News from Ward 8

Dear Neighbors,

Happy belated Earth Day! It was a busy week for the City Council, here are some updates from our Ward 8 office.

Pre-Eviction Notice Period Extension

On Thursday the City Council passed another extension to the pre-eviction notice period, this time changing it from 30 to 45 days. This extension will give Minneapolis renters, who are still reeling from the impacts of Operation Metro Surge, just a little more breathing room to be able to pay their rent. The rental assistance funding secured by the Council earlier in the year has just become available through Hennepin County, and the State Legislature is debating allocating additional funding right now. This extension will give renters the time needed to access that assistance. At a time when our communities are doing the hard work of recovering from the attacks we have experienced from the federal government, this measure is a small supportive lifeline for our neighbors. I urge Mayor Frey to allow this to go into effect. You can call Mayor Frey to urge him as well at 612-673-2100.

Care Over Criminalization Ordinance

On Thursday the City Council also passed the care over criminalization ordinance to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia. This is a significant victory for public health in Minneapolis! Public health advocates have been clear that in order to do the important work of preventing the spread of deadly diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C, we need to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia to allow for harm reduction measures. There is well documented evidence, and our public health partners are telling us that criminalizing the possession of this kind of paraphernalia does not stop people from using them, it only leads to unsafe use. I am excited that we took this important step to align city ordinance with state law and offer our neighbors care over criminalization. Join me in urging Mayor Frey to allow this life-saving ordinance to go into effect as well, you can call him at 612-673-2100.

Appointment Of Public Safety Commissioner

An update on the appointment process for the commissioner of office of public safety: at Thursday’s meeting the Council voted on Mayor Frey’s veto of the City Council’s decision to not re-appoint Commissioner Barnette to the position of commissioner of public safety. The Council was not able to override Mayor Frey’s veto. According to the City Attorney, this means that the appointment process for this position is re-opened, and the Mayor may make another nomination, including Barnette, for the Council’s consideration. I look forward to the next steps and voting to confirm the best public safety commissioner to reflect our shared values and priorities for public safety.

Audit Committee After Action Report

On Wednesday the City Council held a joint meeting with the Audit Committee. At the meeting we heard a presentation from the City Auditor on the after action report on the cases of Davis Moturi and Allison Lussier. It was heartbreaking to hear how their investigation found what our communities already know: that the City and Minneapolis Police Department’s systems are broken and failed to keep our neighbors safe.

For some background: Davis Moturi is a Black resident and Ward 8 neighbor. His household called 911 38 times between October 2023 and October 2024, reporting threats and harassment from his racist and violent neighbor. Nine days after he called 911 to report the threats, his neighbor leaned out of his window and aimed a firearm at him. He was shot in the neck and almost lost his life. Allison Lussier was a 47-year-old Indigenous woman who requested MPD protection from her domestic abuser. She made at least nine 911 calls accusing her partner of domestic abuse. She was found dead in her North Loop apartment in February 2024, one week after her final 911 call. 

Overall, the City Auditor’s report shows that MPD failed to communicate and respond properly, and failed to keep our neighbors safe. In particular, the after-action review highlights:

• MPD officers did not consistently review available information related to the suspect and case history on the way to a call.  
• The Police Chief and Hennepin County Attorney did not communicate for months, despite attempts by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office to reestablish a working relationship. 
• Messaging from MPD leadership was premature, underinformed, and/or inaccurate. 
• Incidents were not consistently assigned to an investigator, escalated to leadership, or both. Incidents were not always submitted for charging in a timely manner.  
• Officers did not create proper documentation of interactions. 
• Officers did not consistently report bias or weapons in police reports.  
• Officers had varying levels of knowledge about applicable laws, policies, and procedures. 
• MPD internal information management requires manual noting and flagging of repeat calls rather than an automatic system for tracking repeat incidents. 
• MPD has made several positive improvements in domestic abuse response but needs to make more. MPD did not follow the recommendations of the Hennepin County Domestic Assault Service Center.  
• “Blue Cards” left with victims included outdated contact information and resources.

The families and loved ones of Davis Moturi and Allison Lussier deserve more than an investigation or report, they deserve justice. Nothing can take back the pain that Mr Moturi had to experience, and nothing can bring back our precious and loved neighbor, Allison Lussier. The City Auditor presented concrete steps that are needed to reform and hold our City and MPD accountable moving forward. I am committed to oversight of the implementation of these recommendations and ensuring that there are accountability measures in place if they are not met.

---

Other Updates & Upcoming Events

Emergency Rental Assistance Is Now Available

Earlier this year the City Council secured $3.8 million in funding for rental assistance in response to the financial crisis caused by Operation Metro Surge. Renters are now able to apply for that rental assistance. Here is some more information:

Minneapolis renters may be eligible for this assistance if:

• Their household earns no more than 30% of area median income
• They have received a pre-eviction filing notice from their landlord

The City is partnering with Hennepin County to distribute the money through Rent Help Hennepin and their network of community-based partners. Minneapolis households seeking this emergency rental assistance can reach out to one of these organizations to get help starting an application.

• CLUES: 651-243-0688
• Isuroon: 612-389-0679
• Minnesota Indian Women’s Research Center: 612-728-2000
• Tenant Resource Connections: 612-767-9737

The City created a flyer with detailed instructions about how to access this funding. It’s available in English, Arabic, Dari, French, Hmong, Pashto, Somali and Spanish. You can download the flyer here.

Dining Out For Life & Volunteer With The Aliveness Project



My team and I got to meet with and tour the Aliveness Project on Friday. This amazing Ward 8-based organization does crucial HIV support and prevention work and organizing that is saving lives and supporting our communities across Minneapolis. We learned about the powerful work they are doing through their Thrive health clinic and pharmacy, food shelf and community kitchen. I am so grateful for their work and leadership in Ward 8 and across the city, and look forward to partnering with them on life-saving and life-giving initiatives.

Please make sure to support their work by Dining Out For Life this Thursday 4/30, find a participating restaurant (there are many right in Ward 8!) and a percent of your bill will go to supporting the Aliveness Project to promote health and wellness for communities most impacted by HIV/AIDS. If you would like to get involved with their work, they are looking for volunteers to help with their food shelf and kitchen (especially during lunch shifts!) This is an excellent way to get involved and support their community work, you can sign up to volunteer here.

George Floyd Square Updates

City staff held two informational sessions earlier this month about the upcoming construction of the area around George Floyd Square. You can find more about the City and Mayor’s administration plan here. Our office has not received any updates on the development plan for the People’s Way. We are eagerly awaiting the Mayor’s decision on what will happen for this development, and are prepared to engage with whatever decision he makes to support the best outcome for everyone involved.

Vision and Goals For the City Of Minneapolis’ 2SLGBTQIA+ Equity Work

The City of Minneapolis is seeking feedback on a draft of a Vision and Goals for the City of Minneapolis’ 2SLGBTQIA+ equity work in the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department. The City of Minneapolis has compiled this draft after conversations with leaders from community organizations, City staff, community members and Minneapolis residents between fall 2025 and spring 2026.  

We welcome and encourage you to share feedback by May 20, 2026. We plan to release an updated draft in June 2026.  

•       The Draft Vision and Goals is on the Neighborhood and Community Relations website. 
•       You can provide feedback by: 

o   Using this online feedback form
o    Emailing 2SLGBTQIA.equity@minneapolismn.gov 
o   Calling and leaving a voicemail message at 612-673-3737 

Adopt A Pet With No Adoption Fees April 30-May 1

The City’s animal shelter has plenty of four-legged friends available for adoption, and there are no adoption fees April 30-May 1.

Normally Minneapolis residents pay no adoption fees for cats or adult dogs but $250 for dogs 6 months and younger. Non-residents normally pay an adoption fee up to $250 plus tax for any of the pets.

The City provides daily care, shelter and adoption services for animals in Minneapolis. There are currently about 65 animals in their care right now. Every adoption creates space for another animal in need. The Minneapolis Animal Control & Care is open six days a week for adoptions and has a constantly changing selection of pets rescued in your community, cared for by your City.

Adoptable cats and dogs are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Licensing fees may still apply. Take the time to meet and fall in love with the pet that’s right for you! 1-5 p.m. Thursday, April 30, and Friday, May 1. Find adoptable pets on the City website.

Thank you and solidarity,
Soren Stevenson