 Group photo from Gala (left to right) Council Member Latrisha Vetaw,, Tyrize Cox (Head of Northside Forward) , Kristel Porter (Executive Director of the West Broadway Business & Area Coalition), Council Member Pearll Warren
This week, I had the honor of standing in the West Broadway Business District, a place where resilience isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a business plan. Along this corridor, determination shows up every day right alongside the “Open” sign. It’s a powerful reminder that North Minneapolis has always been built on grit, vision, and community.
As your Fifth Ward Council Member, I carry the responsibility, and the privilege, of lifting up the stories, passion, and purpose that make our community not just strong, but extraordinary. West Broadway doesn’t just connect streets; it connects people, opportunity, and legacy. It is a living reflection of what happens when culture, commerce, and commitment come together.
During the event, I was proud to help recognize several businesses whose contributions have shaped the love, legacy, and economic vitality of our Northside. These are the anchors of our community, the ones who stay, build, and believe.
But alongside the celebration, there is a reality we must face together.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the proposed Blue Line extension, many businesses along the corridor are not currently receiving the funding and investment they need. That uncertainty has created real challenges for growth, stability, and long-term planning.
So while we showed up looking our best, celebrating excellence and progress, we must also remain clear-eyed: there is still work to do.
Now is not the time to step back, it’s the time to lean in.
It’s time for us, as a community, to continue advocating, supporting our local businesses, and ensuring that development does not come at the cost of displacement or disinvestment. Our businesses deserve clarity, resources, and a future they can plan for with confidence.
Let’s continue to show up for West Broadway, not just in moments of recognition, but in moments that require action. Because the strength of our corridor depends on all of us rolling up our sleeves and doing the work, together.
This week, we are honoring our Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center 911 telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
The City of Minneapolis receives more than 600,000 911 calls each year. Telecommunicators are the true first responders, trained to quickly assess situations and dispatch the most appropriate support — whether it's police, fire, medical or behavioral crisis response teams. Their ability to stay composed under pressure saves lives and ensures the right response gets to the right place at the right time.
Read more about our 911 call takers and dispatchers in the Commissioner’s Corner newsletter.
Graphic of Street Sweeping with the "no parking" from 7AM to 4:30PM stating this is a Police Order and lists a phone number to contact them. 612-673-5720.
Public Works crews will start the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program April 21 to clear away what accumulated in the streets over the winter. Drivers should watch for hot pink temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow.
For approximately four weeks, sweeping crews will take care of more than 1,100 miles of city streets and nearly 400 miles of alleys. To make sure the crews can do the most complete job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.
Find your street on the schedule
You can see when your street is scheduled to be swept by visiting the interactive street sweeping map.
Learn more about street sweeping.
At a public listening session coming up April 23, the Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee and the Planning Commission will discuss the projects currently under review for the Minneapolis 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan.
The committee invites public participation for a deeper understanding of community perspectives, to incorporate public input into discussions with City departments, and to share information about the committee’s role in shaping the City’s long-range capital planning.
Public listening session on capital projects 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 Elliot Park multipurpose room 118 1000 E. 14th St.
The Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee
The Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee is a group of residents and business leaders who advise the City of Minneapolis on its six-year Capital Improvement Plan. They share recommendations through an annual report and project ratings system. The committee will meet until the end of June.
See upcoming committee meetings and events on the calendar or look at previous meeting agendas and minutes.
On April 15, the City of Minneapolis highlighted the work already in progress for a busy 2026 construction season with more than $323.1 million in planned infrastructure improvements that reach every corner of the city. These projects were selected using data that helps drive a balance between community infrastructure needs and financial stewardship to maximize impact and sustainability. Led by the City’s Public Works department, the 37 construction projects getting underway this year represent a major investment in safer streets, more reliable utilities and more vibrant neighborhoods.
Statistics for the 2026 construction season include:
- 6 miles of street resurfaced
- 8 miles of street reconstructed
- 3 Greenway bridges will be restored
- 1,827 lead water service lines replaced
- 5 miles of water main rehabilitated
To keep the community informed about work that is in progress, many projects offer weekly stakeholder meetings and/or regular newsletters with updates on project timelines, traffic impacts and key milestones. You can also search for Public Works capital projects and visit the City construction and road closure maps by using the City‘s online construction dashboard.
As work proceeds, City planners appreciate residents’ patience and encourage those traveling through construction zones to be mindful of workers, detours and roadside hazards.
Visit the City website to learn about notable projects taking place during the 2026 construction season.
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.
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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
 A graphic stating that "Highway 280 closes in April. Be prepared. Plan your route."
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 closed 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.
 Photo of George Floyd Square
The City is preparing to begin the next phase of work around George Floyd Square. This summer, street and infrastructure improvements will begin, marking an important milestone in a project shaped by significant community engagement.
We are moving forward with care — supporting remembrance, gathering and safety while honoring the significance of this place.
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.
Stay informed
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.
 A photo of a small business owner holding up 2 bags, the picture indicating that she is selling her products.
This past winter, the world witnessed small businesses in Minneapolis stepping up for our community in remarkable ways, even as they experienced significant negative impacts from Operation Metro Surge. We created the Minneapolis Small Business Resiliency Fund to help them recover from losses, promote community gatherings and drive customers to our vital commercial districts.
The Minneapolis Small Business Resiliency Fund provides $7 million for license fee relief, financial support for public events in commercial areas, cultural market grants and additional resources. Staff in the department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) designed the fund to get money out to businesses quickly and without too many hurdles.
Immediate relief
License fee relief: We are excited to share that over 2,000 food and hospitality businesses are already receiving license fee relief. Eligible businesses have been contacted. Business Licensing staff is processing refunds for businesses that paid for their eligible 2026 license before the fund was announced.
Fee-Free Events: This year, you can look forward to events throughout the city that bring our community together in celebration — recognizing all we’ve been through and helping to uplift and energize our small businesses. This is supported by the City covering common event permit fees for 2026 public events. Read more about which permits are covered.
If you have questions about Fee-Free Events, email the Small Business Team or call them at 612-673-2499.
Funding opportunities
Existing business support programs are getting a boost this year thanks to monies from the Resiliency Fund. These programs will provide direct and indirect support for small businesses across the city in 2026.
Cultural business weeks: Organizations can apply now to host events during Black Business Week, scheduled for July 27-Aug. 2. Applications are due by 4 p.m. April 27. A separate request for proposals will be issued later this year for Latino Business Week events.
Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP): Funding is available for organizations that can provide consulting services and training for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Both nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses may apply. Proposals from service providers are due by 4 p.m. April 27.
Cultural market grants: The Cultural Market Small Business Support program is currently accepting applications for grants to cultural mall operators for activities that benefit all tenants and customers, such as security, marketing and physical improvements to common spaces. Applications are due by 4 p.m. May 13.
Great Streets Business District Support (BDS): BDS awards money to not-for-profit organizations to enhance the vitality of existing commercial districts in Minneapolis. The application period has closed and funded applicants will be notified in the next few weeks.
Learn more about these and other funding opportunities.
More to come
And — there is more to come. Additional information for venue and music activation, as well as the creative marketing activation, will be available later this spring as the City’s Arts and Cultural Affairs department solidifies details with partners.
To receive future updates about funding opportunities, sign up for Plan. Launch. Grow., the monthly newsletter from our Small Business Team.
Learn more about the Small Business Resiliency Fund.
 A graphic with Prince on it including the detalis of the Prince Celebration Block Party
Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to announce a free, all-ages community experience: the Prince Sing-Along. This event will be a one-time-only signature addition to the Prince Celebration Block Party from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on June 6.
This outdoor event will take place near the downtown Prince mural by Hiero Veiga at 101 N. Ninth St., on the day before what would have been the Purple One’s 68th birthday.
Led by acclaimed Musical Director Sanford Moore of Moore by Four and a Minneapolis-based mass choir of 100 vocalists, the crowd will be guided through a selection of Prince’s greatest hits including “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry” and “Sometimes it Snows in April.” The event is expected to reflect upon the spontaneous outpouring of love outside First Avenue following Prince’s passing a decade ago.
Learn more about the Prince Sing-Along and the Prince Celebration Block Party.
Find out more about Prince Celebration 2026.
 Flyer for Neiborhood Day with pictures of the community on the left side and on the right it reads "your neighborhood, your neighbors" with details of the event.
Mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Neighborhood Day on May 2nd! This citywide celebration is a powerful opportunity to get out, connect, and get involved right where you live.
Neighborhood Day brings together organizations across Minneapolis to host engaging events, activities, and even board elections, all designed to build stronger connections and create pathways for residents, especially new neighbors, to get involved in shaping their communities.
Here in North Minneapolis, we know how to show up and show out. We are proud of the dedicated organizations and passionate residents who continue to pour into our neighborhoods, and I’m excited for us to come together, get outside, and celebrate in the name of community!
Whether you're looking to meet your neighbors, learn about local resources, or find ways to get involved, Neighborhood Day is for you!
For more information, including contact details and a full list of events in your neighborhood, visit:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/neighborhoods/neighborhood-organizations/get-involved/neighborhood-day/
A photo oc community members in the park with garbage bags and a landscape of the city of Minneapolis behind them.
Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to the parks, lakes and neighborhoods we all share. The annual Earth Day Cleanup brings together thousands of residents each year to help keep our city clean and healthy.
Everyone is welcome to participate: families, neighbors, friends and volunteers of all ages.
Event details
Date: Saturday, April 18 Time: 9:30 a.m.-noon Location: Multiple park sites across Minneapolis. Visit the Earth Day Cleanup page to find a cleanup site near you.
This is a drop-in volunteer event, so there’s no need to register in advance. Simply choose a cleanup site that works for you and arrive by 9:30 a.m. Supplies like gloves and bags will be provided on-site.
Why this matters for water quality
Trash left on streets and in parks often ends up in storm drains, lakes and rivers — especially after it rains. Stormwater carries litter and pollution directly to our waterways.
By participating in the cleanup, you are helping to:
- Keep trash out of storm drains
- Protect our lakes and rivers
- Improve water quality
- Support a cleaner, healthier community
Even small actions like picking up litter make a big difference for water quality.
How to get involved
- Choose a cleanup site near you.
- Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes.
- Show up ready to help and make a difference.
Every bag of trash collected helps protect our lakes and rivers.
Learn more about the Earth Day Cleanup on the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board website.
 A stock photo of garbage cans and yard waste bagged in an organized manner.
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.
The next application deadline for the Minneapolis Community Events Assistance Program (CEAP) is May 1, 2026.
CEAP provides financial support to help cover city-required costs, such as security, sanitation, and permits, for community-driven events across Minneapolis. This program is designed to uplift local nonprofit organizations as they bring neighbors together, celebrate culture, and contribute to the vibrancy of our city.
If your organization is planning an event, this is a valuable opportunity to access support and make your vision a reality.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply and review full program details, including objectives, requirements, and evaluation criteria.
For questions or assistance, please reach out via email at mplsceap@minneapolis.org.
Let’s continue building strong, connected communities, one event at a time.
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 is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge about seasonal hazards from severe weather.
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.
Contact us
Online: minneapolismn.gov/ward5
Email: pearll.warren@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2205
City Hall
350 S. Fifth St., Room 370
Minneapolis, MN 55415
For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. Para ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.
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