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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I will update you on the latest ride share information. My last ride share message spoke of an upcoming meeting with the Governor’s office, several state elected officials, drivers, Uber and Lyft representatives and City Council members who authored the ordinance raising the fee as well as one of the City Council members who voted against the fee increase.
Unfortunately, these meetings were held with only one of the City Council authors and several State elected officials. They came to an agreement on rates of $1.27 per mile versus the $1.40 per mile in the city ordinance, without the Uber/Lyft Companies in the room or the Governor’s office. The new pricing has been rejected by Uber and Lyft, thus we are back to the situation where Uber and Lyft have stated they will leave, not only the City of Minneapolis, but the State of Minnesota on July 1.
I do not understand why Uber and Lyft were not included in these conversations so they could provide their input on the pricing they were considering. It remains to be seen; what Governor Walz will do if this legislation is put before him. It’s hard for me to image the Governor signing off on pricing that would result in Uber and Lyft leaving Minnesota.
The Mayor, Council Members Vetaw, Palmisano and myself have been kept completely in the dark on these negotiations. With the legislative session ending on May 20th, time is running out to create a solution to ride share fees that will increase pay for drivers but won’t be too high an expense for riders and can be agreed to by Uber and Lyft.
Please contact the Governor to ask him to include Uber and Lyft in the pricing discussion and to help come to an agreeable solution. You can call the Governor’s office at (651) 201-3400 or complete the electronic communication form (click here).
As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.
Your neighbor,
Michael
Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his 2024 State of the City Address at the NorthStar Center in downtown Minneapolis May 7.
The address focused on Minneapolis brimming with possibility and leaning into change during this transformational time. The mayor highlighted:
- The city’s record-setting affordable housing production over the past six years.
- Arts and vibrant storefronts work to revitalize downtown.
- The Southside Community Safety Center.
- Police reform.
- The importance of our City workforce.
- A high-level forecast of the budgeting process for 2025.
Read more about the State of the City address on the City website.
Outdoor air quality affects our health. The City of Minneapolis is recognizing National Air Quality Awareness Week by highlighting programs it uses to track local air quality and give tips to community members to improve neighborhood air quality.
Outdoor air quality affects health
Air quality issues can affect everyone, especially those living with asthma or other breathing challenges. Minnesota is fortunate to generally enjoy good air quality. However, some communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution, including people earning lower incomes and people in Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color.
Recreational fires: Follow the law and be a good neighbor
Residential wood burning accounts for 55% of Minnesota’s tiny pollution particles in the air. The tiny particles are small enough to be breathed in and even enter the bloodstream affecting a person’s health. When having a fire in your yard, consider your health, your family’s and your neighbors’.
Recreational fire laws
- Avoid burning when Minneapolis is under an air pollution advisory. Fires release fine particles that contribute to air pollution and are implicated in health problems including strokes, heart attacks and asthma. Sign up for air quality alerts from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
- Outdoor recreational fires are permitted between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Keep fires small: less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
- Burn only untreated, unpainted, dry wood. Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris, because the smoke can be toxic.
- Have a hose or fire extinguisher present.
Learn more about City regulations around recreational fires.
For more information on recreational fires or to register a complaint about a recreational fire, call or email 311. To register a complaint about a recreational fire outside 311 hours, call 911.
Read more on the City website.
In Minneapolis, City-owned fire hydrants are flushed each year between May and October. Hydrant flushing removes mineral deposits from the water mains. It is also provides an opportunity to make sure hydrants are in working order.
Because flushing stirs up mineral deposits, it can temporarily discolor the tap water. The water is safe for drinking and bathing. However, to avoid staining clothing, we recommend waiting an hour or so and checking to see the water has returned to normal before doing laundry.
Get notified
You can sign up for notifications about water hydrant flushing in your area. Sign up for notifications. Make sure to create a full Smart911 profile online to register your address for location-based notifications like this.
Read more about what to do when hydrants in your area are being flushed.
Office of Community Safety Director of Community Safety Design & Implementation Amanda Harrington received an award from the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). Harrington earned a master of social work from CEHD in 2006. Harrington’s role at the City works to improve safety for all community members – in south Minneapolis, the 3rd Precinct and across the city.
The award annually recognizes alumni for outstanding achievement and leadership in their profession, mentorship or exceptional volunteer service.
Read more about the award on the University of Minnesota website. |
