DMNA Seeking Members for Public Safety Task Force

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association invites community members to apply for membership on the DMNA Public Safety Task Force, established at its July 20th board meeting.  The function of the task force is to facilitate active participation by the DMNA board and membership in the ongoing debates about public safety in Minneapolis.  The task force will work to advance the “Guiding Principles for Police Reform and Public Safety” (adopted 7-6-20), within the general framework of the DMNA mission and goals.

The task force is designed as a working group, and membership will require a significant time commitment, probably entailing several hours a week. Every member will be working on one or more task areas. Online meetings will be held biweekly, and frequent email/online communication should be expected. The task force is initially authorized through October 2020, when a report of its work will be presented at the DMNA Annual Meeting.

The working group will develop specific tasks that address the function stated above. Its general objectives are: to encourage downtown residents to respond to public comment opportunities on public safety issues; to advise the DMNA on board responses to community safety issues; to collect & report relevant neighborhood data; to develop & distribute public information materials; and to develop recommendations to the DMNA Board on how the neighborhood association can actively contribute to public safety in our neighborhood.

Membership is open to anyone who lives within the DMNA boundaries, (or who has an employment or business connection to the neighborhoods within these boundaries).  Although we are seeking to assemble a group with a broad range of skills, we specifically welcome applications from persons with a strong background in communications, including social media.

To apply for membership on the task force, please complete the application via the link below by Wednesday, August 12 at 5 p.m.  If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact DMNA Neighborhood Coordinator Christie Hantge at christie@thedmna.org.

DMNA Public Safety Task Force application  (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dmnapublicsafetytaskforce)

Friends of the Falls and Native American Community Development Institute launch community engagement for The Falls Initiative, convene Native Advisory Council

Friends of the Falls, in partnership with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), announces a community engagement effort for The Falls Initiative. The organizations seek to transform the Upper Lock at The Falls, land that is sacred to the Dakota and other Indigenous communities. This site is known as Owámniyomni, or whirlpool, in Dakota.

The Upper Lock was closed to commercial navigation in 2015, and the Friends of the Falls (formerly Friends of the Lock and Dam) was founded in 2016 to repurpose the site into a world-class destination and interpretive center. The organization supports transitioning ownership of the Lock from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the City of Minneapolis and restoring public access to the riverfront.

The Falls Initiative will advance adopted plans including the City of Minneapolis' Downtown Public Realm Framework (2016); Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Central Riverfront Regional Parks Master Plan (2016); Meet Minneapolis’ Destination Transformation 2030 (2016); and the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board's Changing Relationships to the Power of the Falls (2014).

In its launch years, Friends of the Falls convened a coalition of stakeholders from over twodozen local organizations. These entities came to acknowledge not only the site’s ecological significance and industrial history, but also its cultural heritage as home of the Dakota people.

Friends of the Falls recognized the need to broaden project engagement and put this missing narrative at the forefront. Early visualizations of the project have been set aside to create space for the untold stories of this site and develop a true shared vision for Owámniyomni, The Falls.

Friends of the Falls welcomes its new partnership with NACDI, and with it, the opportunity to build authentic, reciprocal, and long-term relationships with First Nations people.

“This partnership is historic because it does more than simply seek Native American advice into

decision making for this project. Instead, because of our formal agreement, the Friends and Indigenous Peoples will share decision making and shape and implement this project together,” said Mark Andrew, President of the Friends of the Falls.

The Native American Community Development Institute was founded in 2007 to address the growing challenges and opportunities facing the urban Indigenous community. NACDI is

committed to transforming the American Indian community to effectively respond to 21st-century opportunities. NACDI works to promote innovative community development strategies that strengthen the overall sustainability and well-being of American Indian people and communities.

Core to the engagement effort is creation of a Native Advisory Council. Tribal and Indigenous leaders will be invited to guide the engagement process and counsel the design team, which includes GGN and VJAA architects.

Robert Lilligren, President and CEO of NACDI shares, “We are truly honored to be working in partnership with the Friends of the Falls. It is important that our values are aligned with the Friends of the Falls who recognize the importance for Dakota and Indigenous perspectives and representation for the foundation of this work.”

Opportunities for public feedback during this ideation phase will be available in-person and online through February 2021. Learn more at TheFalls.org.

Reader Opinion: Increase Police Funding

I support increased funding for the Minneapolis Police Department and the Minneapolis Parks Police Department in order to hire and train police officers and public safety personnel, additional funding for crises intervention training, counseling for officers and public safety personnel, incentives for officers to live where they work, Statewide ban on choke holds and neck restraints, & warrior-style training for officers. Minneapolis is a growing community of over 400,000 people, and is experiencing increases in violent activities.  It is unrealistic to not plan for increased education and training of police personal.  The resent tragedies should send a clear message to us all to work together with education, training, and realistic expectations of the public safety needs, and public safety personnel in Minneapolis.

- Diane Hofstede, Former Minneapolis City Council Member

Opinion: Minneapolis Parks, Addressing Homelessness', Hennepin County's Role in Minneapolis

By Diane Hofstede, Former City Council Member

Last week I sent an email message to the individuals listed regarding the increasing number of people camping in our parks, damaging trees, and using the park for their toilet, and garbage needs, Park Board President Cowgill, Park Board Members, Superintendent Bangoura, Chief Otto, Mayor Frey, Steve Cramer, Representative Jordan, Senator Dziedzic, Hennepin County Commissioner Fernando, Hennepin County Sheriff Hutchinson, Metropolitan Council Chair Person Zelle, John Anfinsen, & Governor Walz.

On July 16, City of Minneapolis community members attended the meeting at the Minneapolis Park Board to address the growing population of homeless and encampments in Powderhorn Park, and other city parks. The concerns regarding public safety, safety of our children, violence, destruction, and the growing risk of the spread of COVID 19 were expressed.  The result of the meeting was to allow homeless to shelter in our parks by a caring community.

The Mission of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, “permanently preserve, protect, maintain, improve, and enhance its natural resources, parkland, and recreational opportunities for current and future generations. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board exists to provide places and recreation opportunities for all people to gather, celebrate, contemplate, and engage in activities that promote health, well-being, community, and the environment”. Note the Minneapolis Park Board and staff are not elected or trained to deal with homelessness in a city over 400,000 people.

Encampments in our parks is not a viable solution for people without housing, and with medical needs. Hennepin County’s mission and responsibility and the State of Minnesota is to provide shelter for those in need.  What actions has Hennepin County, the Metropolitan Council or the State of Minnesota taken to address their responsibility in the growing housing needs and homelessness in Minneapolis, and in our State? The Hennepin County Sheriff has a responsibility to provide public safety in the City of Minneapolis. What actions has the Hennepin County Sheriff done other than a public statement? Are they partners in defining the growing need, immediate solutions, and their responsibility to the City of Minneapolis? What is the status of Homeless Programs and how are jurisdictions in Minnesota addressing the growing health and human needs in the City of Minneapolis? Hennepin County, the State of Minnesota, the County Sheriff, and Met Council’s responsibility is not merely to post their goals on their website but to act on the goals, mission, and vision.

The Mission, Vision, & Goals of Hennepin County:

The mission of Hennepin County is to enhance the health, safety, and quality of life of our residents and communities in a respectful, efficient, and fiscally responsible way. Vision: We envision a future where residents are healthy and successful and where our communities are safe and vibrant. We will strive to meet and exceed expectations by engaging people and communities in developing innovative solutions to challenges. We will be a diverse, learning organization. We will partner with others to enhance the quality of life in Hennepin County and the region.

On July 17, the Star Tribune reported comments made by Hennepin County Commissioners during a public meeting with Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson. One of the questions was how Hutchinson planned to avoid the problems dealing with people of color that are troubling the Minneapolis police.  No objections noted from the county commissioners during questioning of the Hennepin County Sherriff Dave Hutchinson.  On comment made by a suburban commissioner was that “he did not want the Sheriff’s office to get sucked into the mess that is in Minneapolis right now”.

To Note, Minneapolis is in Hennepin County and we vote for the Sheriff, and we pay taxes to Hennepin County and we elect a commissioner to represent us in our community, or so we thought.

The City of Minneapolis, and Hennepin County Commissioners, Hennepin County Sheriff Hutchinson, the Metropolitan Council, the Governor of the State of Minnesota, all have the responsibility to the City of Minneapolis. All have responsibility and made a commitment to all of us, to act on our behalf. 

We are waiting, and we will remember.

Minneapolis Parks Foundation and People for Parks Announce Consolidation

New People for Parks Fund at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation carries forward 42-year grassroots legacy and provides greater opportunity to align philanthropic support with the community’s vision

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation and People for Parks today announced that the organizations will be consolidated, effective July 1, 2020. With the consolidation, People for Parks will be dissolved and its remaining assets transferred to the Minneapolis Parks Foundation to seed the newly created People for Parks Fund. The core work of People for Parks will continue through the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s People for Parks Fund, including grant-making and fundraising events. In addition, two People for Parks Board Members have been appointed to the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Founded in 1977, People for Parks identified and directed $2.5 million to Minneapolis parks through grant making, fundraising events, and fiscal agency. Its work originated with Dutch elm disease and grew to include support for the Lake Harriet Bandshell rehabilitation, Wabun universal access play area – the first of its kind in Minneapolis – and the nature playscape at North Mississippi Regional Park, as well as numerous neighborhood park projects throughout Minneapolis.

In creating the People for Parks Fund, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation is making a commitment to support People for Parks’ best-known and most impactful activities, including grants, the Poster for Parks show, Root Beer Run, and donor recognition program through pavers and benches at the Lake Harriet Bandshell and the plaza at Bde Maka Ska.

“The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is honored to be entrusted with People for Parks’ legacy of service to Minneapolis. Its history of grassroots, community-based support complements the Parks Foundation’s mission to transform lives by aligning community vision and philanthropic investment,” says Tom Evers, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. “Under one roof, we’re even better able to support our parks through a full range of giving options. Every gift of any amount is meaningful, and now we’ll have more ways for people who love and value Minneapolis parks to make an immediate difference in their community.”

"We are thrilled to unite with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and embark on this new chapter in our decades-long legacy of supporting our city's exceptional parks,” says outgoing People for Parks Board Member Steve Bailey, who along with Jay Halvorson, has been appointed to the Parks Foundation Board of Directors. “The donors, volunteers, board members and staff members of both organizations will now be able to expand their work and gain even more opportunities to make a positive impact on our public parks and the community members who enjoy them. By working together, we will help ensure Minneapolis continues to have the best public parks in the nation."

People for Parks Fund and Advisory Committee

The primary purpose of the People for Parks Fund will be to make grants into the Minneapolis parks system. In addition to seed funding from People for Parks, and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation will contribute annual supplemental funding. Further support will come from donor contributions made to the Fund through the Parks Foundation and fundraising events.

In 2020, an Advisory Committee comprising two former People for Parks Board Members and two current Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board Members, along with additional community appointees, will develop the People for Parks Fund grant criteria and process as part of the initial start-up phase of the Fund.

Beginning in early 2021, the People for Parks Fund Advisory Committee will recommend and guide an annual process for setting grant priorities for the year, a timeline for seeking proposals, distributing a set amount of funds annually, define and produce fundraising activities for generating new funds, methods for tracking results, and capturing stories about the impact of each year’s funds from each grant.

Statement on public safety from mpls downtown council, Mpls Regional Chamber, and BOMA Greater Minneapolis

Via June 29 Email from the mpls downtown council:

There is an unmistakable and significant negative impact from the framing of a needed discussion about improving law enforcement and other public safety efforts as “dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department.” Without a clear understanding that policing services will be reinvented but not eliminated in our City, we can anticipate the desirability of Minneapolis as a community to live, visit, invest, and create/maintain jobs within will diminish.

There is no greater responsibility facing our elected officials at City Hall than providing public safety for all our residents, workers, and visitors. There is no debate more important facing them, and the entire community, than how best to fulfill that responsibility in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd and all that led up to that moment. The following principles will guide our participation in that conversation. We anticipate more organizations and businesses will join us in coming days.

It is essential that we come together as a community to reimagine policing and public safety. Significantly improved law enforcement is a needed and overdue component of an overall continuum of responses to maintain safety for all. Sworn officers paired with supporting resources and other complementary safety strategies have proven effective in downtown. These approaches should be expanded more broadly in our City.  Bottom Line, we say YES to reform and reinvention of policing led by our Police Chief with broad-based community support. To the notion of “Dismantling” the MPD, we decisively say NO!

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR POLICE REFORM AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Clear Accountability for Oversight of Police and Public Saftey

a)    Maintain the current City Charter, whereby the Mayor manages the MPD, not the Mayor plus a City Council of 13 individuals. Management of the MPD by committee will muddle accountability where it is most essential.

MPD Reform and Reinvention is Needed

a)    Support the Chief of Police more visibly than before and provide regular input on public safety and MPD reform.

b)    Educate ourselves - business, community leaders and citizens of all neighborhoods - about best practices we should support.

c)     Support a process that utilizes research, best practices, data and engages communities of color.

d)    Demand an immediate and lasting change in MPD culture, including, increased authority for the Chief, parting ways with any and all bad officers, and improvements to police officer recruitment with incentives to attract high-caliber recruits

A Continuum of Safety Strategies is Necessary

a)    Law enforcement is essential, but cannot alone provide for community safety.

b)    Downtown and other areas in Minneapolis have adopted complementary strategies that work and should be expanded throughout the City (co-responder models, DID ambassadors, liasons for the homeless, etc.).

c)     Support additional housing services, mental health services, and other community-building assets.

d)    Acknowldge this may require an increase in staff size to achieve the results we expect from a world-class City.

There Exists an Undeniable Role for Law Enforcement

a)    Protecting residents, visitors and people who work in Minneapolis is the most important goal of any plan to reform the MPD.

b)    Trained, sworn personnel must be available in appropriate numbers to provide first responder capability, 24 – 7 coverage, and address threatening situations affecting citizens, businesses and properties.

c)     Affirm emergency response capacity remains in place during any period of planning or transition.

Build Broad Consensus on the Path to a Safer City for Everyone

a)    Develop a “plan to make a plan” that gives multiple perspectives a genuine place at the table and engages communities of color and businesses in Minneapolis.

b)    Provide clarity about the timeline and process for decision-making and any implementation of the plan.

c)     Support the implementation of restorative justice measures that emphasizes accountability and justice that is focused on repairing the harm caused by crime.

d)    Support work that is consensus building and not polarizing; neither status quo nor chaotic change is acceptable.

DMNA Set to Engage with Downtown HOA’s

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) Board of Directors would like to establish a stronger connection with residents living in condos and apartments in the Downtown East and Downtown West neighborhoods.  As such, it is working to establish a Home Owners Association Advisory Group.  This group would help the DMNA better communicate with residents of the downtown community on issues of important concern such as crime and safety and land use development.  The DMNA can also help HOA’s communicate more effectively with leadership at City Hall.

The DMNA is asking downtown HOA’s to designate a board representative to serve as a member of the advisory group. The preference would be for the HOA board president to serve on this group, but will accept a designee offered by an HOA president too.  Please submit the name and contact info to info@thedmna.org.  It is our hope to have an initial meeting with this group of people within the next two months, and possibly quarterly after that.  We are excited about this new initiative, and hope that we get good engagement from downtown HOA’s.

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) exists to promote the common good and general welfare of the residents, businesses, and employees of Downtown Minneapolis.  Members of the DMNA Board include, Pam McCrea, Chair; Kevin Frazell, Vice Chair; Carletta Sweet, Secretary; Dianne Walsh, Treasurer; Max Erickson; Tomek Rajtar; Laurie Rice; Joey Senkyr; and Joe Tamburino.

Message from Meet Minneapolis CEO

"Meet Minneapolis stands in solidarity with our city and with other leaders in the Black community in recognizing the need for transforming Minneapolis from the inside out. We support the call for justice for George Floyd. We have spent the last two weeks listening, learning, and reflecting on who we are as an organization and are committed to doing our part in the fight against racism and injustice. We know enormous work is in front of all of us as individuals and community members, and we recognize this work is long overdue. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work. This is our commitment because Black Lives Matter."

- Melvin Tennant, Meet Minneapolis President & CEO

DMNA Funds Covid-19 Relief Efforts

At the DMNA meeting on May 18 the board approved funding for two initiatives that respond to immediate needs created as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

First, the board allocated $20,000 to an organization called WorkingPartnerships.org. This organization has established a relief effort to respond to the needs of hospitality and event workers in the Twin Cities.  They are working collaboratively with the City of Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis, and have asked us to join them, as the downtown community has been severely impacted by COVID-19 with the closing of bars and restaurants, shuttering of event venues and the loss of convention business. The DMNA funds will be used to support the work of Navigators who are helping people from our community with the following challenges:

- Applications for unemployment insurance

- Childcare procurement

- Navigating healthcare coverage

- Securing food assistance

- Providing working protections

In addition to providing funds for WorkingPartnerships.org, the DMNA also allocated dollars for the purchase of masks for people living at The Atrium, a residential building owned by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, and for the purchase of masks for giveaway to downtown residents.  They are also considering locations for distributing masks at Trader Joe's, or The Commons.  More info to come on this effort. 

Still Open: Skyway Operations Summary

Skyway Operations Summary report based on information compiled from individual buildings. Please note, this report reflects only those buildings that have reported their planned skyway operations and is subject to change.

Provided by the Minneapolis Downtown Council.

Download the Skyway Operations Summary report...

Report updated 05/18/2020

Embracing the New Normal: City Council Member Lisa Goodman

By Lisa Goodman

Happy Friday to everyone. We made it through another week of the new normal in the City of Minneapolis and in our country and I hope everyone finds themselves healthy, happy and with their families of choice, if that’s possible. So many changes, so much uncertainty, yet so many have been able to figure out how to move forward as we progress into this next phase of attempting to stay safe and begin to reopen our community.

One of the things that has been hardest for me in the new normal is working from home. As an extrovert and someone who was always on the go, working from home has been hard and I am sure many of you can relate. Like so many I find myself alone in my home, eating meals alone, watching the news alone and not having my normal interactions, except with my dog. Thank goodness for Sadie. It can be difficult, and I definitely don’t like the feeling of isolation.

Like many I have adapted to the new reality of video interactions. I have learned to embrace the world of Skype, Zoom, Teams and GoTo meetings as this is how we are conducting city business and how I am able to continue representing you on the City Council and even “getting together” with friends, family and my faith community.

With the emergency declaration in place, we needed to restructure the City Council set up from a two-week cycle with seven (7) standing committees to a one-week cycle with two (2) main committees. This means we are also holding a City Council meeting every week instead of every two weeks. On Tuesday afternoon we have the Business, Inspections and Zoning (BIZ) committee, which I chair. The focus of this committee is economic development and zoning and planning related items. On Wednesday afternoon we have the Policy and Government Oversight (POGO) committee which handles all the other business items the council must address. Things are moving much faster now.

The City Clerk’s office worked diligently to put a system in place for us to conduct public hearings and that is now done with people calling in to offer testimony and comment on public agenda items. This new system will be in place for some time so we can continue to work from home and maintain property social distancing. The City workforce, except for first responders, are largely working from home and the City Coordinator reports this is working well and that our employees are feeling safe and being productive.

I long for the day when we can get back to working with each other in person, when neighborhood meetings and community events resume, and when the activities we took for granted before the pandemic return to normal and we can feel and be safe being around each other.

The new normal is an adjustment but it is a small price to pay for keeping our community healthy and safe. Be well friends, be in touch in you need anything and know that Patrick, Judy and I look forward to the day we can see you all again in person.

Fondly,

Lisa

Earth Day 50: A Great Wind Blowing

"A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache."

Catherine the Great

By Diane Hofstede

First Earth Day: April 1970

Because there was no EPA, no Clean Air Act, no Clean Water Act. There were no legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment. In spring 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson, Senator from Wisconsin, created Earth Day as a way to force this issue onto the national agenda. An estimated 20 million people gathered!

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day continues to grow as a worldwide phenomenon focused on promoting clean living and a healthy, sustainable habitat for people and wildlife alike. Celebrating Earth Day serves as a conscious reminder of how fragile our planet is and how important it is to protect it.

The 50th year celebration of Earth Day is on April 22, 2020

The theme for Earth Day 2020 is Climate Action.

The enormous challenge — but also the vast opportunities — of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary.

Worldwide, the issue of our changing climate and the actions that we, all of us, can take, today and on a daily basis to make a difference. If not for ourselves, but for future generations, our children and grandchildren and the children that are in our dreams.

Due to our challenging and changing environment all of the Earth Day celebrations in Minneapolis have been cancelled as organized activities, however each and every one of us can grab a bag and go to into our community, along our river’s edge and clean up our environment.  By our collective actions we can celebrate our home! We do not have option 2 for a second home!  We have Mother Earth!

Community Update from Ward 3 Council Member Steve Fletcher

Editors note: We've reached out to elected officials and community leaders for updates to the new issues facing Downtown Minneapolis residents. We will be publishing these updates and notices until the Coronavirus emergency subsides. Send updates to dave@millcitymedia.org

Friends -

I'm full of gratitude to our community during a challenging time. I'm seeing local businesses taking steps to protect their employees and customers, Minneapolis city staff and leaders stepping up in big and important ways, and lots of individuals offering help to neighbors. Thank you!

The city’s first responsibility is to maintain critical services. Some of the unseen emergency preparedness work that we do day to day will pay dividends this month, as redundancies in our water filtration system and other critical infrastructure ensure that tap water is still freely flowing and safe, garbage is still collected, first responders are available for emergencies, and more.  I’m very proud of our city staff, who are working tirelessly to maintain a high level of service while adapting to pandemic protocols. For more, the city’s website has a page dedicated to COVID response. http://minneapolismn.gov/emergency/coronavirus

Like all employers are advised to do, we’re encouraging city employees who can do their jobs from home to do so. That includes my own Ward 3 office staff, who will be available by phone and e-mail, and continue to do great work supporting Ward 3 constituents.

We’ll also be canceling or postponing all non-essential in-person meetings, and looking for ways to engage more online. More details on this are below.

Today, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared a local public health emergency to respond to the threat posed by COVID-19. Under City Ordinances, the mayor is granted additional powers, authorities, and responsibilities upon the declaration of a local emergency.

The mayor’s declaration, which I support, must be voted on by the city council within 72 hours. Mayor Frey has requested that the emergency declaration remain in effect as long as the State of Minnesota peacetime emergency declaration remains in effect. 

Under this declaration, Mayor Frey is closing or limiting access to bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and coffee shops in Minneapolis and will be in close communication with state leadership on the process. Operations will be limited to delivery, takeout, and drive thru orders. The new rule will be effective and enforceable starting at noon tomorrow. This is a tough decision, but the right one, and necessary. 

Consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the city will halt issuance of new permits for any gatherings of 50 or more people. The local emergency declaration will also allow Minneapolis Emergency Management to request and coordinate aid and resources from jurisdictional partners.

Last week, our Public Works director announced that the city would suspend water shutoffs for non-payment for the month ahead. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy have pledged the same for their utilities. Additionally, USI Wireless and Comcast have opened up their public wi-fi hotspots for free access.

Mayor Frey and Council President Bender have also been in contact with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office regarding eviction enforcement in Minneapolis.

While we continue to coordinate with private partners and government partners at every level on the healthcare response, we’re simultaneously coordinating to craft an economic response to cushion the blow for small business owners, freelancers, and tipped employees. Here's some valuable information on state #COVID resources for workers and small businesses. Unemployment Insurance will help employees who lose hours or are laid off. Small Business Disaster Loan info will be available there as soon as the federal government releases guidelines. https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/    

In the meantime, anything you can do to orient whatever consumer spending you’re doing toward neighborhood local businesses, know that they’re all in need of our support right now, and will be when we’re on the other side of this, too.

We have some difficult days ahead. Stay healthy, help others where you can, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. My office is here to help, as are many other community resources. Call (612) 673-2203 or e-mail steve.fletcher@minneapolismn.gov with requests, ideas, and feedback. We’ll get through this together, as a community.

En avant,

Steve Fletcher

Ward 3 City Council

City Council Should Approve Application for Federal Grant

On March 4 the Minneapolis City Council Public Safety Committee voted to not apply for a Federal Grant to fund a possible future increase in the number of sworn officers in the Minneapolis Police Department. The full Council should revisit this decision.

By Editorial Board Mill City Times

How We Got Here. Last year Minneapolis saw a major increase in violent crime AND 6,000+ 911 calls that were not responded to in a timely fashion, or at all, due to an understaffed police department AND a heated debate at City Hall over the need to add more officers.

The Police staffing issue was easily the most contentious topic in the annual City budgeting process. As part of a compromise, the City Council agreed to commission an independent, third party study (due later this year) to determine the proper number of sworn officers in the MPD. The intent was was admirable, especially in the political climate of today: let’s use a fact-based approach to setting our police budget.

An Increased Need for Police Officers? Over a twelve month period from mid-2018 to mid-2019, Police Chief Medaria Arradondo reported over 6000 instances in which no police were immediately available to respond to a Priority 1 call, such as a shooting, rape, missing person, assault, or a drug overdose. When a Minneapolitan is in life threatening danger, they have an understandable expectation that the police will show up.

The Vision Zero initiative in Minneapolis aims to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries on city streets by 2027.  An average of 95 people are killed or severely injured in traffic crashes on streets in Minneapolis each year. Minneapolis has four traffic investigators to handle follow-up on the most serious accidents and ZERO traffic enforcement officers. These facts should be of interest to any person who lives or works or owns a business, rides a bike, busses or light rail, or crosses city streets as a pedestrian. How will we reach the goal of zero deaths each year without someone to enforce existing, and new Vision Zero laws & rules?

An Opportunity for Outside Funding Should We need More Officers. For the 1^st time in 3 years, the Federal Government is offering Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants meant to help law enforcement agencies to hire more community policing officers, to acquire new technologies and equipment, to hire civilians for administrative tasks, and to promote innovative approaches to solving crime. City staff worked to prepare the grant proposal so as to be prepared.

An Opportunity Squandered? Minneapolis has the opportunity to apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services that could pay for hiring, training and deploying 10 new traffic officers over three years. The city’s contribution would be about $4.6 million to match the grant and cover other expenses. If the grant was awarded, Minneapolis could assign the 10 new police officers to handle traffic matters (moving us toward our Vision Zero goals) and potentially free up police officers to handle more of the unanswered Priority 1 calls.

2 facts to keep in mind when it comes to this grant:

- The grant, if awarded this fall, can be rejected by the City Council when the successful applicants are notified later this fall - Should the result of the aforementioned staffing study conclude that the police are currently staffed at the right level, the grant can be rejected by the City Council with no penalty.

- The City can decide to go back to previous staffing levels at the end of the grant period (3 years) should the need for the additional officers decline.

The 4-2 vote to not apply for the grant – was on a motion by Council member Steve Fletcher and backed by Public Safety and Emergency Management Committee members  Alondra Cano, Phillipe Cunningham and Jeremiah Ellison. The vote sends the matter back to city staff — effectively killing the proposal, since the grant application deadline is later this month.

Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo are in favor of applying for the grant. Downtown business leaders have also expressed dismay at the Council’s decision to not pursue the grant. Chief Arradondo describes the level of police officer staffing as ‘hemorrhaging and broken’.

Right now, the City of Minneapolis is conducting a large study to review police staffing. Results of the study are not expected until September. Mayor Frey has indicated that he’ll follow the recommendations of the study.

“If that study says that we should be adding additional officers, it’s common sense that we should allow for assistance in paying for those officers," said Frey. "Why would we turn down money that we could use to both benefit public safety and not add burden to taxpayers?"

Minneapolis needs to pursue whatever avenues of crime prevention and increased public safety are available to the community. Commission studies, study the results, look at alternative means of crime prevention, investigate police procedures, recruit diverse community voices in seeking solutions, review crime and traffic data and yes, apply for grants that would fund additional officers on the street. Minneapolis can always staff at lower levels if that is the recommendation of the police staffing study. We can’t reject grant money that we didn’t seek.

Mill City Times recommends recommend reaching out to your City Council member to urge them to support applying for the Community Oriented Policing Services federal grant.  It’s a risk-free move that could save the City a significant chunk of tax dollars.

In the News - Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

Our weekly digest of stories about Downtown Minneapolis and the Central Riverfront neighborhoods:

WEEK OF MARCH 9, 2020

Minneapolis City Council committee nixes applying for federal grant for more cops
A Minneapolis City Council committee voted against applying for a $1.3 million federal grant that would have allowed the hiring of 10 new officers to beef up traffic enforcement citywide.

Downtown Minneapolis restaurant tightens security after shooting inside wounds worker
The gunfire occurred about 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Breakfast Bar of Minnesota at 319 N. 1st Av. during what police said was a physical confrontation between a customer and the staff member.

Storage containers are a lifeline for homeless in Minneapolis
People can leave their things in the containers and go about their day.

Transit ridership in Twin Cities metro area declined slightly last year
Local bus usage continues to dip, but light-rail use up.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wants to keep Mark Ruff as city coordinator
The city coordinator is the highest ranking nonelected position in city government, advising elected officials and managing seven departments.

Construction Update: The Dayton's Project
The 1.2 million square foot project has made significant progress since we last visited. While the office space has been largely ready for tenants to begin building out, the retail and amenity space is where we saw the most progress.

14 Developments to Watch
Executive vice president of AIA Minnesota Mary-Margaret Zindern and editor of AIA Minnesota’s Architecture MN Chris Hudson cued us in on some projects and key takeaways the Metro should be keeping on eyes for the next 10 years.

Game-Changing Commercial Real Estate Developments
The luxury condos, hotels, and office towers elevating the Twin Cities skyline.

North Loop company doubles in size, attracts big banks as customers
Minneapolis company attracts bigger banks with its system for signing up customers.

Bells will ring across Minneapolis for Minnesota Orchestra's new summer festival
Goodbye, Sommerfest. Hello, Summer at Orchestra Hall.

Art Exhibitions Coming to the Twin Cities This Spring
Find all the inspiration you need locally to bring renewed creative energy to your life (even if the snow sticks around).

The Loneliest Office in Minneapolis
What’s it like to work 10 hours a day in a glass cube 235 feet above downtown?

Restaurant Roll Call - The latest openings and closings
What's open, what's closed and what's still to come in the Twin Cities and beyond.

Billy Sushi to Open in May in the North Loop
Billy Sushi will be the name of the new restaurant that will be located at 116 N 1st Avenue. The name comes from the man behind the project, Chef Billy Tserenbat.

The Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in the Twin Cities
Let's go to breakfast, people. In the mood for a three-hour mimosa fest? Classic hash browns? Something with a little kick? A morning sugar rush? We've got it all. Rise and shine!

Now open: Stilheart delivers quality cocktails (en masse) to the North Loop
When news arrived late in 2019 that a new effort from the folks at Lawless Distilling Co. and Bittercube Bitters was destined for the North Loop, our spirits warmed just thinking about what Stilheart Distillery and Cocktail Lounge might hold in store when its doors finally opened.

Visit the In the News Archive...

River Hub: News from the Minneapolis Riverfront

Our weekly digest of news relating to the Minneapolis Riverfront, in collaboration with The Great River Coalition:

WEEK OF MARCH 9, 2020

Park commissioners push back on idea for ‘promenade’ over St. Anthony Falls
A Hennepin County official has a dramatic plan to elevate the region’s status for architecture: a wishbone-shaped walkway above the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis.

Solution for a scourge? University of Minnesota scientist is progressing with carp-killer tool
DNA-altering project is gaining attention as potential advance against invasive carp.

My internship highlight: Planting hundreds of native trees on a tiny metro river island
Being an intern at FMR comes with many perks. One is being able to participate in volunteer habitat restoration outings.

Volunteers-In-Park: Sue
Meet Sue, a volunteer at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Sunday Deadline: Job Openings at Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
Applications for summer internships are due by March 15.

Visit the River Hub Archive...

December at the Dakota

We've been going to the Dakota for years, and are sharing this list of Decmeber shows in case anyone out there wasn't aware of this local treasure where every month you'll find a varitey of local, national and international music genres.  Photo: Meet Minneapolis

Sunday, December 1

Humbird + The Aida Shahghasemi, Jeremy Ylvisaker & Jacqueline Ultan Trio

A Homecoming Co-bill - 7pm - $30/25/20

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/humbird-the-aida-shahghasemi-jeremy-ylvisaker-jacqueline-ultan-trio/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Monday, December 2

Travis Anderson Trio: Celebrates Vince Guaraldi Holiday & George Shearing Centennial - Added Show

7pm - $20/15

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/travis-anderson-trio-celebrates-vince-guaraldi-holiday-george-shearing-centennial-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Tuesday, December 3

Travis Anderson Trio: Celebrates Vince Guaraldi Holiday & George Shearing Centennial

7pm - $20/15

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/travis-anderson-trio-celebrates-vince-guaraldi-holiday-george-shearing-centennial/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Wednesday, December 4

Willy Porter Well-rendered Tales With Spitfire Strumming

7pm - $30/25/20

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/willy-porter/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Thursday, December 5

Southside Aces: Christmas in New Orleans - "'Zat You, Santa Claus?" 

7pm - $15/10

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/southside-aces-christmas-in-new-orleans/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

On Sale Fri, Nov 22 at 10am

Friday, December 6

Nicholas David’s Annual St Nick’s Day Show - (on actual St. Nick’s Day)

Alt Soul Celebration - 7pm - $45/35/30

9:30pm - $45/35/30

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/nicholas-davids-annual-st-nicks-day-show-3/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Saturday, December 7

Tuck & Patti  -  First Couple of Soul Jazz

7pm - $55/50/45

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/tuck-patti/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Sunday, December 8

Tuck & Patti - First Couple of Soul Jazz

7pm - $45/40/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/tuck-patti-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Monday, December 9

Mick Sterling Presents: “At Christmas”

Theatrical Holiday Favorites - 7pm - $25/20/15

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mick-sterling-presents-at-christmas-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Tuesday, December 10

Richard Johnson Quartet: Ramsey Meets Nancy

A Tribute to Ramsey Lewis & Nancy Wilson - 7pm - $30/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/richard-johnson-quartet/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Wednesday, December 11

Holiday Swing w/Maria Muldaur & John Jorgenson - 7pm - $50/45/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/holiday-swing-w-maria-muldaur-john-jorgenson/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Thursday, December 12

Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles: Navidad Mexicana - Dakota Debut

America's First All-female Mariachi

7pm - $65/55/45

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mariachi-reyna-de-los-angeles/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Friday, December 13

Holiday Har Mar Experience Benefitting One Heartland

10pm - $35 General Admission

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/holiday-har-mar-experience-benefitting-one-heartland/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Saturday, December 14

Holiday Har Mar Experience Benefitting One Heartland

10pm - $35 General Admission

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/holiday-har-mar-experience-benefitting-one-heartland-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Sunday, December 15

Bonerama

Rock Funk Brass Explosion  -  7pm - $45/40/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bonerama/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Monday, December 16

A Melodious Christmas w/Robert Robinson & Special Guests feat. Mary Beth Carlson and 29:11 from Cape Town, South Africa 

7pm - $35/30

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/a-melodious-christmas-w-robert-robinson-and-special-guests/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Tuesday, December 17

The Best of Sting & The Police – A Tribute Show by Toast In The Machine

Zenyatta MNdatta

7pm - $25/20/15

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-best-of-sting-the-police-a-tribute-show-by-toast-in-the-machine/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Wednesday, December 18

Alexander O’Neal’s Holiday Concert

One of R&B's Most Iconic Names

7pm - $50/45/40 - 9pm - $45/40/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/alexander-oneals-holiday-concert/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Thursday, December 19 - Date Added

Alexander O’Neal’s Holiday Concert

One of R&B's Most Iconic Names

7pm - $50/45/40 - 9pm - $45/40/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/alexander-oneals-holiday-concert/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Friday, December 20 - Date Change

The Vic Volare Lounge Orchestra’s Holiday Party

Retro-Smooth Sass & Swing - 7pm - $15/10

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-vic-volare-lounge-orchestras-holiday-party/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Saturday, December 21

BoDeans

Acclaimed Heartland Rock

7pm - $65/55/45 (Acoustic Show) / 9:30pm - $60/50/40 (Electric Show)

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bodeans-2019-1/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Sunday, December 22

BoDeans

Acclaimed Heartland Rock

6pm - $65/55/45 (Acoustic Show) / 8:30pm - $60/50/40 (Electric Show)

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bodeans-2019-3/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Monday, December 23

George Maurer Group: 21st Annual Holiday Show

Clever Contemporary Christmas Tunes - 7pm - $30/25/20

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/george-maurer-group-21st-annual-holiday-show/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Wednesday, December 25 - Saturday, December 28

The Bad Plus

Progressive Jazz Scientists

7pm - $45/40 / 9pm - $45/40

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-bad-plus-9/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Hennepin History Museum announces Temporary Museum Closure for Building Improvements

Temporary Museum Closure for Building Improvements:  October 14 - November 4, 2019 

Hennepin History Museum has partnered with the nonprofit Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps (Northern Bedrock) based in Duluth to do repair and restoration to the historic Christian family residence, a nearly one hundred year old mansion that has served as the county historical museum since the mid-1950’s.  Northern Bedrock, which was founded in 2011 in a partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society through a grant from Minnesota’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, is an AmeriCorps service learning organization that provides hands-on training in the historic preservation trades for young adults.

“We are excited to partner with Northern Bedrock and benefit from an organization like theirs being here in Minnesota,” said Museum Executive Director John Crippen. “As stewards of this important building, we are thrilled to have experts in historic restoration and preservation directing the restoration work. And it is an added bonus to be able to help to train a new generation of master craftspeople in the field of historic preservation and restoration.”

The project is being funded through a grant from Hennepin County. Hennepin History Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and receives a portion of its annual operating support from the county. As part of this partnership, two Hennepin County Commissioners serve on the Museum’s Board of Directors.

The Museum will suspend their public museum and research library hours from October 14 - November 4 while Northern Bedrock works on woodwork restoration in the signature Great Room, and light plaster repair and painting throughout the Museum. During the temporary closure, fulfillment of archival
research requests by Museum staff will also be suspended.

Regular public hours at the Museum will resume Tuesday, November 5 with the opening of Votes for Women, an exhibit about the suffrage movement in Hennepin County that is in conjunction with the 100^th anniversary of the battle for the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment. 

Downtown Life: Living in Downtown Minneapolis

Our weekly news & lifestyle digest for Downtown Minneapolis, in collaboration with Cynthia Froid Group:

WEEK OF JUNE 24, 2019

Suburban empty nesters 'start fresh' in new downtown Minneapolis condo building
An empty-nest couple transitioned from a house in the suburbs to a condo in downtown Minneapolis, with a designer assist.

Seven new projects, including 20-story apartment building, reach Mpls. planners this week
20-story downtown building, six others go before Mpls. planners this week.

RBC Gateway Breaks Ground; Tower’s Office Space Nearly 85 Percent Leased
Pohlad Companies will relocate to tower, take three floors of space.

Neighbors, council member fight Airbnb-style rentals in Minneapolis
94 short-term rentals would dominate one downtown building.

Once scorned, short-term rentals now courted by Twin Cities landlords
Boom helps fill units but has cities looking at new rules.

Designer tips for furnishing an urban condo
Designer Sue Hunter of Home for a Change shares her insights.

June 2019 Events at the Hennepin History Museum

Just in from our friends at the Hennepin History Museum:

Friday, June 7, 4 – 6 PM

Field Trip! Dinkytown: Forever Young Walking Tour

Hennepin History Museum's Interim Director, Cara Letofsky, will be your guide on this half-mile walk. This tour explores Dinkytown’s early commercial years, signature buildings, legacy businesses, and its role in the student protests of the 1960s. Because of its proximity to the U of M, Dinkytown has always been subject to the winds of change and cycles of urban growth and decline.

Admission: $12; $10 for HHM members. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4249039 

Thursday, June 13, 6 – 8 PM

Mapping Prejudice Volunteer Training

You can be part of this important project. Penny Peterson and Maggie Mills will conduct a volunteer training session and guide you through the process of researching documents. Bring along a laptop and learn how you can contribute to building the interactive Mapping Prejudice map of racial covenants in Hennepin County.

Admission: Free for volunteers, but please RSVP: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4246521 

Saturday, June 15, 2 – 4 PM

Walking Tour of Washburn-Fair Oaks Historic District

Author and historian Shari Albers will lead a walking tour of the Washburn-Fair Oaks historic neighborhood where Hennepin History Museum is located. Many fine old homes still stand in what was known as the Miller District. Shari’s tour also points out locations of homes that no longer exist, but were designed to impress.

Shari Albers is a long-time volunteer docent at Hennepin History Museum. She developed this tour and others, which she leads for the Museum and Preserve Minneapolis.

Admission: $12; $10 for HHM members. A tour booklet is included in price. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4249099

Sunday, June 16, 2 – 4 PM

Fireside Chat: Creating the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Concern about the power the Republican Party exerted on elected offices throughout the state, and an approaching national election, provided incentive for the Farmer-Labor Party and the Democratic Party to merge in 1944. The new party carried the state for Roosevelt that year and elected Hubert Humphrey Mayor of Minneapolis in 1945. Speakers will discuss the political tenor and events leading up to the merger, the forces at work, the key figures involved, and its relationship to Hennepin County. Come for an interesting conversation with artifacts from the time and many historic photographs.

Admission: $8; $5 Seniors/Students; free for HHM members. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4248960

Thursday, June 20, 6 – 8 PM

Fireside Chat with Marcia G. Anderson, Author of A Bag Worth A Pony

Retired curator Marcia G. Anderson will talk about her book A Bag Worth A Pony: The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag. As a result of thirty years of study, Marcia shares what she learned from the talented bead artists who keep the form alive, from historical records, and from the bags themselves. From the 1870s to the present day, Ojibwe bead artists of Minnesota have been especially regarded for their lively, creative designs. Neighboring Dakota people would trade a pony for a beautiful beaded bag.

Marcia examines the history, forms, structure, and motifs of the bags, giving readers the tools to understand a bag’s makeup and meaning.

Admission: $8; $5 Students/Seniors; free for HHM members. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4249058

Save the Date: Thursday, June 27, 6 – 8 PM

Opening Reception - Being Human: Stories from Humans of Minneapolis

In 2010, Stephanie Glaros began walking to work in downtown Minneapolis with her camera in hand, and asked people she encountered along the way if she could take their photograph. It was a means of breaking through the social barriers she felt between herself and others. Originally a personal project called Minneapolis Strangers, it evolved into Humans of Minneapolis, inspired by the storytelling project Humans of New York. She shared her photographs and interviews online, developing a social media following of over 70,000. While preparing a book about the work, published in 2016, she learned how the project had affected the people in the photographs. It is a project that keeps on giving. She relaunched as a nonprofit organization in 2018, with the mission of connecting hearts and minds with storytelling to encourage empathy and build community. Being Human: Stories from Humans of Minneapolis is a curated collection of memorable stories from the project.