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Hi Neighbors,
I hope everyone is doing well! In the few weeks have been very busy! Lots of questions about the impacts of Federal executive orders that we have and are working on understanding with our City Attorneys and Intergovernmental Relations Team.
At last week's City Council meeting we took action on 54 items forwarded to us from our standing committees, referred 2 ordinance introductions to their proper committees, received notice of 1 ordinance introduction & 2 upcoming actions, approved 1 honorary resolution, and announced the 2025-26 Minneapolis Poet Laureate.
My office has helped conduct two personal safety trainings in apartment buildings with our Crime Prevention Specialists team and Third Precinct Leadership, we are currently discussing planning one open to all community members in the Ward. We hosted a Community Office Hour's event with Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura and had over 30+ people in attendance. Last night, I attended Nokomis East Neighborhood Association's Annual State of the Neighborhood and had great discussion about local level issues, especially sewer infrastructure as it relates to flooding and addressing unsheltered homelessness together.
I collaborated with Congresswoman Omar's office to co-sponsor a resolution in support of the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, advocating for the repeal of the outdated and harmful Alien Enemies Act. Additionally, I partnered with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, fellow Council Members, and the Mayor's Office to reinforce our commitment to fostering a truly Welcoming and Inclusive city. Together, we are unwavering in our dedication to standing with our immigrant neighbors and upholding the values that define our community.
During the extreme cold weather event in January, I visited the Warming Center the Minnesota Indigenous Women's Center (MIWRC) popped up due to the lack of capacity at other Warming Centers in Hennepin County. MIWRC, has long worked to support people who are facing homelessness and stepped up to provide a life saving service with only crowdsourced community dollars. In a short period of time, MIWRC did the collaborative work amongst organizations and neighbors, 15 unhoused residents entered medically assisted treatment, 18 entered long term shelter, and 2 have been permanently housed, with many more navigating the process of coordinated entry.
Myself and leaders in the County and State, saw this as an invaluable resource that needed to continue. That is why last week, I brought forward abudget resolution to provide emergency funding $100,000 to MIWRC in addition to $100,000 allocated from Hennepin County to ensure that operations of the MIWRC Warming Center can be sustained. This was passed unanimously and the warming center has been open this week.
Thanks,
CM Aurin Chowdhury
 I'm hosting community office hours with Rep. Greenman on 2/14 at Rick's Coffee (5402 43rd Ave S.) at 8:30AM-10AM
Last week, I sponsored a resolution with my colleagues in the intergovernmental relations committee, supporting Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s Neighbors not Enemies act, to repeal the dangerous and archaic Alien enemies act.
We stood together as the City of Minneapolis are standing up against the harmful and hateful actions from the Trump administration against our immigrant and refugee communities. We love our undocumented neighbors and we will do everything possible to protect them and ensure that Minneapolis is a welcoming city for everyone.
The City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department will not be and is prohibited from participating in actions of Federal government agencies such as ICE.
The Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs is an invaluable department in the city to help navigate questions, concerns, and connect people to resources. Please take a look at the Immigrant and Refugee Affairs website that has a great know your rights and responsibilities page:
As your Council Member I am here to uphold the values of an inclusive city and recognize & protect the rights of all the people in our city. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ward 12 Office.
The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance that would allow the City to start charging fees for the use of City resources during off-duty work by Minneapolis Police officers. MPD’s off-duty program allows officers to work private side jobs using city cars, uniforms, and materials. The ordinance would allow the city to charge fees to recoup costs of all city resources used by officers when working off-duty, as well as offset the costs of administration and any other program costs borne by taxpayers. Estimates using MPD data indicate that such fees could have recouped up to $1.4 million in 2024. At the end of the day, it would not be okay for us to allow our public works staff to use taxpayer funded municipal snowplows to use in a private side hustle, and it should not be the case for MPD, and at the bare minimum the cost should not be on the taxpayer.
I was proud to support this ordinance, as the off-duty program has been recognized as fundamentally inequitable by the U.S. Department of Justice. This ordinance is one step in reform to address the clandestine, costly, and inequitable off-duty program that City Leaders for decades have tried to reign in.
Both subject matter experts and directly impacted residents have been telling city leaders that MPD’s off-duty system is ripe for corruption and is a bad deal for residents. Small business owners have spoken publicly about the financial exploitation and discrimination they face in the off-duty system. City leaders have spoken publicly about their concerns with off-duty since at least 2019, when MPD officer Mohamed Noor shot and killed a resident named Justine Ruszczyk after working off-duty and starting his on-duty work with very little sleep. A 2019 internal audit of off-duty led to clear and actionable recommendations, which were never implemented. Mayor Frey convened an off-duty Task Force in 2020, but the group ceased meeting without any outcomes.
After 30 years of inaction, I am proud that we as a council have taken this significant step. This ordinance is a win for good governance, transparency, and ensuring that taxpayers don’t have to subsidize private jobs.
What’s next? Council President Payne and Council Member Wonsley, have authored a legislative directive that requesting a comprehensive fee study, which MPD will present a response to by May 1. This fee study will provide updated figures for the full cost of vehicles, materials, uniforms, administration, and any other costs that taxpayers currently subsidize in off-duty work. With these updated figures, Council can amend the fee schedule and implement fees on off-duty work to begin being implemented on January 1, 2026.
In conclusion, inequitable programs like off-duty are barriers to a citywide community safety system that serves all residents, regardless of race, income or neighborhood. In a moment where safety resources are strapped and tax payer dollars are needed to be used for the public good, we have to question why this program has been able to run rampant with little transparency for so long?
 Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and my office on this issue! For those who are following along, the City Council voted to approve my motion to postpone final action on this ordinance to our next committee meeting at the Committee of the Whole on 2/11, however after discussion with fellow authors of the Ordinance we will be postponing further to engage with community members. I will be sharing information on a community meeting I will be hosting once we have a date and location.
FAQ:
Where did this ordinance even originate from?
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This ordinance originated from the Green Zone Task force, Public Works Staff, and was introduced by Council Member Palmisano to legalize boulevard plantings especially edible boulevard gardens. I added myself as co-author because I wanted to ensure that I could help shape the policy with community input in mind.
What does the current city code allow for on the boulevards?
- This is the current code. Essentially, a lot of the things we love of about boulevard gardens in our city are actually illegal. The only vegetation that are allowed are flowers, grasses, and trees (trees by permit). Vegetables, fruit bushes, and raised beds are not allowed and while it is not enforced proactively, 311 complaints on boulevard gardens may be enforced and can lead to removal. We want to legalize this activity and encourage widespread edible boulevard gardening, especially in neighborhoods that struggle with food insecurity.
What is does this ordinance allow?
- This ordinance legalizes a broad array of plantings. Flowers, hedges, shrubs, edible plants like fruit bushes, vegetables, and other vegetation. From tall sunflowers, to pumpkins, your favorite pepper to make salsa from, pollinator friendly plants, raspberries, and more. All legal in the boulevard if ordinance is passed. Raised beds are legalized but only through permit (this is being debated).
What is restricted?
- Noxious plants, weeds, plants with thorns, sharp spines (think of plants that can cause harm like buckthorn).
- Within 40 feet of an intersection, 3 feet of a structure like a fire hydrant, and 10 feet from an alley the planting must be at our below 18 inches-- EVERYWHERE ELSE there are NO height restrictions-- you can grow tall sunflowers for 15 feet at a time.
- Why the height restrictions. To ensure that sight lines are open to avoid vehicle and pedestrian safety issues & to ensure first responders & workers can access fire hydrants or utility boxes.
- Tilling or digging using mechanized equipment is prohibited when planting vegetation within the dripline of boulevard tree and no tree roots may be cut to allow planting.
- No paving over boulevards without permit
- No double shredded hardwood mulch or rocks without permit , except double shredded hardwood mulch free of dyes between plant clusters for up to 6 feet is allowable without permit.
- No woodchips
- Any approved alternative ground cover must be placed in such a manner as to not fall or accumulate in the adjacent gutter or catch basin
Will have to pull out my rose bushes, raspberry bushes, or favorite edible plant with thorns?
- The short answer is no, those plants are fine. The longer answer is, if you are growing spiny thorny wooded plants that can hurt people or animals, you have not been and will not be allowed to have that in the boulevard.
Do I have to get a permit for a raised bed and pay a fee?
- The way the ordinance is proposed now yes, and no permit fee for raised beds in boulevards in the Northside and Southside green zones. HOWEVER, this is being debated. Some of us want no permit and no fee, some want permit and fee, and some want permit and now fee. Everyone has a good argument for why and ultimately, I want you feedback on this and any part of the ordinance.
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.
The minimum wage across the city of Minneapolis is now $15.97 for all businesses. There is a higher minimum wage in Minneapolis than the rest of the state.
Coverage depends on the physical location (in the City of Minneapolis) of the employee while the employee is performing work, regardless of the employee’s age or training.
Read more about City of Minneapolis labor standards.
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 You can ride the bus or METRO light rail for free to the Community Connections Conference on Feb. 8 courtesy of conference partner, Metro Transit.
To use:
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Download your pass.
- Save the pass to your mobile device or print it out.
- Show the pass to the driver or fare inspector for free rides 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on conference day Feb. 8.
Plan your trip with Metro Transit.
More
Stop by the conference for:
- More than 100 exhibits from the City of Minneapolis, other public institutions and community groups.
- Workshops and community dialogues on important topics.
- Performances from local artists.
- Free lunch.
- A fun scavenger hunt side quest.
- Opportunities to connect with City leaders.
Read more about the Community Connections Conference and register now.
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.
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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.
The applicants for community partners to redevelop the Peoples’ Way site at George Floyd Square will give community presentations on their plans Feb. 26. Come hear their presentations and share your feedback. The City is looking for community input before advancing one of the groups to the mayor and City Council for approval.
Redeveloping the Peoples’ Way site for community use is a part of the City’s effort to work with community on a new vision for George Floyd Square. Years of feedback from community members has informed a shared vision for the area.
Four applicants responded to the City’s request for a community partner to redevelop the Peoples’ Way site at 3744 Chicago Ave.:
- Minnesota Agape Movement
- P3 Foundation (David’s Place)
- Rise & Remember
- Urban League Twin Cities
Peoples’ Way applicant presentations 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St.
Food and refreshments will be provided.
If you cannot come to the applicant presentations, you can choose from several events to meet with staff. Read more on the City website.
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 Junauda Petrus is the city’s new poet laureate for 2025-2026. Petrus succeeds Heid E. Erdrich in this prominent literary role. A multidisciplinary artist, Petrus spans stage, screen and page in her work. She blends ancestral storytelling, speculative fiction and poetic verse around themes of Blackness, queerness and womanhood.
The administration of the Poet Laureate Award is overseen by The Loft Literary Center. The Loft is hosting a public celebration in honor of Petrus Feb. 13 at its headquarters in downtown Minneapolis.
Co-founder of the experimental artist collection Free Black Dirt, Petrus is known for creating innovative performances. Her acclaimed debut novel, The Stars and the Blackness Between Them, received the 2020 Coretta Scott King Honor Book Award. In 2023 she released her first children’s book, Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? It is based on an abolitionist future and became a Minnesota Book Award finalist.
Deeply rooted in the cultural, social and historic fabric of Minneapolis, Petrus will use her visionary voice as poet laureate to celebrate the city’s beauty, struggle and magic through poetry.
Read more about the City of Minneapolis and The Loft Literary Center’s Poet Laureate Award on the City website.
Join us Feb. 25 at the final open house for the New Nicollet Redevelopment. New Nicollet is a 10-acre parcel of land between the Midtown Greenway and Lake Street. It was home to Kmart for many years. The City is developing a plan to make it a walkable area that meets the needs of nearby neighborhoods. Community input is at the heart of that plan.
Community priorities
The New Nicollet team gathered community input in 2024. They did this through surveys, online meetings and in-person conversations. Residents, businesses and community members said what they hoped to see here. Top priorities include:
- Deeply affordable housing with supportive services.
- Home ownership opportunities to prevent displacement and support wealth building.
- Well-connected public spaces for community connections and to promote public safety.
- A grocery store for access to healthy and affordable food.
The open house will showcase the ways extensive community input is shaping the project. Attendees can give feedback on the Development Framework and learn about next steps.
Final New Nicollet open house 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 Whittier International Elementary School, 315 W. 26th St.
Language interpretation will be available for Spanish and Somali. Free food and kids’ activities will be provided.
Find the Development Framework starting Feb. 25 on the New Nicollet Redevelopment webpage.
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Come get a progress update on the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and Lake Street Safety Center. Hear about services and resources in the centers and how your feedback is being used to shape plans.
There is one more update session left of this series. We encourage residents in Ward 2 to attend, but any Minneapolis community member is welcome.
In person 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave. S.
City staff will be available for a Q&A after the presentation. Community members can also learn more about other safety programs in the city. A light dinner will be available for attendees.
Learn more on the event flyer in English, Español, Af-Soomaali, Hmoob and Oromo.
Visit the City website to:
- Watch a previously recorded online session.
- Read a summary of frequently asked questions from previous sessions.
- Find more information on the safety centers.
After months of community engagement, the City of Minneapolis is moving forward to redevelop the City-owned building at 3000 Minnehaha Ave. Sixty-three percent of the respondents favor a mixed-use democracy center proposal. The center would house the City’s Elections & Voter Services, allowing a large ground-floor space for community use. The City is now looking for a tenant to lease that part of the center for community-focused space.
Democracy center proposal
Throughout the summer, the City conducted open houses, conversations and surveys. The most residents favored the democracy center proposal and also showed interest in several uses for the community space, including:
- Social services
- Community-based cultural programs
- Business or commercial uses
Next steps
The City has requested proposals for a tenant who will program the community space. Proposals are due March 14.
The City will proceed with design and renovation plans. The City intends to include the selected tenant in the planning, design and build-out of the community space.
To learn more, visit the City website.
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.
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.
If you have a moment, please watch the video linked below.
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.
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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. |
