 CM Jenkins with CM Vetaw, CM Koski, CM Wonsley, CM Cashman, CM Chughtai, CM Chowdhury, CM Palmisano and city staff celebrating Women’s History Month.
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re enjoying this spring preview we’ve been experiencing over the past week. It might be safe to say just about everyone is, except maybe snowplow operators. But as we approach March Madness basketball tournaments, I’m sure those folks will get their opportunities. As many of you are aware the Council voted to overturn the mayor’s veto of the Council’s plan to study a pedestrian mall concept at George Floyd Square. Full disclosure, I voted to sustain the mayor’s veto because I know the time and commitment community members put into the process. The Public Works Department surveyed over 6000 residents in the four surrounding neighborhoods as well as 15 of the 20 business and property owners in George Floyd Square, and they overwhelmingly support the flexible open option which is a compromise that would have maintained transit and vehicle traffic, while providing opportunity for closure of the square for a variety of community activities and events. To all those neighbors who participated in this 4 and ½ year community engagement process, I thank you. I also beg you to please stay involved. There’s still a long way to go to ensure George Floyd Square becomes the community asset that honors the legacy of George Floyd and others that have lost their lives to state violence, while providing much needed and deserved community benefits.
What happens next you ask? Public works will begin the process of making a case for a pedestrian mall. This will entail developing a design, gaining support from property owners, and documenting other state requirements. They anticipate completing this by December, and if approved by the State, then community engagement would commence and potentially construction could begin by the fall of 2026. I admit that I’m deeply saddened and disappointed by this development, but as I was told by one of my council colleagues who voted to override the veto, that 'elections have consequences, and that they have the power'. Enough said.
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to judge student teams at Justice Page Middle School for the Future City Minnesota Regional Competition, where students create sustainable model cities that address the environmental challenges that cities will face in the future. The team from JPMS took 1st place in the regional competition and went on to represent Minnesota in the national competition. There, they came up short but we are so proud of them for their efforts. Congratulations, JPMS! Read more about their impressive accomplishments here.
Happy Women’s History Month, and to all my Muslim neighbors, Ramadan Mubarak.
Lastly,
After several months of introspection and vacillation, I’ve decided this is my last term in office. I will not be seeking a fourth term as a Minneapolis City Council Member. It has, indeed, been the honor of my life to serve as your Council Member. During that time, I served as Council President and Vice President during some of the most challenging times in Minneapolis history. I’m very proud of to be supported by voters in Ward 8. I’m grateful for the people who worked to support a strong Ward 8, elevating women, people of color and our LGBTQIA+ community.
I’ve been in City government since 2001 when I was appointed to the role of Policy Aide by Robert Lilligren. We took office early, as the previous councilmember was indicted on bribery charges. It’s also notable that it was only three months after 9/11. A lot has happened since that time. Minneapolis was the center of national attention when the I-35W bridge collapsed. The city, particularly north Minneapolis was devastated by tornados. We witnessed a homeless shelter and senior citizen high rise experience fatal fires. And of course, we all know that one of the most brutal and traumatic public lynchings in American history happened in Ward 8, with murder of George Perry Floyd, Jr.
There have been many positive things that have transpired as well. Minneapolis was among the very first cities in the country to adopt a $15.00 minimum wage. We were among the first cities to “Ban the Box,” an ordinance that took the question about criminal backgrounds off the job application. We passed one of the most sweeping rezoning efforts in the nation called the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan seeks to undo some of the egregious harms to communities of color through redlining. These are just a few of the things that I’ve been a part of serving in 13 years as policy aide to Robert Lilligren and subsequently to Elizabeth Glidden. I spent the next eight years as an elected official, and all of that time has been in service to Ward 8.
As this year progresses, I will take time to detail and highlight more accomplishments and thank you’ s. I’m particularly proud that I have only had four staff people in my office, anchored by the longest tenured Policy Aide, Deebaa Sirdar. Her professionalism, thoughtful demeanor, and knowledge of city processes have been a staple throughout my time in office. The other three include Sara Lopez, Zoe Bourgerie, and Kristina Mitchell. Thank you, ladies, stability and continuity matters.
There is still most of this year ahead us. Minneapolis is a great City and I believe Ward 8 is the soul of this city. We have a lot of work to do. I support community oversight over the State imposed enforceable agreement to be effective, and we are going to need a lot of monitoring by the Council and the community if the DOJ consent decree is signed off by the judge. But make no mistake, we are serious about reimagining public safety and police reform. We still have far too much work to do to make sure everyone has a safe place to sleep at night, and we need to make sure Minneapolis continues to be a place where artists can thrive.
We will be working on these things and more in 2025 and beyond.
Love,
Andrea
 CM Jenkins speaking at First Universalist Church for Black History Month.
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:
- We are a welcoming city to all of our neighbors.
- We are not making any staffing changes at this time.
The City Council has passed a resolution 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.
 Come to a public meeting March 12. You’ll get updates about the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department’s path to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement. Effective Law Enforcement For All (ELEFA), the independent evaluator of the settlement agreement, will present the updates.
ELEFA will present an overview of its role in the settlement agreement, describe its requirements and how it checks compliance, and provide implementation updates from the first semi-annual evaluation report.
5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 5:30-6 p.m. Food and refreshments 6-8 p.m. Event presentation Ukrainian American Community Center, 301 Main St. NE
If you have questions or require accommodation to attend, please contact ELEFA.
Learn more about the March 12 information sessions on this flyer (PDF).
You can also learn more about the evaluator and its work on its website.
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.
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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.
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 If you or someone you know is a college, graduate or law student, encourage them to apply for the Urban Scholars Internship Program. This summer leadership internship is for college and graduate students interested in public sector careers.
The 2025 Urban Scholars program runs from June 2 to Aug. 15. The program is a full-time summer program providing internships, professional development and mentorship opportunities for young professionals. The interns work full-time with the employers four days a week with leadership development every Monday.
Candidate applications are due March 17.
 The City of Minneapolis has unveiled a draft development framework for the New Nicollet Redevelopment project, guided by input from thousands of community members. Through 14 in-person and virtual events, 2,245 survey responses, and 520 in-person interactions, the community’s voice is represented and shaping every aspect of this project.
The bold vision would transform the former Kmart site into a thriving hub of green space, a variety of housing options and small business opportunities.
The New Nicollet Redevelopment site spans 10 acres of land between the Midtown Greenway trail, Lake Street, First Avenue and Blaisdell Avenue. The City's plan includes reconnecting Nicollet Avenue. A few of the top resident priorities emerging from community engagement include enhanced public spaces, a variety of housing choices for households at all income levels and a new grocery store.
Next steps
The project team will seek approval of the development framework from City Council and the mayor this spring. Construction on Nicollet Avenue is expected to begin later this year.
Read more and sign up for updates on the City website.
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.
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.
With the early warming up in our weather, some people may want to tidy and rake up their yards. But pollinators nest in the broken stems of plants and overwinter in leaf piles. To protect them, please do not rake any leaves or clean up your yard until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees.
Yard waste collection will begin the week of April 7.
 The City of Minneapolis has appointed Robert Timmerman the new city auditor, effective immediately.
The Office of the City Auditor office provides independent, objective review and consulting services to add value and improve City operations. Services also include auditing, continuous monitoring and investigations. The city auditor reports to the audit committee, which is made up of two City Council members, a Park Board commissioner and four community members.
Timmerman comes to the City of Minneapolis with strong state experience. Most recently, he served with the Minnesota Department of Transportation as acting director of the Office of Audit and an internal audit and investigations supervisor. Timmerman also served as a senior auditor for the Minnesota Office of the Legislator Auditor and a tax supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Timmerman holds a business administration degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a certificate in law enforcement from Metropolitan State University. He has performed government audits and led professional level government auditors for most of his 18 years in public service.
Read more about the city auditor appointment on the City website.
 Minneapolis is working to start a pilot for traffic safety cameras and wants to hear from you. Take a new survey to 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 gather feedback on potential camera locations through mid-May.
Read more information about the traffic safety camera pilot on the City website.
 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.
Make an appointment on the City website.
 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. |
