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Dear Neighbor,
It has been a busy time for everyone in a community as we close out Summer. Congratulations to the parents, students, & educators in our community for kicking off another school year! I am looking forward to making some class visits this year.
The last couple of weeks have been heavy for our community. In the face of all that has taken place, I’m reminded of the unwavering support, care and resilience of our community. The most recent act of senseless gun violence that took place at 4052 Minnehaha Avenue I know has left a lot of you raw, and it hit especially close to home on the heels of the Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia just this last week. So many of you were ready to help as soon as it was needed, and I’m reminded just how fortunate we are to have neighbors that continue to show up for each other. The compassion and care you have for each other makes all the difference.
It was very nice to see so many of you last weekend at the Monarch Festival and The River Gorge Fest. It lifted me up and it was nice to spend some together outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of our city.
This one is a rather lengthy newsletter (no surprise coming from me). I encourage you to use the table of contents to pick and choose what you'd like to read, or read the whole thing start to finish. There are few virtual townhalls I am hosting with our neighborhood associations, update/statement on the encampment that was at 46/45th & Hiawatha. The next edition of the newsletter will be focused on policy updates after the next council meeting this Thursday.
Sincerely,
CM Aurin Chowdhury
The topics in this newsletter fall generally into these categories:
Here is a list of all the topics in this newsletter:
Upcoming Events
Community Updates
Community Safety Center Updates
Upcoming and Ongoing Public Project + Events
Enterprise Updates
Many of you are aware of the former encampment on the Minnesota Commercial Railway/ Canadian Pacific property/unused railroad track behind the Walgreens on 45th and Hiawatha. A significant factor in the sudden growth of this encampment from two to fifteen tents within a few weeks is the eviction of encampments in neighboring areas in the City of Minneapolis. The status quo of the City remains to be a practice of encampment eviction that leads to displacement of unhoused residents and without adequate housing, storage, and substance use disorder services available for individuals leads to the growth of new encampments, and the cycle continues– leading to continued hardship both for unhoused residents and housed residents. I will detail the actions of my office in regard to the encampment and also share some reflections with you on it and unsheltered homelessness at large.
Thank you to the residents who reached out and inquired about the encampment. Thank you to those who reached out with compassion and care in mind for everyone in our city.
I spent the last week and a half connecting with the railway company, Walgreens, unhoused residents, housed residents nearby, the city administration, and service providers including the ones within Hennepin County. Last week, I spent every day visiting the encampment, connecting with the unhoused neighbors in the area, and Walgreens. In a meeting with the Railway company, I was made aware that the railway company decided to put a notice to vacate the site for those who were camping there, ultimately for Wednesday, September, 11. With this awareness, my office and I continued work to reach out to service providers to get people connected with resources and housing opportunities– with the goal of helping as many people as possible to get to some form of stability ahead of the removal.
In speaking with unhoused residents at the encampment, I learned that many were receptive to receiving help. I met veterans, older adults, people who are parents, individuals who ended up unhoused through a series of deeply unfortunate events, individuals waiting for calls for housing openings that they qualified for, and some individuals who hadn’t had the chance yet to connect with a service provider. Many were waiting for a follow-up with a service provider but didn’t have a cell phones or a means to charge their phone.
I was grateful to be a part of working with Walgreens and Service providers, to coordinate a table for service provision and one-to-one case work on September 10. This was helpful and while not enough, it was actionable and advanced helping those who needed it.
On Wednesday, my team and I were present to help coordinate help for individuals and act as a liaison between the unhoused residents, neighbors, and the railway company on the day. I thank the service providers/ community members who came to help people pack, help people who needed transportation, and get phone chargers out to help those who needed it. I will note that this encampment removal was not conducted by the City of Minneapolis, the railway company conducted it, but the City of Minneapolis Homeless Response Team did make multiple visits here. We are aware that some of those at the encampment have moved to the parkway area by 46th st. We will continue to help coordinate services and engage the City administration.
In discussions with the railway company, I made it a point to be clear that they have been negligent in maintaining their property before any encampment, and they have a responsibility to do so concerning the neighbors in the area. It is my request to the city administration to have greater oversight on the railway company meeting their obligations as property owners.
There are greater safety and livability needs in this area, my office has appreciated all the reach out in regards to this, and we take it seriously. We are working to connect with stakeholders in the area and plan to have a meeting to discuss what can be done to improve the area for everyone.
My reflection will begin with this- safety, dignity, humanity, and health is what every person in our community housed or unhoused deserves. This is going to take a coordinated effort between the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, the State, & Federal government,
The city lacks a transparent and consistent standard operating procedure for homeless response which leads to frequent evictions and displacement of our unhoused people, without leading to what we all desire, more individuals being housed and off of the streets, and opportunities for those struggling with addiction, to begin the hard journey of recovery if they so choose. To stabilize a person's life, feel human again, and choose recovery– I believe that the basic needs of any human must be met, food, water, and shelter.
The encampment removals are not effective or sustainable means to reduce homelessness, address substance use disorder, or ensure the safety of both our housed and unhoused neighbors. We need systemic change. We need other tools available to us, we need empirical data to inform us on what the current conditions are and have oversight over the processes of the City administration. We need to be coordinated between all levels of government to make housing first a real option, address the opioid/fentanyl epidemic, and we need to start now. Our community has always advocated for compassionate and dignified approaches to addressing homelessness. Every individual, regardless of housing status, deserves to be treated with respect and humanity.
I emphasize the humanity of our unhoused neighbors in this message because they are being mistreated– on September 10 it was reported that there were attacks on St. Ann’s Shelter on the northside by neighbors in the area. Homeless residents of the shelter were being threatened, some assaulted, and a worker of the shelter was harmed as well. Attacks on our most vulnerable community members are unacceptable and should never be tolerated. As we work as a community to find solutions and the will to implement them, I encourage everyone to think about how they can show up and engage in this issue through a lens of compassion.
I will be having a community meeting on September 25 from 6-8pm with CM Chavez & CVP Chughtai to discuss a few of the proposals we have been working on. The meeting will be at East Phillips Park Community Center.
Join me for a SENA Virtual Town Hall!
 Are you a neighbor in Standish-Ericsson? Join me for a Virtual Town Hall hosted by the Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association on Tuesday, September 17th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This is a great opportunity for residents to engage with me, share ideas to address issues affecting our community and get updated on all the work I've been doing over the last 9 months. Topics will include my work on humane encampment response, public safety updates, and upcoming legislative work
Your voice matters! Whether you’re looking to ask questions or simply listen in, I welcome all Standish-Ericsson neighbors to participate in this conversation. Don’t miss this chance to connect with me and your neighbors. Hope to see you there!
the meeting can be joined via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/4ddnejdd
Join me for a LCC Virtual Town Hall!
 Are you a neighbor in Longfellow? Join me for a Virtual Town Hall hosted by the Longfellow Community Council on Tuesday, October 8th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This is a great opportunity for residents to engage with me, share ideas to address issues affecting our community and get updated on all the work I've been doing over the last 9 months. Topics will include vacant properties, traffic calming, environmental stewardship, public safety updates, and upcoming legislative work.
Your voice matters! Whether you’re looking to ask questions or simply listen in, I welcome all Longfellow neighbors to participate in this conversation. Don’t miss this chance to connect with me and your neighbors. Hope to see you there!
the meeting can be joined via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/bdfuswfj
Join me for a NENA Virtual Town Hall!
 Are you a neighbor in Nokomis East? Join me for a Virtual Town Hall hosted by the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association on Wednesday, October 16th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This is a great opportunity for residents to engage with me, share ideas to address issues affecting our community and get updated on all the work I've been doing over the last 9 months. Topics will include traffic calming, public safety updates, and upcoming legislative work
Your voice matters! Whether you’re looking to ask questions or simply listen in, I welcome all Nokomis East neighbors to participate in this conversation. Don’t miss this chance to connect with me and your neighbors. Hope to see you there!
the meeting can be joined via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/vxbm63sn
First Budget Hearing for the 2025 City Budget: September 23!
The first budget hearing of the season is quickly approaching! At 6:05 PM on Monday September 23rd, City Council will begin hearing public comment on the 2025 budget. The hearing will take place in the Public Service Center, Room 350. the Public Service Center is located at:
Open Streets Minneapolis 2024: Celebrate Community, Creativity, and Local Business
Open Streets Minneapolis is back for the 2024 season, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods. This year's series kicked off on August 24th on Lyndale Avenue from 22nd Street W. to 36th Street W., and will continue with events on West Broadway between Lyndale Ave N. - Penn Ave. N. on September 21st, and Nicollet Avenue between W 31st Street - W 46th Street on September 28th. All three events will be from 11 AM - 5 PM.
These events, organized in collaboration with local businesses, artists, and community groups, temporarily transform city streets into car-free spaces where people can gather, connect, and celebrate the unique culture of Minneapolis.
Highlights include over 200 vendors and a “Back to School Jam” in Uptown, cultural showcases and live performances in North Minneapolis, and a 5k Run for Beer in Lyndale. Each event offers something special, from food trucks and pop-up markets to hands-on art activities and music stages, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Join the celebration and discover what makes Minneapolis such a dynamic and creative community!
Encampment Removal Reporting Ordinance: Community meeting Sept. 25
The Public Health & Safety Committee held a public hearing on the Encampment Removal Reporting Ordinance that I authored on Tuesday, September 11th at 1:30 PM. It was great to see so many of you come out to share your experiences, thoughts and concerns. Thank you for making the time to come!
My co-authors and I will also be having a community meeting on Wednesday September 25th at East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center from 6 PM - 8 PM. We want your continued input and feedback, and I hope you'll stop by if you're able.
 This ordinance aims to bring transparency, accountability, and compassion to the processes involved in encampment removals in Minneapolis. It responds to the growing need for a structured approach to managing homelessness that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, public safety, and the dignity of unhoused individuals.
The ordinance would require detailed quarterly reports from the city's Homelessness Response Team. These reports would include data on the coordination and costs of encampment removals, as well as the number of individuals affected, the services offered, and any related 311 or 911 calls. By making this information publicly accessible, the ordinance seeks to ensure informed decision-making and greater accountability in the city's handling of encampments. You can look at the proposed language here.
You can still share feedback and help shape how the city responds to homelessness. I encourage you to submit public comment online here: you would use 2024-00114 as the file number.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Encampment Removal Reporting Ordinance?
The Encampment Removal Reporting Ordinance aims to bring transparency, accountability, and oversight to the processes involving the removal of encampments in Minneapolis. It responds to the growing need for a data-driven approach to managing and understanding unsheltered homelessness in our City. Good governance requires good data. The required reporting prioritizes information on sound fiscal decisions/expenditures, understanding of where encampments over time are removed, how service provision is conducted in relationship to the City of Minneapolis, public safety data, the outcomes/impacts on affected individuals who lived within the encampments, and overall transparency in our encampment removal process. The ordinance would require two individual quarterly reports annually from our City’s Administration.
- The first report would track information on the location and coordination of the encampment removal, including the source of initiation, City personnel present by department, non-government entities present, service providers present, and associated costs of the removal.
- The second report category would track how many individuals were affected by the removal, what housing services they were offered; and 311 or 911 data related to removals, with information disaggregated by call type and type of violence (if applicable).
Why is this ordinance needed?
On November 17, 2022, the Minneapolis City Council passed a Legislative Directive related to homeless encampments and requests for data and information. This fiscal analysis asked to include the total cost of each forced homeless encampment removal or closure led by the City of Minneapolis in the last 3 years. The report back only had a report on 4 different encampments through a case study unfortunately this was insufficient. This ordinance is necessary to get accurate, up-to-date data so the Council can adequately provide oversight of the City’s response to unsheltered homelessness. As we head into major budget deficits, the public should know the cost of encampment removals and the effectiveness of this approach in reducing homelessness. It will also bring transparency into the process, help understand outcomes, and allow for accountability through publicly shared information.
Good governance requires good data. One of the primary ways the city interacts with unsheltered homelessness is through encampment evictions. Data and information in the areas required in reporting can help get a better understanding of the resources put into evictions and the outcomes they garner so we can better understand how homelessness is being addressed in relationship to the work Hennepin County, Nonprofit organizations, and other government entities do. This will help better inform changes that may need to happen at the City level.
What are the key provisions in the Minneapolis proposed ordinance?
Data Privacy: A critical element of the ordinance is the protection of personally identifiable information for residents, individuals experiencing homelessness, community partners, and City staff (to the degree allowed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act). While reporting will be thorough, personal data is safeguarded to prevent privacy violations.
Detailed Reporting Requirements and Transparency Measures: The ordinance mandates thorough reporting on the removal and handling of encampments by or with the participation of the City of Minneapolis. This includes documentation of the Ward where the removal occurred, services offered, and any actions taken by City departments or law enforcement. The ordinance aims to ensure that data about encampments is made publicly available in a timely and accessible manner to constituents and City officials, fostering accountability and informed decision-making.
- Unique identification number for each removal.
- The Council Ward where the removal occurred.
- Whether or not a removal has previously been conducted at that location and within a one (1) mile radius of the location within the last year.
- The duration of an encampment at that location.
- The source of initiation for the removal, including but not limited to requests by a city department, office, organization, or 311 or 911 report.
- The date and time of the start and end of the removal.
- The availability and accessibility of shelter beds for residents displaced by the encampment removal.
- The departments and divisions within departments who have personnel present for the removal.
- The non-government entities present for the removal.
- The number of service providers contracted by city department staff and the number of service providers servicing residents for the duration that the encampment existed.
- The number of service providers contacted by city department staff and the number of service providers present at the time of the encampment clearing.
- The number of departmental personnel present and total hours spent on the removal by personnel, disaggregated by department.
- The number of affected individuals involved in the removal.
- The cost of removals with specifics detailed in the ordinance.
Will this ordinance put any barriers to the removal of encampments? No. This ordinance would only require four quarterly reports annually from our City Administration regarding the removal of encampments in Minneapolis. This aims to bring transparency, accountability, and oversight into the processes. Good governance requires good data.
Will this ordinance dox neighbors or the publicize names of anyone who made complaints of encampments, requested its removal, or contacted 911 or 311?
No. This ordinance protects any personally identifiable information for residents, individuals experiencing homelessness, community partners, and city staff (to the degree allowed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act). While reporting will be thorough, personal data is safeguarded to prevent privacy violations.
What source legislation was used for this ordinance?
The Encampment Removal Reporting Ordinance is based on a similar law in New York City– Local Law 2024/034 (Chief authored by Council Members Hanif & Nurse.)
National Night Out!
 Thank you Neighbors for all of the invitations to your National Night Out Parties! We had a GREAT time stopping by some of your block events-- we made it to 7! Sorry if we didn't make it to yours; please send our office an email if your block is still interested in meeting with CM Chowdhury!
 Thanks for an incredible National Night Out 2024!
Tour of the Minneapolis Animal Care & Control Facilities
  Director Schendel took my staff and I on a tour of the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control facilities! I almost took home a new kitten ;)
Request traffic calming in your neighborhood
You can request a traffic calming treatment for streets in your neighborhood for 2025. The deadline to send your application is extended through this Sept. 15. The City uses different treatments to reduce speeding and improve safety. Some examples of those treatments are speed humps, curb extensions, traffic circles and median islands.
Some of you have already submitted applications and shared them with my office; thank you for this!
Request traffic calming in your area by filling out the online traffic calming application. You can do it online or if you need help, you can call Minneapolis311.
If you can’t use the online application, you can print it and email it, or mail it to:
Traffic Calming
300 Border Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Find more information including current and past projects on the City website.
Behind the scenes at Sea Salt Eatery!
 I visited Sea Salt Eatery last month and got a tour from Jon Blood, the owner! Thank you Jon and the Sea Salt team for showing me all that goes into keeping Sea Salt running smoothly all season.
Save the date: February 8 is the date of the 2025 Community Connections Conference!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 8, and join us at the 2025 Community Connections Conference! This free event is your chance to connect with fellow Minneapolis residents, community groups, neighborhoods, and local government representatives.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Stay tuned for more information as the event approaches.
Stay weather aware: storm safety and best practices
 With all the severe weather lately, I wanted to share important information and resources to help residents stay safe.
Power lines: If you come across a downed power line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Never touch or move a downed power line. Leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999. Xcel Energy actively responds to power outages. You can check outage status on the Xcel Energy website.
After a storm, please give work crews space so they can safely clean up debris and downed power lines. Also, leave 911 open for emergencies.
Traffic signals: If you encounter a traffic signal that’s flashing or completely out, treat the intersection like a four-way stop yielding to pedestrians. Report issues with City streets by calling 311 or report an issue on the City website.
Tree damage: Property owners are responsible for trees on their property. Tree debris such as leaves, branches (less than 3 ft long and less than 3 in diameter) and twigs are accepted with your regular yard waste collection. Larger branches are not accepted. Find out more on the City website.
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is responsible for City-owned trees on the boulevards and park property. Report storm damage to them by calling 612-313-7710. Find out more on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board website.
Tips to prepare
Monarch Fest + River Gorge Fest
 I saw a lot of you out at Monarch Fest!
  Thanks to everyone who came to the River Gorge Festival and connected with CM Chowdhury on what their priorities for local government are!
 Discover potential savings with a free Home Energy Squad visit
A Home Energy Squad (HES) visit is a professional detailed review of your home’s energy efficiency.
Minneapolis residents and property owners can start their own climate legacy by getting a free HES visit from the City, while funding lasts. Use the following link to Schedule a Home Energy Squad visit.
This program is provided by Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy and is delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment. It is part of the City’s commitment to Creating a Climate Legacy.
You can take an inside look into a HES visit: Watch a step-by-step video of a Home Energy Squad visit
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Minnehaha 3000 open house Oct. 2
The City of Minneapolis has proposed redeveloping the former 3rd Precinct building into a democracy center. It would house Elections & Voter Services and offer a large, ground-floor space for community use. We’ve asked for and gathered your feedback beginning in 2023. Join us at an open house to hear about what we've learned.
Minnehaha 3000, a future democracy center and community space 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave.
Food and refreshments will be provided.
Read more about the initiative on the Minnehaha 3000 webpage.
Sign up for Minnehaha 3000 updates.
Update on community safety centers in South Minneapolis
During engagement for the community safety centers, south Minneapolis residents have requested potential social services and resources to address needs around:
- Addiction
- Affordable housing
- Culturally specific navigators
- Domestic violence
- Food insecurity
- Homelessness
- Legal assistance
- Medical help
- Mental health
- Youth services
Now that these 10 community priorities have been identified, the City’s Office of Community Safety is asking social service and resource providers for input on how the delivery of services might happen in the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center when it opens next year at 2633 Minnehaha Ave. The information will help the City understand possible collaboration between services, the likely needs for physical space, and potential costs. The requests for information are posted on the City website until Aug. 9.
Find more information about the community safety center on the City website.
Please email the Office of Community Safety with any questions.
Presentation on the METRO Blue Line extension at Sept. 17 IGR Committee
 You can comment on preliminary design plans for the METRO Blue Line Extension. The project will extend the Blue Line from Target Field Station through North Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park.
The project can improve the speed and reliability of transit, enhance street safety for all modes of travel, advance climate goals, and make it easier to reach resources, schools and workplaces.
Cities along the proposed route are holding public meetings to discuss the plans.
Find out how to participate in a public hearing.
You can also send your comments by email.
The project is co-led by the Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County.
Find more information on the Blue Line Extension project on the City of Minneapolis website or Metropolitan Council website.
Have Your Say: Public Input on New MSP Airport RNAV Procedures
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is transitioning to GPS-based navigation called RNAV at MSP Airport, a move aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in our national airspace. While these new procedures promise more precise flight paths, they could also alter flight patterns and impact the experience on the ground.
Although the public webinars have concluded, your voice is still important. The FAA is now seeking public comments on the proposed changes. You can watch the webinars and learn how to submit your comments on the Federal Aviation Administration website. I'm also including a summary on how to share your comments below.
How to Participate:
- Submit your comments during the public comment period. Comments are being accepted until September 15th. You can submit comment:
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Via email: send comments to 9-ajo-csa-public-workshop-comments@faa.gov
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In writing: mail your comments to:
Federal Aviation Administration
Operations Support Group, AJV-C2
Attn: NAS Analytics Team, 4N313
10101 Hillwood Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524
Learn more about the changes from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
Free child lead testing events
CenterPoint Energy Project Update - Minneapolis - Morris Park & Wenonah
 What will CenterPoint Energy do?
For a few months beginning in summer or fall 2024, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will upgrade CenterPoint’s natural gas infrastructure in the Morris Park and the Wenonah Neighborhoods in Minneapolis along the following streets:
- 30th Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 55th Street E.
- Nokomis Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 56th Street E.
- 31st Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 56th Street E.
- 32nd Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 57th Street E.
- 33rd Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 56th Street E.
- 38th Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 55th Street E.
- 40th Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 55th Street E.
- 42nd Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 55th Street E.
- Boardman Street from 34th Avenue S. to 42nd Avenue S.
- 55th Street E. from 30th Avenue S. to 42nd Avenue S.
- 56th Street E. from 30th Avenue S. to 34th Avenue S.
Equix Integrity updates CenterPoint's records on the locations of sewer lines in relation to natural gas lines. Michels Corporation will move inside meters outside by appointment and replace some natural gas service lines. (On 42nd Avenue S. from 54th Street E. to 55th Street E., Michels Corporation will replace a natural gas main, move inside meters outside by appointment, and replace and/or reconnect service lines to the new main.) Q3 Contracting will restore the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work.
The pipes used in these pipeline replacement and modernization projects are more resistant to corrosion and leakage, helping CenterPoint continue to provide the safe, reliable service you count on that keeps you comfortable in your home. There will be no assessment or cost associated with their work.
How can I contact CenterPoint Energy?
Check out the project’s web page for more details. If you have questions, please contact CenterPoint's Communication Specialist at 612-321-5546 or hannah.gullickson@centerpointenergy.com. CenterPoint Energy appreciates your patience as they upgrade their infrastructure. Have a great season!
Celebrate Welcoming Week for a sense of belonging
Welcoming Week is recognized Sept. 13-22. This year’s theme is “We’re All In.” Welcoming Week is a nationwide initiative to bring together immigrants, refugees and native-born residents and foster a community where everyone feels a sense a belonging.
As a Welcoming City, the City of Minneapolis hosts annual events for Welcoming Week. We welcome new residents to the city. Because Citizenship Day always takes place during Welcoming Week, we also share information about how to become a United States citizen.
Welcoming Week events
Welcoming Week resolution before City Council Watch the recording of the resolution before the Sept. 5 council meeting on the City of Minneapolis YouTube channel.
Twin Cities monthly immigration forum - Welcoming Week edition 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 Join online over Microsoft Teams. Or call in (audio only) at +1 612-276-6670 with meeting ID 365504388#
Learning lab on engaging with immigrant and refugee communities Noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S. Register online.
Welcoming Week celebration and citizenship and immigration resource fair 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 South Minneapolis CareerForce, 777 E. Lake Street.
Visit the City’s website for this year’s calendar of events and updates.
Office hours for immigrants and refugees
The Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs hosts weekly community office hours. Office hours provide basic information on immigration legal services, shelter resources, health care and more.
Stop by South Minneapolis CareerForce, 777 E. Lake St. 1- 4 p.m. Mondays and 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays.
Arts and Culture Vibrant Storefronts deadline extended to Sept. 13
 The deadline for artists to apply for the new Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts has been extended by two weeks.
The program provides City funding to subsidize rent for artists and arts organizations in vacant storefronts in the Harmon Place Historic District. This will ensure stable tenants for property owners and furnish essential space for the local creative community. This pilot is intended to support creative opportunities and increase vibrancy, innovation and sustainability.
The program is open to Minnesota residents, with a preference for Minneapolis residents.
The first round of applications will be accepted through Sept. 13. Applicants from all disciplines including visual, performing, literary, media, culinary, digital and public arts, design, craft and non-traditional mediums are encouraged to apply.
Read more on the City website.
Local lawn care business goes electric to improve health and environment
 The City’s Green Cost Share program is funding upgrades for Minneapolis businesses to help save energy, reduce air pollution and cut carbon dioxide emissions. We match up to 45% of the cost for gas-to-electric lawn care equipment upgrades.
With help from the program, Parkway Lawn Service switched one of its landscape crews to battery-powered equipment.
The battery-powered equipment includes:
- Two mowers
- Eight pieces of handheld equipment, such as weed whips
- Portable large-capacity battery for charging the equipment
The switch is reducing the business’ air pollution by 2,500 pounds every year. That’s the same as taking 200 cars off the road.
Watch the video to hear Parkway Lawn Service’s story
This program is part of the City’s commitment to Creating a Climate Legacy.
Minneapolis Animal Care & Control warns of scam involving lost pets
 Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC) has received 30 reports about the scam so far. It works like this: scammers look for posts about lost pets and then contact the owners. Sometimes they spoof the City’s phone number and pose as an animal control officer. They lie about finding a pet who needs a bogus emergency surgery. They send a link to wire money, potentially defrauding pet owners of thousands of dollars.
The City wants residents to be aware. MACC will never ask for money in a lost pet situation. When MACC identifies owners of lost pets in its care, the owner must visit the shelter in person and show proof of ownership.
For more information – or if people believe they have received a scam call or text – call 612-673-6222 to talk to a MACC staff member.
Read more on the City website.
Minneapolis expands navigation app for people who are blind or have low vision
Minneapolis has a contract with Aira, an app that helps residents and visitors who are blind or have low vision navigate their surroundings using their phone. The person opens the app on their phone and is connected with a navigator who provides visual navigation support. The Aira app uses smart technology to connect users with human agents who are trained professional guides. The agents access the user’s smartphone camera (or Aira glasses) for a live video feed combined with GPS and maps so they can describe these public spaces and help users maneuver through them and also more richly experience what they have to offer.
The service is now available at Target Center, Minneapolis Convention Center, Nicollet Mall, City Hall, and the City’s Public Service Building and Public Service Center. This contract had been in place since 2019 and was recently renewed with the addition of the Public Service Center and the Public Service Building.
Download the free app and use it for free within any of these locations listed above.
Fall City tree sale: Buy a $30 tree now
 The City Trees program is offering $30 trees now through Sept. 30. Minneapolis residents and property owners can purchase up to three trees per address. Choose from shade trees, fruit trees, flowering trees and evergreen trees.
Benefits of trees
Trees provide shade, lower utility bills, increase property value, clean the air, collect stormwater, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve mental health and well-being.
Purchase a tree today while supplies last.
City Trees program
Since the program began in 2006, the City Trees program has provided more than 20,000 low-cost trees for planting on private property, with 7,500 trees distributed in the last five years.
Learn more about our City Trees program.
Low-cost trees for businesses
Businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and owners of properties with five or more units can also purchase $30 trees. Submit an application before Sept. 15.
Immediate Support for Families in Need
Hennepin County offers a vital service for families facing mental, behavioral, or emotional crises. The Family Response Team provides immediate, in-person support for children and youth (ages 5–18) and their parents/caregivers. If you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, these experts are here to help.
Key Features:
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Availability: Every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 612-979-9511. After hours, leave a message or call 911 for emergencies.
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Response Time: A family response team will arrive within one hour anywhere in Hennepin County.
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No Cost: Services are free and tailored to your family’s cultural, community, and clinical needs.
The Process:
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Immediate Assistance: De-escalate and address concerns, provide support for 72 hours, and connect you to additional services, including an optional eight-week stabilization program.
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Ongoing Support: The optional program promotes healthy behaviors, helps children manage daily activities, and strengthens family connections to community supports.
The goal is to keep youth and families stable in their homes and thriving. Learn more at hennepin.us/family-response.
 Please consider applying for Minneapolis boards and commissions
The City is recruiting members for boards and commissions to strengthen the work of the City. People with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Members are recruited twice each year, in the spring and fall. Fall applications will be accepted Sept. 1 through Sept. 30.
City boards and commissions offer a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them.
Check for current openings and apply for positions on the City website beginning Sept. 1.
For more information call 612-673-2216 or email ABCAdmin@minneapolismn.gov.
Mayor Jacob Frey delivers 2025 budget address
 Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his 2025 budget address Aug. 14.
The budget proposal features investments for the City’s workforce, funding for the federal consent decree and state settlement agreement. Commitments continue for the City’s affordable housing work, sustainable climate action, downtown revitalization and inclusive economic development. In the coming weeks, City departments will be presenting their budget requests to the Council.
The mayor’s proposed 2025 budget totals $1.88 billion with a proposed tax levy increase of 8.1%.
Read more about the proposed 2025 budget.
Watch the mayor’s budget address on the City YouTube channel.
And a special thank you to the incredible Ward 12 team!
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