February 21st, 2025

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Hello neighbors,

At last week's City Council meeting, we took action on 53 items forwarded to us from our standing committees and gave notice for 5 different ordinance introductions. 

There has been a lot of news about the Neighborhood Safety Department. The City Council has been working hard to solve the problems of mismanagement within the department. I highly encourage everyone to fully read this news article from the Star Tribune that outlines much of the deep dysfunction that exists. While ultimately the Council unanimously decided to postpone any move of contracts to Hennepin County, we will keep performing oversight and working to fix the problems within the department in order to keep people safe. 

The other big issue we took action on during last week's meeting was moving forward with a pedestrian plaza for George Floyd Square. Unfortunately, the Mayor vetoed that action even though the Council has been clear on the direction we support moving forward with for months. The Council will vote on whether to sustain or override the veto at our meeting on Thursday, February 27th. There has been some confusion around this issue, so I will lay out the timeline of what has happened so far below.

At the November 21st, 2024 Climate and Infrastructure committee, the Public Works Department presented 3 different options for the future of George Floyd Square: flexible-open, transit mall, and pedestrian plaza. The City Council has to vote on and approve the recommended concept layouts from Public Works in order for projects to move forward. The Public Works Department recommended the flexible-open concept layout for George Floyd Square. The majority of the Council disagreed with their recommendation and at our meeting on December 5th, 2024, passed a resolution expressing our support for the pedestrian plaza concept layout. This action then underwent Mayoral review where it had the opportunity to be vetoed or approved, and it was deemed approved and not vetoed. From that moment on, it has been clear the direction we are ready to move forward with for the future of George Floyd Square. In support of that direction, we have since given notice on an ordinance for a George Floyd Square Pedestrian Mall and referred the flexible-open concept layout to the Clerks in order to ensure it's clear on how we want to move forward. The Public Works Department asked for even clearer direction, so at our meeting last week on February 13th Council passed a legislative directive based on a memo from Public Works staff that lays out the steps needed to move forward with the pedestrian plaza option. This is the action that the Mayor vetoed this week.

I hope laying out this timeline helps show how this veto risks stopping work and progress that has been happening for months. The City Council has had many votes that make it clear we support moving forward with a pedestrian plaza on George Floyd Square and we cannot risk going back to square one if this veto is sustained. I hope my colleagues join me in overriding the veto so that we can move forward on the future of George Floyd Square in a way that can appropriately honor his life and the sanctity and sacredness of this place for our entire community. 

Best,

Elliott

Connect with Council President Elliott Payne

March Community 1-1s

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

Where:Coffee Shop Ne 2952 Johnson St Ne

Details: Sign up link will be included closer to the date

City statement to residents

Over the last few weeks, the City has seen executive orders and memos come down from Washington D.C. regarding everything from federal funding to immigration issues. Our City is navigating the very fluid landscape of what it means to operate under this new administration.

While there is still uncertainty about the impacts to the City of Minneapolis, we continue to closely track and monitor all developments. Here are two things that we know today:

1. We are a welcoming city to all of our neighbors.
2. We are not making any staffing changes at this time.

Last week, the City Council passed a resolution that I authored giving the City Attorney’s Office broader authority to challenge any federal actions in state or federal court to further support the City’s values, interests and functions. The City also has working groups in place to track key policy issues.

The City of Minneapolis remains committed to serving its residents.

$2 million in settlements collected for Minneapolis workers

The City of Minneapolis guarantees workers have access to paid sick leave, a minimum wage, and protection from wage theft. By investigating and enforcing these workplace protections, the City has now recovered more than $2 million for Minneapolis workers in wages and damages. The last two budget cycles I have passed increased funding for the enforcement of these protections, and am proud to see the results of all the money we have rightfully gotten back in the hands of our residents. 

Since 2018, more than 1,000 labor standards complaints involving more than 16,000 workers have been processed by the Civil Rights Department. These have resulted in 382 mediations or settlements. These investigations often include policy changes and technical assistance for all parties involved. Recent resolved cases include:

• More than $43,000 in back wages for three workers at Amigos One Stop, a grocery store in south Minneapolis.
• More than $145,000 in back wages and damages owed to 180 security guards and valet attendants with Unparalleled Parking LLC and Unparalleled Security LLC.

• More than $22,000 in back wages to seven workers at Plymouth Academy preschool serving children and families.

Violations can be reported by calling 311; filling out an online form; or stopping by in person at City Hall, Room 239. 

Read more on the City website.

Love Minneapolis? Apply starting March 1 for Minneapolis boards and commissions

Recruiting members for boards and commissions opens March 1. We’re looking for applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences representing the demographics of Minneapolis to strengthen the work of the City. Translation and interpreting are available so all residents can participate.

Serving on City boards and commissions offers a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them. This is a way to help make changes and improvements that affect your community.

Applications will be taken in March for these boards and commissions:

• Advisory Committee on Aging
• Advisory Committee on Disabilities
• Advisory Committee on Housing
• Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Community Commission on Police Oversight (applications open until March 16)
• Homegrown Food Council
• Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• Public Health Advisory Committee

Apply March 1-31, and stay up to date on vacancies, position descriptions and timelines by visiting the City website.

Open houses on traffic safety cameras

Minneapolis is working to start a pilot for traffic safety cameras and wants to hear from you. Join in a community open house to hear more and share your feedback on camera locations. A new State law allowing this pilot requires protections for fairness, equity and privacy.

Camera enforcement is proven effective at saving lives and reducing crashes. It’s one part of the City's effort to get to zero traffic deaths and serious injuries.

The pilot will launch as early as August with about five camera locations that will enforce speed limits. The pilot will run for up to four ears and may expand to a maximum of 42 locations. The program may also expand to enforce red lights.

The City will share more details around the traffic safety camera pilot and get your feedback on potential camera locations at two upcoming open houses:

In-person open house 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 Presentation at 4:30 p.m. Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Room (second floor, up the escalator), 300 Nicollet Mall

Online open house 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 Join on Teams.

The City will gather feedback on potential camera locations through mid-May. An online survey will be available soon, and the City will also take part in other events over the next months.

Read more information about the traffic safety camera pilot on the City website.

Enter lottery by March 14 to buy a low-cost tree

Minneapolis property owners can now enter the City Trees lottery through March 14. Each property is eligible for up to three trees for $30 each. More than 15 varieties of shade and evergreen trees are available, and the trees are 3 feet to 7 feet tall.

If you’re successful in the lottery, you’ll get an email to order your trees March 17-31 and pick them up May 30-June 1.

Benefits of trees

Planting trees can:

• Save you money on utility bills.
• Shade and cool your property.
• Collect stormwater runoff.
• Provide habitat for wildlife.
• Improve our health and well-being.
• Increase property values.

Meet some people picking up their trees last year in this video.

Enter the lottery by March 14.

City seeks applicants to serve on Community Commission on Police Oversight

The City of Minneapolis is seeking qualified applicants to serve on the Community Commission on Police Oversight. The independent body allows the public a forum to have meaningful engagement in police oversight and review. Members of the commission serve on the Police Conduct Review Panel as civilian panelists making recommendations about whether MPD policies and procedures have been violated and making recommendations about discipline.

Applications are open now for three current vacancies plus eight seats that will open in May. Applications are due by March 16.

Read more on the City website.

Lower pet licensing fees and the return of vaccinations

In Minneapolis, all dogs, cats and ferrets four months or older must be current on rabies vaccinations, and owners must have a license. Pet licensing helps the City know where an animal lives and its vaccination status if lost.

License fees for non-sterilized pets have been cut in half. The move is one of many that make pet ownership more affordable while helping safeguard both pets and the community.

Sign up for vaccine appointments

We’re once again offering low-cost vaccinations by appointment every other Tuesday. Microchipping and one-year rabies and distemper vaccinations are $10 each. Vaccinations help stop easily prevented disease and illness in our community’s pets.

The next round of appointments will be Feb. 25 and are only open to Minneapolis residents. Make an appointment 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.