RAWR! It's Art Attack 2023!

Image by Barret Lee

During Art Attack, the Northrup King Building showcases four floors of amazing art and gifts that will attack all your senses – in a good way!

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Come and meet the talented artists, witness captivating demonstrations, uncover one-of-a-kind treasures, kick start your holiday shopping, and let your creativity loose with interactive art activities - all featured in this beautiful and historic art building.

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With over 400 artists under one roof, and nourishment provided by KCM Eggrolls, Potter’s Pasties and P.F. Café, the Northrup King Building is a fantastic place to spend a delightful autumn day, or to be honest, maybe even a few days given the sheer size of the iconic structure and the abundance of art it holds.

And this is just the beginning! This event is part of NEMAA’s Fall Open Studios, with three glorious days to immerse yourself in a world of fun, vibrant colors, and boundless inspiration – take time to explore all the sister buildings and see the exciting creativity that the Northeast Arts District has to offer.

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Art Attack Dates and Times:

Friday, November 10, 5-9pm
Saturday, November 11, 12-8pm
Sunday, November 12, 12-5pm

Free Parking, Passenger Elevator, ADA Parking and 4 Floors of Wow!

MCFM Vendor, Pure Ginger For You, Opens Juice Bar in Prospect Park

Pure Ginger For You Grand Opening

Sunday, October 15, 1–4:30pm

3408 University Ave SE, Minneapolis

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Mill City Farmers Market vendor Pure Ginger For You (PGFY) will be opening a brick-and-mortar location in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis with a grand opening celebration this Sunday, October 15, from 1pm until 4:30pm.

Pure Ginger for You is an immigrant-owned, social enterprise producer of delicious, energizing beverages for the greater Minneapolis area. Beauclarc (Beau) Thomas founded PGFY with a mission to ensure Minnesotans have access to affordable, fresh food, which was a journey for him when he immigrated to the Twin Cities from Liberia:

“When I arrived in the U.S. and reunited with my family, we had just escaped a decade of brutal civil war in Liberia. Due to scarcity, the nutritional value of food was not considered, therefore when we immigrated, we ate everything as we had nothing to eat during the unrest.”

Beau decided to make a change for his health and started making nutrient-dense fruit and vegetable juices, which led to his new company being founded in 2020. With PGFY, he hopes to support not only his own health, but also his family and the greater community.

The fresh-pressed organic ginger juices and shots are made with whole ingredients, the majority of which are sourced directly from local and sustainable farmers. For example, the apples and honey are from Ames Farm, carrots are from Burning River Farm, and melons are from Nistler Farms; these are all connections that he has made and cultivated with his fellow vendors at local farmers markets in the past few years.

Beau with Brian Fredericksen of Ames Farm

Beau with Mike Noreen of Burning River Farm

Beau at Nistler Farms

PGFY juices will allow you to feel revitalized, invigorated, and ready to take on the day while supporting local growers and makers. Stop by the storefront on University Avenue to stock up on your favorite fresh pressed juices – the store will be open with limited hours in the coming weeks (Monday-Thursday from 12:30-6pm, Friday-Sunday 3-6pm). Follow on Instagram for updates on hours, products, upcoming events and more. 

Chloe by Vincent Announces Next Guest Chef in MN Dinner Series

Scott Graden

Chloe by Vincent welcomes New Scenic Café’s Scott Graden for a 5-course tasting menu with a French wine-pairing Sunday, November 5, starting at 5pm. Chef Graden will be alternating courses with CbV’s chefs, Vincent Francoual and Kai Loa, for a truly magical evening. The New Scenic Café has been a treasure to Duluth and a must-stop destination for Twin Cities’ travelers heading up North, since opening in 1999.

Reservations can be made via www.chlobyvincent or on RESY. The cost is $130, including, 5-courses, wine pairing by New France Wine Co. or special NA cocktails, and gratuity. Sales tax will be added at check out. Chef Graden will also be signing his latest cookbook, New Scenic Café -The Second Cookbook, which will be for sale at the event.

This is the second in Chloe by Vincent’s Minnesota Chefs Dinner Series, which promotes collaboration with the outstanding chefs outside the Twin Cities who are cooking amazing cuisine in small towns and resort areas. When two talented chefs get together to create a meal, it creates a special dining experience for the guests fortunate to score tickets, but also for the chefs who can learn from each other in a convivial (and fun) kitchen setting. Both chefs then present their courses to the diners, which allows them instant feedback on their art. Wine pairings will also be highlighted.

The first chef in the series was Matthew Jensen of La Femme in Alexander, MN. Additional guest dinners in this series will be announced in January.

NIEBNA Announces October 19 Community Meeting and Board Elections

NIEBNA Annual Community Meeting

Thursday, October 19, 5:00p to 7:00p at Riverplace and via Zoom

Nicollet Island – East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA) board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month and are open to the public. 

October 19 Agenda

ZOOM Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83753338156

In October NIEBNA will be voting for new board members. If you are interested in getting involved in this way, or know someone who would be a good fit, use the links below to learn more. Current board members whose terms are done need not re-apply to be considered for another term.

NIEBNA Board Elections Candidate Form.

If you have any questions about the process or about board membership, please contact Brenda Delaney, NIEBNA Coordinator, at info@niebna.org.

NIEBNA coverage map

Third Avenue Bridge Lights!

Thank you to Nancy Verdier for this photo of the new overhead lights on the Third Avenue Bridge - taken last night, October 7th. We can't wait for the bridge to re-open at the end of this month! 

Minneapolis Downtown Parks Fall Fest - October 13 at The Commons

Enjoy your favorite things about Fall at this FREE event hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board!

Fall Fest highlights include:

• Drag Bingo with great prizes from restaurant gift cards to Joji concert tickets!
• Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
• Cornhole
• Live Music featuring:
  • DJ Jacques
  • Tre Aaron and the Undergroove
• Bonfires
• Enjoy local food trucks: Phal's Best Steak & Gyro and KCM Eggrolls
• Fall Beverages including Beer, Wine and food for purchase!

Help Light the Merriam Street Bridge!

There is a fundraising initiative currently underway to fund a $75K lighting project for the Merriam Street Bridge.

Here is the community campaign donation page: https://givebutter.com/lightthebridge. We were happy to contribute, and hope our neighbors will join us in helping take this project come to fruition!  :)

New MPRB Online Tool Lets You Explore Minneapolis Parks Projects

A new interactive tool offers information about improvements and other projects in parks throughout Minneapolis. 

View of the dashboard map showing 71 park locations where projects are in progress.The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) new Park Projects Dashboard features information on capital improvements as well as rehabilitation and other projects.

Through the dashboard's charts, maps, tables and various filters, users can get information about specific projects as they cycle through phases from pre-planning to completion. Projects that are on hold or pending assignment are also included.

As a convenient resource for the public and Park Board Commissioners, the MPRB Park Projects Dashboard also complements another interactive tool, the MPRB Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Dashboard, which focuses on funding allocations for planned physical improvements in the park system.

Links to both dashboards are featured on MPRB's page for Current Projects. 

October 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an October 3 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue to work on lining the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River with concrete. Excavation will resume later this fall when they can access the storm flow again.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Lining progress

In September, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining pouring about 1,500 cubic yards of concrete. To date 9,700 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is just under three times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 64% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• Northbound lane of Portland Ave will be periodically closed between Washington Ave and 2nd Closures will happen during the workday only.
  • Closure is for the placement of concrete into the tunnel.
  • East crosswalk across Washington and north crosswalk across Portland will be closed.
  • Sidewalks will remain open to businesses and residences.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park remains open until November 1.
  • The trail will continue to have flaggers to allow concrete trucks to pull into and out of the work site until the parking lot closes for the winter on November 1.

• 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates.

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

New Bde Maka Ska Pavilion Opens October 20

Rebuilt pavilion area features Pimento on the Lake restaurant and Pimento Market space for local entrepreneurs, outdoor gathering spaces, public art, and improved trails, landscaping and restrooms

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will open the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion area on Friday, October 20. This high-profile lakeside attraction at 3000 E Bde Maka Ska Parkway has been completely rebuilt and expanded over the last 15 months.

The $6.5 million project features two new buildings totaling 4,400 square feet that will host a restaurant and market from the team behind Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, Indigenous art, and the return of naval artifacts that were previously displayed at the lake. The project also includes improved outdoor seating with 3,000 square feet of open covered space, a small performance stage, upgraded landscaping and trail safety, and a six-stall, year-round restroom area that opened today.

“We could not be more excited to open the new Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and provide another welcoming, open space in our park system,” said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura. “As beloved as the original pavilion was, I believe this new building will quickly become a favorite gathering space and a Minneapolis icon.”

The former Bde Maka Ska concessions pavilion, also called a “refectory,” was built in 1930 and was operated seasonally until it burned down in 2019.

“We’d like to thank the partners who contributed to make this project possible, including Louis King, Tomme Beevas and the Pimento Jamaican Kitchen team, Cunningham, Concrete Pig with Juxtaposition Arts, Hennepin Theater Trust, Native American Community Development Institute and the upcoming muralists, artist Adrienne Zimiga-January, who created the ‘We are on Dakota / Native Land’ decals, Morcon Construction, and, of course, the dedicated MPRB staff members who spent countless hours making this a reality,” said MPRB President Meg Forney. “It was truly a team effort.”

“I am thrilled the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and restaurant are back!” added MPRB District 4 Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer. “It’s an important site for the local community and a major regional attraction for our city as the Chain of Lakes is the second-most visited destination in Minnesota.”

Pimento on the Lake and Pimento Market

Pimento on the Lake team

Two new buildings will each host distinct experiences from Pimento Jamaican Kitchen.

Pimento on the Lake is a new lakeside restaurant offering beach-inspired twists on Pimento Jamaican Kitchen’s authentic, award-winning Jamaican cuisine and libations. It will be open seasonally out of the north building at the pavilion site.

“We’re bringing the magic of Jamaica to the shores of Bde Maka Ska! This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our authentic, award-winning cuisine and host lively lakeside events at one of the most iconic and picturesque places in Minneapolis,” said Tomme Beevas, Chief Strategic Officer of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen.

Pimento joined forces with the team behind Lola on the Lake, which operated the Bde Maka Ska concessions building before it burned down, to create Pimento on the Lake.

“I’m really excited about being a part this next chapter of concessions at Bde Maka Ska,” said Louis King with Lola’s on the Lake. “The Park Board and Pimento have partnered with Lola’s to bring a world-class concept to the lake and region. I applaud the efforts.”

Pimento Market will offer a curated selection of goods, gifts and treats from local BIPOC businesses and entrepreneurs. It will be open year-round in the south building at the pavilion site.

“We’re proud to support BIPOC entrepreneurs, celebrate their talents, and offer a platform for their products to shine,” said Beevas. “Our market will be more than just a place to shop; it's a cultural experience to foster unity and showcase the rich tapestry of talent in Minnesota.”

Follow Pimento on the Lake (Facebook/Instagram) and Pimento Market (Facebook/Instagram) for updates and more information, and visit pimento.com to sign up for email updates and offers!

Pavilion Area Highlights

The entire pavilion area was renovated in addition to the construction of the two new buildings. Highlights:

• Ample outdoor seating areas, including a new community table designed by a Youth Apprentice with Juxtaposition Arts
• Small performance stage
• Improved trail safety and 51 bike parking stalls
• All-gender indoor restroom area with six stalls, including one fully accessible stall with an adult changing table
• Redesigned landscaping with native plants, trees and flowers
• Rebuilt boat launch

Public Art and Memorials

A new mural is planned on the pavilion thanks to a partnership with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), and Hennepin Theatre Trust (HTT).

NACDI and HTT have an ongoing collaborative program called We Are Still Here, a multiyear partnership creating large-scale, high-profile public artworks in the Twin Cities. The mural on the Bde Maka Ska Refectory building will serve as the capstone project for the emerging and mentor artists in the current round of the We Are Still Here program, which is funded in partnership with the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board – Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment.

In addition, Dakota language signs are found on steel columns throughout the buildings, including decals designed by artist Adrienne Zimiga-January.

Two naval artifacts – the Wheel from USS Minneapolis and Bell from USS Minnesota – have returned to the shores of Bde Maka Ska. The American Legion gifted the Bell of the USS Minneapolis to the MPRB in 1928 and the Wheel from the USS Minnesota in 1932. The Navy Memorial at the northeast corner of Bde Maka Ska displayed these naval artifacts for decades, where annual Memorial Day services were also held.

Fall Street Sweeping Begins October 17

Crews are preparing to sweep streets across Minneapolis this month and November to clean the streets before winter. Street sweeping helps keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains and from ending up in our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River.

Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb street sweeping throughout the city Tuesday, October 17. During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary hot pink “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, October 16, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Ways to stay informed of the parking rules:

• Interactive web feature – The Street Sweeping Schedule Map is available on the City’s website. Visitors to the website will be able to find out which week their street is scheduled to be swept. Then, on the weekend before each of the four weeks, the schedule for the upcoming week will be broken down to show which day of the week streets are scheduled to be swept.
• “No Parking” signs – City crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7am to 4:30pm on the day a street is swept. However, the “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking after the signs are removed. Vehicles not in compliance with “No Parking” signs may be ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot. The sweeping takes several steps, so people should not resume parking until the signs are removed.
• Email and text alerts – You can sign up to get an alert automatically emailed or texted to you at the start of street sweeping.
• Social media – The City will use Facebook and Twitter to post periodic street sweeping updates and information.
• Videos – Street sweeping is explained in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the City’s YouTube channel and on Minneapolis City TV.

* * Clean streets mean healthier water * *

Minneapolis streets are swept completely curb to curb with enforcement of parking rules once in the spring and again in the fall. You can do your part by not pushing leaves, grass clippings or other debris into City streets. It’s bad for our lakes and waterways, it can cause safety hazards and it’s against the law.

Leaves that wash into storm drains end up in our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River. They may quickly begin to break down, creating pollutants that overfertilize lake water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae grow. The murky lake water that results is not good for swimming or fishing. It can also harm wildlife and pets.

Learn more about street sweeping.

Mpls Downtown Improvement District Announces 2023 Greening & Public Realm Award Winners

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) has announced its 2023 Greening & Public Realm Award winners, a group decided by an interactive public vote that includes three first-time winners among the eight categories.

The Greening & Public Realms Awards aim to amplify the greening efforts by local organizations and companies that help beautify downtown and its surrounding areas through enhancing our urban landscape.

The is year’s four first-time award winners include Mpls College Landing (Best Small Green Space), Hennepin Avenue (Best Streetscape), Rising by Richard Hunt (Best Public Art) and The Alley Project (Best Public Realm Improvement)

Loring Greenway won a Greening & Public Realm Awards for a record 12th straight year – including winning Best Large Green Space for the seventh year in a row. The Loring Park Neighborhood also took home the prize for Best Neighborhood Greening for the seventh year in a row as well. Peavey Plaza won its third straight Greening & Public Realm Award for Best Activated Space.

“We had a tremendous summer downtown, and our community added to the vibrancy felt by residents, employees and visitors through incredible greening in their respective spaces,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “We congratulate our winners of this year’s DID Greening Awards and commend all finalists and nominees on positively contributing to our city’s core.”

Greening & Public Realm Award winners will receive a commemorative plaque created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods and creates high-quality wood products. Each award will display the year the award was issued and the category that was won. Winning locations will also receive a Greening & Public Realm Awards winner sign to designate their award-winning greenery.

The finalists, nominated by the public, were selected and categorized by members of the Mpls DID staff based on criteria including overall year-over-year enhancements as well as continued excellence in adding vibrancy to the public realm.

Lung Association’s 2024 Fight For Air Climb Will Take Climbers to New Heights in Capella Tower

Climbers of all fitness levels, families, firefighters, and corporate teams from across Minnesota are invited to participate in the February 24, 2024, event

The American Lung Association of Minnesota wants you to start thinking ahead to February for their 2024 Fight For Air Climb. The premiere stair-climbing event will take climbers to new heights for the first time at Capella Tower, 225 South 6th Street. Climbers of all fitness levels can challenge themselves as they make their way up 53 flights towards the top. The family-friendly event supports more than 601,000 people in Minnesota living with lung disease.

The goal is to raise awareness and funds to support the Lung Association’s efforts to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through lifesaving research, education, and advocacy.

Space on the stairs is limited, and participants are encouraged to save their spot and register today. You can also use code “EARLYBIRD” by November 16 to receive $10 off the registration $35 fee.

For more information, visit FightForAirClimb.org/TwinCities.

Downtown Community Storage Program Surpasses 1,000 Clients Served

The Downtown Community Storage Program officially passed 1,000 clients served this summer and continues to provide space for members of the downtown community to store their valuables in short- or long-term capacities.

Launched in late 2021 and located in the basement of Ramp B, the storage facility ensures people’s belongings are safe and secure. As of today, the program has served 1,200 clients.

The Downtown Community Storage Program launched as a resource for those experiencing homelessness in an effort to ease the constant stress and anxiety of making sure belongings aren’t lost, left behind or stolen. It is also a resource for people attending local events who need to store belongings while they are at a venue.

Through funding from the City of Minneapolis, Ameriprise and DID, the Downtown Community Storage Program offers free storage for personal belongings for an unlimited amount of time.

Clients often take advantage of this unlimited amount of storage time as they work towards obtaining housing. Client success is often measured by testimonials detailing their appreciation for storage as a place to keep belongings secure while in housing transition.

“We are thrilled with the continued success the Downtown Community Storage Program is having in our community – and other communities as well,” said Joe Kreisman, Social Impact Manager at the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “We’ve had outreach from other communities, including Duluth, on how to start up similar programs due to the success and impact our program is making in the community. This is an important resource for many who need help with taking care of their belongings. At any given time, we have hundreds of clients using this space, and we are proud to provide this service.”

The storage program is open on Mondays through Fridays from 9am–5pm. To learn more or contact the Downtown Community Storage program, visit www.mplsdid.com/storage.

Success stories include: 

• Client D came to us from our DID Hennepin County Social Worker James, he had called and said that the client has quite a bit of belongings, but they are in the process of getting housed and she didn’t want her belongings stolen while staying at the shelter. We were able to provide her with two bins and she would call to check in every two weeks for the next four months until her place was ready.

• Client K expressed that she has never been in a situation like this before, but she was pushing through it and determined to get out of it. She would come by at least 10 times a week and grab what she needed for the night and return in the morning to drop it off. After 6 months of keeping that same routine while going to the library and spending time there to read/study, she got into transitional housing. On June 14, 2023, she came down and was very excited, because her hard work and patience paid off.

• Client E signed up on March 9, 2023 and while he was waiting for his housing to go through, he was also working. Every couple of days he would come by and change his outfits and store new clothes. He finally got his keys to move in on May 18, 2023. 

The Freehouse and Surly Brewing Earn Medals at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival

Two Minneapolis craft breweries were honored for their beers at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the nation’s premier beer festival and competition, in Denver, CO on Saturday, September 23. A GABF medal is recognized around the world as a symbol of brewing excellence, and these awards are among the most coveted in the industry. This year, there were 303 medals awarded from the 9,298 beers entered.

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The Freehouse won a coveted gold medal in the Rye Beers category with their No. 68 Red Lager, which also won a gold medal as well as one of the Best in Show awards earlier this year at the statewide MN Brewers Cup awards. In the American Fruit Beer category, Surly Brewing Co. won a bronze medal with their Lemonade.

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“Minnesotans should be very proud of the quality and craftsmanship of our local craft beer,” said Jess Talley,

Executive Director of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. “These breweries are continuing the tradition of

phenomenal, award-winning craft beer being made and enjoyed across our great state.”

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Minnesota Medals:

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● Gold: The Freehouse, Minneapolis: “No. 68 Red Lager” - Rye Beers

● Bronze: Surly Brewing Co., Minneapolis: “Lemonade” - American Fruit Beer

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See all 2023 GABF winners.

Early Voting Now Open for November 7 Election

Early voting has begun for the November 7 municipal election. All 13 City Council seats are on the 2023 ballot.

Voters can cast their ballots early by mail or in person at the Early Vote Center, 980 E Hennepin Ave.

Voting by mail

The City is now mailing more than 1,000 requested mail-in ballots to Minneapolis voters. If you've requested one, allow seven-10 days for it to arrive.

All mail-in ballots need to be received by Election Day (November 7) to count. If you choose to deliver your ballot in person to the Elections & Voter Services office, it must be returned by 3pm on Election Day, November 7. Mail ballots cannot be dropped off at polling places on Election Day.

Find more information on how to vote by mail on the City website.

Voting at the Early Vote Center

The Early Vote Center, 980 E Hennepin Ave., makes early in-person voting more convenient for Minneapolis voters. It’s especially helpful to people who need language support or other special accommodations, such as curbside voting. Voting early can also help people avoid lines and crowds at polling places on the day of the election.

The Early Vote Center’s hours are 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. The center will extend its hours for the final two weeks of voting, including Saturdays and Sundays. Find all Early Vote Center hours on the City website.

Save time by taking these three steps

1. Make sure you’re registered to vote, or pre-register at least 21 days before the election. Voters can register or check the status of their registrations on the City website.
2. Download and complete the absentee ballot application form in advance and bring it when you go to vote early.
3. Look at a sample ballot ahead of time; even bring it to refer to when you go to vote. Your sample ballot is customized to your ward and precinct.

About ranked choice voting

Minneapolis voters will use ranked choice voting in this election to elect members of the City Council. Ranked choice voting is a way of voting that eliminates the need for separate primary elections. For each of the 13 wards, voters rank up to three candidates for each office in order of preference.

Ranked choice voting is used only for municipal elections in Minneapolis.

Find more information on ranked-choice voting on the City website.

Major Summer Events Lead to Strong Results for Minneapolis Hotels

Signs of positive recovery for the city’s tourism industry continue as Meet Minneapolis announces that the final week of summer recorded the highest weekly demand for hotel rooms in Minneapolis since the fall of 2019. More than 56,000 hotel rooms were occupied from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, thanks to events throughout the city and region, including the 2023 Gay Softball World Series. That week capped a successful summer as major events – many of which were booked by Meet Minneapolis – translated into significantly improved overall performance for Minneapolis hotels.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day this year, demand for hotel rooms in Minneapolis increased nearly 11% compared to the summer of 2022. On June 23-24 – with Taylor Swift concerts, the Twin Cities Pride Festival and the Kiwanis International Convention all taking place in the city – Minneapolis set a new all-time record for total hotel rooms occupied on a weekend with 19,531.

“We’re thrilled with the summer we had in Minneapolis as people from all over came to our city for the many theater, sports, arts, music and business events hosted across our community,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “All of that activity provides a significant boost to the Minneapolis economy and supports the nearly 30,000 tourism and hospitality workers in the city.”

“Minneapolis shone brightly this summer,” said Meet Minneapolis board member Christy Loy, General Manager of the Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District. “Visitors from near and far came to our city for a wide variety of events and the hospitality community really came together to showcase Minneapolis. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward in the seasons ahead.”

Minneapolis hotel performance for summer 2023 – by the numbers*:

2023 Demand (rooms sold)

617,616	Total rooms sold, an increase of nearly 11% from summer 2022
210,702	August hotel rooms sold; highest since October 2019 (218,764)
56,248	Highest weekly hotel room demand in 2023 (Aug. 27-Sept. 2.)
	Highest since Oct. 20-27, 2019 (56,406)

2023 Occupancy

63.0%	Hotel occupancy rate, an increase of nearly 7% from summer 2022
66.2%	August hotel occupancy rate; highest since October 2019 (75.4%)
78.3%	Highest weekly hotel occupancy rate for the year (Aug. 27-Sept. 2.)
	Highest since Oct. 20-27, 2019 (81.4%)

2023 Revenue

$107M

Total guest room revenue; increase of more than 10% from summer 2022

* All data according to hospitality industry data provider Smith Travel Research (STR)

Many of the summer’s highest in-demand days for hotel rooms in Minneapolis occurred when large events were held at major venues in the city, such as the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC), Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium: 

Date / Rooms Sold / Occupancy / Large Events

June 23 / 9,888 / 96.3% / Taylor Swift concert, Twin Cities Pride Festival, Kiwanis International Convention

June 13 / 9,888 / 96.3% / USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships, Twins-Brewers

July 25 / 9,818 / 92.0% / Microscopy & Microanalysis 2023, AVID Summer Institute, Minneapolis Aquatennial, Twins-Mariners

June 24 / 9,643 / 93.9% / Taylor Swift concert, Twin Cities Pride Festival, Kiwanis International Convention

Sept. 2 / 9,422 / 91.8% / Gay Softball World Series, Minnesota State Fair

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That good news is tempered by the continued lag in business travel, which is still slow to return to pre-pandemic levels. Work is ongoing at Meet Minneapolis to continue supporting and stimulating the city’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Today, Meet Minneapolis launched a fall leisure tourism campaign to promote the wide variety of world-class experiences that visitors can have in the state’s largest city. The campaign invites visitors to “take it all in” and shares itinerary ideas to encourage overnight stays in Minneapolis. The marketing initiative – featuring digital, social and video advertising, and a dedicated web presence – is targeting communities that are 15 to 300 miles from Minneapolis.

Earlier this year, Meet Minneapolis launched a major leisure tourism campaign – See What All the Fuss Is About – which addressed misperceptions of the city head-on and highlighted the city’s offerings available to people who used to travel to Minneapolis often – as well as to those who are new to the destination. In a post-campaign analysis, 71% of targeted visitors in Duluth, Fargo, La Crosse/Eau Claire, Mankato, Rochester and Sioux Falls indicated they were likely or very likely to recommend Minneapolis as a place to visit.

In addition, in late August, more than 2,500 people – including nearly 900 meeting and event planners – gathered at the MCC for Connect Marketplace, a major convention in the events industry. Attendees learned about Minneapolis as a meetings and events destination, and many planners are now considering the city for their next conference or event. As a result of hosting Connect Marketplace, Meet Minneapolis anticipates receiving numerous requests for proposal for future events that will bring significant economic impact for the city.

“While we celebrate the summer we had in Minneapolis, we must acknowledge that the path to full recovery stretches ahead of us,” Tennant added. “Alongside our partners, we will continue working to support our city’s tourism and hospitality businesses and their workers. The journey continues, and we are committed to making every step count.”

For the latest from Meet Minneapolis, go here and here, or follow us on social media.

September Issue of Public Health Matters from the City of Minneapolis

Via a September 19 e-news from the City of Minneapolis:

Welcome to the September edition of Public Health Matters. The Minneapolis Health Department is committed to supporting a healthier city. Through this newsletter, we will bring you important issues affecting public health. 

Our vision

Healthy lives, health equity and healthy environments are the foundations of a vibrant Minneapolis now and in the future.

Health Department social media channels

For the latest Health Department news, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Find important information on our website. 

In this month's edition: 

• You Matter: Suicide Prevention Month
• New COVID-19 vaccine guidelines
• Upcoming events
• Health Department employee spotlight
• Items of interest
• Department updates

September is Suicide Prevention Month. It gives us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves focusing on our own mental health as well as others.

It's important to really listen to our loved ones, friends and colleagues. Listening and knowing how to respond can help lead to better mental health outcomes.

If you know someone struggling, learn how you can help someone with these 5 Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain by the National Institute of Mental Health:

1. Ask
2. Keep them Safe
3. Be There
4. Help them Connect  
5. Stay

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors. Please use 988 if you are in a crisis or provide this information to someone you know struggling.

According to preliminary data, Minneapolis lost 262 people to suicide in the last five years (2018-2022). The 58 suicides in 2022 were the most since 2019 (72) There were 685 reports of self-inflicted injuries in Minneapolis ER visits in 2021. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens 15-19-years-old.

Resources

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is committed to preventing suicide and supporting frontline professionals. There are many resources available if you or someone you know is in crisis — whether they are considering suicide or not. They include: 

• The Crisis Text Line also offers free 24/7 mental health support. Text “10-18” or “SCRUBS” to 741741 for help.
• Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Call 206-459-3020.
• The City has created this public list of mental health support resources for residents and loved ones.
• Support after a suicide loss 

Videos

• How Suicidal Tendencies Spread Through Families and Classrooms
• The Suicide Rate is Going Up. Here’s What We Can Do to Stop it

Minnesota Department of Health statement on new COVID-19 vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines aimed at the circulating COVID-19 variants. These new vaccines are approved by the FDA for everyone 6 months or older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued formal vaccine recommendations Sept. 12.

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham stated that these vaccines are an even more effective tool, targeting the variants we know are in our communities right now. Cunningham encourages eligible Minnesotans to contact their doctors or pharmacists to schedule an appointment.

Cost
These are the first COVID-19 vaccines to be commercialized, which means there may be costs. To avoid a surprise bill, speak with your health insurer about your coverage before scheduling a vaccination.

Free or low-cost vaccine options for people without health insurance:

• Contact the nearest Community Health Center (CHC) near you. Find locations at Minnesota Health Centers: Find a Health Center.
• Find a community vaccination event near you by calling the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 public hotline. Call the hotline at 1-833-431-2053 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Visit Vaccines.gov to find other locations including pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccines at no cost.
• Ask your clinic about getting free or low-cost vaccines for your child.
• Check the MDH Vaccination Clinic Web Map to find clinics that offer low-cost shots.

COVID tests available

Help reduce the spread of COVID. The state is offering free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits to residents of eligible communities. Get a free at-home COVID test kit

The Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council is now taking applications.  As a member, you’ll help improve the way we grow, process, distribute, eat and compost our food.Together we can make a difference by building a more equitable and sustainable local food system in our city.  Applications are open through Oct. 31. Apply now!

Information Session When: Oct. 11 from 5-5:30 p.m. (Food Council meeting runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m.) Where: Northeast Recreation Center – 1530 Johnson St. NE

Protect yourself from the flu by getting vaccinated

The flu season is almost here. Starting today, the City will be offering flu shots at our free vaccine clinics.

Last season in Minnesota, the flu reached pre-pandemic levels with more than 3,300 hospitalizations and 182 deaths.

The flu can affect all of us but is especially dangerous for: Children under 5 Adults 65 and older Pregnant women People with chronic health conditions Getting vaccinated helps protect you, your loved ones and our community. Let’s all enjoy the fall activities with one less worry. Together we can make a healthier and happier community.  Resources Find a free vaccine clinic near you Learn more about the flu Know the facts about the flu

September flu clinics

A Mother’s Love
Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 4:30-7 p.m.
Northside Community Center
701 W. Broadway Ave.

Partners in Prevention
Thursday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Center for Changing Lives
2400 Park Ave. S.

Fall Harvest Health Fair
Friday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Native American Community Clinic
1213 E. Franklin Ave.

Fighting the flu

Minneapolis Firefighter Mark DeLude, who is following in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter, encourages everyone to get their flu shot.

Mark lost his father, who was not vaccinated, to complications from the flu.

Watch Mark’s story: Fighting the Flu: Minneapolis Firefighter Saving Lives in Father’s Memory

School supply drive

Tyronda Powell and Laura Green with our School Based Clinics recently led the charge to help make sure Minneapolis High School teens have the basic needs as we start the school year. 

Tyronda and Laura held a supply drive, asking Health and City employees to donate basic needs such as:

• Deodorant
• Soap
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Tissues
• Body lotion

The drive collected approximately $1,000 in supplies. Great work!

Eduardo Mardones Eduardo Mardones is one of our registered environmental health inspectors who is dedicated to his job. His job consists of inspecting food businesses, lodging establishments, swimming pools and spas, and body art businesses. Eduardo, who has been with the City since 2015, was inspecting food vendors at the Southside Back in the Day city celebration when he ran into Mayor Frey. The mayor told Ed he was very appreciative of all the inspectors’ work in the city.   Keep up the great work, Ed!

National Food Safety Education Month!

National Food Safety Education Month is a good time to remember the importance of proper food safety. The four steps to food safety: Clean, separate, cook, chill. 

• Wash your hands and work surfaces often
• Do not cross-contaminate food
• Cook food to the right temperature
• Refrigerate perishable food promptly

Learn more about the four steps to food safety

Pledge to take more trips by walking, biking or transit

Pledge to boost your health, save money and reduce stress by shifting at least one of your weekly car trips to walking/rolling, biking or transit. Maybe you opt for a short walk to the grocery store, hop on the bus to work or bike your kids to school one day this week.

The As You Go MPLS campaign celebrates getting around the city in ways that support the City’s mode-shift goal in the Transportation Action Plan. By 2030, the City aims to have three out of every five trips taken by walking, biking or transit.

Visit the City’s website to take the pledge. It’s available in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong. You can also choose to share your personal experience or story about what motivates you to get around by walking, rolling, biking or transit.

Fairgoers ranked Minneapolis’ tap water the best tasting water in the state!

Random State Fair goers blind taste tested 16 different Minnesota tap waters inside the State Fair’s Eco Experience during the fair.

Did you know tap water is more heavily regulated than bottled water, and costs a fraction of the price? Minneapolis tap water costs about a half cent per gallon. Compare that to an average 20-oz bottle of water at $1.50, which translates to $9.60/gallon on average. Not to mention the extra waste of single-use plastic bottles!

Request for Proposal: Community Opioid Response and Engagement

The Minneapolis Health Department is requesting proposals from organizations that focus on treatment and long-term recovery for traditionally underserved communities. This request uses $150,000 of the City’s Opioid Settlement Funds and is part of a larger strategy responding to the opioid crisis. We are seeking qualified organizations to support community driven projects to prevent, treat, and maintain long-term recovery of opioid use and addiction in underserved and underrepresented communities, including our Native and East African populations.

Apply now

Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control

Free child lead testing events  We are bringing a mobile testing lab to your neighborhood. A blood test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning. The Minneapolis Health Department recommends children who live in homes built before 1978 get tested every year of their life, up to 6-years-old.   Lead poisoning can cause serious health issues, such as:  Learning problems Behavioral problems Slowed growth Hearing problems Developmental problems Find an upcoming free lead testing event near you Read more about our lead testing program in the Sahan Journal

Homegrown Minneapolis

2023 Farm to School Community BBQ 

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Culinary & Wellness Services is excited to host their annual Farm to School Community BBQ -- a celebration of local food in our district and community! This free outdoor event includes delicious local foods, fun hands-on activities, live music, a corn-shucking contest, and more.

Where: MPS Culinary Center – 812 Plymouth Ave. N.

When: Sept. 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. (Sept. 28 rain date)

Learn more about the event on the MPS Culinary & Wellness Services webpage

In Case You Missed It: Minneapolis Food Vision 

Homegrown Minneapolis recently announced the release of the final draft of the Minneapolis Food Vision (MFV). Developed by people who live, work, and eat in Minneapolis, the MFV is a 10-year plan meant to build and support a local food system that is resilient, just, and equitable. It also builds on previous efforts and plans of the City and is a companion to the recently adopted Climate Equity Plan. 

Learn more about the MFV and view the full PDF on the City's program page

Opioid Response Team

National Recovery Month

Did you know that 3 out of 10 people in the United States face challenges related to mental health or substance use?

This month, we come together to offer hope, embrace acceptance, and celebrate the incredible power of recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, remember, you're not alone. There's a network of compassionate resources ready to help you on your journey to recovery.

Find resources on our opioid webpage

Sustainability, Healthy Homes and Environment (SHHE)

Phasing out black plastic

The Green To Go ordinance addresses recyclable and compostable to-go containers for food.

Black plastics have been allowed under Green To Go. However, we plan to phase it out because black plastic is problematic.

We are interested in your comments on making this change.

During the summer, we will meet with businesses and other stakeholders to collect feedback. We will review your comments and suggestions to determine how we move forward to reduce the impacts of black plastic.

Black plastic issues

Black plastics are trash. Using black plastics do not align with the City of Minneapolis Zero Waste Plan goal of reducing waste.

Some of the problems:

• Recyclers are no longer accepting black plastics
• Black plastics do not have good end markets to make them into new materials
• Black plastics are not allowed in Minneapolis residential recycling carts
• Black plastics end up in the landfill or are sent for incineration

What you can do

We encourage you to stop using black plastics when your current supply is used up.

Instead of black, purchase clear or white recyclable plastic. Another alternative is to use compostable containers.

Resources

Find out more about Green To Go

Read the Green To Go ordinance 

Learn about the City's Zero Waste Plan 

If you have questions about Green To Go, contact Minneapolis 311 by emailing Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-3000. Ask for an Environmental Health supervisor. 

Green Cost Share Program

The Minneapolis Health Department is working hard to build a more climate resilient City. The City’s Green Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to help community members pay for property upgrades that help the environment.

The program helps pay for a variety of projects, including solar installations, energy-saving improvements, innovation pollution reduction efforts and projects that reduce vehicle pollution.

Video
Green Rock Apartments. Building a more climate resilient Minneapolis. The video showcases how the City helped a 4d affordable housing property owner make investments in electric car charging stations, a solar array and new roof installation, among other upgrades.

Programs like this are helping to build a better tomorrow in our city.

Sign up to get alerted when the next round of applications begin

Green Careers Exploration Program: Solar installation training 

Are you interested in Solar Energy Career Pathways?  

Jobs in clean energy and solutions for climate change are some of the fastest growing and best paying in the nation. 

The Minneapolis Health Department’s Green Careers Exploration Program is partnering with Minneapolis Climate Action and other community partners for the next round of Solar Installation Training.

The 56-hour credentialed training for people who have an interest in the solar industry is administered by Midwest Renewable Energy Association. 

Young adults, people of color and women are encouraged to register. No experience or prerequisites are required.  

While the training is free, you may also qualify for a stipend if you meet income qualifications.

Register for the next training Oct. 9-19

Space is limited. 

Questions
Contact Akisha

Apply now to lower your gas bill

Minneapolis residents eligible for energy assistance may qualify to have the additional cost of a winter storm surcharge removed from their gas bills.

Gas customers eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can qualify to have a gas surcharge removed. The extra charge is associated with extreme fuel costs during Winter Storm Uri in 2021.

The City of Minneapolis is encouraging anyone who may qualify to apply for assistance:

• See if you qualify
• Apply through the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County

The fee will be removed through September 2026.

Additional benefit
Those who qualify for (LIHEAP) will also be enrolled in the CenterPoint Energy Gas Affordability Program. This will limit the amount a customer will pay per month on their gas bill. 

Director of Health Operations

The Director of Health Operations ensures that the foundational elements of the Health Department are executed in an efficient and effective manner. The core infrastructure of the department, its administrative, legislative, financial, and operational functions are housed within this division, and they are essential to the work that the department does in the community.

This position works to develop and maintain highly effective teams that can support the programmatic work of staff across the wide range of service areas that exist in the department.

Apply now!

The Cowles Center Presents Second Annual Fall Forward Festival

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts announced this year’s Fall Forward Festival line-up. The annual festival features shared evening performances over the three weekends of October 21 & 22, October 28 & 29, and November 4 & 5 on the Goodale Theater Stage. In-person, single tickets for each weekend of the festival are $30 or Pay As You Are. Tickets are on sale now through the Box Office at (612) 206-3600 or online.

The Fall Forward Festival celebrates nine different dance artists across three fantastic weekends. Talents collide onstage as our diverse dance community showcases an assortment of genres across this momentous festival. Each weekend features a new roster and a variety of experiences from percussive footwork to physical feats to modern expressions and more.

Said Cowles Center Co-Director, Jessi Fett, “We’re so thrilled to be bringing back the Fall Forward Festival. It’s so exciting to see an artist from our Generating Room program join the festival this year and support four commissions for new work. This just highlights the power of creating pathways for artists to grow.”

Co-Director, Joseph Bingham added, “Just as thrilling is our ability to add Pay As You Are pricing options to this year's festival, continuing our work to make The Cowles Center and dance as accessible as possible.” 

October 21 and 22

• Concerto Dance
• Kaleena Miller Dance*
• Afoutayi Haitian Dance, Music, and Arts Company*

October 28 and 29

• Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca*
• STRONGmovement
• Yuki Tokuda

November 4 and 5 

• Katha Dance Theatre*
• Shapiro & Smith Dance
• Alternative Motion Project

*Denotes new work commission

Pay As You Are

In order to make performances more accessible, The Cowles Center is joining many Twin Cities performing arts organizations by offering Pay As You Are at select performances throughout the season. Pay As You Are pricing asks those who routinely pay the fair market value for tickets to choose to pay that amount. If an audience member needs to pay less, they can choose to pay less — as little as $5 per ticket, while those who are able to pay above market price are welcome to do so.

The Cowles Center is a dance and performing arts hub that promotes movement and growth for artists through supportive programs and spaces; engages audiences through dynamic performances; and educates learners of all ages through robust and inclusive education initiatives. The Cowles Center is owned and operated by Artspace. 

Autumn Brew Review Returns to Boom Island October 14

Each fall, thousands of craft beer lovers gather at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis for Autumn Brew Review, Minnesota’s longest-running beer festival. Described as “fall fun for adults,” attendees of the afternoon festival can enjoy live music, games, and bonfires in the golden-hour light as they sample unlimited craft beer from over 90 Minnesota breweries and brewpubs.

This year, on October 14, the festival will feature a live music stage to highlight local bands Grunge Unplugged and Pleezer. There will also be a new designated area for lawn games along the Mississippi River waterfront.

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Autumn Brew Review is put on by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, a not-for-profit organization made up of brewery and brewpub members. Like other MNCBG festivals, ABR exclusively showcases Minnesota breweries and brewpubs, often with owners or brewers present. At the festival, breweries will be grouped by region, so fans can more easily explore the variety and quality of craft beer that our state offers. Whether discovering new favorites or enjoying old ones, craft beer fans are able to enjoy fresh Minnesota beer, poured by the people who brew it.

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The 2023 Autumn Brew Review festival will feature:

● Unlimited samples from 90+ Minnesota breweries, brewpubs, and cideries

● Autumn games and activities

● Live music by local bands Grunge Unplugged and Pleezer

● Bonfires

● Food trucks

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Early-bird general admission tickets are $65, non-alcoholic tickets are $20, and VIP early-access tickets are $85. Ticket prices increase October 1. Tickets, event details, and more can be found online at mncraftbrew.org/ABR.

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Founded in 2000, the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is a not-for-profit organization made up of more than 180 Minnesota brewery and brewpub members. The Guild showcases the talent of Minnesota’s craft brewers and promotes Minnesota’s brewing industry by sponsoring festivals and special events, including the MN Brewers Cup, the State Fair’s Brewed in Minnesota exhibit, All Pints North, and Autumn Brew Review. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild’s mission is to promote, protect, and grow a robust Minnesota craft brewing industry by building a healthy beer culture and community that allows for independent brewers, industry stakeholders, and craft beer fans to thrive.