April 17, 2025

A message from Council Member Chavez

Dear neighbor,

We just concluded another busy city council cycle, and we took action on important issues for our community. 

For over a year now, my office and Council Member Chowdhury have been working to support street vendor entrepreneurs after hearing their stories, their goals, aspirations, and concerns. We heard from them about the need for job opportunities to keep a roof over their heads, provide food for their family, address mental health and to help stay afloat during these economically and socially challenging times. They expressed wanting to be able to sell food but that the current regulations in place were prohibitive.

Street vendors, many of whom are our immigrant neighbors and people of color, have spent much of the past few years receiving fines, threats of having their belongings confiscated for simply trying to make a living, along with other concerns. We heard that the permits the City offered did not meet the needs of street vendors. That is why we have spent the past year working closely and in collaboration with city staff and meeting with over 25 of these entrepreneurs on a regular basis to understand their experience. This allowed us the opportunity to move policy forward to ensure we have the adequate permits in place and address public health concerns. I am appreciative of the work we were able to do with both city staff and the community. 

Here are some highlights from the ordinance:

• Increases locations per license from 1 to up to 3 (one cart, one license, up to 3 approved locations) 
• Increase access by allowing this in the City wide Goods and Services Corridors. 
• Changes 500 ft from Park building MPRB boundary to 200 ft from property line for expanded access.
• Amended approved operating hours from 7am-10pm to 6am-12am unless within 300 ft from a residence. In that instance, the approved hours are 7am-11pm.
• Added ability to create a Late-Night Operation Zone.
• Ensures that sites must meet ADA compliance standards.
• Removed harmful and outdated ableist language that was in the previous ordinance for decades. 

It's no surprise that we are living in some dark times in this country. We have a Federal Government who continues to demonize our immigrant community. I believe this ordinance is going to help build bridges while breaking these down walls at the municipal level.

I want to give a special shout out to Ivonne Hernandez, my Policy Associate, and Amy Umanzor Diaz, Policy Aide to Council Member Chowdhury. Ivonne and Amy put in countless hours meeting with the entrepreneurs, City staff, and anybody else who would listen about the importance of getting this policy right. Their determination, attention to detail, and commitment to our neighbors was an inspiration to me and so many others. 

Ward 9 Office Hours with the Office of Community Safety

Residents of Ward 9 are invited to join me for office hours at the newly opened Lake Street Safety Center with the Office of Community Safety. This is a great opportunity to explore the center, learn about the services that are available, and ask any questions you may have. Stay for a casual chat and connect with others in the community. A Q&A session will be included. We look forward to seeing you there.

Where: Lake Street Safety Center, 2228 Lake St. E.

When: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.

George Floyd Square Area Update

Mayor Frey and I met this week on issues related to George Floyd Square. We both agreed to meet and work together on issues to address the needs of our shared community. As we work to help heal wounds in our community, I believe there are opportunities to make tangible differences and move forward. My team and I compiled a list of initiatives that we could collaborate on. I will say that it was a positive and promising conversation that I believe could bring promising results. 

Here are some ideas that I believe we can achieve together and accomplish at George Floyd Square that I shared with Mayor Frey: 

• Truth and Reconciliation at GFS: Establish a process to acknowledge historical injustices and work toward healing with the community. This area was home to a worldwide racial reckoning, and we should establish a process with a key focus on how the city can contribute to addressing systemic inequalities.
• Thirty-Eighth Street THRIVE Strategic Development Plan: Support comprehensive funding, metrics, and goals to complete the plan. Examples include funding a 38th Street Cultural District Capital Fund.
• 38th and Chicago Task Force: Establish a multi-jurisdictional task force with the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the State of Minnesota to evaluate immediate solutions for housing, economic development, healing in the 38th Street Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods, to review the 24 demands. 
• Community Events and Activation at GFS: Increase the number of city events occurring at GFS to support the community, promote small businesses, increase bathroom access, and activate the area. The city could help with year-round pop-up markets, weekly Farmers Market, hosting a Black Business Week event, and more in the area.  
• Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, Arts, and Façade Improvement Grants at GFS: Fund a grant program to upgrade storefronts, fill vacant buildings, including new signage, lighting, and exterior design improvements.
• GFS/38th & Chicago Forgivable Loan Program: Provide funding for a forgivable relief program to support businesses at GFS. 
• Arts, Culture, and Vibrancy at GFS: Increase the visual and cultural landscape of GFS by funding community murals that reflect the identity, diversity, and values of our community. This will beautify the area, improve aesthetics of GFS, and draw foot traffic to nearby businesses. 
• Creating a new City Role: GFS Entrepreneurship Coach & Community Coordinator: Establish a position or role to coordinate business support and technical assistance, mentoring, events, and community support in the George Floyd Square area. 
• Marketing & Promotion at GFS: Support marketing and promotion efforts in the area.
• Job Fair Services: CPED and NCR can host job fairs, or workforce training programs. 

The Mayor and I agreed to stay in communication as we work on addressing many of these ideas in service of our shared community.

Neighborhood traffic calming projects coming to Ward 9, public meeting announced

Public Works staff recently completed the initial screening and preliminary scoring of neighborhood traffic calming applications. Based on this, I’m pleased to inform you that eleven applications included in nine projects in Ward 9 have been selected for the neighborhood traffic calming program. In the coming months, here are the next steps:

• Invitation to an open house. Safety Group staff will host an open house to discuss the neighborhood traffic calming program, present selected applications near your neighborhood, and provide an opportunity for community feedback.

• On street data collection. This will include vehicle speed and volume information that will be used to finalize locations and traffic calming treatments proposed in your area.

• Share traffic calming treatment recommendations. Safety Group staff will provide the design of the proposed treatments based on the data collected and community feedback.

• Implementation of recommended traffic calming treatment. This will take place through the summer, into the fall season.
• Monitor treatments. Safety Group staff will monitor treatments and may adjust if necessary.

A public meeting will be held to provide information to residents and answer any questions you may have. Join staff on Monday, April 28 from 5:00-6:30 at Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S. Here are the several areas for traffic calming treatments to be implemented in 2025:

• 11th Ave S between 24th St E and 26th St E
• 13th Ave S between 36th St E and 38th St E
• 13th Ave S between 24th St E and 36th St E
• 16th Ave S between 26th St E and 28th St E
• 17th Ave S between Lake St E and 32nd St E
• 18th Ave S between 26th St E and 28th St E
• 21st St E between 11th Ave S and Bloomington Ave
• 23rd Ave S between 31st St E and 33rd St E
• 27th Ave S between 28th St E and Lake St E
• 35th St E between 31st Ave S and 36th Ave S
• Andersen Ln between 10th Ave S and 12th Ave S

For updates and additional information please visit the traffic calming website here. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact Safety Group staff at: traffic.calming@minneapolismn.gov

Sky Without Limits Cooperative - Ward 9 Corcoran Apartments Stabilization

In May 2020, Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the City participated in a loan to Land Bank Twin Cities, Inc. (Land Bank) totaling $8,430,000 for the acquisition of five buildings at 3105, 3112, 3116, 3122, and 3141 22nd Ave. These five buildings are commonly referred to as the Corcoran 5, which were acquired by the Land Bank with the intent to eventually sell them to Sky Without Limits Cooperative, in partnership with United Renters For Justice/Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia.

The City’s portion was $3,450,000 and the funds were made available through the Small Medium Multifamily (SMMF) loan program, which was designed to be a pilot partnership between the Land Bank, LISC, and the City of Minneapolis.  The goal of the program was to get community control over properties that are currently without government subsidy and provide tenant protections. 

This partnership is with Sky without Limits (SWL) who formed as a nonprofit organization with the goal of addressing poor living conditions and transforming the housing system in Minneapolis. Their goal is to create and maintain an inclusive, tenant-led housing community that prioritizes safe, cohesive and stable housing over profits. 

This action  will help facilitate the stabilization of these 49 units of affordable housing for an additional 30 years from the date of acquisition by Sky Without Limits Cooperative. In addition, this will prevent the displacement of existing tenants. These buildings are occupied and affordable to households with incomes at or below 80% AMI. The new loan will include deeper affordability restrictions to 50% and 60% AMI.

Boards and commissions deadline extended to April 20

The deadline to apply for a number of boards and commissions has been extended through April 20. Thanks to everybody from Ward 9 who has applied so far. If you’re interested in applying and have any questions, please reach out to my office and we’ll be happy to assist you.

The City is 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 a board or commission is a way to help make changes and improvements that affect our community, and it offers a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them.

Ward 9 has not received any applications for the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Housing (MACH) or the Public Health Advisory Committee (PHAC). 

MACH provides advice and recommendations to the City Council and Mayor on matters related to housing policy and development, rental licensing, and other areas which affect housing in the City of Minneapolis. PHAC's role is to advise the city council and mayor on policy matters affecting Minneapolis residents' health and make recommendations; review Health Department priorities and provide community feedback; and serve as liaisons between the City and the community in addressing health concerns.

If you are interested in either of those committees, please be sure to apply by April 20 on the City website.

Safe and Thriving Communities Work Group application period open

The City Council in 2021 authorized a contract with an organization at Harvard University to create a Minneapolis-specific report and plan for building out unarmed public safety services. That process resulted in the Safe and Thriving Communities Report and Plan (STCRP), which was presented to the Minneapolis City Council and the public in July of 2023. The STCRP recommends that within the first 12 months of implementation, the City should “Establish a Community Advisory Board composed of government executives, community partners, stakeholders, and community members.” 

Council Member Wonsley, Council Member Chowdhury, and I authored a resolution to establish a Safe and Thriving Communities Work group, fulfilling this recommendation and creating an ongoing venue for community input on the implementation of the Safe and Thriving Communities Report and Plan. I believe it is important to work closely with residents to achieve a comprehensive safety system and this is a step towards that. Once it begins, the work group will provide advice and recommendations to the City Council and Mayor on the implementation of the Safe and Thriving Communities Plan.

The application period to join the work group is open now and closes on May 4. You can apply for the Ward 9 seat on the work group here. As always, if you have questions about the work group or the application process, please reach out to my office.

Park and Portland Safety Improvements

As I shared in previous newsletters, Hennepin County is leading a project to bring safety improvements to Park and Portland Avenues, between Interstate 94 and 46th Street.

Engagement Update

• The project team held an open house in February and is currently processing the comments received.
• In April and May, the project team is holding pop-ups to continue collecting input at various locations and with community groups. Those events can be found on the project website.
• An online interactive map showing the layout concept has already attracted dozens of comments. This map will remain open for comments until May 31.
• A letter promoting the events and comment map was recently mailed to each address within a block of the corridor.
• While the details are not set yet, the City expects this project to hold its next open house in June to share a recommended layout. 

Traffic Safety Camera Pilot Questionnaire on Camera Locations

The City of Minneapolis plans to begin a pilot program for traffic safety cameras. The pilot will start as early as August 2025. The cameras will provide automated enforcement of speed limits starting at about five locations. The City may expand up to a max of 42 camera locations during the pilot period. The pilot may also expand to include enforcement of red lights.

Public Works staff have identified 51 initial candidate camera locations, and they will use public feedback to help determine the initial locations and any future additions.

Please complete this short survey to provide feedback on the camera locations. More information about the pilot program can be found here.

Southside Artists Selected to Create Large Mural for Hi-Lake

The Hiawatha Avenue and Lake Street intersection, known as Hi-Lake, and the highway underpass are being redesigned to create an area that is safer and more comfortable for pedestrians. As part of the Hiawatha-Lake Redesign, the Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department is working with Natchez Beaulieu, Daniela Bianchini, Pablo Kalaka, and Greta McLain. They will be collaborating with the community to design and fabricate a 5,200 square foot mural on the north and south walls of the underpass.

All four artists are Southsiders who have a deep commitment to Minneapolis. They are excited to combine community engagement activities, community painting techniques, and community mosaic-making to create a work for this area. Their vision is a mural that will uplift the intersection at Hiawatha and Lake into a symbol of community resilience, unity and pride.

To participate in this spring’s community engagement and design activities, contact Kirstin Wiegmann.

Street sweeping begins April 22

Public Works crews will start the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program April 22 to clear away what accumulated in the streets over the winter. Drivers should watch for hot pink temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow.

For approximately four weeks, sweeping crews will take care of more than 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure the crews can do the most complete job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

Find your street on the schedule: You can see when your street is scheduled to be swept by visiting the interactive street sweeping map.

Learn more about street sweeping.

Lock and dam land transferring to Dakota stewardship

Federal land near the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam will transfer to Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, a Dakota-led organization working with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to create a community space at the site. The space will feature indigenous vegetation, restored water flow, and a renewed connection to the river.

The historic transfer, which will put sacred Dakota land back into the stewardship of Dakota people, has been nearly a decade in the making and reflects years of collaboration between the City of Minneapolis, federal leaders, Owámniyomni Okhódayap, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the four Dakota tribes of Minnesota, groups, and community stakeholders.

Efforts to transfer management of the site began in 2015, when the Upper Lock was closed to maritime traffic to halt the spread of invasive carp. In 2020, Congress passed legislation ordering the transfer of the site from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the City of Minneapolis or its designee. The City chose Friends of the Falls, now Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, as its designee to transform the area into a community space that honors its Indigenous significance.

Read more about the transfer and the project on the City website.

Yard waste collection begins for the season April 7

The 2025 season for Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling collection of leaves, brush, and other yard trimmings starts the week of April 7. Customers can set properly prepared yard waste at their alleys or curbs next to their garbage carts by 6:00 a.m. on their pickup day.

You can set yard waste out in a reusable container, compostable bags (paper or certified compostable plastic), or bundled with string or twine.

See how to prepare it on the City website.

Save the date: Minneapolis Music Summit May 10

Come to the Minneapolis Music Summit for a day of community-building, celebrating and imagining the future of Minneapolis music. Whether you’re a musician or a promoter, working in management, recording, venues, studios or policy, and whatever your genre, you’re invited. This event is free.

Connect to resources, give feedback on policy ideas, and be a part of the conversation.

• Minneapolis Music Summit
• 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
•  Saturday, May 10
• Green Room, 2923 Girard Ave. S.

The Minneapolis Music Summit is a partnership of the City of Minneapolis and Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance.

Please RSVP, and watch the City website for updates.

Park Board Earth Day cleanup April 19

The 2025 Earth Day cleanup is April 19. Join friends, family and neighbors in the largest community service event in Minneapolis, with more than 40 sites across the city’s park system. Since the event began in 2008, more than 23,000 residents have removed more than 165,000 pounds of garbage.

Just drop in to volunteer. Choose a site and arrive at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will bring bags and gloves, and the City of Minneapolis will dispose of the trash you collect.

Read more on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website.

Save the date for the Trans Equity Summit

The 2025 City of Minneapolis Trans Equity Summit has been scheduled for Monday, Aug. 11, at the McNamara Alumni Center. The theme for this year’s event is “Trans Equity and Intergenerational Power: Strengthening the Future by Honoring Our Past.”

The City of Minneapolis and partners are planning the all-day, free event that provides space to connect on social, legal and health issues important to the transgender community. The summit will include breakout sessions, a job and resource fair and healing justice offerings. Space will be protected for community care and collective witnessing for trans and gender non-conforming neighbors.

Bookmark this webpage and check back for updates.

Resources for laid-off workers

News of layoffs – federal workers, tech workers and others – have topped headlines recently. Unexpected job loss is tough for anyone, but there are resources to help. The Dislocated Worker program helps workers laid off through no fault of their own. This free program offers services including:

• Career planning and counseling

• Job search assistance

• Education and training support
• Help with your expenses around employment or training goals

Visit the City of Minneapolis' dislocated worker webpage or contact staff at CareerForce for help finding a new job.

Career help for young people

April is Youth Employment Month in Minnesota. Many young people looking for work struggle, but we can help. City of Minneapolis Employment & Training has programs and resources specifically for youths.

Minneapolis Youth Works is a year-round program for youth ages 14-24 with challenges to employment. The program provides support to finish school, get training in job skills and find or keep a job.

Visit the City’s Youth Works page for full eligibility requirements and next steps. You can also fill out the interest form to have an employment coach contact you.

The Minneapolis Employment and Opportunity Guide for Youth lists options for jobs, internships, volunteer work and more. You can also visit CareerForce in person or online.

Cannabis dispensary map now available online

Now that Minnesota’s cannabis regulations have been approved, it won’t be long before legal adult-use cannabis dispensaries start to open across the state. Wondering where you might find one in your neighborhood?

Check out the map for zoning on cannabis dispensaries.

Watch the mail for your annual recycling guide

Service guides are arriving in the mail for City Solid Waste & Recycling customers. Your guide includes a collection schedule for the year; ways you can create less trash and reuse what you already have; and a catalog of what belongs in the black garbage cart, blue recycling cart and green organics cart. The guide also has instructions for setting out large items and for managing household hazardous waste.

Find more resources for recycling and organics on the City website.

Public listening session on capital projects May 1, 2025

At a public listening session coming up May 1, a City advisory group will discuss the projects currently under review for the Minneapolis 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. The committee invites public participation for a deeper understanding of community perspectives, to incorporate public input into their discussions with City departments, and to share information about the committee’s role in shaping the City’s long-range capital planning.

Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee Regular meeting, public listening session 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1 Sibley Park Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room 101 1900 E. 40th St.

The Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee is an advisory group for the City that provides recommendations for the its six-year Capital Improvement Plan through an annual report and project ratings system.

See the projects under review on the City website.

Shared e-bikes and scooters open for the season

Lime and Spin e-bikes and scooters are now available for rent for the 2025 season. To start your ride, download the operators’ app, (under the Lime and Spin websites) sign up and begin your rental.

This program makes it easier to leave your car at home and try walking, biking, rolling or taking transit more often.

Learn more about renting, riding and parking scooters.

Learn more about e-bike sharing for short trips around the city.

Contact the Ward 9 Office

Email: jason.chavez@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2209

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

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 ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.