April 13, 2026

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Dear Neighbor,

At last week's City Council meeting, we took action on 55 items, received notice of 2 ordinance introductions, referred 4 ordinances to committee for further consideration, and approved 3 honorary resolutions. 

The City Council voted down Toddrick Barnette's reappointment as Commissioner of Community Safety. The Commissioner of Community Safety makes well over $300,000 a year, making it one of the highest paid jobs in government across the entire state. Such a high salary rightfully comes with very high expectations from the person in that role. The Commissioner of Community Safety leads the City’s wholistic approach to public safety in Minneapolis, overseeing the Police Department, Fire Department, 911, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Office of Neighborhood Safety. Overseeing these crucial departments requires a very active and involved leader with deep knowledge and expertise of the capabilities these departments and their relationship with our community.

To put it plainly, in his time in this role, I don’t believe Toddrick Barnette has met the mark, which is why I voted against his reappointment. In my experience, Mr. Barnette has been far too absent and often disconnected from the role. Other Council Members have brought up his and his staff's lack of presence at important meetings and lack of transparency and communication from his office. Further, the preventable tragedies and mishandling of the cases of Davis Moturi, Allison Lussier, and Mariah Samuels during Mr. Barnette’s tenure are gravely concerning. I also have been disappointed by his leadership and supervision of the Office of Neighborhood Safety where we’ve had multiple issues with contract management of our important violence prevention work. And all of that doesn't even take into account his supervision of MPD as they overspent their budget by almost $20 million last year, which happened well before all the additional extra costs our City incurred due to Operation Metro Surge. Mr. Barnette is a very nice person and a respected judge, but our constituents deserve more from this very important and highly compensated role.

There was also a lot of media attention around our work to legalize and regulate bathhouses. If you've been a reader of this newsletter, you know that every Council meeting we are taking action on dozens of items and constantly referring ordinances to committees for further work and consideration. This was a simple step for us to refer this work to staff to continue working with City staff and community stakeholders to develop the potential license, zoning, and regulatory framework for the policy. Parties and events that operate as adult sex venues already occur in the shadows and we are trying to ensure that they are safe for patrons, especially when LGBTQ+ individuals are under attack by the federal government. These venues have historically been community/safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and currently exist in cities like San Francisco and Chicago which we aim to model after. These venues have served as spaces that advance health equity goals and reach communities who often feel stigma when attempting to receive sexual healthcare. For example, in San Francisco, these venues served to significantly reduce the spread of monkeypox by providing free vaccines to patrons. What we know about sexual health, STIs/HIV, and effective public health interventions is different than 40 years ago. This is how we reach more communities and ensure their safety and health. I’m excited to continue working with groups like the Aliveness Project, OutFront MN, and other community stakeholders to allow for the development of these spaces in a public health-focused, culturally competent, and safe manner for everyone.

This week I have office hours Tuesday night and still have lots of slots available for our community 1-1s on Thursday morning. So if you have any questions or want to hear more about things we're working on, please do come stop by and see me this week. Connecting with neighbors out in the Ward is one of the best parts of the job!

Stay safe and stay vigilant,

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 to meet.

Coffee with Senator Clark

When: Saturday April 25th from 12:00-1:00 PM

Where: Pilllar Forum Cafe (2300 Central Ave Ne)

Direct renter relief to help residents stay in their homes

Minneapolis is continuing to support renters and housing stability following Operation Metro Surge. 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.

• Renter notification requirements
• Renter resources

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.

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.

Developer selected for New Nicollet Redevelopment

Exciting movement is happening at the old Kmart site – even if you can’t see it yet.

On Tuesday, April 7, the City Council voted to award exclusive development rights to Trellis. That means they will have at least 24 months to apply for affordable housing funding starting this year and secure any additional funding or financing for the project. The company will also refine the project design, plans and cost estimates.

The earliest start date for construction may not be until 2028, but this is an important project to do right. Right now, the City is in year one of a three- to five-year process.

Learn more about the project and Trellis straight from the Community Planning and Economic Development team’s presentation to the City Council.

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.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 13-17

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.

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.