Hennepin County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 09/04/2025 06:03 PM CDT
September 2025
Dear neighbors,
Yesterday marked a week since our local community, state and nation was deeply shaken by the horrific mass shooting at the Church of the Annunciation. As a parent whose children started school this week, my joy for their new year of learning was heavily weighed by grief for parents, family members and friends whose lives have been forever transformed by this shooting. Additionally, within the span of just 24 hours the Southside experienced four fatal shoots that culminated in the school shooting at Annunciation. One of those shootings was just across the street from Christo Rey Jesuit School. Over the past week, our communities- particularly in South Minneapolis have been doing what we always do- wrapping our arms around each other and showing up fully present to take care of each other’s needs.
I am grateful for our incredible Victim Services staff at the Hennepin County Attorney’s office who have continued to provide support and remain present with victims, Annunciation staff, and the community through both the Family Assistance Center (FAC) and the Neighborhood Assistance Center (NAC). This team was at Annunciation shortly after the shooting to support the families of injured and deceased children. I am also deeply grateful to our first responders, Hennepin Healthcare EMS, doctors, nurses, emergency, and ICU staff who with excellence attended to the injured and continue to do so.
One of the most appreciated forms of support is to give if you can to the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund. This fund will contribute to alleviating the burdens of the Church of the Annunciation, the school, and those affected by the tragedy. Learn more about to how to support the fund here: Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund - Catholic Community Foundation
I am proud to share that our Healthy Heart initiative- “Your Heart Beats for Generations” was awarded a Health Achievement award by the National Association of Counties!! This endeavor is one of many I hold dearly. It is inspiring to have this local initiative grow in recognition.
Hennepin County won 25 awards in total from multiple national organizations this year across urban agriculture, employment and training, housing, Elevate Hennepin and more. The county is a national leader in our work across departments. Onward!
Healthy Hearts Social Group
I was thrilled to join the 2nd cohort of the Healthy Hearts Social Group hosted by NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center! This group met every Thursday evening for a month to share their experiences, move their bodies with joy, eat well and ensure heart health for generations to come.
Fireside Chat - Your Heart Beats for Generations
Spent a wonderful afternoon with our West African sisters in Brooklyn Center! Our “Your Heart Beats for Generations” heart health fireside chat was filled with powerful reminders and insight from African diaspora practitioners in the region.
The amazing West African diaspora panelists were from Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), The Association of Nigerian Nurses in Minnesota, and hospitals in the region.
Thank you Jeffrey Lunde, Hennepin County Commissioner District 1, for cohosting. Thank you City of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Center Community Schools for hosting the Community Health Fair, and thank you to Glamaur African Kitchen for catering!
Spring Manor Groundbreaking
Last month, I attended the groundbreaking of the Spring Manor Apartments - affectionately named after Spring Street where it will soon be open to accommodate families, mobility support, and elders aging in place. Proud to support this collaborative housing project with city, state, and federal partners.
August was National Black Business Month, we stopped by The Dripping Root to celebrate the heart healthy Black owned business on Minnehaha Ave. It is a favorite in the district for over four years! We enjoyed a light lunch with fresh fruit bowls and juices. Support this mother daughter venture when you get the chance!
We encourage you to support Black owned businesses in the District by learning about how they came to be and purchasing their services and goods.
Thank you Runnstone Senior Living for the wisdom filled time we spent with our elders! We talked about a wide range of topics, from traffic safety improvements to updates on HCMC to how Hennepin’s Streets to Housing team works. These elders are beloved neighbors in Elliot Park.
36th ART Under the Bridge - Community Potluck
Rain or Shine, this community shows up! I had the pleasure of dinning with community members at a potluck under the bridge last month. Public art is infused in the infrastructure of District 4 and it was inspiring to learn how art can be used as a traffic calming measure!
Congratulations to 36th ART for completing this bridge transformation, a bridge that connects Seward and Longfellow. Art slows us down for the right reasons.
Cedar Riverside Health Fair
Last month, I stopped by a resourceful health fair hosted in Cedar Riverside. Full of giveaways, health screenings, and halal food. Outside of the health fair, Hennepin County's Office of Multicultural Services is at the Brian Coyle Center every Thursday and will be co-located in schools starting this year!
Llamas at the Library
The return of the llamas! Hennepin County Library brought back our lovely llama friends this year. It's now an annual tradition to stop by the Franklin library with the kiddos for fun, free books and fuzzy feels!
Southside Heroes Hall Unveiling
Last week, I had the absolute honor of introducing our Congresswoman, and my friend U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar at the Southside Heroes Hall unveiling at Sabathani Community Center! Sabathani has a long history in Minneapolis and through its living history museum, you can find rich treasures and our own heroes who have paved the way for others. Our Congresswoman is no exception!
Other heroes honored last night were:
Pete Rhodes III & Kimberly Bedell Rhodes
Dr. Ralph Crowder
Doris Hines
Ed Solomon
Gratitude to CEO Scott Redd and the entire nominating committee for preserving our legacies.
Stop by Sabathani soon to check out these changemakers and Southside heroes!
Southside Back In The Day
It was a beautiful afternoon for the 16th Annual Southside Back In The Day! Incredible vendors with handmade goods, grilled sweet corn, a basketball tournament, abundant joy and a 90s car show. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday than this!
Neighbors, friends and family building community with one another and our beloved Southside! Even ran into the incredible team from Hennepin County Government child and family services.
Hennepin County Attorney's Office Mental Health Event
When: Tuesday, September 16th from 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Where: Powderhorn Park; 3400 15th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55407
Join Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley for a community conversation about mental health resources available to you in Hennepin County, as well as the intersection of mental health with the justice system. This event will feature presentations about Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), Adult Services and more!
Owámniyomni Interpretive Tour
When: Saturday, September 6th from 9:00 to 10:00 AM
Where: Stone Arch Bridge; 420 SE Main Minneapolis, MN 55414
Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls) has been a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance for Dakota and other Indigenous people for countless generations, yet most people raised in Minnesota know nothing of this long history.
Join Barry Hand, Owámniyomni Okhódayapi program director, for a 60-minute guided site visit of the Falls and the Upper Lock. Learn about Dakota lifeways, the significance of the River, and the Mní Sóta Dakota Tribes’ vision for cultural and environmental restoration. https://owamniyomni.org/event/owamniyomni-interpretive-tour-11/
**2025 tours will depart from the EAST ENTRY of the Stone Arch Bridge. Address: 420 SE Main St**
This tour is open to the public.
17th Annual Monarch Festival - Festival de la Monarca
When: Saturday, September 6th from 10:00am - 4:00 PM
Where: Lake Nokomis Community Center; 2401 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55417
The annual Monarch Festival – Festival de la Monarca celebrates the monarch butterfly’s amazing 2,300 mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico. Come and enjoy art, music, dance, games, buying native plants, prairie tours and food. The festival raises awareness of the need to provide and protect monarch habitat.
When: Saturday, September 6th from 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: 2307 S 17th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Join us to learn about pests and pathogens of fruit trees! We'll start at East Phillips Park to look at the fruit trees in the park orchard, then at 1:30 we will walk to the East Phillips Community Garden to eat lunch and look at their fruit trees. Feel free to bring photos of your own fruit trees to ask questions of our arborist! We will also have a Spanish-speaking arborist present.
Únase a nosotros para un paseo por la comunidad del East Phillips Park y el Parque Orchard del Centro Cultural con arboristas para aprender acerca de los árboles frutales. A la 1:30 nos dirigiremos al East Phillips Community Garden (2428 17th Ave S) y almorzaremos (gratis) y cualquiera puede pasar a preguntar a los arboristas sobre sus propios árboles frutales!
When: Saturday, September 6th from 12:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: El Nuevo Campo; 2709 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
The Taco Tour on Lake Street — where every bite is an act of solidarity. In a time when immigrant communities face unprecedented challenges, the Taco Tour is a powerful statement of support for the Latino-owned businesses that are the heartbeat of Lake Street.
Bring a blanket or some chairs - there will be lots of space to spread out on the grass and enjoy the new El Nuevo Campo plaza.
Start by taking a self-guided tour of Lake Street's 30+ tacos and join us for your final taco and a few cervezas.
The Longfellow River Gorge festival is one of LCC’s longest running annual events. Each fall we honor and celebrate the Mississippi River, its history, and its vital ongoing importance to humans and wildlife. The festival educates community about the River’s functions and ecology in a fun and approachable way focusing on restoration and conservation.
Free Ice Cream from Big Bell while supplies last!
12-4pm Voyageur Canoe rides from Longfellow Beach
12:30pm Rock Walk with Rebecca Clotts
12:45-4pm Live Music
1-4pm Face Painting
1pm & 2pm Dakota Tours with Marlena Myles
1:30pm & 2:30pm Tours with Friends of the Mississippi River
All activities are FREE!
Parking is limited – walking or biking is encouraged.
Where: First Congregational Church; 500 SE 8th Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55414
All are welcome to join us outside in front of the church - especially students who are moving into the neighborhood! We'll have a potato bar with all the fixings, lemonade, sweet treats, and potted plants to take home. This event is free and open to the public.
2025 Black Men's Wellness Day
When: Saturday, September 13th, from 7:00 AM to 12 PM Where: Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Come celebrate Black Men's health and wellness with us in the Twin Cities! It's the most fun you'll ever have at a doctor's appointment!
Black Men's Wellness Day isn’t just an event – it's a movement. It's about understanding the health disparities that exist, taking actionable steps towards better health, and celebrating the strength and resilience of our community. Whether you've been a part of our journey from the start or are just getting to know us, this day is for you.
What to Expect:
Free Health Screenings: Prioritize your health. From blood pressure checks to more comprehensive screenings, our team of healthcare professionals are here to make sure that this is the most fun that you will ever have at a doctor's appointment.
Kids Zone: A day for the entire family! There's something for everyone at the walk! Let your little ones engage in fun, interactive, and educational activities centered around health and wellness.
Senior Pavilion: It's critical to the mission of Black Men's Wellness Day to promote wellness for the entire Black community. That's why we have a special pavilion with activities just for our Golden citizens.
Entertainment: Celebrate with us! From live music to performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
This event is free and open to the public. Come, be a part of a day filled with knowledge, celebration, and unity.
Twin Cities Maker Fest
When: Saturday, September 13th from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: 26th Ave from Franklin Ave to 24th St, Minneapolis, MN
Twin Cities Maker Fest 2025 will be a street fair with free activities, large demos, food trucks, and 150 local artists and craftspeople. Spend the day exploring Minneapolis’ biggest block party of small makers and seasoned artists alike!
Twin Cities Maker’s mission is to provide access to tools and equipment, education, and other resources to help people of all skill levels innovate, create, and learn. Located in Ward 2, Twin Cities Maker is an incredibly valuable community resource and hub. Learn more about Twin Cities Maker here.
Fall 2025 East Bank Bike Tour
When: Saturday, September 13th from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where: Starts & Ends at Marcy Park; 711 11th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Join us for a guided ride through the East Bank neighborhoods and discover some of the best spots off campus! Whether you’re a student, staff, or community member, this bike tour is a great way to explore, connect, and learn.
What’s going on?
Learn about local bike projects
Support the renaming of Marcy Park
Free bike lights + chance to meet other cyclists
East Franklin Corridor Arts Festival
When: Saturday September 13th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: 26th Avenue South (between East Franklin Ave and Pautz Place), Minneapolis, MN
Join us outside the shop for the East Franklin Corridor Arts Festival — an "open street"-style, family-friendly event that celebrates the vibrant arts and culture right here in our own backyard!
The mission of this new festival is to showcase the incredible variety of arts organizations in the East Franklin neighborhood. Attendees can choose from many unique, hands-on art experiences that demonstrate the incredible craft and artistry of our neighbors… all for free!
Weaving Workshop
When: Sunday, September 14th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: Mawadah Cafe; 505 E Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN
Join the Somali Museum’s Weaving Instructors for a hands-on workshop exploring the rich history and artistry of Somali weaving. You’ll learn traditional techniques, uncover the cultural roots of the craft, and create your own woven piece to take home.
Hosted at Mawadah Cafe, the workshop will take place in a warm, welcoming environment designed for conversation, creativity, and community connection.
Meeting of the Neighborhoods
When: Tuesday, September 16th from 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: University Lutheran Church of Hope; 601 13th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN
Residents who rent their homes—or want to better understand renter rights in general—are invited to EBNP's Renter’s Rights Forum. We are hosting experts and elected officials who can relay information on renters’ rights, local housing policies, and available resources.
Stick around for pizza afterwards, and consider hanging out for our Quarterly Meeting of the Neighborhoods, where you can learn more about ongoing and future work, and how to run for the Board in November.
The Care Fair + CNO's Annual Meeting
When: Thursday, September 18th from 3:00 - 6:00PM; 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Midtown Farmers Market Plaza; 2225 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN
Corcoran Neighborhood Organization (CNO) is organizing a resource fair at Midtown Farmers Market Plaza called “The Care Fair”, an opportunity to show up in the spirit of community care, harm reduction, and sharing access tools with our neighbors!
Food will be provided, and if you would like to connect even more with your community, stay afterwards for some programmatic updates from CNO!
Annual Black and Brown Birthing Summit
When:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Pre-Summit Workshop
Thursday, September 18, 2025: Summit Day One
Friday, September 19, 2025: Summit Day Two
Where: Wilder Foundation; 451 Lexington Parkway N, St Paul, MN
Black and Brown Birthing Summit is a groundbreaking three-day conference that aims to celebrate, empower, and elevate the voices and experiences of Black and Brown birthing individuals. From thought-provoking panel discussions to interactive workshops, we bring in an exceptional lineup of national and local experts who will dive into crucial topics relating to women, babies, and families in present crisis.
The African American Babies Coalition and Projects (AABC) is a group of African American community leaders who promote the healthy development of African American babies across the Twin Cities through collaboration and training.
Como Cookout 2025
When: Saturday, September 20th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Van Cleve Park; 901 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN
Celebrate community with an afternoon of food, fun, and connection at Van Cleve Park in Southeast Como. The Como Cookout brings together neighbors, University of Minnesota students and staff, and local partners for a free, family-friendly event.
Enjoy yard games, bounce houses, and a resource fair for students and neighbors alike while grabbing a bite from the Qdoba food truck + cotton candy & ice cream. Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a longtime resident, this is the perfect chance to meet others and enjoy a fall day in the park!
Community Baby Shower x Maternal Health Resource Fair
When: Saturday, September 20th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center; 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN
Maternal Health Resource Fair: 11am – 12:30pm Community Baby Shower: 12:30pm – 3pm Sabathani Community Center – 2nd Floor
Join us for a joyful, community-centered day dedicated to celebrating expectant parents and families with children under age one. The Maternal Health Resource Fair and Community Baby Shower bring together essential resources, trusted maternal health professionals, and fun activities—all in one welcoming space.
Powderhorn Porchfest
When: Saturday, September 20th, from 4:00 - 10:00 PM
Where: along 17th Ave South between 32nd and 34th Street, Minneapolis, MN
Powderhorn Porchfest will celebrate its 13th annual block party for another unforgettable evening of celebrating community through the love of music. Thirteen dynamic musicians will continue the Powderhorn tradition of transforming our neighbors' front porches into epic stages. Powderhorn Porchfest is a joy-filled festival for all ages during the day and an unforgettable celebration for the adults after dark.
Discover new and returning artists, featuring genres from Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Afro Funk, Americana, Folk, Country, Rock, Sweet & Sour Pop, and more!
Soil Health Dinner
When: Wednesday, September 24th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Hope Community Inc; 611 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Are you interested in gardening in your yard, but concerned about soil contamination? Want to learn more about the history of soil contamination in the Phillips neighborhood?
Join us for an informational presentation and discussion about soil health in Phillips! Presenters will discuss what you need to know about soil contamination and how to grow food safely, as well as the history of big industrial polluters in the neighborhood and what’s being done to hold them accountable.
The first 15 attendees can sign up to receive 1-2 FREE raised beds and soil delivery to grow food at home! RSVP here so we can plan for any accessibility needs.
EPNI Community Solutions
When: Saturday, September 27th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Cedar Field Park; 2500 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Come celebrate community solutions at our annual festival in Cedar Field Park! All are welcome to this free event, featuring food, presentations, performances, and activities for kids and adults
Decades of industrial pollution in East Phillips reveal a long legacy of city planners deprioritizing the wellbeing of the land and people in this neighborhood. But for just as long, people here have been demanding justice while also creating ways to increase community wellbeing and connection on their own terms.
The decade-long movement to transform the Roof Depot into a community-owned urban farm and climate resiliency center is just one example that stands among so many other amazing people-powered solutions.
At the event, EPNI will also share updates around our ongoing negotiations to purchase the Roof Depot warehouse from the city of Minneapolis and finally transfer stewardship of this site to the people of East Phillips and Little Earth. (Find the latest on that in recent posts, in the link in our bio, or under the “What’s New?” page at epnifarm.org)
Gratitude to the event co-hosts: Little Earth Protectors, Danza Ketzal and Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation!
Upcoming Renovation of Lake St./Midtown Metro Transit station
Located at East Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue, the METRO Blue Line's Lake Street/Midtown Station is one of the region's busiest boarding locations, with around 1,800 light rail boardings each weekday. Bus stops served by the METRO B Line, are located immediately adjacent to the station.
After 20 years of use, a full renovation of the station is being pursued to ensure it remains in a state of good repair and continues to be a space that invites people to use transit. Station renovations will complement improvements to the Hiawatha-Lake intersection that are being led by Hennepin County.
Timeline
2022-2023: Planning
2024-2025: Design and Engineering
2026-2027: Station Construction
Station renovation goals
Providing more consistent and reliable access for all users by adding a pedestrian ramp from the street level to the station on the south side of Lake Street, along with new, larger elevators that will be closer to Lake Street bus stops, and wider stairways (escalators will be removed).
Making the station easier to maintain over time by providing facilities staff more functional spaces to work out of and limiting the use of glass (for instance, existing glass platform shelters will be replaced by a larger overhead canopy).
Reorienting station entrances to more directly face Lake Street.
View a project fact sheet (English) (Spanish) (Somali) (Hmong). More information, including a link to sign up for updates on the Renew the Blue projects, can be found on Metro Transit’s website.
Northbound I-35W ramp & I-94 lane closures began Sept. 2nd
If you travel on northbound I-35W in Minneapolis and on I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Paul, you will need to plan your route in advance and give yourself additional time to reach your destination.
Starting this past Tuesday, Sept. 2, the ramp from northbound I-35W to eastbound I-94 will be closed until Fri, Sept. 26. Both directions of I-94 will also be reduced to three lanes between I-35W and Huron Blvd. during this time.
These closures are necessary to allow crews to remove the crossovers that shifted traffic during construction on I-94.
All I-94 lanes and ramps within the project area will be open for the winter. However, you can expect periodic lane closures in spring 2026 when crews apply a deck sealant to the restored bridges.
We appreciate your patience while we make these improvements. Plan ahead by checking 511, and give yourself additional time to reach your destination.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
