News from Ward 8

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Friday, I hope you are getting to enjoy some warmer weather today. Here are some updates from our Ward 8 office.

Cinco De Mayo


Photo of Council Members Chavez, Stevenson and Warren with community members and City Staff at the presentation of the Cinco De Mayo resolution

Tuesday was Cinco De Mayo, an important holiday for many of our neighbors that commemorates May 5, 1862, which was the date that Mexicans were victorious over the French at the Battle of Puebla. I was honored to join Council Member Jason Chavez’s presentation of the resolution recognizing the historical significance of Dia de la Batalla de Puebla, the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo, during yesterday’s City Council meeting. This Sunday many of our Ward 8 neighbors will be celebrating at the Plaza Mexico Festival Cinco De Mayo 2026, between 11am-8pm, on Lake Street between Portland & 2nd Ave. Join to celebrate and to support immigrant small businesses! You can find more information here.

Resolution In Support Of New Passenger Rail Service

At yesterday’s City Council meeting, my office, in partnership with All Aboard Minnesota, passed a resolution supporting the study of new passenger rail service between Saint Paul and Fargo/Moorhead and the Twin Cities and Kansas City, Missouri. If implemented, these two proposed new corridors would provide convenient, affordable, and safe transportation for residents and increase economic activity in station communities along both routes. I am proud that the Council unanimously voted to support new passenger rail service between Saint Paul and Fargo/Moorhead on a daytime schedule and new service between the Twin Cities and Kansas City, Missouri and to request that the Minnesota Legislature direct MnDOT to submit Corridor Identification Grant Applications to the Federal Railroad Administration to evaluate these corridors. You can find the full resolution here.

S.A.F.E. Firearms Regulations Ordinance


Photo from a press conference on S.A.F.E. Firearms Regulations Ordinance with Council Members and community leaders and advocates

Yesterday the City Council took a big and important step! I was proud to stand with community members and my Council colleagues in unanimously supporting the S.A.F.E. Firearms Regulations Ordinance. Thank you to Council Member Aurin Chowdhury for championing this crucial gun control legislation. 

Nothing can take back the pain and trauma that the children, families, loved ones and broader community experienced in the wake of the mass shootings at Church of the Annunciation school, and at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. Yesterday we chose to let these horrific events move us towards meaningful action and ongoing commitment to end the epidemic of gun violence in our city and across the country.

 Mayor Frey’s Vetoes

In response to the eviction crisis caused by Operation Metro Surge, and to the growing crisis of addiction, the City Council passed two creative, solution-driven ordinances. Last week Mayor Frey vetoed both of them. Unfortunately, yesterday the Council wasn’t able to override those vetoes. The two ordinances that were vetoed were:

1. A temporary extension of the eviction notice period would have given renters that are struggling to make rent a little more time to get rental assistance and catch up before getting evicted.
2. Care Over Criminalization would have decriminalized possession of drug paraphernalia to facilitate and encourage harm reduction efforts and to align us with state law. 

These are both data-driven ordinances, that are supported by community partners and advocates, and that would have directly supported some of the most vulnerable and marginalized in our city. Unfortunately Mayor Frey chose to stand with monied interests over the needs of our communities. And our neighbors will pay the price as a result through evictions and criminalization instead of needed care.

I am not going to give up. I am getting to work with colleagues to find new proposals and common ground to keep fighting to meet the needs of our neighbors. I know that the community leaders and organizers that made these ordinances possible will continue to fight for our communities no matter what. I want to thank Council Members Chowdhury and Chavez for leading on these two ordinances. I look forward to collaborating to fight for our communities.

Davis Moturi Shooting Internal Review

On Tuesday the Minneapolis Police Department presented to the City Council a report on the findings of their internal investigation of the department’s handling of the case of Davis Moturi’s shooting. 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 the last time 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.

MPD’s report confirmed what the community already knew: systemic issues within the police department and the City led to a failure to keep Mr Moturi safe. Nothing can take back the pain and trauma that Mr Moturi, his family and loved ones experienced, they deserve justice. I am committed to the oversight of implementing the needed reforms and accountability measures to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

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Other Updates & Upcoming Events

George Floyd Square Updates 

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. 

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 

Sabathani Community Center Recognized As Public Health Hero


Photo of CM Stevenson presenting the Public Health Hero Award to Sabathani Community Center Recipient

Last week I had the honor of presenting Sabathani Community Center the Public Health Hero Award for Sustainability, Healthy Homes and Environment. Sabathani is a Ward 8 cornerstone, and one of Minnesota’s oldest African American-founded nonprofits. I am glad their amazing work is getting the recognition it deserves. It was an honor to celebrate Sabathani’s powerful work for environmental justice and resilience!

Office Hours


Graphic with photo of CM Stevenson and information on Ward 8 Office Hours, all information detailed below

My office is holding Ward 8 Office Hours every third Friday of the month, 11am-1pm, at Bichota Coffee, 3740 Chicago Ave. Please join us! The next upcoming times are:

• May15th, 11am-1pm
• June 12th, 11am-1pm (*Note, this is the second and not third Friday of the month)
• July 17th, 11am-1pm

Summer Safety Plan Community Meeting

As chair and vice-chair of the Public Health, Safety and Equity (PHSE) committee, earlier this year 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 to the Council on the plan last week during the committee’s meeting. Since then, I have also requested that the departments involved in creating this plan present a tailored version in Ward 8. Our office is in the process of planning this event, which will take place in June. Please keep an eye out for updates to come on this event.

Hennepin County Expungement Clinic

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is hosting an Expungement Clinic on Monday, May 11th. Details are below.

📅 Monday, May 11th 🕐 1:00 PM – 7:00pm CDT 📍 1256 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 (5th Floor)

 This clinic offers an opportunity for individuals with convictions charged or prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to begin the process of sealing eligible records. The prosecutor-led expungement program is designed to streamline and support your journey toward a fresh start.

🌟 What to Expect:

• One-on-one consultations with attorneys
• Walk-in services available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Snacks provided

👉 Please sign up to let them know you will be there! HCAO Expungement Clinic · Hennepin County Attorney's Office

All eligible individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this free service. Please come prepared to wait, as processing times may vary due to high demand.

For accessibility requests, contact the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office Community Affairs division at 612-348-2146 or email citizeninfo@hennepin.us at least 48 hours in advance.

Thank you and solidarity,
Soren Stevenson