April 3, 2026

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Dear Neighbor,

In a true sign of spring, there are a number of events and open houses related to upcoming construction projects. I also have office hours and and community 1-1s coming up in a couple weeks as well. At City Council, we are finally returning to our normal committee schedule in 2 weeks for the first time this term. All of these things indicate a certain kind of return to a type of "normalcy" we haven't seen since the beginning of Operation Metro Surge.

However, we know that ICE is still here and harming our neighbors. We also know we can never return to some sense of "normal" when so many of our neighbors have been kidnapped and assaulted by the federal government. It was heartening to be on Central Ave today and see the amount of people out supporting restaurants and food trucks even in the gloomy weather. Our connection to one another and the way we keep showing up for each other by being out in the community and supporting businesses on cultural corridors like Central Ave is needed now more than ever. As seasons and conditions on the ground continue to change, I look forward to seeing so many of you out and about in the community supporting our neighbors. 

Best,

Elliott

Connect with Council President Payne

April office Hours

When: Tuesday April 14th from 5:00-7:00 PM

Where: Qahwah House Coffee (1851 Central Ave Ne)

Details: Facebook event

April Community 1-1s

When: Thursday April 16th from 9:00-11:45 AM

Where: Pilllar Forum Cafe (2300 Central Ave Ne)

Details: Sign up for a time slot.

Quincy Street Open House

Quincy Street Open House Concept Layour Review April 8th from 4:00-6:00 PM at NE Park Rec Center (1530 Johnson St Ne)

Highway 280 Closure at Broadway Street

Starting at 5 AM on Monday April 13th Broadway Street will be closed at Highway 280 as apart of broader construction on the highway. Local access to businesses will be maintained and all other cross streets will remain open.

You can find more information on the project on the project webpage.

Neighborhood traffic calming projects

Through the Neighborhood Traffic Calming program, Minneapolis Public Works is finding ways 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.

• Northeast open house April 22 from 5-6:30 p.m. Van Cleve Recreation Center, 901 15th Ave. SE
• North open house #1 April 7 from 5-6:30 p.m. Folwell Recreation Center, 1615 N. Dowling Ave.
• East Central open house April 9 from 5-6:30 p.m. Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S.
• South open house April 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. Pearl Recreation Center, 414 E. Diamond Lake Rd
• North open house #2 April 15 from 5-6:30 p.m. North Commons Recreation Center, 1801 N. James Ave.
• South/Uptown open house April 21 from 5-6:30 p.m. Whittier Recreation Center, 425 W. 26th St.

Yard waste collection begins April 6

Yard waste season begins 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.

George Floyd Square: Next phase of improvements begins June 2026

The City is preparing to begin the next phase of work around George Floyd Square. This summer, street and infrastructure improvements will begin.

Construction timeline

Work is expected to begin in June 2026, with substantial completion in 2027.

Get detailed information about the construction timeline on the 38th & Chicago Re-envisioned project page.

Learn more about construction at an upcoming open house

• April 13 from noon-1 p.m. Virtual only: minneapolismn.gov/38th-Chicago-Reenvisioned

• April 14 from 6-8 p.m. Phelps Park, 701 E. 39th St.

Stay informed

• Sign up to receive updates on major project milestones.

• Sign up to receive weekly construction updates, including schedule changes, traffic impacts and other notices.

Community, art and memorials

Community gathering space will remain available during construction, though locations may shift.

The project team is working with artists and community members to preserve, document and reinstall memorials and artworks.

Peoples’ Way

The City is continuing its review of the Peoples’ Way development applications, considering experience, financial qualifications, stewardship plans and community feedback. The Mayor and City Council will make the final decision on the developer and future owner.

Learn more about the City's efforts at George Floyd Square.

Connect with Elliott and Ward 1 Staff

Elliott Payne was re-elected in 2025 to represent Ward 1

Elliott serves on the President of the Minneapolis City Council, Chair of the Audit Committee, member of the Public Health, Safety, & Equity Committee, Budget Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and Committee of the Whole. 

Contact the Ward 1 Council Office

Elliott Payne, Council Member - elliott.payne@minneapolismn.gov 

Brandon Garcia, Policy Aide - brandon.garcia@minneapolismn.gov

Ikram Mohamud, Policy Associate- Ikram.Mohamud@minneapolismn.gov

Liam Davis Temple, Policy Aide - liam.davistemple@minneapolismn.gov 

Office Phone - (612) 673-2201

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward1

Our offices have officially moved back to City Hall! You can visit us at 

City Hall
350 S. Fifth St., Room 370
Minneapolis, MN 55415

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact 311. 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 ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.