneapolis Traffic Division is leading a project which will deliver Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvements to four intersections along the Lyndale Ave N corridor. Work will occur at the following
intersections for the Lyndale Ave N Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Project:
• 18th Ave N at Lyndale Ave N
• 24th Ave N at Lyndale Ave N
• 29th Ave N at Lyndale Ave N
• 36th Ave N at Lyndale Ave N
Project Highlights
The Traffic Signal Improvements project will upgrade traffic signal infrastructure and improve the pedestrian space to current standards. The project will include:
1. Improved traffic signal visibility
2. Curb extensions (also known as curb bump-outs)to expand pedestrian space at selectintersection corners
3. Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)
4. Pedestrian curb ramps which comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
5. LED Lighting on traffic signal poles
Construction Impacts
Side street access will be closed for portions of the project to accommodate construction; alternative routes will be provided. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Access to all properties will also be maintained. All traffic impacts and parking restrictions will be posted in advance.
Project Schedule
•April 2026: Construction starts
.•August 2026: Substantial completion of construction.
For More Information Visit our project website: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/traffic-safety/
 Picture of a construction worker conducting work on a construction site.
Beginning Wednesday April 15th
Lyndale Avenue will be closed from 14th Avenue to 18th ½ Avenue for traffic safety improvements. The east-west crossing of Lyndale at 18th Avenue will remain open for local traffic to access the neighborhood east of Lyndale.
Use Aldrich Avenue and Bryant Avenue as alternate routes.
Construction Impacts:
o Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
o Access to all properties will be maintained.
o All traffic impacts and parking restrictions will be posted in advance.
Schedule
This construction impact is anticipated to last through June 8th, 2026. *
*Schedule is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
 Photo of yard waste containers collected together.
Yard waste season began the week of April 6. During yard waste season, we pick up yard waste every week on your garbage pickup day. There is no extra charge for us to collect properly prepared yard waste.
We accept leaves, brush and other yard trimmings. You should prepare yard waste and set it at your alley or curb next to your garbage cart by 6 a.m. on your garbage pickup day.
You can set yard waste out in reusable containers, compostable bags (paper or BPI certified compostable plastic) or bundles secured with string or twine.
Learn how to prepare your yard waste for pickup.
On Tuesday, Minneapolis paused to honor something sacred: the simple, powerful truth that every person deserves to be seen.
During the Transgender Day of Visibility Honorary Resolution, our city, Minneapolis, lifted up the lives, voices, and resilience of our transgender neighbors. It was more than a proclamation; it was a moment of reflection, recognition, and commitment. A reminder that visibility is not just about being noticed, it is about being valued, protected, and embraced.
In a city shaped by diversity and strength, we celebrated the beauty of people living authentically, courageously, and without apology. We honored stories that too often go unheard and acknowledged the ongoing work needed to ensure equity, dignity, and safety for all.
This resolution was a promise, that Minneapolis will continue striving to be a place where everyone, in every neighborhood, can walk in their truth and feel the warmth of belonging. Because when one of us is unseen, unheard, or unsafe, we all fall short. But when we choose to see each other fully, we build a city rooted in compassion, justice, and love.
May we carry that spirit forward, beyond a single day, so that every resident of Minneapolis knows, without question: you are seen, you are valued, and you belong.
With spring comes the likelihood of severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, destructive winds and flooding. Knowing what to do and making a few simple preparations can help protect you and your family when severe weather strikes.
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge about seasonal hazards from severe weather. Throughout the week, each day has a focus theme.
- Monday, April 13: Alerts and warnings
- Tuesday, April 14: Severe weather, lightning and hail
- Wednesday, April 15: Floods
- Thursday, April 16: Tornadoes
- Friday, April 17: Extreme heat
Learn more about Severe Weather Awareness Week.
State-wide tornado drills
Outdoor warning sirens will sound on Thursday, April 16 in two simulated tornado warnings. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.
State-wide tornado drills Thursday, April 16 1:45 and 6:45 p.m.
Outdoor sirens
Did you know that these sirens are not just for tornadoes? Hennepin County uses outdoor warning sirens to alert people outdoors about dangerous weather. Sirens are meant to be heard by those outdoors, so it’s important to have other ways to get severe weather information.
The sirens are activated in several instances:
- A tornado warning has been issued, meaning a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and there is an imminent danger to life and property
- Credible reports of sustained winds of more than 70 mph
- Damaging, dangerous hail or other life-threatening weather hazard
When you hear sirens, seek shelter and information:
- Seek shelter in a building away from windows or lie in a low area away from cars. Cover your head with your arms. Don't go under an overpass.
- Listen to local weather information on the radio, television or online.
- Continue to shelter until the threat has passed.
Hennepin County does not use the outdoor warning sirens to give an “all-clear” or notify people that the danger has passed.
Learn more about outdoor sirens.
April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans in Minnesota.
Arab Americans have been part of the fabric of the U.S. for generations, contributing to public service, arts, business, education and community leadership. In Minnesota, Arab American communities continue to shape our cultural landscape through storytelling, art, advocacy and civic engagement.
Learn more by checking out these resources:
- Mizna (Twin Cities-based Arab arts and film organization)
- New Arab American Theater Works (Minnesota-based storytelling and arts)
- Minnesota Humanities Center – Arab American cultural programming
- Arab American Institute (national policy and civic engagement)
Please take a moment this month to learn, engage with and uplift the stories and experiences of Arab American communities.
 Picture of a person placing a band-aid on someones arm.
It’s spring break season, which means a lot of travel is happening. Measles is on the rise in the United States. Many measles cases in Minnesota come from unvaccinated travelers. Measles can be very dangerous for kids, pregnant women and older adults.
If you’ve been exposed or show signs of measles, call your health care provider right away so they can:
- Take steps to lessen the severity of the case
- Treat the exposure before symptoms start
Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure. Call your health provider right away if you notice symptoms like:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Ear infection
- Diarrhea
- A rash that usually starts on the head and spreads downward
Together, we can keep our families and communities safe!
Learn more about how to protect yourself and others from measles.
Video: Learn how vaccinating children against measles protects their health and the well-being of the community.
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