 Headline: Local Woman Gets Job
This week was Festivus on City Council, with numerous council members taking the opportunity to air their various grievances with the mayor’s three appointees: Kristyn Anderson as City Attorney, Margaret Anderson Kelliher (a Ward 7 resident!) as Chief Operations Officer, and Todd Barnette as Commissioner of the Office of Community Safety. Anderson and Kelliher’s reappointments were successful (11-2 and 7-6 respectively), but Barnette’s failed on a 6-7 vote. The mayor is vetoing the council’s action on Barnette and we’re waiting for clarity on next steps. For the time being, I am glad Commissioner Barnette will be able to stay in this role.
I was proud to support all three nominees. These are highly qualified, deeply respected, and impeccably credentialed professionals who have chosen to serve our city. The mayor has put forward a strong team, the voters spoke, and Minneapolis is fortunate that people of this caliber are willing to step into these roles.
After participating in this process though, I’ll be honest: I came away concerned. The way we treated these accomplished public servants sends a message –if you are talented and have options, there may be better places for your energy than serving the City of Minneapolis. That is, unless you wish to subject your job security to factional politics, behind the scenes vote trading, and cutting criticism from folks who really don’t have an understanding of your profession. This is not a message we can afford to send if we want to attract the best of the best in the future.
We also sent a message about our legislative priorities this week. The council debated — and ultimately delayed action on — the complete legalization of possession and public use of all drug paraphernalia. We also directed staff to research the legalization and regulation of adult sex venues. For those keeping score at home: sex and drugs. All that's missing is rock and roll.
Joking aside, the issue isn't really whether these are good or bad ideas on the merits. It's about what we, as a body, are choosing to prioritize right now. I don't believe these are top issues for the vast majority of our residents — many of whom are still processing the trauma of Operation Metro Surge and looking to their city government for stability and responsiveness.
All that being said, this week held some brights spots of learning and community. I got a chance to visit Pathway 2 Recovery and see the amazing work they’re doing to support recovery in the Native and East African communities. I met with the City Assessor to learn about trends in Ward 7 property values, discussed new revenue streams with the Board of Estimate and Taxation, got an update on the efforts to bring back the beloved Berger Foundation (aka the Dandelion Fountain) in Loring Park, and spent time with Bryn Mawr neighbors at the BMNA Annual Spring Fest.
As always, thank you for staying engaged and we appreciate hearing your thoughts on all of the important issues facing our city.
 Photo credit: Meet Minneapolis
We’re thrilled that after a hiatus, the Uptown Art Fair is returning this summer — August 7–9, 2026 – most likely to the shores of Lake of the Isles Now in its seventh decade, the juried fine art festival draws around 300 gallery-quality artists from across the country and is expected to welcome 200,000 visitors over the weekend.
This year's event is reimagined and revitalized, with live art demonstrations, music and performances, family activities, and food trucks rounding out the experience. Mark your calendars.
For details, visit the Uptown Art Fair website. Artists can apply to exhibit now — applications are due April 30th.
 Thanks to all of you in Bryn Mawr who are being so patient with the I-394/Penn Ave. bridge construction, and who have provided a number of constructive suggestions for traffic management during this project.
MNDOT has been working steadily, and has advised our office that crews will be pouring the Penn Ave. bridge deck overnight on Thursday, April 16, which could result in some noise. MNDOT plans to reach out to the neighborhood directly with more detail and reports this is a milestone for the project.
Full project details are available on the I-394 project website. Also, consider signing up for email updates and visit www.511mn.org for real-time traffic and travel information.
 As mentioned in the newsletter a couple weeks ago, CenterPoint Energy and its contractors have started upgrading gas service lines and gas meters in Lowry Hill, with the whole project expected to last up to 7 weeks. The full work area is shown in the map above, so don’t be surprised if you see subsurface utility location work, followed by excavation and directional drilling, among other tasks.
All work will be performed by authorized CenterPoint contractors, and you may be contacted by them at various stages of the construction process. Employees of authorized contractors will have CenterPoint identification cards. You are encouraged to ask to see identification before allowing technicians inside your home.
For more detailed information, please be sure to visit the Centerpoint homepage for this project.
The City is preparing to begin the next phase of work around George Floyd Square. This summer, street and infrastructure improvements will begin, marking an important milestone in a project shaped by significant community engagement.
We are moving forward with care — supporting remembrance, gathering and safety while honoring the significance of this place.
Construction timeline
Work is expected to begin in June 2026, with substantial completion in 2027.
Get detailed information about the construction timeline on the 38th & Chicago Re-envisioned project page.
Learn more about construction at an upcoming open house
- April 14 from 6-8 p.m. Phelps Park, 701 E. 39th St.
Stay informed
Community, art and memorials
Community gathering space will remain available during construction, though locations may shift.
The project team is working with artists and community members to preserve, document and reinstall memorials and artworks.
Peoples’ Way
The City is continuing its review of the Peoples’ Way development applications, considering experience, financial qualifications, stewardship plans and community feedback. The Mayor and City Council will make the final decision on the developer and future owner.
Learn more about the City's efforts at George Floyd Square. |
