Ward 11 Newsletter

Council Member Emily Koski

August 19, 2024

Greetings Ward 11!

This week, we had the opportunity to hear about the Mayor’s Recommended Biennial Budget. The 2025-26 Recommended Budget includes proposals for new spending in the following areas: affordable housing and homelessness, climate action and public health, community safety and police reform, economic inclusion and recovery, and good governance. I appreciate his attention to these important topics, and I will continue to advocate for Ward 11’s budget priorities throughout the City Council’s deliberations and considerations, including prioritizing funding for the neighborhood traffic calming program as well as auto-theft deterrence and prevention.

Mayor Frey is also focused on revitalizing the downtown district and noted that downtown activity is up 45% this summer compared to 2023, citing large-scale events like the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team gymnastic trials and returning events like the Taste of Minnesota.

Mayor Frey acknowledged that he is working with a structural budget deficit due to factors including the cost of reform, rising personnel costs, and slightly declining property values. Despite these realities, the City has maintained its AAA bond rating.

In order to help fund his budget, Mayor Frey announced an increase in the property tax levy to an estimated 8.1%. I know maintaining or decreasing the projected levy is a priority for Ward 11 residents, therefore I plan to work diligently over the next few months before the budget adoption in December to explore that possibility and ensure your priorities are reflected. To see how this current Mayor’s increase may impact you, visit the Payable 2025 Levy Impact Estimator and set the filters for Ward 11 and to 8 or 8.25% for Levy Change. The median annual property tax increase for homeowners in Ward 11 is just under $300.

Did you know? The property tax levy represents 25% of total funding for the City budget. The remaining 75% is funded through fees, fines, permits, and Federal and State aid.

As the next step in the adoption of the budget, the Board of Taxation and Estimation will hold a public hearing to determine the maximum taxation level. Then, a series of council briefings will occur. All of these hearings and briefings will be open to the public. There will be opportunity for Council Members and residents to participate in the feedback process. The schedule for these events has not yet been published, but I will include this information in my newsletters moving forward as they are put on the calendar.

Check out this video to learn more about how the City of Minneapolis budget process works. Please contact my office with specific questions and your feedback of the Mayor’s Recommended Biennial Budget.

Have a wonderful rest of August as we savor the end of summer!

In Gratitude,

Emily Koski

Table of Contents:


Residential appraisers to start work in Tangletown

The City Assessor's Office's residential team will begin working in Tangletown on August 19th. Post cards were sent to all of the properties to be inspected. City assessors wear fluorescent vests, carry city identification, and work in teams. They may take photographs during their inspections. They will knock on doors to let property owners know they are inspecting the property. If they need to enter the interior of a property, they will leave a door tag with contact information to schedule an inspection.


Video available from FAA webinars on new MSP departure procedures (Comments accepted until September 15)

The Federal Aviation Administration hosted two public webinars on August 14 and 15 to present information and take questions on new procedures in the works for the MSP Airport. The FAA is implementing GPS-based navigation instead of ground-based navigation as a part of modernizing the national airspace. GPS-based procedures are seen as safer and more efficient, adding precision to flight paths, but they also have the potential to change flight patterns and the experience on the ground.

To watch the webinars, find links on the Federal Aviation Administration webpage. There, you will also find information about how to provide comment by the September 15 deadline. Additional information about this project can be found on the Metropolitan Airports Commission webpage.


Open Streets Minneapolis returns for 2024 season

Open Streets Minneapolis, the City’s popular summer event series, will kick off this year’s series Saturday, Aug. 24. Open Streets Minneapolis events transform the street for a day. Without cars, people can gather and celebrate the diversity and creativity of the city while walking, biking and rolling.

This year, Open Streets is hosting three events in partnership with neighborhood associations:

  • Lyndale Avenue South between 22nd Street West and 36th Street West: The Uptown Association plans on more than 200 vendors, 40 food trucks, a vintage car show and back to school backpack giveaways at Painter Park. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
  • West Broadway between Lyndale Avenue North and Penn Avenue North: The West Broadway Business Coalition plans on more than 250 vendors and activities spread across 17 blocks. Live music, dance performances and cultural showcases will celebrate the rich diversity of north Minneapolis. Pop-up markets and a cultural food court will feature the heritage of the community through handmade crafts and culinary delights. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
  • Nicollet Avenue from West 31st Street to West 46th Street: The Lyndale Neighborhood Association offers live music stages, art activities and inflatables, skateboard demonstrations, and a 5K Run for Beer. Restaurants will offer food and drink specials with special menu items only found at Open Streets. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Open streets broadway

Reminder: Fourth visioning workshop for George Floyd Square Aug. 27

The City and the engagement team (4RM+ULA and the Cultural Wellness Center) are holding the fourth visioning workshop for George Floyd Square Aug. 27. Topics will focus on memorial locations, the Peoples’ Way site, and right-of-way design priorities. This event will continue the discussion to create a community-centered vision for the area.

August visioning workshop on the future of George Floyd Square: 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 The Square at Chicago Ave. Shops, 3736 Chicago Ave. S. RSVP

Read more about the event.

To learn more about the City's efforts at George Floyd Square, visit the program webpage.

Floyd meeting

Information sessions on zoning for cannabis businesses


Two online information sessions will cover proposed zoning regulations for cannabis businesses in Minneapolis. City staff will present recommendations followed by time for questions and answers.

The State of Minnesota legalized adult-use recreational cannabis in 2023. Since then, Minneapolis has been getting ready. Our goal is to create rules that support the new legal cannabis industry and keep our community safe and healthy.

Join either session

10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 Join online on Teams.

4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 Join online on Teams.

The City’s zoning code needs updating with new rules to regulate when, where and how cannabis businesses can operate. Staff introduced draft regulations June 13. Read the staff report and draft amendments.

Sign up for updates on the cannabis industry in Minneapolis.

cannabis buds in a jar

Hennepin County support for child emotional issues

If your child has a mental, behavioral or emotional issue that leaves you overwhelmed, Hennepin County offers help. Support is free and quick.

There are no specific criteria required for Family Response support, but concerns may include children or youths who are:

  • Having a hard time with a family member or change in the home.
  • Showing aggression or anger.
  • Feeling down or less engaged.
  • Feeling worry and concern.
  • Having issues at school.

Learn more about how to get support from the Family Response and Stabilization Service on the Hennepin County website.



City of Minneapolis fleet adds 100th electric vehicle

The City’s 100th electric vehicle has gone into service. The City is driving an ambitious policy for a Public Works fleet with no emissions. This is just one part of the City’s Climate Equity Plan to reach aggressive climate goals over the next 10 years.

Besides the 100 electric vehicles now on city streets, 41 more have been delivered and 11 more are on order. Forty-nine fleet charging stations are installed with another 43 scheduled for this year.

The City’s new Climate Equity Plan set a goal to slash climate pollution by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. The plan's initiatives also aim to weatherize all homes, reduce utility bills, train workers for green jobs, and plant more trees.

Air pollution is linked to increased rates of cancer, heart and lung disease, asthma and allergies. Carbon dioxide pollution, a greenhouse gas, causes climate change. Cars and trucks are the largest contributor of air pollution within Minneapolis and are a significant source of greenhouse gases.

Metro Transit bus


August is National Immunization Month: Check your children’s vaccinations before school starts

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the start of back-to-school kickoff time. As caregivers get their children ready to head back to school, ensuring their vaccinations are up to date should be at the top of the checklist.

Nearly 40% of children enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools are behind on their childhood vaccines. If you’re a parent or guardian, talk with your healthcare provider to stay current with your child’s immunizations. It can help your family avoid missing school, activities, work, family events and vacation.

Resources

Listen to City health experts live or recorded talking about the importance of vaccinations this month:

Child vaxx

Contact us

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward11
Email: emily.koski@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2211

We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:

Room 100, Public Service Center
450 South 4th St.
Get directions

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