In this issue:
Counci Member Cashman speaking from the dais with the U.S. Flag and City Seal in the background
I am thrilled to share that the Tobacco Restrictions Ordinance (2024-01294) that I authored with Council Members Chowdhury and Vetaw has passed City Council with a unanimous vote. Ward 7 represents numerous schools and families who have been expressing concerns about youth tobacco use since the day I was inaugurated. From candy-like flavors to playful names, vaping has been increasingly targeted towards youth. This new ordinance ups the minimum price for a vape to $25, as well as restricts the proximity of tobacco shops to schools. I want to extend a thank you to the numerous community members who worked with us on this ordinance, specifically Larry Fox, a concerned parent who has fought passionately to limit youth tobacco use. While we have a long way to go this is a monumental step towards healthier lungs and healthier communities. You can read more about our work on this policy in the Star Tribune.
I co-authored an ordinance with Council Member Osman to regulate sauna establishments in the City, which is a fast- growing industry that the City Council supports and wants to see thrive. These regulations will put some guardrails around operating woodburning stoves near residential areas, hygiene, building materials and will help the Park Board permit more saunas to operate in parks near the lakes and rivers. I want to thank the sauna companies who sat down to talk with me about this ordinance.
Ordinance Notices, Introductions, & Referrals: Council Members introduced and referred to the appropriate committee ordinances and/or amendments on provisions related to: updating ordinances pertaining to signage.
Upcoming Public Hearings: Public hearings are officially confirmed when meeting agendas are published in the roughly 48 business hours prior to a scheduled meeting. I recommend checking back on the respective links to verify the timeline. Find out more about participating in scheduled hearings and submitting a public comment or watch meetings on the City’s YouTube channel.
Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee: Tuesday, July 15 | 1:30pm | 250 S. Fourth Street, Room 350
Planning Commission: Monday, July 21 | 4:30 pm | 250 S. Fourth Street, Room 350
- Jacquel Hajder with Doran Companies, on behalf of NP Uptown LLC, has submitted the following applications for the properties located at 3003 Hennepin Ave.
- Conditional use permit to amend an existing Planned Unit Development.
- Conditional use permit to amend an existing shopping center.
- Site plan review for a 228-unit residential building.
In each Ward 7 Newsletter, we include a question for constituents to weigh in on. Questions may be related to upcoming policy decisions, future planning, issue prioritization, community project ideas, and more.
Today's question:
QUESTION: City and State budgets are tightening up due to cuts being made by the Federal Administration. Amidst these changes, we want to make sure our budget is adequately filling the gaps and covering the needs of our constituents. That is why we want to hear from you. Please fill out the Ward 7 Budget Survey to help us better understand the needs of Ward 7 community members, and what is most needed in the 2026 budget.
SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE HERE
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the concerns constituents have recently expressed in response to the passage of the recent Budget Reconciliation Bill at the Federal level. I share in your fear of how the President and Congress are stripping away services and programs that keep our communities safe and healthy. City Council is working to assess how this bill would impact us on the local level, and what we can do to protect our most vulnerable community members. While Ward 7 represents some of the more privileged neighborhoods, we also serve a large senior population, as well as numerous affordable housing complexes. Now is the time to stand up for our neighbors. I am committed to keeping Ward 7 in the loop as things develop. Please continue to reach out to our office with your questions and concerns.
Two people smile as they pass by Berger Fountain, which looks like a dandy lion. Photo credit to Nicole Neri from The Minnesota Star Tribune
Up close image of a traffic camera.
In an effort to address reckless driving and speeding on City streets, the City Council has approved a vendor for the upcoming traffic safety camera pilot program. Beginning in September, cameras in five locations will enforce speed limits. More information will be shared soon about the initial five pilot locations and how the cameras will work. The pilot program may expand up to 42 camera locations and may also include red lights. Read more about the traffic safety camera pilot on the City website.
Every day, we are closer to Hennepin Ave construction being finished. Even with all the unpredictable weather this summer, construction is still going ahead as planned. The intersection of 25th & Hennepin will be closed for 2 weeks starting July 17th. You can learn more about the Hennepin Ave Reconstruction on the City's website.
During this construction, we encourage community members to continue visiting businesses along the Hennepin Ave corridor who have been impacted by the construction. Some favorites of our office include Namaste Cafe, Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream, and Isles Bun & Coffee!
Mural of butterflies outside La Mexicana Grocery.
From storytelling and puppet shows, to iron-casting and beading workshops, there’s something for everyone in the 65 projects popping up across the City. The projects will support community engagement, artistic expression and cultural celebration across the seven Minneapolis cultural districts:
Speed bump on Minneapolis residential block.
The window for submitting Traffic Calming requests for the next budget cycle has been extended to August 1st. If you have been wanting speed bumps, curb extensions, traffic circles, or other speed deterrents, you can submit a traffic calming application online. Applications are open to residents, business owners, and neighborhood organizations.
If you need help filling out the application, you can also contact Minneapolis 311 or email Traffic.calming@minneapolismn.gov.
Construction on 394 begins on July 14th. Overnight lane closures will happen for Eastbound 394 between Penn Ave & Dunwoody Blvd from July 14-28th. From July 28th through November, the EZ Pass lane will be closed in both directions. For the most up to date information on this construction project, please visit the MNDOT project page.
People standing around tables talking.
The City is commemorating Black Business Week with a series of events throughout Minneapolis. From pop-up malls and community celebrations, to speed-mentoring and workshops, this week is filled with events to uplift and support black businesses throughout Minneapolis. Find a full list of events and register for workshops in advance on the City’s website.
Our partners at Twin Cities Pride have asked us to share the following message:
Twin Cities pride for 54 years has loved and cared for Loring park and this year will be no different. Our goal is always to leave the park in better condition than when we moved into it for the festival. This year's rain took a toll, so we understand that there are some very visible disruptions to the grounds.
As always, we are working to get those repaired as quickly as possible but also want to make sure it is done correctly and again better than we found it. Assessments have already begun, and you will begin to see repairs starting soon. Given the holiday week we have a slight delay but have already started assessments and are well on our way to making the park look like we were never there. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly at Andi.otto@tcpride.org.
People mingling at an outdoor party.
Did you know Minnesota has the biggest National Night Out participation in the country? Let’s continue that record in 2025! National Night Out is a great opportunity to get outside, connect with neighbors, and celebrate our immediate community. Registration is open until July 29 and is free.
Pro tips:
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Include neighbors in your organizing efforts.
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Register only one event per block (appoint one neighbor to register).
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Consider whether you want your street blocked off to traffic.
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Checking the box for 75% approval is fine if you plan to notify every household of the event.
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Call 311 to request a fire truck, MPD K9, and/or MPD Mounted Patrol.
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Confirmation emails are sent on Mondays. The confirmation will include the NNO pop-up calendar for picking up caution tape and other supplies for your event.
Outdoor dining table with a plate of fish and the label “Four Seasons” next to a plate with breakfast potatoes and eggs. Photo credit to Joy Summers of the Star Tribune.
Sometimes the news can get us down, but there is a lot to be excited about in Minneapolis! This year we will be sure to call out some good news in each of our newsletters. Do you have some good news to share? Let us know by emailing ward7@minneapolismn.gov and including “Good News Round-up" in the subject line.
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A new sauna business, Portal, has opened in the West Maka Ska neighborhood.
- Eight parks in Minnesota are receiving grants to create new skateparks, including Minneapolis’ own Folwell Park and Central Gym Park.
- The City’s first ever Narcan vending machine has dispensed nearly 2,000 free boxes in its first pilot year, proving to be an incredible resource in addressing the fentanyl crisis.
- This September, Nicollet Mall will host a seven block long dinner table for the Dinner Du Nord community meal. Tickets range from $20-$250. Nearly 50 different restaurants will participate, including Ward 7’s very own Nicollet Diner, Lotus Restaurant, The Dakota, Butcher & The Boar, Barrio, Four Seasons, Fhima’s, Devil’s Advocate, The Local, Fogo De Chao, Murray’s Steakhouse, Aurelia’s, Mother Clucker’s Pizza, P.S. Steak, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Hell’s Kitchen, Prairie Kitchen & Bar, Tom’s Watch Bar, and Brit’s Pub. But you don’t have to wait until September to try their food—give them a visit this week and get a taste of what’s to come!
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Ward 7 staff wear colorful outfits and rainbow accessories while holding up rainbow number 7s on a Downtown sidewalk.
The Ward 7 team continues to get out in the community to talk to neighbors and stakeholders where they are. Here are a few highlights from the past couple of weeks.
- Walked in the Twin Cities Pride Parade.
- Had a team meeting at Nicollet Diner.
- Co-worked at the Downtown Central Library.
- Attended the West Maka Ska Neighborhood Council and East Isles Neighborhood Association monthly meetings.
- Had a meeting at the 19 Bar with owner Craig Wilson.
- Presented our Budget Survey at the Cedar Isles Dean Neighborhood Association and Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association meetings.
To find out about what’s going on in your part of town, check out the nine neighborhood organizations working to keep folks connected and engaged in Ward 7:
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