News from Ward 8

Dear Neighbors,

Happy May Day!

Minneapolis has a long history of immigrant and workers’ rights advocates coming together in the spirit of solidarity! Immigrants, workers, and their families are a vital part of our Minneapolis community. Today, on International Workers Day, and every day, I renew my commitment to standing with workers and immigrants in fighting for our rights.

Mayor Frey’s Vetoes

Yesterday Mayor Frey vetoed both the Care Over Criminalization Ordinance to decriminalize possession of drug paraphernalia and the temporary eviction notice extension. Minneapolis is gripped by the addiction crisis, so I co-authored Care Over Criminalization to support our community partners that are doing harm reduction work and smoothing the road from addiction to recovery. Immigrants and working class renters are being crushed by an ICE-caused eviction crisis, so the Council passed a temporary eviction notice extension to give them more time to catch up and get rental assistance. Both of these policies were passed by the City Council last week. This week, in denial of the city’s struggles, Mayor Frey vetoed both of them.

This week you will not see Minneapolitans who are addicted to drugs get the help they need. Today, when rent is due, you will not see immigrant and working class families get the protection they need to stay in their homes. That was the choice that Jacob Frey made. Neither I nor my neighbors in Ward 8 would have made that choice. 

I am proud of and deeply grateful for the tireless work of community leaders, advocates and the non-profit partners in housing and harm reduction that worked hard to make both of these ordinances happen, and who I know will continue to fight and work directly for our community no matter what. I will keep working with my Council colleagues to find common ground and pass solutions that will address the needs of our communities and reflect what residents in our city are actually fighting for. Thank you to Council Members Jason Chavez and Aurin Chowdhury for leading on these important ordinances. Onward. 

Summer Safety Plan

As chair and vice-chair of the Public Health, Safety and Equity (PHSE) committee, Council Member Chavez and I brought forward a Legislative Directive requesting a comprehensive overview of the Office of Community Safety’s 2026 Summer Safety Plan.

We heard a presentation on the plan on Wednesday during the committee’s meeting. You can find the slides from the presentation here. Their plan includes promising changes in regards to Safety Ambassador programs and the Firearm Assault Shooting Team (FAST) program that focuses on non-fatal shootings and aims to address gun violence. As Vice-Chair of the PHSE committee I will work with Chair Chavez to oversee the implementation and track the plan. I have also requested that the departments involved in creating this plan present a tailored version in Ward 8. Our office is hoping to schedule an event for the presentation and opportunity for Ward 8 neighbors to come ask questions later this month or in June.

George Floyd Square Updates And Upcoming Events

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. 

Community Clean Up Day

Tomorrow, Saturday May 2nd, Rise & Remember will be hosting a Community Cleanup Day on 37th and 38th streets & Chicago Ave. The event will take place from 9:00am-5pm, with a 3700 Chicago Ave block closure from 8am to 6pm. Volunteers are welcome to join! Cleanup supplies will be provided.

Rise & Remember Festival

On Monday, May 25th Rise & Remember will be hosting their annual Festival from 12-9pm. There will be a full street closure for this event from 8am-11:59pm. The street festival events will include business vendors, artist performances, the Self-Care Fair, and a Candlelight Vigil. To participate as a volunteer or vendor, please contact Rise & Remember using the contact information below. Please note that there will be amplified sound at the Festival on May 25th.

Contact information:
612-302-3433
3501 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407
riseandremember.org

Cinco De Mayo With Congresswoman Ilhan Omar

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar will be in the district and visiting immigrant small businesses in Ward 8 on Tuesday, May 5th 5-7pm. Team Ilhan is inviting neighbors to join her in supporting immigrant businesses; they will be meeting at one of their favorite spots in the district to talk about her work in Washington and the 5th District. All are welcome to join with questions or just to listen. RSVP for the meet-up location here.

Hope you have a good May Day weekend.

Thank you and solidarity,
Soren Stevenson