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As always, I am excited to share our office's scorecard for the previous City Council Meeting on April 9th, 2026.
Scorecards are documents drafted by our office after every council meeting and include agendas of the meeting, how I voted, explanations of why I voted the way I did, and the final outcome of those votes. My goal is to offer complete transparency about how I am voting and why. You can find all of our Ward 11 council scorecards on our City Webpage.
If you have any questions about our scorecards or how I voted, please email my Office at ward11@minneapolismn.gov.
 
The topline story is that violent crime seems to have dropped in Minneapolis from 2024 to 2025, continuing a downward trend since the spike we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a slight improvement in clearance rates. However, property crimes remain elevated across the city, specifically theft and property damage, and Ward 11’s property crime statistics reflect this ongoing challenge.
Crime statistics are an important tool for MPD, and most data comes to the City through police reports. If you have experienced a crime, even simple theft, MPD asks that you please file a police report so their numbers accurately reflect the state of public safety in our City.
For more information about crime statistics in Ward 11 and Minneapolis as a whole, you can visit the City’s Crime Dashboard.
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:
· 19.6 miles of street resurfaced
· 4.8 miles of street reconstructed
· 3 Greenway bridges will be restored
· 1,827 lead water service lines replaced
· 17.5 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Celebrate with your neighbors at Neighborhood Day Saturday, May 2.
Neighborhood Day is an annual day set across the city to increase resident participation in local civic engagement through one of the city’s 67 recognized neighborhood organizations. It’s a chance to come together in community, find the neighborhood organization that represents you and get to know your neighbors.
Neighborhood organizations host their own events, ranging from board elections to family-friendly activities. This year, select neighborhood events will include a bike tour, bean bag tournament and duck race. No matter your neighborhood, there’s something for everyone.
Use this map to find information about your nearest Neighborhood Day events.
Your voice is important
Neighborhood organizations are the most local, smallest form of government. It’s an easy way for residents to be involved at the most grassroots level in their own neighborhood, on their own street.
Find information about your neighborhood organization.
The City of Minneapolis is assessing whether a new indoor playground and multi-use family play space downtown would be feasible and beneficial. We’re gathering input from parents and caregivers through a public survey. This survey includes questions about:
- Family recreation habits
- Desired amenities for an indoor playground
- How frequently you visit downtown Minneapolis
The survey takes about 8-10 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous. You may opt in at the end if you’re interested in participating in a future focus group.
Take the survey in English, Spanish or Somali.
We hope this survey will help us understand whether to move forward, and if so, how to ensure any potential future space meets the needs of both kids and adults. Your feedback may be used to guide possible locations, programming and amenities such as food and beverages, so the space works well for families.
Last week, we reached an important milestone for the New Nicollet Redevelopment on the former Kmart site at Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street in South Minneapolis.
The City Council voted to award exclusive Phase 1 development rights to Trellis, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit developer. Phase 1 development will be on the southeast portion of the site and will include affordable housing, commercial space, nonprofit space and Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board program space.
Next, Trellis will secure financing and refine the project design, plans and cost estimates. It will take about three to five years for the Phase 1 building to be funded and constructed.
Learn more about the New Nicollet Redevelopment project.
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.
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.
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
In March, the Minneapolis City Council voted to send the financing and property purchase for the proposed Community Safety Training and Wellness Center back to City staff for further review.
The center is a long-term commitment for our community safety professionals who serve daily, helping ensure safer responses and improved coordination during emergencies. Current facilities are outdated, leased or not designed to meet modern training, coordination and wellness needs. Facilities are spread across Minneapolis, making coordinated, cross-department training more difficult.
This is not a center for one department; it will include adaptable spaces equipped with modern technology to support safety and wellness work for multiple teams, including 911 telecommunicators, fire, police, emergency management, behavioral health responders and violence prevention partners. This investment will benefit all community safety professionals by enhancing training and wellness for first responders, ultimately improving service for residents.
The City will use this additional time to continue developing this important project, which has been in the planning stage for over five years.
Read more from Office of Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette.
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.
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.
The City of Minneapolis is proud to share that Tim Sexton, Director of Public Works, was unanimously elected to the board of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).
As Public Works director, Sexton oversees a department of 1,300 employees who build, operate and maintain the City’s public infrastructure and deliver critical services, including solid waste and recycling collection, safe drinking water, street maintenance and emergency sewer and road repairs.
During his tenure, Sexton has helped his team achieve several exciting milestones for the City, including the opening of Hennepin Avenue South, launch of the City’s traffic safety camera pilot program, Minneapolis water being named “Best in Glass” by the American Water Works Association, the addition of dozens of electric vehicles to the City’s fleet and much more.
Learn more about Public Works Director Sexton's election to the NACTO board.
Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward11
Email: jamison.whiting@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2211
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. |
