Ward 1 City Council Updates - January 24, 2025

Council Member Elliott Payne

Ward 1 News from Council President Elliott Payne

January 24th, 2025

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Hello neighbors,

I know this week has been difficult with the start of the Trump administration. We've seen right away a string of cruel executive orders meant to attack our neighbors and divide our community. We know these actions are directly against the values of our community. Below in this newsletter there are resources for residents to learn about their rights and responsibilities. My office is also working on producing an Immigrant Resource Guide to share with all of our neighborhood associations at our next Ward 1 neighborhood leaders summit. We will be sure to make this available to everyone once it is completed.

In a time when so many of our neighbors are under attack, it's more important than ever that Minneapolis be a place that is safe for everyone. I am committed to doing everything in my power as President of the City Council to protect everyone in our community regardless of who you are, where you come from, who you love, or how you worship. 

In community,
Elliott

Connect with Council President Elliott Payne

February Community 1-1s

When: Thursday, February 6th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Where: Vitality Roasting 1500 Como Ave Se

Details: sign up link will be included in next week's newsletter


City of Minneapolis holding special election

Early voting began on Jan. 22 for the special general election following the death of Minnesota Sen. Kari Dziedzic. The City of Minneapolis is working closely with Hennepin County and the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office in coordinating the special election. Election Day is Jan. 28.

Minnesota Senate District 60 comprises all of Minneapolis Ward 1, most of Ward 2 and portions of Wards 3 and 6. 

Find more including instructions for voters on the City website.


A welcoming city: Resources for immigrants

Minneapolis is a welcoming city, one that fosters inclusivity, respect and safety for all, regardless of immigration status.  We work to connect our neighbors and residents with services and opportunities so that everyone – including those born outside of the United States – feels a sense of belonging and can achieve their highest potential. This is and will remain our goal and commitment.

The City does not participate in immigration enforcement. There are many important distinctions between local and federal government. The City stands with and in support of its residents, including those born outside the U.S.

The City of Minneapolis has an ordinance that states it will not operate programs for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws.

Below are links for residents to be aware of their rights and responsibilities:

In the City of Minneapolis, we know that many are impacted by immigration developments and many are committed to welcoming and fostering a sense of belonging for residents born outside of the United States. Working together has never been more important than now.

Please visit the City’s Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs webpage to learn more.



Be ready for extreme cold all winter

With the possibility of dangerous temperatures all season, Minneapolis City officials urge everyone to take precautions. Frostbite can happen in just minutes during extreme cold temperatures.

How to stay safe and warm

Hennepin County offers warming station options throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. Additional locations can be found at the Salvation Army and other organizations when temperatures drop below zero.

Find more cold weather safety guidance for inside and outside the home on the City website.


Human Trafficking Awareness Month

The City of Minneapolis works all year round to fight human trafficking and protect vulnerable people. We are raising awareness during Human Trafficking Awareness Month with a particular focus on sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of people who may show signs of a substance use disorder.

Signs of human trafficking

Human trafficking thrives in silence, and survivors are often hiding in plain sight. Signs of trafficking include:

  • Physical abuse or neglect.
  • Missing school or work regularly.
  • Telling inconsistent or rehearsed stories.
  • Dating someone much older.
  • A history of running away or being homeless.
  • Sexually inappropriate pictures on social media.
  • Unexplained gifts, new possessions or tattoos that represent ownership.

Read more about how we can all help on the City website.


Open Streets 2025 open for organizers

Building on the tremendous success of the popular 2024 Open Streets program, the City of Minneapolis is now looking for four 2025 summer event organizers. New in 2025, the City is expanding the proposal process to allow organizers to select from several event dates and routes around the city.

Open Streets transforms major city streets into car-free places for one day. Open Streets shuts down car traffic during the event to allow people to walk, bike and roll down the street. Organizers plan programming and free activities for the day.

Since the City launched Open Streets in 2011, the events have brought nearly 700,000 people to different areas of town to enjoy all that the City of Minneapolis has to offer. In 2024, the City co-hosted three Open Streets events, partnering with the Uptown Association on Lyndale Avenue, with the West Broadway Business Coalition on West Broadway, and with the Lyndale Neighborhood Association on Nicollet Avenue. 

Read more on the City website.


Help with heat bills

Minnesota homeowners and renters can apply for energy assistance to help keep their homes warm this winter.

By applying for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program, homeowners and renters may also qualify for Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program and receive free home improvements to help save energy and ensure a warm, healthy, safe home.

Find more information and apply on the Minnesota Commerce Department website.


Flu hospitalizations spike; get your flu shot today

It’s not too late in the season to get your flu shot. Minnesota is seeing its highest flu hospitalizations since the Minnesota Department of Health started tracking hospitalization data. Getting the flu vaccine can lower your chances of getting very sick and help protect others by keeping the virus from spreading.

Video

Minneapolis firefighter Mark DeLude knows this too well after losing his father to the flu. DeLude’s father, also a Minneapolis firefighter, was not vaccinated. Watch DeLude’s story: Fighting the Flu: Minneapolis Firefighter Saving Lives in Father’s Memory.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the flu vaccine at a free flu clinic or with your health care provider.


Grants for sewer repairs

From Feb. 3-24, the City plans to accept grant applications to help pay for repairing failing private sewer pipes and connections to the public sewer. Homeowners can receive grants between $5,000 to $10,000 and may need a match to receive the funds. Funding will be awarded on a lottery-based system. This year’s funding is expected to provide grants to 32-38 property owners. You can look at information now to get ready with bids and then apply when applications open.

Find eligibility and more information on the City website.


Connect with Elliott and Ward 1 Staff

Elliott Payne was re-elected in 2023 to represent Ward 1

Elliott serves on the President of the Minneapolis City Council, Chair of the Audit Committee, member of the Public Health & Safety Committee, Budget Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and Committee of the Whole. 

Contact the Ward 1 Council Office

Elliott Payne, Council Member - Email

Liam Davis Temple, Policy Aide - Email

Ikram Mohamud, Policy Associate - Email

Brandon Garcia, Policy Aide - Email

Office Phone - (612) 673-2201

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward1

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

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

For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.



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