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Entries by Kim Eslinger (4183)

Wednesday
Dec132023

FINNOVATION Lab Announces Jennifer Barta as Fractional CEO

CPG veteran brings focused executive leadership to Minnesota-based entrepreneurs launching mission-driven businesses

FINNOVATION Lab, a professional resource hub supporting impact-driven CPG startups, has welcomed industry veteran Jennifer Barta to lead as Fractional CEO. Barta joins the organization with 30+ years of experience in the consumer products industry, including directing and managing at industry titans General Mills and Land O’ Lakes.

Jennifer BartaBarta’s background in bringing innovative ideas to scale will guide FINNOVATION Lab and its entrepreneurial members who span a wide range of experience levels and are working to launch diverse product offerings. FINNOVATION Lab’s mission to make Minnesota the home of mission-driven brands aligns to Barta’s personal convictions. Barta is heavily involved in Minnesota’s startup and accelerator community, having served as a mentor for Grow North and Naturally MN and an MN Cup Judge for the Food/Agriculture/Beverage division.

"Stepping into this role has been exciting and rewarding," said Barta. "I enjoy serving as a guide to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs who have ideas that have real potential to create change. FINNOVATION Lab is doing impactful and important work, and my sleeves are rolled all the way up as we connect our members with resources and services to help them in their growth journey."

As CEO, Barta will lead FINNOVATION Lab’s work of nurturing innovation and sustainability in the food and beverage industry by implementing programming that fosters growth and facilitates access to capital for local start-ups. Centrally located in Downtown Minneapolis, FINNOVATION Lab offers an expansive workspace that promotes collaboration, allows flexible work and meeting options, and provides members access to networking and skill-building events. FINNOVATION Lab has supported dozens of mission-driven entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their businesses including Wicked Kitchen, Sustainable Farming Association, Maazah, and NETZRO.

Barta joins Connie Rutledge, Executive Director of FINNOVATION Institute, who has worked with FINNOVATION Lab since 2019. The Institute, a 501(c)3, works alongside FINNOVATION Lab to provide entrepreneurial education, including the FINNOVATION Fellowship, which supports early-stage social entrepreneurs who have bold ideas for sustainable impact.

To learn more about FINNOVATION Lab and its mission and professional resources, visit www.finn-lab.com.

Tuesday
Dec122023

IDS Center Secures Loan Extension

Year-to-date, the IDS Center has completed 16 lease transactions for more than 121,670 square feet.

Accesso, a Florida-based real estate investment manager managing over 14 million square feet of office properties and developing thousands of multifamily units, announced today that the IDS Center, the famed centerpiece of the downtown Minneapolis skyline, has secured a loan extension for up to three years.

The extension was negotiated by Accesso, with the assistance of Iron Hound Management Company, LLC (“Iron Hound”), a commercial real estate finance firm specializing in loan restructurings and debt and equity placements. Accesso intends to continue to seek longer-term financing as market conditions in Minneapolis and across the U.S. improve.

“We are excited to come to terms on a loan extension for the IDS Center as challenges surrounding the availability of capital persist, reflecting our success at the property despite a difficult macroeconomic environment,” said Deb Kolar, General Manager at Accesso, who has been with the IDS Center for more than 30 years. “This extension enables us to continue doing what we’ve done successfully for many years – adeptly managing the iconic property while executing a highly successful leasing program. We look forward to sharing news on leasing activity in the near future.”

The completion of the loan extension is a testament to Accesso’s longstanding stewardship of the IDS Center and its experience as an owner and operator in Minneapolis as well as other non-gateway markets across the U.S. In a market landscape that remains challenging for commercial real estate and the availability of capital, the trust placed in Accesso by the firm’s clients and business partners proves the company’s value proposition and commitment to the communities in which it serves.

The IDS Center, a 1.42 million-square-foot, 57-story Class A office tower, urban park and retail center, is considered a centerpiece of downtown Minneapolis, serving as a year-round central gathering place for city residents and visitors. The property celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, and in 2021, completed an extensive renovation of its Crystal Court, an iconic and collaborative gathering space.

Monday
Dec112023

2023 Warehouse District Live Recap

Thank you to mpls downtown council and Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) for sharing this information on the 2023 Warehouse District Live initiative. 

Photo credit Tony Nelson Photography via Mpls DID

Downtown Minneapolis had a big summer with more than 1,500 events from mid-May through the end of September. Warehouse District Live added to the experience of patrons spending weekend evenings downtown. Sponsored by the City of Minneapolis and produced by the Mpls DID, Warehouse District Live took place from 7pm–3am each Friday and Saturday from Memorial Day through October 15. It was an enhanced pedestrian zone that featured food trucks, tables and seating, restrooms and various activities throughout the summer and fall.

Programming:

  • Food trucks
  • Late night seating
  • Basketball sport courts and games
  • Live music
  • Karaoke

Special dates:

  • June 23-24: Taylor Swift/Pride weekend karaoke and activities
  • Sept. 15-16: SeptemberFest live music sets
  • Oct. 6-7: Life Time Minneapolis Pickleball Experience + special classes
  • Oct. 13-14: Dance Agenda Beats 

Key focuses and outcomes:

  • 42 Friday and Saturday night activations
  • 350 hours of free public resources (activities, entertainment, food trucks restrooms)
  • 24% increase in visitors to the neighborhood compared to 2022
  • 150 hours of public karaoke and 30 hours of sets by local DJs
  • Visits to the entertainment district returned to 2019-levels in 2023, a 25% increase over 2022 and a 70% increase over 2021
  • Collaborative efforts with Hennepin Theatre Trust, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Minnesota Vikings and Life Time all activated WDL
  • Collaborative efforts by MPD, traffic control agents, street outreach workers, security and more all helped create a vibrant experience and positively impacted late-night safety

Photo credit Tony Nelson Photography via Mpls DID

Saturday
Dec092023

Toys for Tots Drop Off Sites

The Canopy is just one of many Toys for Tots drop off sites. Using this link, you can locate a site near you by simply entering the applicable zip code: https://minneapolis-mn.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.aspx.

Friday
Dec082023

311 and the Minneapolis Service Center closed December 19 for Staff Training

Minneapolis 311 and the Minneapolis Service Center will be closed Tuesday, December 19, for a one-day training. Staff will gather to reimagine service delivery to Minneapolis residents and how they can continue to provide exceptional service.

They will resume regular business hours Wednesday, December 20.

How to get information when 311 services are closed:

You can get City information and make reports online whenever 311 is closed, or leave a message for a call back.

  • Find information about City topics or departments on the City website.
  • Tell the City about issues from barking dogs to graffiti using an online form.
  • Dial 311 or 612-673-3000 and leave a message for a call back when business hours resume.

As always, call 911 for emergencies.

The 311 Service Center offers City information and services online on the City website, over the phone at 311 or 612-673-3000, and in person at 505 4th Avenue S, skyway level.

Wednesday
Dec062023

North Loop Winter Market - December 16

an event banner for the North Loop winter marketDon't miss out on the opportunity to support local businesses and discover hidden gems. Come join the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association at the North Loop Winter Market, a fantastic in-person event where you can find a variety of amazing goodies! Whether you're looking for unique gifts or simply want to indulge in some local delights, this market has it all.

December 16, 10am to 4pm, 501 Royalston Avenue

Monday
Dec042023

zAmya Theater Project announces: Yule See, Yule Remember, Dec 20 at Central Library

Free Christmas performance at Central Library, Pohlad Auditorium, 300 Nicollet Mall - December 20, 6pm

zAmya Theater Project announces Yule See, Yule Remember - a free theater performance sure to rekindle your holiday spirit and your spirit for housing justice. 

Yule See, Yule Remember was written by zAmya Troupe Member Caroline Mannheimer and other members of the cast, all of whom are participants in zAmya’s weekly Creative Expression Session workshops. The text incorporates personal stories and holiday memories gathered from workshop participants, many of whom have lived experience of homelessness, for a unique holiday show that is funny, heartfelt, challenging and uplifting. Yule See, Yule Remember encourages us to find joy in each other and our stories as a way to honor the season during tough times. 

Members of the creative team include Maren Ward and Esther Ouray as Co-Directors, with music by Dameun Strange and other members of the cast.  

Tickets are free and advance registration is not required. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. The show runs 90 minutes, and ASL interpretation will be provided. $10 gift cards are available for people bringing the lived experience of homelessness.

Creative Expression Sessions are weekly drop-in theater workshops for individuals looking to learn about performance, working together, and creative play. People who have experienced housing instability are especially encouraged to attend. These workshops are a space where participants, often unhoused, build creative skills while processing their experiences. Each workshop session runs for 7+ weeks in winter/spring, summer, and fall. Workshops are produced in partnership with Hennepin County Library and have been offered since 2018. This program is funded in part through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Workshops culminate in a “Shareformance” (sharing/performance) process, in which participants can collaborate with zAmya staff and Troupe Members to develop an original performance using the ideas and techniques they have honed throughout the workshop residency. Learn more.

Since 2004, zAmya has been changing hearts and minds through performances and workshops across Minnesota with partners including: Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Hennepin Theater Trust, Southwest Minnesota Housing Project, Guthrie Theater, Edina Realty, Salvation Army, Thrivent Financial, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Annual Conference, Basilica of St. Mary, Augsburg College, and more.

zAmya Theater Project believes theater can change the narrative of homelessness. Their performances grow from stories lived by participants and crafted by their core artistic members. They share these stories because they know that if we want to unravel this crisis, we have to unravel the story. Informed by experienced advocates and direct service providers, zAmya is led by professional artists, and employs a core group of actors who’ve experienced homelessness to create the plays and guide the direction of the company.

Yule See, Yule Remember is being held the night before the Winter Solstice, which is on National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day (December 21). Cities across the country organize local events around this time. In the Twin Cities, the 39th Annual Homeless Memorial will be held December 14, 5pm, at Plymouth Congregational Church. Every year, hundreds of community members come together to honor the memories of individuals who passed away in 2023: people who died while experiencing homelessness, who were previously homeless, or who were advocates. At the vigil and silent march, the name of every person is read and a candle is lit for each. This year the names will be read by Shannon Kemp, one of zAmya's longtime Troupe members.

Sunday
Dec032023

Minnesota Grown Receives National Mississippi River Parkway Commission Award

MN-MRPC Vice-Chair John Anfinson (R) presents the MRPC Stewardship Award to Paul Hugunin (L) and Christina Iliev (C) from the MN Department of Agriculture’s Ag Marketing and Development Division.

The National Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC), made up of ten state commissions, awarded its esteemed Stewardship Award to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown Program during its annual meeting in Collinsville, Illinois. The award was presented to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at the Minnesota MRPC quarterly meeting at the Minnesota State Capitol on November 16.

The MRPC Stewardship Award recognizes a person, community or organization for its track record of enhancing environment, recreation, agriculture and transportation along the Mississippi River corridor. Minnesota Grown received the award for its efforts to promote agritourism venues and experiences, in big and small communities, along the Minnesota Great River Road.

Minnesota Grown significantly enhanced the relationship Great River Road travelers have with Minnesota’s agritourism locations and communities through its “Follow the Great River Road to Fall Harvest Fun” campaign highlighting farms, markets, farm-to-table restaurants, parks, scenic points, and lodging options along the Mississippi River, especially in Greater Minnesota. The campaign successfully increased local and tourist engagement with agriculturally linked activities throughout the state. There are over 200 Minnesota Grown locations within 5 – 10 miles of the Great River Road, the network of roadways with access to the Mississippi River from the headwaters to the state’s bluffs region. https://minnesotagrown.com/great-river-road/

Background:

Minnesota’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC) is a statutory Commission, recognized in 1963, whose mission is to...To preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic, and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor and to develop the national, scenic, and historic byway known as the Great River Road. The MN-MPRC is part of the larger 10-State National MRPC organized in 1938 to celebrate the Mississippi River by developing the Great River Road Scenic Byway. The 10 states include: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

The Minnesota Grown Program is a statewide partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota producers of specialty crops and livestock. It was created over 35 years ago by specialty crop growers to differentiate their produce from produce grown elsewhere. Minnesota Grown connects Minnesotans directly to farmers, farmers’ markets, and other producers. (You will see this logo a lot at the Mill City Farmers Market!)

Sunday
Dec032023

Two Delicious December Events with Chloe by Vincent

Chloe by Vincent is special anytime, has they have two events happening this month that are extra special!

Dinner and a Concert with STRINGenius, December 18

On Monday, December 18, guests at Chloe by Vincent can enjoy a free concert by STRINGenius. The quartet, who has played with a variety of musicians, from Prince to Andrea Bocelli, will be playing a mix of contemporary and classical music from 6 to 8pm. Because we all know music is good for your soul, the special that night will be Sole Meuniére, the dish that made Julia Child fall in love with French cuisine.

Dinner and a Play on New Year's Eve

Looking for a unique and safe way to spend New Year's Eve? Chloe by Vincent has just the ticket for you! CbV is pairing with the acclaimed Jungle Theater for a dinner/play package with transportation. The 4-course meal and wine pairing is inspired by the 1-hour play which is based on the hilarious Dinner for One, a European holiday tradition. Transportation is provided to and from the restaurant starting at the theater at 3:45pm, so there's no parking dilemmas or safety issues and participants will still be home hours before the ball drops from Times Square. For more information and to make reservations, call the Jungle Box Office at 612-822-7063 Tuesday-Friday, 4-7pm.

Tickets are $145 and include the dinner, wine pairing and transportation. Available through December 20 by calling the Jungle Theater Box Office at 612-822-7063.

Saturday
Dec022023

Small Business Spotlight: The Cookie Cups

I received a press release about The Cookie Cups earlier this week. I wasn't familiar with this company, so I checked them out online. What fun! I immediately placed an order.

The press release announced the launch of their Baking and Cooking Kit Collection on ShopHQ, a premier online retail platform committed to offering exceptional products. These kits are designed specifically for kids, and offer a fun and educational experience for young culinary enthusiasts. ShopHQ provides an interactive shopping experience that allows families to explore The Cookie Cups' kid-friendly collection, learn insider tips, and embark on a culinary adventure without leaving home. 

Per Nicole Pomije, CEO & Founder of The Cookie Cups, "We're overjoyed to bring the magic of baking and cooking to children through our partnership with ShopHQ. Our Baking and Cooking Kits are crafted with the same dedication to quality and creativity that our customers have come to love. Now, families across the country can enjoy the experience of creating delicious treats together in their own kitchens."

The Cookie Cups' Baking and Cooking Kits on ShopHQ include carefully curated assortments featuring premium ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and reusable, kid-friendly kitchen supplies all tailored to capture the imagination of young chefs. Whether it's crafting whimsical cookie cups or experimenting with tasty, kid-approved savory dishes, these kits cater to diverse tastes and skill levels.

Our little granddaughter loves dinosaurs and helping in the kitchen, so this was the perfect gift for her.

The Cookie Cups baking kits for kids all come with an apron, ingredients and supplies to make your at-home baking and cooking experience memorable. Whether you're baking unicorn cookie cups, pizza, pretzels, rainbow ravioli, dinosaur chocolates, caramel rolls, homemade bread, cocoa bombs or lollipops - you, your kids and grandkids will enjoy being together in the kitchen. The Cookie Cups is a certified minority-owned business and has been seen on Good Morning America, Today Show and The Drew Barrymore Show.

A few examples of other kits:

Here's a video of a little one having fun with the Rainbow Ravioli Making Kit:

Thursday
Nov302023

2024 Budget Update from Mayor Frey

Update on the 2024 Budget

On August 15, I delivered my 2024 recommended budget to the City Council. The proposal features a continued commitment to affordable housing, historic investments in long-term, sustainable climate action, and funding for the federal consent decree, inclusive economic recovery work, and park and public waters improvements.

The proposed 2024 budget totals $1.8 billion, with a tax levy increase of 6.2% – which is the exact levy increase I promised last year, no higher.

Since then, the City Council has been working on amendments to my proposed budget – as is done each year through the regular budget process. Tomorrow, Council will begin budget "mark-up" and on Tuesday, December 5, the Council is slated to take its final vote on the budget. Once it is passed through Council, it comes to my desk for final approval.

Impacts the Council Budget Amendments will have on City Services

This morning, the administration sent the City Council a memo outlining the impacts of the various budget amendments the Council has submitted. This information is directly from the departments themselves that will be impacted by these amendments. We have to listen to our staff, they are the experts in their field.

As a follow-up to my administration's memo, I sent the City Council a letter this evening outlining my grave concerns with a few budget amendments.

The full text of my letter to the City Council is below: 

Council President Jenkins, Council Vice President Palmisano, and Council Members: 

Thank you for your collaboration so far this budget cycle. I look forward to continuing to work together towards a budget that supports the services we provide to Minneapolis residents.  

The collaboration started earlier this year with invitations to all Council Members to provide their budget priorities for consideration in my proposed budget. As you heard during my budget address in August, those requests were in large part included – and remain in my proposed budget today. 

We did this out of a sincere desire to work with you in a collaborative process, to provide for our constituents. I want to thank you for your willingness to engage, both then and now. 

This morning, you received a memo from the administration outlining the impact of some of your proposed budget amendments. Staff worked diligently yesterday to review the amendment packet and provide this timely memo so you have important and relevant context moving into mark-up on Thursday. This context is directly from the departments themselves that would be impacted by these amendments. They are the experts in their field, they know what is needed to do their work, and we should listen to their advice and recommendations.

I hope you make time to review the memo document. If you have any questions, I know both interim COO Johnston and Commissioner Barnette have offered to make themselves available.

I’ve been reviewing the 48 proposed budget amendments, too. There are amendments I agree with, some I can live with, and others that I am adamantly opposed to. This letter is meant to highlight the amendments I have grave concerns about as they will limit our ability to provide the level of service our residents need, and that Council has committed to provide. 

Cuts to HR FTEs dedicated to enterprise-wide recruitment and retention efforts   

First, we need to invest in our City workforce. More often than not, significant backlogs occur across the enterprise because Human Resources (HR) is under-resourced and overworked. I understand that HR staffing is not the most exciting proposal, but our whole enterprise depends on them to run smoothly.  

I proposed adding 8 FTEs to HR (4 of which are being made permanent following ARPA funding) to build capacity within the department to support the recruitment and hiring of new employees and to help with retention efforts. There are several amendments that would dismantle these HR FTEs and move them elsewhere.  

I do not support moving these FTEs out of HR. Why? Because that means positions will not get filled quickly, work will be delayed, and important projects we all support will fall short. Moreover, new employee orientations will be scaled back, support for all employee benefits and open enrollment will be greatly reduced, and the Talent Acquisition team will cancel 2024 recruiting events scheduled in underrepresented communities... just to name a few. 

We have to double down on our investment in the City enterprise and that means investing in our incredible staff through the HR department. 

Cuts to the Public Works snow storage site   

We live in Minnesota. We get a lot of snow during the winter... and we need a place to put it. Our residents deserve streets and parkways that are plowed and completely cleared of snow. This is a basic, bread-and-butter City service that we need to provide.  

The proposed $1 million investment in an improved snow storage site is crucial to allow for a place to dump the cleared snow. And allowing the snow to run off in the river is bad for the river. The amendments that eliminate the budget for this site would hamper the City’s ability to haul the snow and properly dispose of it. 

Cuts to PMI FTEs planned to advance Safe and Thriving Communities Report   

We need to implement the recommendations coming out of the Minneapolis Safe and Thriving Communities Report. I know these recommendations are supported by both my administration and the Council. To help guide this safety beyond policing work, we proposed maintaining the staffing level in the Performance Management & Innovation Department (9 FTEs). The proposed amendments reduce the department by more than 50% and undermine the work we need them to do.  

These cuts would mean significantly reduced capacity to lead and support the Minneapolis Safe and Thriving Communities Report implementation. There would be reduced capacity to drive on other innovation projects, to support the research and best practice identification of community-based safety center programming, to integrate performance management with the budgeting process, and elected officials and departments will not have the support they need from PMI to make data-driven and evidence-based decisions that advance City goals.  

All of this means that improving the delivery of City services to enhance residents’ quality of life and eliminate racial disparities will be impacted. We don’t want that, and our residents don’t want that. 

This would be the third time the current Council’s position has changed on these PMI FTEs. In 2022, upon request from a Council Member, we moved the PMI positions to the legislative branch in our proposed budget. The City Council then changed directions to move the PMI positions back to the administration and advocated for the creation of an independent department – to which we agreed.  

Now, these amendments would move the positions... yet again. Importantly, since the Council made the decision to move the PMI FTEs back to the administration and create a standalone department, we have been building out a team integrated into our implementation plan for the Safe & Thriving Communities Report. This back and forth, and back again, makes it nearly impossible for staff to plan effectively, and even harder to deliver on objectives that we all want.  

Use of $19 million one-time public safety aid   

I understand this Council has rejected the proposal to use the one-time, State money for police officer incentives. As I’ve stated, I disagree. But if this money is to be used for a different purpose, I strongly suggest that you get buy-in from the people charged with implementing the work. Promising new pilots from the Council dais without input from our expert staff could result in empty promises. 

We have already jointly promised to move forward with the Safe and Thriving Communities Report recommendations. Let’s deliver on this promise, together, and devote monies to implement these recommendations rather than creating new programs with one-time dollars, that have neither been studied nor vetted by staff.   

As the City’s leading subject matter experts have already relayed to you, the proposed amendments above pose grave governing concerns. 

I want to clearly tell you now: these amendments will negatively impact our ability to provide service to our constituents and deliver on the promises we have made.   

I ask you to consider the impacts listed out in the memo and go into mark-up on Thursday with an open mind for finding areas where we can compromise. This will require both the executive and the legislative bodies to find common ground. I know we can do it.  

Yours truly,

Jacob Frey

Wednesday
Nov292023

What’s Happening Downtown Nov 30 – Dec 6

The mpls downtown council can help you plan your next visit during the holidays and beyond. Check out mdc’s holiday guide at mplsdowntown.com/guides_activities/celebrate-the-season-in-mpls-downtown/, and the events calendar at mplsdowntown.com/events

Takeaways This Weekend

Join the Twin Cities Skaters during City Skate. This free roller skating event features music, games, food, and more!

Great live holiday shows continue including the “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” at Orpheum Theatre this weekend, “A Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie, “The New Standards Holiday Show” at State Theatre, and so many more. Also, the opening night of Disney's “Aladdin” Broadway show is on Tuesday!

Don’t forget about Holidays on Nicollet! There are pop-up shops featuring nearly 70 locally owned small businesses, plus 10 window displays along Nicollet, featuring holiday designs created by local artists. The Holidays on Nicollet experience runs every weekend through January 5.

There’s also holiday music being played at the IDS Center, U.S. Bank Plaza, and Capella Tower throughout the week. Scroll down to the “Weekly Happenings” section for more information.

Don’t Miss

City Skate – Thursday | City Center (6 – 8 p.m. Family Skate | 8 – 10 p.m. Adults). Free first-come, first-served roller skates or bring your own.  

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet – Thursday, Friday, Saturday | Orpheum Theatre 

The New Standards Holiday Show – Friday | State Theatre 

Pert Near Sandstone – Saturday | First Avenue  

Brunch with Santa at Mara – Sunday | Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis 

Pierce the Veil – Sunday | The Armory 

Travis Anderson Trio’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” – Monday | Dakota

Aladdin – Tuesday | Orpheum Theatre 

2nd Annual Tree Lighting at Nordic Plaza – Wednesday | Nordic Plaza 

Thursday, November 30 

A Christmas Carol | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater 

City Skate | 6 - 10 p.m. – City Center 

The Cactus Blossoms | 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. – Dakota 

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | 7 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre 

Timberwolves vs. Jazz | 7 p.m. – Target Center 

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre 

Luke Grimes | 8 p.m. – First Avenue 

Friday, December 1 

Cultural Collisions | 4 p.m. – Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis 

Meshuggah with Special Guests | 6 p.m. – The Fillmore 

Gunhild Carling | 7 p.m. – Dakota 

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | 7 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre 

A Christmas Carol | 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater 

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre 

The New Standards Holiday Show | 8 p.m. – State Theatre 

Gimme Gimme Disco | 9 p.m. – First Avenue 

Slander | 9:30 p.m. – The Armory  

Saturday, December 2 

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | 1 & 5 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre 

A Christmas Carol | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater 

The New Standards Holiday Show | 4 & 8 p.m. – State Theatre 

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre 

Oleta Adams | 7 p.m. – Dakota 

Pert Near Sandstone | 7 p.m. – First Avenue 

Slander | 9:30 p.m. – The Armory

Sunday, December 3

Brunch with Santa at Mara | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis 

Holiday Tea at Brit’s Pub | 12 - 4 p.m. – Brit’s Pub 

Minnesota Cookie Creations | 1 p.m. – Mill City Museum 

Pierce The Veil | 6:30 p.m. – The Armory 

T. Mychael Rambo & the Dakota Present: Hands & Hearts for the Arts | 7 p.m. – Dakota 

Monday, December 4

August Burns Red | 5:30 p.m. – The Fillmore 

Travis Anderson Trio’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” | 7 p.m. – Dakota 

Tuesday, December 5 

A Christmas Carol | 1 p.m. – Guthrie Theater

Jake Shimabukuro – Holidays in Hawai’i | 7 p.m. – Dakota

Aladdin (Opening Night) | 7:30 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre

Wednesday, December 6

2nd Annual Tree Lighting at Nordic Plaza | 5:30 p.m. – Nordic Plaza 

Nicolas David’s 10th Annual St. Nick’s Day Show | 7 p.m. – Dakota 

Aladdin | 7:30 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre 

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre

Weekly Happenings

Winter Maker’s Market | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – The Dayton’s Project (Daily) 

Holiday Music at Capella Tower | 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 4 p.m. – Capella Tower (Monday – Friday)

Holiday Under Glass Concert Series | 12 – 1 p.m. – IDS Center Crystal Court (Tuesdays – Thursdays)
 
Live Holiday Music | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – U.S. Bank Plaza (Tuesdays – Thursdays)
 
Farmer’s Market | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Lyndale Avenue (Saturdays and Sundays)
 
Nordic Village Market | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis (Saturdays and Sundays)
 
Handmade Holiday Market | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Lakes & Legends Brewing Company (Saturdays and Sundays) 

Monday
Nov272023

Cuddle a Puppy This Wednesday, 11/29, at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center

Get ready to cuddle up with cuteness at the Meet Minneapolis Puppy Cuddle on Wednesday, November 29, 11:30am to 1:00pm, at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center - enjoy snuggle time with a plethora of cute puppies. A $5 donation is suggested to support Healing Hearts Rescue. Cash, credit and Venmo accepted, and 100% of donations will go to Healing Hearts Rescue

Healing Hearts Rescue is a volunteer-based nonprofit dog rescue dedicated to changing the lives of animals whom humans have failed by finding them safe and loving homes.

The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center is located at 505 Nicollet Mall, Suite 100, directly across from the Nicollet light rail station.

Saturday
Nov252023

Minnesota Historical Society Double Discount Days, December 8-10

Mill City Museum is one of nine store sites, plus online ordering is also available.

During MNHS' pre-holiday sale, save 20% on toys, jewelry and MNHS Press books – including Dear Jacob A Mother’s Journey of Hope, Spirits Dancing, Bring Warm Clothes, Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama! and Euphoric Recall. Pre-signed copies are available for purchase. Supplies limited, order soon. Shop books online.

Check hours here for shopping at the following locations: 

Forest History Center (Dec. 8-9)
Historic Fort Snelling (Dec. 8-9)
James J. Hill House
Mill City Museum
Mille Lacs Indian Trading Post
Minnesota History Center
MN State Capitol (Dec. 8-9)
Oliver Kelley Farm (Dec. 8-9)
Split Rock Lighthouse
Online at shop.mnhs.org
 

Not a member? Now through December 31, get $15 off MNHS' most popular membership tiers. Sign up for membership when you visit one of these sites, or sign up online.

Friday
Nov242023

Inline Skating and Indoor Running at U.S. Bank Stadium Returns in December

The winter tradition of indoor running and inline skating on the U.S. Bank Stadium concourses returns on Tuesday and Thursday nights beginning December 5.

Winter Warm-Up, a recreational program featuring inline skating and indoor running, returns to U.S. Bank Stadium this winter beginning on Tuesday, December 5 and ending on Thursday, January 25. Winter Warm-Up will be offered from 5-9 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, featuring fourteen sessions throughout the season with the exception of the Tuesdays following Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Winter Warm-Up is open to all ages and takes place on the stadium’s main concourse (inline skating) and upper concourse (indoor running). Ticketholders are required to sign a waiver prior to participating in these events. Click here for full skating and running rules and requirements.

Wednesday
Nov222023

You Are Invited to the NIEBNA Vision Engagement Session, November 28

Independent viewing sessions November 28 at 6:30pm and 7:45pm; Presentation and Q&A session at 7:15pm, Riverplace Main Hall

The primary goal of this event is to facilitate active engagement and gather direct, actionable feedback to ensure the final vision plan reflects a shared community perspective. Project page

Featured Presentation and Q&A Session:
Urban Ecosystems (UE) invites the community to a key presentation, focusing on the next phase of Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood's urban design vision. The central part of the event will feature an in-depth presentation by the design team followed by a Q&A session, offering insights into the proposed designs and the opportunity for attendees to provide feedback.

Independent Viewing Sessions:
An open and spacious area adjacent to FRGMNT coffee will be used for attendees to evaluate the proposed designs at their own pace during two 45-minute viewing sessions. These sessions, held before and after the main presentation, offer a comfortable setting for informal discussions with members of the UE design team and other community members. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early or stay late to fully engage with the designs and provide valuable feedback.

Additional Engagement Opportunities:
For those unable to attend this event, feedback can be provided on the project's website (www.niebna.vision) or at a future planned engagement session in mid-December. 

Wednesday
Nov222023

November 22 Updates from the Office of Mayor Frey

Update from Mayor Jacob Frey | November 22, 2023

Facts About the Police Contract Negotiations

First of all, the City’s Labor Relations team deserves a big thank you. They have been at the negotiating table on behalf of the City, doing the hard work of negotiating a new contract that both brings about meaningful change and helps recruit and retain new officers. 

Second, there’s been a lot of discussion around our ongoing police contract negotiations over the past week, including the Star Tribune Editorial Board asking the City Council to "try again" and reconsider the incentives. Here are a few key facts. 

Incentives are a key part of the overall strategy 

Departments locally and across the country are implementing recruitment and/or retention bonuses. Will incentives alone fix this problem? Of course not. But the claim that these incentives will make no difference at all defies best-practice guidance and common sense.   

In order to be competitive, we need to offer these types of incentives as part of our overall strategy. The Department of Justice recommends retention incentives as a key component.

Public meetings and accessible public information 

The City and the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis (POFM) have been at the bargaining table since September 6. All meetings have been open to the public – anyone can attend.  

Officer incentive pay has been publicly featured as a top priority since the City’s very first formal proposal. This proposal has been discussed during public meetings and has been publicized on the City’s website for months. The fact that the City was seeking incentives in this negotiations process is not new information. 

Additionally, the City held three community listening session in summer 2022. The feedback gathered through those sessions has been on the City's website since November 2022. Priority areas that emerged from community feedback were "recruitment and retention" and “increases in compensation to attract quality candidates”.  

City Council engagement in the process 

There has been no shortage of opportunities for the City Council to engage in the police contract work.  

In April 2022, Mayor Frey convened an internal City workgroup focused on developing a shared set of priorities in advance of the police union contract negotiations. This workgroup includes Council President Andrea Jenkins, Council Member Lisa Goodman, Council Member Aisha Chughtai, Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw and City staff. 

Over the past year and months before negotiations started, the workgroup has met regularly. The four Council Members have represented the City Council in this ongoing, collaborative work—making sure that Council has had a voice at the table and policymaker expectations are aligned.    

In convening this workgroup, Mayor Frey became the first Minneapolis mayor to invite the Council to partner in the POFM contract work. The full City Council also received two closed-session briefings this year on the status of ongoing contract negotiations, the most recent of which was on November 2.   

Critically low staffing number and market conditions 

Down nearly 300 officers, the MPD has reached a critically low level of staffing. The current market conditions nationally for hiring police officers necessitate offering significant hiring and retention incentives. Recruitment incentives in metropolitan areas range from $500 - $10,000 annually—with much larger incentives nationally. 

Minneapolis is competing in a market that dictates these incentives have to happen to remain competitive. Some jurisdictions offer lateral hiring bonuses, which result in officers transferring from one jurisdiction to another.  

Reforms 

A consistent theme we have heard from community members, Council Members, and from the MPD is that we need to address the decades-worth of managerial authority that has been given away in past contracts. The letter of agreement would have given us a huge reform regarding how the Chief is able to staff the department and be responsive for the current needs of the city.   

Since the letter of agreement did not pass Council, it's possible this reform will not happen in the full contract negotiations. The Chief – and the community – will have to continue to wait at least 28 days to fill a shift. This will directly impact the level of service we are able to provide to our community members. 

We will continue pushing for additional reforms throughout the rest of the ongoing contract negotiations.

Continued Officer Recruitment and Retention Efforts

We need to attempt every available option for adding and retaining more police officers in Minneapolis. That has been made clear by residents at the ballot box, through the courts, and has been a top priority for Mayor Frey's administration since taking office. 

Last week, the City Council voted against a letter of agreement struck between the City of Minneapolis and the POFM. The agreement would have given recruitment and retention incentives to officers – and would have given the City and the MPD a huge reform to gain back managerial authority over assigning shifts. 

But the proposed recruitment and retention incentives included in the letter of agreement are just one part of the broader strategy to bring in and keep officers who reflect our values. Other pieces of the City's overall strategy include, but are not limited to: 

  1. Last year, we dedicated $7 million for retention, recruitment, and hiring support enterprise-wide as part of our federal relief spending proposal – $1 million of that was for MPD specifically. The City’s HR team is working directly with a vendor to develop and produce a top tier recruitment media and marketing campaign for both MPD officers and 911 dispatchers – this is anticipated to be rolled out in early 2024. 
  2. The MPD has also been applying both a local and national lens to the department’s boots-on-the-ground efforts, including: Step-Up summer internship for local youth, attending career fairs around the City in cultural corridors, regularly visiting colleges across the country, including visiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (resulted in a partnership with HBCU Alabama A&M University), and going to military bases across the country. 
  3. Chief O’Hara and his leadership team have also been pushing for licensure reform at the Capitol – those measures would expand opportunities to recruit from new pools of candidates. 
  4. The City and the MPD have also taken steps to streamline the application and background checks process to get qualified applicants in the door as fast as possible. 
  5. The City has moved civilian recruiters from MPD to HR in order to more effectively assist candidates through the hiring process. 

This is a full-court press to reduce barriers and replenish the ranks so we can provide our residents with safety services.

Mayor Frey, Commissioner Barnette, and City Leaders Highlight Safety Beyond Policing Work

Last week, Mayor Jacob Frey, Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette, and Performance Management & Innovation Director Kira Hasbargen provided an update on safety beyond policing work at the City, including next steps to begin implementation of the Minneapolis Safe and Thriving Communities Report.

To help guide the initial implementation work, the City will be entering a single-source contract with the New York University School of Law’s Policing Project. The contract, vetted by City staff, was unanimously approved by the City Council on Thursday.

Back in July, Mayor Frey, alongside City leaders and Dr. Antonio Oftelie, released the 143-page Safe and Thriving Communities Report outlining a long-term vision and future recommendations for continuing to build out an ecosystem for safety beyond policing. Currently, the Office of Community Safety and the Office of Public Service (via the Performance Management & Innovation department) are collaborating to build out the foundation of the report’s recommendations.

Mayor Frey Supports Pay Increase for Rideshare Drivers, Would Sign Ordinance This Year

Last week, Mayor Frey expressed his continued support for paying Minneapolis rideshare drivers a fair and equitable wage. The mayor supports a $1.17 per-mile and 34 cents per-minute pay for drivers – which would roughly double the current rate of pay.

He is ready to sign this into law this year, but City Council Members have delayed discussion of the city’s Transportation Network Companies rideshare ordinance. It was supposed to be publicly discussed on November 28 – but Council Members removed it from the agenda and have pushed the discussion to next year.  

Mayor Frey Nominates Margaret Anderson Kelliher for City Operations Officer

Mayor Frey has nominated Margaret Anderson Kelliher to the appointed role of City Operations Officer for the City of Minneapolis. Anderson Kelliher has a long and proven track record of leading complex and strategic government work, especially in times of change. She has held top roles for the Minnesota House of Representatives, State of Minnesota Department of Transportation, and currently for the City of Minneapolis’ Public Works Department.

As City Operations Officer, Anderson Kelliher would oversee the City’s Office of Public Service and its 17 departments, including the 311 Service Center, Regulatory Services, Race, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Community Planning and Economic Development, and Communications. She would also provide enterprise-wide leadership and direction to thousands of employees to ensure the delivery of high-quality, coordinated city services.

“Every mayor in the country needs a leader like Margaret Anderson Kelliher – someone who has been navigating challenges and solving problems for their entire public service career,” said Mayor Frey. “Margaret’s governing resume is second to none and her community ties are built over decades – that combination of commitment and expertise is exactly what we need in our City Operations Officer. I know she is the right person to continue building out the Office of Public Service as a hub of effective, efficient, and equitable government services for Minneapolis residents, and I’m grateful for her willingness to continue serving the City of Minneapolis in this capacity.”

Mayor Frey, City of Minneapolis Highlight Success of Evie Carshare Program

Mayor Jacob Frey and the City of Minneapolis – in conjunction with Mayor Melvin Carter and the City of Saint Paul – celebrated the success of Evie Carshare, the City’s first all-electric fleet of shared vehicles. In 2022, Mayor Frey alongside Mayor Carter and Senator Tina Smith, announced the launch of the carshare network in the Twin Cities – the first 100% renewably powered and municipally owned carshare in the country.

Since launching, the program has provided 150,000 trips to people across the Twin Cities and logged 1.5 million zero-emission miles, helping to reduce the region’s carbon footprint. In his 2024 proposed budget, Mayor Frey has allocated $730,000 to expand the electrical vehicle stations, while leveraging an additional $2-3 million in federal funds to support electric vehicles and carbon emission reduction.

“Electric vehicles are the future and the continued success of this carshare program is evidence of that,” said Mayor Frey. “By embracing electric vehicles, Minneapolis is improving mobility options for residents, reducing emissions, and leading the way toward a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future for generations to come. We’re so grateful to have the EV Spot Network program in the Twin Cities and look forward to our continued partnership with them.” 

View the 2022 HOURCAR Impact Report.

How to Get Your COVID-19, Flu and RSV Vaccines This Year

Immunizations are available this fall and winter in the United States that can help protect against three major respiratory diseases: COVID-19, flu and RSV. Immunization against these viruses remains the best protection for reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, long-term health impacts and death.

Recommendations for these immunizations vary based on age, pregnancy status or medical conditions.

To find flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit vaccines.gov.

Thursday
Nov162023

Mill City Farmers Market Vendor, Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company, Opens Pastry Pickup Window in St. Paul

Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company is taking Thanksgiving orders through Sunday, November 19th. Order here!

Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company (VAG) is a small, woman-owned bakery based in St. Paul that uses fresh local butter, flour, fruits and veggies from nearby farms to create mouth-watering pastries - highlighting the best of what the Twin Cities has to offer! Owner Rachel Anderson and her husband Yoji work directly with local farmers and food hubs like The Good Acre to utilize surplus food and minimize waste.

Despite what name suggests, VAG also makes a variety of baked goods including croissants, seasonal danishes, hand pies, muffins and more. Until recently they have only been available on Saturday mornings at the Mill City Farmers Market, along with a selection of local coffee shops. Now, VAG fans will have plenty of opportunities to get their fix of pastry perfection.

The business has been baking out of 2036 Marshall Avenue in Saint Paul since October, 2020. However, up until now there wasn’t a retail presence at this location. The new pickup window at the Merriam Park bakery will be open every Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 8am until 2pm and will offer their current seasonal selection of pastries and pies. Get there earlier in the day for a bigger selection! Customers will still be able to preorder and pick up throughout the week and the business will maintain a stall at the Mill City Farmers Market. The kitchen and store window buildout was made possible thanks to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture AGRI Value-Added Grant Program.

Thanksgiving is one big carb-fest of a holiday. If you or any of your guests are gluten intolerant, consider VAG's gluten-free pumpkin pie.

Wednesday
Nov152023

MacPhail Center for Music CEO Kyle Carpenter Announces August 2024 Retirement

MacPhail Center for Music today announced that its CEO for the past 12 years, Kyle Carpenter, will retire in August, 2024. “MacPhail, under Kyle’s leadership, has achieved unprecedented growth, community access, and financial strength,” says Kate Whittington, MacPhail’s board chair, “His well-earned retirement comes at the end of a tremendous tenure.”

Kyle CarpenterOn Carpenter’s watch, MacPhail has nearly doubled its enrollment to 15,000 students, becoming the largest community music school in the nation. Through additional expansion sites, 70 new community partnerships, the acquisition of the Madeline Island Chamber Music summer program, and the start-up of live online music lessons across the state of Minnesota over ten years ago, MacPhail has gained a statewide presence and impact.

When COVID hit, MacPhail immediately pivoted to all live online teaching, which allowed students uninterrupted musical learning progress through the pandemic. “We were very fortunate, as an arts institution, to not experience a single layoff or furlough of personnel during the pandemic,” Carpenter says.

MacPhail has just completed Up Tempo!, a three-year comprehensive fundraising campaign. Up Tempo! was enthusiastically embraced by the community and far surpassed its $25 million dollar goal well ahead of schedule. The funds will help MacPhail to achieve Carpenter’s primary and aspirational goal when he became CEO, “To never turn a student away because of their personal financial circumstances.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have helped MacPhail grow. I am proud of our community, faculty, and staff and what we have accomplished together. With the success and completion of the campaign combined with the strength of our board of directors and the remarkable skill of the senior leadership team, I am confident that we are financially prepared and strategically equipped to take MacPhail to a new level. This is a natural time for transition to new leadership.” Kyle Carpenter

“Kyle has been a remarkable leader, change agent, and innovator for MacPhail for more than a decade. His business background, his ability to listen, and his collaborative style were perfect mix for the job,” says Whittington. “He leaves MacPhail in a strong position for the next leader.”

The board has retained Doran Leadership Partners to assist in a thoughtful and inclusive process to select Carpenter’s successor. They expect a great deal of enthusiasm for the position.

Monday
Nov132023

Pritzker Hageman to Host December 13 Community Blood Drive with American Red Cross at Machine Shop

Pritzker Hageman Red Cross Blood Drive at Machine Shop

Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 10:00AM to 4:00PM

Machine Shop, 300 2nd Street SE

Appointments available, but not required: pritzlaw.us/donateblood