Modist Brewing Announces "The Fix: IWD 2021" - a Zero IBU IPA Brewed in Celebration of International Women’s Day

Via a recent e-announcement:

MODIST BREWING COMPANY, MICHELLE P. KING, & AND NOW SHE RISES ANNOUNCE RELEASE OF THE FIX: IWD 2021, AN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BEER

Brewed by the women of Modist, The Fix: IWD 2021 is a beer that is bringing tangible impact and action for International Women’s Day 2021

The women of Modist Brewing, Michelle P. King, & And Now She Rises are thrilled to announce the arrival of The Fix: IWD 2021, a Zero IBU IPA brewed in celebration of International Women’s Day. The Fix: IWD 2021 is named after equality thought leader Michelle P. King’s award-winning book about gender inequality in the workplace, The Fix, and proceeds for the beer will be donated to Twin-Cities Metro non-profit, And Now She Rises (ANSR), whose mission is to help domestic abuse survivors change their narratives, from victimhood to victory. The Fix: IWD 2021 will release on tap at Modist’s North Loop Minneapolis taproom on Saturday, March 6th and in liquor stores on Tuesday, March 9th.

After reading The Fix, On-Premise Sales Manager for Modist, Katie Muggli, was inspired to contact the author. “For the past two years, we partnered with ANSR to throw charity concerts at Modist, garnering the resources local domestic abuse shelters needed, like bras. This year is all about maximizing impact in spite of COVID, and going beyond a single event to the entire month!” Katie says.

The can artwork features a QR code that goes beyond telling the beer’s genesis story, linking to Michelle’s 100 Actions for Equality campaign of tangible actions every person can take to become an ally to women. Proceeds from The Fix: IWD 2021 will be donated to ANSR, for their biggest initiative yet – a scholarship – because the greatest way to empower a survivor is to give her an education.

The beer will be available throughout the Twin-Cities Metro and will also be distributed in select locations throughout New York and New Jersey, through our distribution partner Sarene. Sarene will be making donations to local domestic abuse shelters in each of their distributed areas. Twin-Cities Metro owned Brewers Supply Group donated the malt bill to create the beer, resulting in an additional $3,900 donation that will be made on top of the proceeds raised from beer sales.

Additionally, Michelle has donated 500 copies of her best-selling book for local shelters, fellow brewing industry friends of Modist, and the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild to share as a resource with other Minnesota breweries.

“Together we can fix our corner of the world and help women thrive in very real ways. We are hopeful that this will be our most impactful year yet, and that we can continue to inspire change well beyond the month of March – and that’s what The Fix: IWD 2021 represents,” says Katie Muggli.

About Modist Brewing Co.

Modist opened in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis in April of 2016 aiming to modify beer and how it is perceived by defying rules and expectations. Utilizing the region’s first mash filter powered craft brewing system, they push past traditional brewing by embracing creativity and unconstrained experimentation. Modist showcases their innovative spirit via the creation of a wide array of beers that the world has never seen before. In their first year of business, Modist was named both the Best New Brewery in Minnesota by Growler Magazine as well as one of “The 50 Best Breweries in the United States” by BeerAdvocate. In the time since, they’ve received continuous accolades including recently being named Minnesota’s Most Innovative Brewery, as well as a multitude of individual beer awards.

About Michelle P. King

Michelle King is a globally recognized gender equality and organizational culture expert. Based on over a decade worth of research Michelle believes that to tackle inequality we need to fix workplace cultures so that they work for everyone. She is the host of a popular podcast called The Fix. Michelle is the author of the bestselling, award-winning book: The Fix: Overcome the Invisible Barriers that are Holding Women Back at Work. Michelle has been featured in The Economist, Harvard Business Review, CNBC, CNN Business, Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Time, Business Insider, The Times, Daily Mail and LinkedIn Editors. Michelle is the founder of Equality Forward, a global consultancy that provides leaders with the assessment, development and inclusion coaching needed to build cultures of equality at work. In addition, Michelle is a Senior Advisor to the UN Foundation’s Girl Up Campaign, where she leads the Next Gen Leadership Development Program, which enables young women to navigate and overcome the barriers to their success. Prior to this Michelle was the Director of Inclusion at Netflix, and before that she was the head of UN Women’s Global Innovation Coalition for Change, which includes managing over 30 private sector partnerships as well to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Michelle has two decades of international experience working in the private sector and in each of her roles, Michelle lends her expertise to advance gender equality and to enhance opportunity and achievement for women globally. In 2019 Women Tech Founders, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to advancing women in the tech industry, awarded Michelle with the 2019 Inspiring Innovator Award, for her outstanding achievements in the sector and in 2020 Michelle was recognized as LinkedIn’s Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace.

About And Now She Rises

Cofounded by survivors, Amy Matthews and Nina Orezzoli, And Now She Rises is an events-based 501(c)3 non-profit working to break the silence around domestic violence and provide support to women in emergency abuse shelters.

Illuminate The Lock Photos by Mill District Resident Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

On February 18th my wife and I experienced Illuminate the Lock at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. I did not know what to expect, but even if I had my expectations would have been greatly exceeded.  The National Park Service coordinated admitting people based on the time they had signed up for so as to maintain social distancing. We entered at 6:00 p.m. and the light show started soon after we reached a position by the lock.

Images full of color and light illuminated the wall of the lock in front of us. The work, Waves Can Be Heard, was created by Moira Villard. Music was by Lyz Jaakola, Narrative by Mille Richard, Sound Production by JayGee and the Mentor Artist was Jonathan Thunder. As the music and narrative were played we viewed colorful images moving across the wall including indigenous inhabitants of this land, the river teaming with fish, silhouettes of modern downtown buildings, a forest, fire, mother moon, father sun and a beating heart. In the dark I worked quickly to photograph each image of art that scrolled quickly from one to another. The display was beautiful.

The names I have assigned to each photograph are my own. While the narrator identified what we were viewing, I had no opportunity to write down the descriptions. One photo, not part of the light show, is a silhouette of me as I took a photo of Mother Moon projected on the wall of a building next to the lock. I’ll have to think about how I could take a photo of myself that appears to be taken from behind me while I was facing and photographing an image on the wall in front of me.

Mother Moon (with a silhouette of me in my own photo)

City in the Lock

Cooking With Fire

Father Sun

Fire of Life

Healing Waters

Heartbeat

Indigenous Woman

Walking from the Forrest

Life in the Water

February 25 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Editor's note - there are some bad links in this post that I was not able to find corrections for.

Good afternoon Ward 7 residents and friends.  With the upcoming trial and the number of calls and emails my office has received I thought it was extremely important to have a public briefing on the planning the city and our partners have done related to the trial. This public briefing has now been scheduled at my urging for Monday morning. It will include multiple departments within the city talking about their work. No planning is perfect, but I wanted to ensure that residents citywide had as many opportunities as possible to learn about what many city staff from multiple different departments are thinking and planning as we move into this trial.

We do not have all the answers but what we have I think is extremely important to share. The cities priorities are to allow for and encourage peaceful protesting and equally ensuring that people and businesses are kept safe.  These are extraordinary times due to the convergence of many events; I hope you’re able to tune in to this briefing and that it is helpful.  Wishing you all a good weekend.

Lisa

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Public Briefing on City Security Plans Related to Chauvin Trial Set for Monday, March 1

On Monday, March 1, at 10:00 am, City staff will provide a public briefing about plans and preparations being made to ensure community safety for the upcoming trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin.

That briefing can be watched live on the City’s website at minneapolismn.gov/counciltv or on Comcast channels 14 or 799. Following the live broadcast, a recording of the presentation will be available on the City’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/cityofminneapolis.

Public Briefing: Public Safety Plans & Preparations

Date: March 1, 2021

Time: 10:00 a.m.

1. Welcome & Introductory Comments: City Coordinator Mark Ruff
2. MPD Presentation: Chief Medaria Arradondo & Commander Scott Gerlicher
3. MFD Presentation: Chief Brian Tyner
4. Community Supports—
   1. a) Communications: Director Greta Bergstrom
   2. b) Neighborhood & Community Relations: Director David Rubedor
   3. c) Office of Violence Prevention: Health Commissioner Gretchen Musicant
   4. d) Community Planning & Economic Development: Economic Policy & Development Director Erik Hansen
5. Questions & Answers
6. Conclusion

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Minneapolis Downtown Council Provides Additional Resources Surrounding the Chauvin Trial

We encourage you and your organization to follow the official Operation Safety Net social media channels for additional timely and accurate information. Here are the handles to follow: Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

For more information please visit our trial resource page at www.mplsdowntown.com/trial. This page includes an FAQ, the expected trial timeline and information, helpful phone numbers, maps and general downtown skyway and business updates.

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Update on Preparations for Upcoming Chauvin Trial

Mayor Jacob Frey, along with other City and Metro Transit officials, held another media briefing Feb. 24 to share updates on preparedness plans ahead of the March trial of former MPD officer Derek Chauvin.

Briefing highlights

• The Minneapolis Police Department is continuing to work with law enforcement partners to ensure the success of Operation Safety Net, which brings together local and state law enforcement agencies under a unified command to respond to any civil unrest interrupting peaceful protests during the upcoming trial. Minneapolis Police Deputy Chief Erick Fors highlighted the shared commitment to dedicating law enforcement personnel to business corridors, especially those hit hardest during last summer’s civil unrest, as a deterrent to destructive behavior.

• Metro Transit is actively working to identify and plan for potential disruptions to Metro Transit service. At this time, no disruptions are planned for service to downtown Minneapolis. As the trial progresses and approaches verdict time, detours around Hennepin County Government Center are anticipated. Those service changes will be communicated through Metro Transit rider alerts and social media, among other communications channels.

• The City’s Office of Violence Prevention plans to fund a network of community-based groups that can be activated during periods of heightened tension during the remainder of 2021, including during the trials of the former officers involved in the killing of George Floyd. The groups will assist in providing accurate information and resources with the community. The City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee is reviewing the request for application process for the community groups this afternoon.

• The City’s Community Planning and Economic Development Department continues to work directly with businesses, business associations and technical assistance providers to collaboratively develop information on what business and property owners need to know to keep properties secure and workers and customers safe. It’s important we keep supporting our local businesses during these challenging and uncertain times. The City recommends businesses develop emergency preparedness plans. Ready.gov has sample plans and guidance. Businesses can also reach out to 612-673-2499 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov with questions about advanced preparation before the trial, business operations during the trial and general information about regulations and resources.

• Note: The City Council will be briefed about the City’s plans and preparations related to the upcoming Chauvin trial 10 a.m. Monday, March 1. The meeting will be broadcast and livestreamed on City Council TV and the City’s YouTube channel.

Reminders

• On March 1, Sixth Street South (the street and both sidewalks) will be closed between Third and Fourth avenues next to the Hennepin County Government Center. Currently, other streets will remain open. The City will provide updates when other closures are anticipated.

• The City of Minneapolis is committed to working with the community to reconnect 38th and Chicago after the conclusion of the Chauvin trial. The City is sending surveys out to residents and businesses near the intersection to determine a preferred option to preserve the memorial and art while ensuring delivery of critical services in the area. Learn more.

• Follow the City of Minneapolis on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for the City Update newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and information. Stay tuned to news from Operation Safety Net on Facebook and Twitter.

The next public briefing is planned for 10 a.m., Monday, March 1.

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City Hosting Online Open Houses for Hennepin South Reconstruction Project

The City of Minneapolis is holding online open houses March 2 and March 4 to share and receive input on draft concept designs for the reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue South between Douglas Avenue and West Lake Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to view a presentation, provide comments and ask questions of project staff.

The City plans to reconstruct this section of Hennepin Avenue starting in 2024. The reconstruction project provides an opportunity to redesign Hennepin Avenue to meet the needs of current and future users of the street.

Project goals include improving the sidewalk and intersections for all users, evaluating bicycle network connectivity, providing space for enhanced transit stops for future METRO E Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, replacing aging infrastructure and maintaining and enhancing traffic flow for transit and motor vehicles.

Online open houses

• 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, March 2
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4

Visit the project website for instructions on how to attend the online meetings. For those unable to attend, open house materials including interactive draft concept designs and a recording of the presentation will be posted to the project website to view. The draft concept designs and comment form will also be available for input through April 16, 2021.

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March 2: Updates on Transforming Community Safety Online Meeting

An online meeting on the City’s work to transform community safety has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 2 at 6:00 pm.

Here’s the direct link to the meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CBJTsOqATzKc-v5bJgPx5g

Link to the updated FB event:  https://fb.me/e/cKaoWFz7V

The City of Minneapolis is committed to a goal of safety for everyone in Minneapolis. On June 12, 2020, the City Council passed a resolution committing to creating a transformative new model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis.

Since then, internal work groups and key stakeholders have been exploring ways to develop an integrated community safety response that works for everyone.

Three pillars of community safety

The City’s realignment to provide a holistic community safety response will take place in phases over time with much staff, partner and community participation. It focuses on three main areas:

• A public-health-oriented response for preventing violence.
• Alternatives to police response for 911 calls.
• Reforming law enforcement policies, protocols and practices.

Some of the work in progress includes:

• Minneapolis’ crime prevention specialists (CPS) now report to the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department instead of the Police Department. The change reflects the crime prevention specialists’ roles in community engagement. Nothing will change as far as work location, scope of work, job titles and programs offered to the community without further planning and engagement.
• If you have a mental health crisis in Minneapolis, you can continue to call 911 or the Cope mobile crisis team in Hennepin County: 612-596-1223 (for adults in Hennepin County) and 612-348-2233 (for children 17 and under). In 2021, two mental health teams will be available 24/7 for crisis calls. This means police may not provide the primary response for a mental health crisis call or police may still respond if the mental health teams are both on current calls.
• To report theft of property damage, you can call 311, 911 or submit an online report. As part of a pilot this year, City employees (non-sworn officers) will take theft and property damage reports from residents.

Stay up to date

Stay updated on this work by visiting the City’s community safety webpage where you can see updated information on the three focus areas, key milestones and information presented to the community in an earlier presentation. You can also share your thoughts about what community safety looks like to you. Information will also be shared out over a variety of channels in many languages.

Staff will present regular community safety updates at City Council meetings. The first was a Health Department presentation on the first phase of engagement around public-health-oriented violence prevention. This presentation included a summary of the first phase of the online survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups. Staff from the City Coordinator’s Office also provided an update on the alternatives to police response work rolling out this year.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of February 24, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• As of February 24, there are 32,628 cases in Minneapolis and 385 deaths. The total number of cases and hospitalizations increased by less than 1% over the previous week. ICU admissions increased by slightly more than 1% over last week. Minneapolis-specific data are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• Over the past week, there have been about 40 new cases per day on average. This rate has decreased significantly and is now on par with September 2020 levels.
• The seven-day rolling average case rate for Minneapolis is just under 10 cases per 100,000. This rate has steadily decreased for the past four weeks and appears to be plateauing.
• Based on recent case rates and other data, Mayor Frey lifted Emergency Regulation 2020-17, which banned seating at bar counters in Minneapolis businesses. This action brings the City’s rules for bars in line with the State’s Emergency Order 2021-01. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.
• As of February 22, all Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) elementary students have the option of returning to in-person learning. Following guidance from the State’s updated Safe Learning Plan, MPS is exploring options to bring middle and high school students back to the classroom in April. The Minneapolis Health Department continues to serve as a resource for MPS leaders as they make decisions about in-person learning.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• As of February 24, there are 480,845 cases in Minnesota out of over 7.2 million tests completed. There have been 6,443 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 99,738 cases and 1,576 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of February 15, Minnesota is reporting 13.3 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance of newly identified strains of COVID-19 in Minnesota. To date, 43 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant (first found in the U.K.) and two cases of the P.1 variant (which first emerged in Brazil) have been detected in Minnesota
• The State recently launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector — a new tool to help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Interpretation is available by phone in all languages.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Executive Order 21-07, loosening COVID-19 restrictions for certain businesses, remains in effect.
• Today the State announced a new focus on testing for young people, asking families to get tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year. MDH officially launched the campaign which will include targeted outreach to families, health professionals, schools, and youth organizations to encourage regular COVID-19 testing.

Health Department Incident Command updates

• The Health Department is offering multiple community testing and vaccination clinics every week. Any City employee who is interested in volunteering at these events should fill out this brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events. Currently, we have about 50 non-Health Department staff signed up to participate. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered!

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• We continue to conduct contact tracing and case investigation activities. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 65% have been interviewed and 2.4% have refused. Thirty-two percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed. We are conducting about 20% of interviews in languages other than English.
• We have 50 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 30 cases per shift and making an average of 80 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• We are conducting case investigation and contact tracing for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) staff who have been diagnosed, exposed, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and providing recommendations to MPS on next steps. We are receiving an average of three situations that require follow-up per day.

COVID-19 vaccination planning and distribution

• We are partnering with Hennepin Healthcare to provide vaccinations in Minneapolis. To date, we have given out almost 5,000 doses.
• This week, we are hosting 13 clinics focused on healthcare providers, assisted living and congregate care facilities, teachers and school staff.
• We are partnering with the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) to offer vaccinations for public housing residents living in 39 MPHA highrise buildings. Buildings with large concentrations of senior residents will be prioritized. First doses will be administered starting March 8 at Horn Towers. Interpretation services will be provided and the Minneapolis Fire Department will provide on-site post-vaccine observation support.
• Vaccine demand continues to far outpace available doses and supply has been impacted by recent cold weather in the southern U.S. While waiting to be vaccinated, help stop the spread of the virus by continuing to wash your hands, stay 6 ft apart, and wear a mask.

COVID-19 vaccination education

• We invite you to use the new Minneapolis COVID Vaccine webpage. This site provides the public with information about vaccine safety, a timeline for local vaccine distribution, and answers to frequently asked questions. Visitors can use the Google Translate function located on the left side of the page to view the information in multiple languages. It is also linked to information from the CDC, and the State’s new Vaccine Connector tool. Please help us promote this resource widely.
• We are providing virtual presentations to community organizations, City boards and commissions, MPHA highrise resident councils, neighborhood organizations, and other groups interested in learning more about COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and virus mitigation. To request a presentation, fill out a request form on the new Vaccine webpage (forms are available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong).
• We are hosting vaccine briefings for Enterprise Leaders every other Monday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, March 8. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

COVID-19 testing

• We continue to offer regular community testing events, which are free and open to everyone. In the past week, we provided 86 COVID-19 saliva tests at three community events. In addition, our School Based Clinic staff have tested 27 athletes, coaches, and school engineers over the past three weeks at Patrick Henry High School.
• Local and state testing rates have decreased by 67%. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is still important to get tested to help stop the spread of the virus. Please help us promote the following Minneapolis Health Department saliva testing events:

o Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E., February 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, March 13 and 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). No pre-registration required. Conducted with Power of People Leadership Institute.

The State also offers free testing at the following locations:

o Minneapolis Convention Center - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

o Brooklyn Park Starlight Center – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

o Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

• The City's testing web page offers information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms.
• We are offering free saliva testing kits and on-site testing for MPS and other schools, community partners, organizations, and businesses. To date, we have fulfilled 98 requests and provided almost 9,000 test kits. Please use this form to submit a request for testing kits or onsite testing.
• Any person in Minnesota can order a free at-home saliva test kit from the State’s COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.

Businesses

• Health inspectors recently hosted two trainings for business owners to help boost their compliance with state and local COVID regulations. As businesses continue to re-open, we will assess the need for additional training opportunities.
• Inspectors continue to respond to complaints and assist businesses in making adjustments to meet COVID regulations. Last week, we responded to two complaints of businesses not following masking guidance and one business not following restrictions on operating hours.

Responding to community needs

• We continue to have a good inventory of personal protective equipment available (cloth and surgical masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves). Community groups, businesses, and individuals can request these supplies through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form on the City’s website.
• For community members planning to participate in public gatherings or events during the upcoming trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, please wear a mask to help reduce the spread of the virus. Organizations can request masks or other supplies from the City using the same form linked above.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

DMNA Public Safety Task Force Releases Safety Perception Survey Results

The Public Safety Task Force (PSTF) of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) today released the quantitative results of the DMNA Safety Perception Survey. 

Key findings from the survey reveal the following: 

 

• Downtown residents are highly dissatisfied with city leadership on public safety policies.

• Among city leaders, residents view Chief Arradondo as being most effective in responding to community safety issues.

• Residents overwhelmingly believe that MPD should report to the Mayor, and not to the City Council.

• Residents strongly want law enforcement to have a central role in responding to public safety calls.

• Lack of police presence downtown is residents’ top safety concern.

• Public safety perceptions have deteriorated from one year ago and contributed to observed changes in transportation, spending and mobility.

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The DMNA used the Survey Monkey application, and distributed the survey to condominium and rental residential buildings in the Downtown East and Downtown West neighborhoods, between December 22, 2020 and February 9, 2021. The DMNA received a total of 1,129 completed surveys. 

 

The survey asked residents about their perceptions of current community safety conditions and how these conditions have affected their lives. It also asked residents to express their views on the progress city leaders have made in creating a safer city; how public safety should be structured within the city; and what role law enforcement should play in community interactions.  

 

A complete report of the DMNA Safety Perception Survey can be found here.

 

Contact the DMNA at info@thedmna.org with questions on the survey results.  

 

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) exists to promote the common good and general welfare of the residents, businesses, and employees of Downtown Minneapolis. The DMNA serves as the official liaison between residents and the Minneapolis City Council, the Neighborhood and Communication Relations Department (NCR), the Planning Department (CPED), and other City departments as necessary. 

MN Great River Road Receives All-American Road Designation

Via a February 23 Press Release from MN Mississippi River Parkway Commission:

Minnesota Great River Road recognized as the best of the best – an “All-American Road”

The Minnesota Great River Road, which is part of a national scenic byway that runs 3,000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana, has been awarded the highest of byway designations by the Federal Highway Administration: All-American Road.

To receive All-American Road status, a road must possess nationally significant qualities and have one-of-a-kind features that exist nowhere else – making the byway a “destination unto itself.”

The MN Mississippi River Parkway Commission, byway organization for the MN Great River Road, welcomes the heightened attention this new designation will bring. MN-MRPC Chair, Sen. David Senjem, said, “We invite travelers from near and far to explore the Minnesota Great River Road and find out what we already know – our Mississippi River changes its character more often than in any other state, offering places of scenic beauty from the intimate to the majestic. Along its course, you will find sites connected to our national narrative, from the tragic to triumphant.”

What earned the Minnesota Great River Road All-American Road status? The 565-mile Minnesota Great River Road is designated along a cornucopia of state and local roads from the iconic Lake Itasca headwaters to the Iowa border.

Evolving river landscapes feature 40+ cities hosting river exploration. Residents and tourists are invited to experience over 700 Mississippi River historical, scenic, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological features; and twelve specially designated Great River Road Interpretive Centers. Unfortunately, all 700+ things to see and do could not be included in the All-American Road nomination. These 16 features were selected to represent the overall magic of the Minnesota Great River Road. They help provide inspiration for whatever journey you may choose… 

Eight Unique Scenic Reaches

• Lake Itasca – the Mississippi River’s birthplace
• Serpentine River – a twisting, snaking river that confounds the best of paddlers
• Headwaters Lakes – part of America’s first reservoir system meant to augment navigation
• Prairie River – where the Mississippi grows into adolescence and straightens out
• St. Anthony Falls – the Great River’s only major waterfall
• The Gorge – where the river falls 110 feet over 8.5 miles through a narrow canyon
• Where the Big River Begins – here the Mississippi becomes the river of Mark Twain
• Driftless Area – where majestic bluffs frame the broad river and valley 

Eight Historic Features

• Rustic Architecture of Itasca State Park – blending architecture with nature
• Headwaters Dams – create reservoirs that now serve recreation and wild rice production
• Charles Lindbergh House & Museum – boyhood home of America’s most famous pilot
• Oliver Kelley Farm – historic living farm experience of national farm movement leader
• St. Anthony Falls Historic District – where Pillsbury & Gold Medal Flour and General Mills began
• Historic Fort Snelling – from frontier outpost to World War II – stories of tragedy and heroism
• I-mni'-za-ska-dan (Dayton’s Bluff) – site of Hopewell Culture mounds dating back nearly 2,000 years
• River Towns (especially the historic districts of Hastings to Iowa Border towns) – quintessential river towns

What does the All-American Road designation mean to the communities along the route? Communities and attractions are included in a broader All-American Road experience along with other Mississippi River states, and they enjoy promotion on a larger stage. Resource sharing, idea sharing, and collegiality are benefits too.

The Great River Road was created in 1938 and includes Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Travelers planning a journey can find information from all ten Mississippi River states at www.experiencemississippiriver.com and Minnesota Great River Road interactive mapping, digital travel guides and more at www.mnmississippiriver.com. 

Friends of the Falls Requests You Respond to Army Corps Recommendation for Upper Lock!

Via a February 19 e-announcment from Friends of the Falls:

Army Corps Accepts Comments on Upper Lock Disposition

The Upper Lock at Owámniyomni, St. Anthony Falls, was closed to commercial navigation in 2015. Since then, Friends of the Falls has been working to secure the site for public use. We're partnering with the Native American Community Development Institute to build relationships with the Indigenous community and shape an engagement process centered on Native voices. Kare11 recently ran a piece on our approach and progress. The Lock is still a crucial piece of infrastructure for our city and region. Over 1 million Twin Cities residents and businesses depend on the Mississippi River and on the reservoir created by the dams at St. Anthony Falls for their water supply.   Last month the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the current owner of the Lock) formally recommended that the federal government seek a new owner for the structure. The Corps is trying to abandon the property, including the cost of maintenance and responsibility for flood management.   If the Corps were to walk away, the threat to our community's basic infrastructure would be catastrophic.    The Army Corps is accepting comments on its proposal through March 18. We have one month to urge the Army Corps to change its recommendation.  We're advocating for the Army Corps to keep the Lock structure and flood operations, but release surrounding property to the City of Minneapolis or another entity for recreational use and public river access.   There are two ways to submit a response to the Army Corps before March 18.

OPTION 1 Add your signature to our sign-on letter calling on the Army Corps to maintain their ownership and management responsibilities at the Lock.

Sign Now

OPTION 2 Download our template to draft your own letter and email it to the Army Corps at MplsLocksDisposition@usace.army.mil . In your letter: 1. Urge the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain ownership and maintenance of the Lock. 2. Support the quick transfer of "excess" land surrounding the Lock for recreational use. 3. Write openly and from the heart, reflecting your opinion of the future of the Upper Lock.

Download Template

Nature's Way Spring Exhibition Begins April 10 at Kolman & Pryor Gallery

Via a recent e-announcement from Kolman & Pryor Gallery:

Nature’s Way
Work by Kolman & Pryor Gallery Artists Inspired by Nature
April 10 – June 19, 2021
Artist Reception: Saturday, April 17, 7:00 – 9:00pm

At a time when being outside, taking long walks in local or state parks or even through one’s neighborhood, has been a balm for the soul, nature has never seemed more of a blessing. To celebrate nature’s balm and calm, and the sense of discovery and refreshment nature give us, Kolman & Pryor Gallery announces its Spring exhibition, Nature’s Way. Curated by gallery co-founder, Patrick Pryor, with works by gallery artists,  Betsy Ruth Byers, Kate Casanova, Jil Evans, Kelly Jean Ohl, Jodi Reeb, Julie Snidle, and Cameron Zebrun, the exhibition begins April 10 and runs through June 19, 2021. An artist reception will be held on April 17, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., during Northrup King Nights, the Northrup King Building’s quarterly open studio evening.

Nature is a theme and a passion shared by Pryor and gallery co-founder, Anita Sue Kolman. “Every few years we revisit this theme,” Pryor says, “as it brought Anita and I together. Through our shared passion for nature-inspired work, we selected the gallery artists we’ve worked with for the past 10 years. We’re thrilled to show fresh work by our artists through the lens of nature.”

Jil Evans’ new abstract works, Kolman says, “are infused with found light, whether the light has streamed in through her windows or she’s experienced light and shadow shifting while on a walk. The work is bright and light-infused.” In contrast, Kelly Jean Ohl’s sculptures, made with such natural elements as clay, water, and fire, “resemble something you might pick up on a beach, or in a forest like pinecones, seedpods, or sticks.” 

Flash 2 by Jil Evans

Gathering of Abundance by Kelly Jean Ohl

Microbiota by Kate Casanova

Becoming by Betsy Ruth Byers

The small conceptual sculptures assembled by Kate Casanova “express our connection to nature and our physical bodies, with a combination of synthetic and biological materials,” Pryor explains. Teetering between the abstract and the representational, with shapes bulging and flowing with color, the work of Betsy Ruth Byers may be “rooted in the tradition of landscape painting,” he continues, “but addresses the materiality of paint to examine how our relationship with water and ice is changing.” 

Other gallery artists in the exhibition include Cameron Zebrun, who infuses layers of carved wood with images of northern Minnesota woods and water; and Julie Snidle and Jodi Reeb who work with beeswax.

Ghost by Cameron Zebrun

At the Horizon by Jodi Reeb

Gold Beach by Julie Snidle 

In addition to enjoying individual artworks, visitors to the exhibition “can look forward to experiencing the ways in which these works will connect with each other,” Pryor says. Adds Kolman, “The works are in dialogue with each other, not overtly, but through a shared sensibility grounded in the artists’ gratitude and appreciation for nature.” 

For a preview of the show, or more information, please contact Anita Sue Kolman at anita@kolmanpryorgallery.com or 612-385-4239 or Patrick Pryor at patrick@kolmanpryorgallery.com or 612-280-7812. Kolman & Pryor Gallery is located in Studio 395, Northrup King Building at 1500 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

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      Nature’s Way begins Saturday, April 10, 2021, and closes Saturday, June 19, 2021.

       Artist Reception: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

February 19 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Preparedness Efforts Ahead of Derek Chauvin Trial

The trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin is set to begin on March 8^th and will likely last through much of April. This trial will focus an enormous amount of attention on our city and state. The weight and uncertainty of this trial brings stress along with it. I want you to know that many dedicated leaders in public service in the city remain committed to your safety and well-being.  

 Presently, we are working with the county, state and a multitude of other partners to keep the peace and to protect the freedom of expression as well as the safety of employees, residents, businesses and visitors. The first few weeks of the trial are expected to be focused on jury selection with opening statements scheduled for later in March. At the City’s request, Gov. Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard to provide public safety assistance to Minneapolis and Saint Paul during the upcoming trials.

In the weeks ahead, we anticipate changes that may affect how you navigate and engage with downtown and our other city neighborhoods. These changes include temporary barriers being put in place around City Hall, the New Public Service Building, the Hennepin County Government Center, the County jail as well as our police precincts. These will be in place for the duration of the trial.  At this time, we do not have plans to put enhanced barriers around other City facilities. City buildings will remain open but starting March 1 there will be restricted access to the Hennepin County Government Center.

On March 1, Sixth Street South will be closed between Third and Fourth avenues. Currently, other streets will remain open. The City will provide updates when other closures are anticipated. 

Throughout the trials, the City’s communications and engagement teams will be working with partners from multiple jurisdictions in a joint information system to keep the public informed using a coordinated communications and engagement strategy. Our goal is to create multiple channels to share timely and relevant information and to receive ongoing feedback from the community.

The City’s Office of Violence Prevention is also working with the City’s Neighborhood and Community Relations Department on a toolkit to help neighborhoods and residents be prepared. The toolkit will include safety tips and best practices, among other information.

Similarly, the City’s Community Planning and Economic Development Department is developing guidance for business and property owners to take additional preparedness and security measures, while remaining open for business. Small businesses can reach out to SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov with questions.

I understand communication is critically important and that my office is committed to putting out timely information as soon as we get it. It’s important to understand that as a City Council Member I am not always “in the room where it happens” when many of these important decisions are being made by all these partners, however, I am committed to getting information from our communications system quickly and getting it out to residence as best I can. I know this is going to be a very intense time please know I’m doing my best to represent you and be there for you.

Lisa

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City Hosting Online Open Houses for Hennepin South Reconstruction Project

The City of Minneapolis is holding online open houses March 2 and March 4 to share and receive input on draft concept designs for the reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue South between Douglas Avenue and West Lake Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to view a presentation, provide comments and ask questions of project staff.

The City plans to reconstruct this section of Hennepin Avenue starting in 2024. The reconstruction project provides an opportunity to redesign Hennepin Avenue to meet the needs of current and future users of the street.

Project goals include improving the sidewalk and intersections for all users, evaluating bicycle network connectivity, providing space for enhanced transit stops for future METRO E Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, replacing aging infrastructure and maintaining and enhancing traffic flow for transit and motor vehicles.

Online open houses

• 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, March 2
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4

Visit the project website for instructions on how to attend the online meetings. For those unable to attend, open house materials including interactive draft concept designs and a recording of the presentation will be posted to the project website to view. The draft concept designs and comment form will also be available for input through April 16, 2021.

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Updates on Transforming Community Safety – Online Meeting March 2

An online meeting on the City’s work to transform community safety has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 2. Check this webpage for the RSVP, which will be posted later.

The City of Minneapolis is committed to a goal of safety for everyone in Minneapolis. On June 12, 2020, the City Council passed a resolution committing to creating a transformative new model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis.

Since then, internal work groups and key stakeholders have been exploring ways to develop an integrated community safety response that works for everyone.

Three pillars of community safety

The City’s realignment to provide a holistic community safety response will take place in phases over time with much staff, partner and community participation. It focuses on three main areas:

• A public-health-oriented response for preventing violence.
• Alternatives to police response for 911 calls.
• Reforming law enforcement policies, protocols and practices.

Some of the work in progress includes:

• Minneapolis’ crime prevention specialists (CPS) now report to the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department instead of the Police Department. The change reflects the crime prevention specialists’ roles in community engagement. Nothing will change as far as work location, scope of work, job titles and programs offered to the community without further planning and engagement.
• If you have a mental health crisis in Minneapolis, you can continue to call 911 or the Cope mobile crisis team in Hennepin County: 612-596-1223 (for adults in Hennepin County) and 612-348-2233 (for children 17 and under). In 2021, two mental health teams will be available 24/7 for crisis calls. This means police may not provide the primary response for a mental health crisis call or police may still respond if the mental health teams are both on current calls.
• To report theft of property damage, you can call 311, 911 or submit an online report. As part of a pilot this year, City employees (non-sworn officers) will take theft and property damage reports from residents. 

Stay up to date

Stay updated on this work by visiting the City’s community safety webpage where you can see updated information on the three focus areas, key milestones and information presented to the community in an earlier presentation. You can also share your thoughts about what community safety looks like to you. Information will also be shared out over a variety of channels in many languages.

Staff will present regular community safety updates at City Council meetings. The first was a Health Department presentation on the first phase of engagement around public-health-oriented violence prevention. This presentation included a summary of the first phase of the online survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups. Staff from the City Coordinator’s Office also provided an update on the alternatives to police response work rolling out this year. Watch the Jan. 21 presentation to the Public Health & Safety Committee on the City’s website.

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Minneapolis and State of Minnesota Offer New Vaccination Web Tools

The City of Minneapolis has developed a new web tool to help residents find information in multiple languages on the current status of the vaccination rollout, what to expect when getting the vaccine, and the safety of getting a vaccine.

The web tool includes:

• The up-to-date status of the phased vaccination rollout. It shows which groups of people are being vaccinated now and which groups are next.
• Detailed information about:
  • The COVID-19 vaccines available.
  • The safety of receiving the vaccine.
  • What people need to know before, during and after a vaccine appointment.
• An acknowledgement of past trauma for those who have experienced discrimination in medicine and vaccinations. This web tool is one effort in the City’s commitment to ensure equity, justice and transparency in distributing the vaccinations.
• A form for community organizations and other groups to request a Minneapolis Health Department speaker to address common vaccine questions and concerns. The form is in four languages.

People should also check back for more web functions yet to be added, which could include a mapping tool to find vaccination locations and an interactive quiz to find out if they are eligible.

Find the City’s new COVID-19 vaccine web tool on the City website.

State launches new tool to connect all Minnesotans to COVID-19 vaccines

Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, regardless of their current vaccine eligibility status. The new Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector will help all Minnesotans find out when, where and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

Minnesotans can sign up at mn.gov/vaccineconnector. Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Translation is available by phone in all languages. Minnesotans can call the translation hotline at 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. When a Minnesotan becomes eligible to receive a vaccine under State guidelines, the Vaccine Connector will alert them of their eligibility, connect them to resources to schedule an appointment, and notify them if there are vaccination opportunities in their area.

Demand for vaccine still far exceeds supply, and Minnesotans should remain patient as more vaccine arrives in the weeks and months ahead. Every Minnesotan will have an opportunity to get vaccinated; it will just take time.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of February 17, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• As of February 17, there are 32,349 cases in Minneapolis and 382 deaths. The total number of cases and hospitalizations increased by less than 1% over the previous week. ICU admissions increased by slightly more than 1% over last week. Minneapolis-specific data are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• Over the past week, there have been about 50 new cases per day on average. This rate has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 40+ new cases per day as well as averaging three hospitalizations per day.
• The seven-day rolling average case rate for Minneapolis is 11 cases per 100,000. This rate has steadily decreased for the past four weeks and appears to be plateauing.
• COVID-19 testing in Minneapolis and across the state has decreased by over 40% since November. It’s possible we may be missing mild or asymptomatic infections.
• Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain physical distance, get tested, and stay home if you’re sick. These actions will help contain the spread of the virus.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.
• On February 12, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 21-07, loosening COVID-19 restrictions for certain businesses. Minneapolis Emergency Regulation No. 2020-17, which closed bar service, remains in effect. Details for Minneapolis businesses are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• As of February 17, there are 475,379 cases in Minnesota out of over 7 million tests completed. There have been 6,390 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 98,644 cases and 1,569 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of February 8, Minnesota is reporting 15 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance of newly identified strains of COVID-19 in Minnesota. As of today, 18 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant (first found in the U.K.) and two cases of the P.1 variant (which first emerged in Brazil) have been detected in Minnesota.
• Today Governor Walz updated Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan to allow more middle and high school students to return to the classroom. Beginning February 22, all middle and high school students can return to the classroom for hybrid or in-person learning. Additional details are found in the updated Safe Learning Plan and updated Minnesota Department of Health 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.

Health Department Incident Command updates

• The Health Department is offering multiple community testing and vaccination clinics every week. Any City employee who is interested in volunteering at these events can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events.

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• We continue to conduct follow-up with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 65% have been interviewed and 2.4% have refused. Thirty-two percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 50 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. With the decrease in cases, case investigators are interviewing an average of 30 cases per shift and making an average of 80 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• People now have the option of completing the case investigation interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.
• We are conducting case investigation and contact tracing for Minneapolis Public Schools staff diagnosed, exposed, or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and providing recommendations to MPS on next steps. We are receiving an average of three situations that require follow-up per day.

COVID-19 vaccination planning and distribution

• We are partnering with Hennepin Healthcare to provide vaccinations in Minneapolis. To date, we have hosted over 40 vaccination clinics and given out more than 3,500 doses.
• This week we are hosting 16 clinics focused on Phase 1A priority groups including unaffiliated healthcare partners, Minneapolis Park Police, and assisted living and congregate care facilities. We are also vaccinating educators and school workers.
• We are partnering with the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) to offer vaccinations for public housing residents living in 39 MPHA highrise buildings. First doses will be administered to interested residents in these buildings starting March 8.
• We are finalizing plans for vaccinating Phase 1B populations, with an emphasis on BIPOC communities who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
• The State continues to focus on vaccinating adults over 65, educators, and childcare workers. Updates on their vaccination efforts can be found on the State’s vaccination website.
• Vaccine demand continues to far outpace available doses. While waiting to be vaccinated, help stop the spread of the virus by continuing to wash your hands, stay 6ft apart, and wear a mask.

COVID-19 vaccination education and outreach

• On February 12, we launched a new Minneapolis COVID Vaccine webpage. This site provides the public with information about vaccine safety, a timeline for local vaccine distribution, and answers to frequently asked questions. Visitors can use the Google Translate function located on the left side of the page to view the information in multiple languages. Please help us promote this resource widely.
• Community organizations and groups interested in learning more about COVID vaccination, testing, and mitigation can schedule a virtual presentation/conversation with Health Department staff. To request a presentation, fill out a request form on the new Vaccine webpage (forms are available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong).
• We are hosting vaccine briefings for Enterprise Leaders every other Monday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, February 22. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

COVID-19 testing

• We continue to offer regular community testing events, which are free and open to everyone. In the past week, we provided 63 COVID-19 saliva tests at two community events.
• Local and state testing rates have decreased significantly in the last few months. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is still important to get tested to help stop the spread of the virus. Please help us promote the following saliva testing events:

o Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, February 20, March 13 and 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E., February 18 and 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Minneapolis Convention Center - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

o Brooklyn Park Starlight Center – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

o Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

• The City's testing web page offers information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms.
• We are also offering free saliva testing kits and on-site testing for community partners, organizations, and businesses. Please use this form to submit a request for testing kits or onsite testing. Priority will be given to businesses and organizations with recent outbreaks.
• Any person in Minnesota can order a free at-home saliva test kit from the State’s COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.

Businesses

• Last week, in response to Governor Walz’s Executive Order 21-07, we sent out a newsletter to licensed businesses explaining the loosening of restrictions for bars, restaurants, gyms, and other venues. In general, businesses are complying with COVID rules. Health inspectors are coordinating with Business Licensing to address any violations as they occur.
• Inspectors continue to reach out to businesses to provide guidance on COVID-19 cleaning and sanitizing practices, isolation and quarantine guidance for employees, best practices on masking and physical distancing, and other critical safety guidance.

Other community needs

• Last week, we fulfilled requests for personal protective equipment and saliva testing kits for Webber Mart and WeCare Childcare Center in North Minneapolis and Hard Times Café in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood. We have additional inventory available and welcome more requests from businesses and community groups through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form.

• We are responding to many emails from residents, business owners, health care providers, educators, and community groups in our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov inbox. Recent questions have focused on vaccination plans and revised COVID regulations for businesses. Please continue using this email for any COVID-related questions.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

MinnPost Announces Lineup for Inaugural MinnPost Festival in April

Via a February 18 e-announcement from MinnPost:

National and local guests set for in-depth conversations on politics, media and culture

MinnPost is excited to present the inaugural MinnPost Festival, a week of engaging conversations with insightful voices from politics, media and culture, including E.J. Dionne from The Washington Post and the Brookings Institution; Errin Haines from The 19th and MSNBC; Charlie Sykes from The Bulwark; Sarah Bellamy from Penumbra Theatre; and more! The Festival is set for April 5 to 9 with all six sessions presented virtually.

The Festival program was designed to follow MinnPost’s approach to thoughtful, in-depth journalism. “Amidst the overwhelming stream of information and noise in media, MinnPost is driven to take our readers out of the maelstrom of the daily news cycle for more context and clarity around the news in Minnesota,” said Tanner Curl, MinnPost’s executive director. “During a particularly unsettled time, MinnPost Festival’s exciting lineup of national and local speakers will bring our audience a deeper understanding of the people and ideas shaping civic and cultural life in this moment.”

True to MinnPost’s commitment to making its journalism free for everyone, all-access Festival passes are available at Pay What You Can pricing, meaning attendees register at a price that works for them, including free. “We believe journalism is essential to a healthy democracy,” said Curl, “and you can’t live up to that if your reporting and programming are cloistered behind a paywall.” MinnPost is able to deliver on this commitment thanks to financial support from members, funders and sponsors. The Festival itself has opportunities for individuals and businesses to provide crucial support for MinnPost’s public-service journalism year-round.

MinnPost Festival - April 5-9, 2021 - minnpost.com/festival

America in 2021: A Conversation with Astead Herndon

Monday, April 5, 2021, 12-12:50 p.m. CT

The New York Times national politics reporter on the forces seeking to hold power and shape policy amidst demographic and cultural changes across the U.S.

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Democrats in Power: A Conversation with E.J. Dionne

Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 12-12:50 p.m. CT

The Washington Post political columnist and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution on the challenges facing the Biden administration and congressional Democrats.

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The GOP Moving Forward: A Conversation with Sarah Longwell and Charlie Sykes

Wednesday, April 7, 2021, 12-12:50 p.m. CT

Two leaders from The Bulwark on the Republican Party after the Trump presidency and the future of conservatives in electoral politics.

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Local Community Media: A Panel Discussion

Thursday, April 8, 2021, 12-12:50 p.m. CT

Local media leaders from across Minnesota discuss how they serve their communities in such a challenging time for local news organizations. Panelists: Harry Colbert, Jr., North News; Mukhtar Ibrahim, Sahan Journal; Leah Lemm, Minnesota Native News; and Jana Peterson, Pine Knot News.

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Art for Change: A Conversation with Sarah Bellamy

Thursday, April 8, 2021, 7-7:50 p.m. CT

The artistic director of Penumbra Theatre on the organization’s mission to drive social change, advance equity, and bring racial healing.

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Gender and Politics: A Conversation with Errin Haines and Emily Ramshaw

Friday, April 9, 2021, 12-12:50 p.m. CT

Two leaders and journalists from The 19th discuss women in American politics and their work at a nonprofit news start-up reporting at the intersection of gender, politics, and policy.

About MinnPost

MinnPost is a nonprofit, nonpartisan digital news enterprise that provides free in-depth journalism on the politics and culture of Minnesota. Founded in 2007, MinnPost is one of the leading local nonprofit news organizations in the nation. Its work is made possible through the generous support of members, funders and sponsors.

Restaurant Week Winter 2021: Feb 22-28

The Winter edition of Restaurant Week returns February 22-28. 

Participating restaurants are offering special two and three course pre-fixe lunches and dinners from $10-$35 per person. View participating restaurants and menus for takeout and socially distant dining here.

February 12 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Ahead of Police Recruitment Push, City Prioritizes Minneapolis Residency, Social Service Experience

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Chief Human Resources Officer Patience Ferguson announced new recruitment priorities for incoming Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) recruits. Throughout every level of the hiring process, the City is assigning greater weight to applicants who have experience in social service and live in Minneapolis. 

Amid a significant opportunity to recruit new officers into the department, placing a higher value on residency and social service experience will help ensure the MPD is better embedding Minneapolis’ values throughout its recruitment and hiring practices.

The changes also include assigning greater weight to volunteer experience, educational and on-the-job experience in social service, mental health work, and substance use disorder counseling. The department will also emphasize degrees in criminal justice, social work, social sciences (psychology, sociology, criminology), counseling and other related fields. These new recruitment priorities will begin with summer class recruitment, with postings expected in mid-February.

Read more.

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Joint Operation Results in Nearly 50 Carjacking and Robbery Arrests

Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department and deputies with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Violent Offender Task Force teamed up recently with air support from the Minnesota State Patrol to target people responsible for ongoing violent robberies and carjackings in parts of south Minneapolis.

The three-day joint operation, which took place Jan. 26-28, resulted in 46 arrests, including 69 felony level charges. Law enforcement recovered 15 firearms and 12 stolen vehicles. Six of the vehicles were occupied at the time officers and deputies seized the vehicles.

The felony level arrests included probable cause charges of carjacking, drugs and weapons violations, auto theft and fleeing police. Last year, there were 405 carjackings in Minneapolis, a 301% increase over 2019.

Tips to reduce your risk of becoming a carjacking victim: 

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Always be hyper-aware of your surroundings.
• Equip your car with an anti-theft device.
• Lock your doors while driving.

Don’t stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and pull over in a safe place once you’ve passed to call for help.

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Gov. Walz Authorizes National Guard to Provide Public Safety Assistance During Trials of Former Officers Involved in George Floyd's Death

Gov. Tim Walz has issued an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to provide public safety assistance to Minneapolis and Saint Paul during the upcoming trials of the former officers involved in the death of George Floyd. Members of the National Guard will be visible and available as needed as public interest increases surrounding the trials.

Walz’s executive order is part of a monthslong public safety planning process among local law enforcement agencies and all levels of government, including City and County governments, to prepare for heightened interest in the upcoming trials of the former officers.

The governor called on the Legislature to quickly pass his SAFE Account proposal. This funding is a critical tool to help ensure there are enough sworn law enforcement officers to be able to employ the National Guard. Because the National Guard is not a law enforcement agency, they must partner with police to help prevent or respond to any unrest.

This will require significant mutual aid from adjacent cities and counties, which has a fiscal cost. The SAFE Account would ensure that cities and counties across the state that volunteer to send additional police officers are reimbursed for their efforts to help secure this extraordinary event.

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Emergency Assistance Programs from the State and County

ApplyMN is a simple, secure online application that connects you with Minnesota and Hennepin County services to help meet your and your family's basic needs. You can use ApplyMN to apply for: 

• Cash assistance.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
• Child care assistance.
• Emergency assistance for situations such as eviction or loss from a fire. Contact the county office where you live for more information. In Hennepin County, that’s 612-596-1300.

Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

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Free and Affordable Food

There are many places to get local, affordable or free emergency food in Minneapolis this winter.

Emergency food

Find a map and hours of food shelves and food distribution pop-ups for emergency food in Minneapolis.

Free food boxes for all youths

All families are invited to pick up free meal boxes for their children. Food boxes contain a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches that meet Minneapolis Public Schools’ high standards for nutrition and quality ingredients. In every box, children will find school favorites, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Milk is offered on the side.

• Youths do not need to be enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools.
• Youths, parents or siblings can pick up one box per child, per week.
• Pick up at any of the 15 school sites. No registration is required.

• All sites are open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Learn more and find a food box location.

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Minnesota Ramps Up COVID-19 Vaccinations

The State of Minnesota is developing a diverse, stable network of different ways Minnesotans can get vaccinated so everyone will have access to a vaccine, no matter where they live and no matter their personal circumstances. In Minnesota, Walmart and Thrifty White are now participating in the first phase of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program launching across the state to help vaccinate adults 65 years of age and older.

Vaccine supply still small

The State notes that the supply of vaccine each week from the federal government is still small. While it has more vaccine available for seniors than ever, it is still a drop in the bucket. Nearly 1 million people are 65 or older in Minnesota. Until more vaccine comes, it will stay difficult to get an appointment.

The State launched a statewide vaccine finder to better connect Minnesotans 65 and older to vaccination opportunities in communities near where they live. 

Learn more about the State's vaccine distribution plan.

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Free COVID-19 Tests Detect the Virus Even as Variants

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus.

The tests detect COVID-19 whether it’s the original strain or a variant. Some of the recently found variants seem to spread more easily than the original strain – up to 70% more – and two of the three known variants have been identified in Minnesota.

The State of Minnesota especially asks these people to get tested:

• Students returning to school, youth sports or extracurricular activities. Testing doesn’t sideline your team but helps identify the virus early so it doesn’t have a chance to spread.
• College and trade school students returning to campus or classes.
• Anyone who regularly interacts with people outside of their family unit or household.
• Anyone with symptoms or who was exposed to someone who tested positive or someone they don’t live with.
• Anyone who is working at places that remain open during the pandemic such as critical infrastructure, first responders, health care, retail, schools and child care.

Free COVID-19 tests

Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.

Columbia Manor Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 18 and 25

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 and 20

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe building, 1308 E. Franklin Ave. 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave. N. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27

You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.

More free COVID-19 saliva tests

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Make an appointment here. Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.

Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you.

The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.

Resources

The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

Why get tested? Videos in Spanish, Somali and Hmong

Whether you feel sick or not, get tested. This will protect your loved ones and help us all return safely back to school, work and other activities.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of February 10, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• As of February 10, there are 32,049 cases in Minneapolis and 382 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 1.1% over the previous week. Both hospitalizations and ICU admissions increased by less than 1%. Minneapolis-specific data are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• Over the past week, there have been about 50 new cases per day on average. This rate has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 10 new cases per day as well as averaging three hospitalizations and one death per day.
• The seven-day rolling average case rate for Minneapolis is 14.4 cases per 100,000. The rate continues to decrease, but the re-opening of bars and restaurants, the return of students to in-person learning, and the new COVID variants circulating in the community may all cause case rates to increase in the future.
• COVID-19 testing in Minneapolis and across the State has decreased by 30% from November. It’s possible we may be missing mild or asymptomatic infections.
• Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain physical distance, get tested, and stay home if you’re sick. These actions will help contain the spread of the virus.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• As of February 10, there are 469,905 cases in Minnesota out of over 6.8 million tests completed. There have been 6,319 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 97,559 cases and 1,557 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of January 31, Minnesota is reporting 16.6 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance to determine how prevalent the newly identified strains of COVID-19 might be in Minnesota. As of today, 16 cases of the B.1.1.7 and two cases of the P.1 variant have been detected in Minnesota.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 is in effect. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Health Department Incident Command updates

• The Health Department is offering multiple community testing and vaccination clinics every week. Any City employee who is interested in volunteering at these events can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events.

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• We continue to conduct follow-up with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 65% have been interviewed and 2.4% have refused. Thirty-two percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 50 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. With the decrease in cases, case investigators are interviewing an average of 40 cases per shift and making an average of 80 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• People now have the option of completing the case investigation interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to partner with Hennepin Healthcare to vaccinate Phase 1A priority groups in Minneapolis. To date, we have hosted 32 vaccination clinics and given out approximately 2,700 vaccinations.
• This week we are hosting ten clinics for assisted living facilities, Blue & White Taxi drivers (which provide medical transportation to COVID patients), Minneapolis Park Police, school health staff, and other congregate care facilities.
• We are finalizing plans for vaccinating Phase 1B populations, with an emphasis on BIPOC communities who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, as well as vulnerable older adults living in public housing.
• The State continues to focus on vaccinating adults over 65, educators, and childcare workers. Updates on their vaccination efforts can be found on the State’s vaccination website.
• Vaccine demand continues to far outpace available doses. While waiting to be vaccinated help stop the spread of the virus by continuing to wash your hands, stay 6ft apart, and wear a mask.
• We are offering community conversations about COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and ways to prevent the virus. Please use this form to request a conversation.
• We are hosting vaccine briefings for Enterprise Leaders every other Monday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, February 22. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

COVID-19 testing

• Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is still important to get tested to help stop the spread of the virus.
• We continue to offer regular community testing events, which are free and open to everyone. In the past week, we provided 132 COVID-19 saliva tests at two community events and a local business.
• Please help us promote the following saliva testing events:

o Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, February 13 and February 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o MN Chippewa Tribe Building, 1308 East Franklin Ave, February 16 (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E., February 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Minneapolis Convention Center - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

o Brooklyn Park Starlight Center – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

o Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

• We are also offering free saliva testing kits and on-site testing for community partners, organizations, and businesses. To date there have been 64 requests from businesses and community partners for 6,989 test kits. Please use this form to submit a request for testing kits or onsite testing. Priority will be given to businesses and organizations with recent outbreaks.
• Any person in Minnesota can order a free at-home saliva test kit from the State’s COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms.

Support for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS)

• About 2,600 MPS educators are preparing to welcome approximately 9,600 elementary school students back to in-person learning this month. Pre-K and Kindergarten students returned on February 8, while first and second grade students returned on February 10. Third through fifth grade students will return on February 22.
• We are conducting case investigation and contact tracing for MPS staff diagnosed, exposed, or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and providing recommendations to MPS on next steps. We are receiving an average of these situations that require follow-up per day.
• We have provided 1,200 saliva test kits for MPS educators as well as 700 tests for MPS students, families, and staff to help with re-opening efforts.

Businesses

• Health inspectors responded to two outbreaks in restaurants that were reported last week. One outbreak occurred among restaurant patrons while the other occurred among staff.
• Inspectors continue to reach out to businesses to provide guidance on COVID-19 cleaning and sanitizing practices, isolation and quarantine guidance for employees, best practices on masking and physical distancing, and other critical safety guidance.
• Restaurants continue to request saliva test kits for their employees, which health inspectors and other health department staff are delivering.

Other community needs

• Over the past week we have supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) upon request to Somali Community Resettlement Services, the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, and the Twin Cities Recovery Project.
• We have a good stock of PPE on hand (masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) and are able to fulfill additional community and business requests for supplies. These items may be requested through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

Bicycle Film Festival - February 26th to March 7th

Via a February 9 e-announcment:

Bicycle Film Festival February 26 - March 7

Our Streets Minneapolis is partnering with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota to bring the Bicycle Film Festival to Minneapolis February 26th to March 7th. With your $10, $15, or $20 ticket, you'll get digital access to an international short film program and a panel discussion featuring local changemakers working to diversify the cycling community and culture.

Our local panel will include:

• Wesley Ferguson, @bikingwithwesley
• Paige Ingram, Co-Organizer, Juneteenth Revolutionary Blackout Bikeride 
• Luis Moore, President, Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota
• Dr. Ashley Zapata & Madilynn Garcia, Stamina Racing Collective

Click here to get your tickets and watch the film trailer today!

Ric Rosow Captures Some Hair Raising Shots of Construction Worker at the Eleven Site

Submitted by Mill District resident Ric Rosow

Taken February 1, 2021, these photos are of a construction worker on The Eleven. In photos one and two, the construction worker is standing on a tiny platform at the corner of the outside of the building. The scene gets even more tense in the third and fourth photos as the construction worker carefully moves off the platform to around the corner to re-enter the building through a window opening.

Twenty-Two Stories Up

Yes - Twenty-Two

Rounding the corner

NOW WHERE!

February 5 Ward 7 Update from Council Member Lisa Goodman

DID Launches 2021 Safety Plan

The plan provides wrap around support for downtown Minneapolis                               

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District today announced a new partnership with Hennepin County to add a social worker as part of the DID Livability Team’s ongoing work. The position will help more effectively address a range of mental health and chemical dependency issues throughout downtown.

This new partnership aligns with the full unveiling of the DID’s 2021 safety plan—a robust, five-tiered approach made possible by $3.5 million worth of investments from downtown property owners focusing on overall safety measures, activity, and collaboration.

The DID safety plan will bring members of the public, private, and non-profit sectors together throughout the year providing a variety of resources that, together, build a cohesively vibrant downtown experience. The plan has begun rolling out and all tactics are expected to be deployed prior to this summer.

“We strongly believe it takes full collaboration to build confidence in downtown’s safety, and that includes community outreach, law enforcement, communication with our downtown stakeholders and street level activations,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. “This plan is thorough, brings a great deal of expertise together and is a unified effort in providing public safety to our downtown community.”

The plans five focus areas include:

1. Communications and collaborations
2. Security presence and response
3. Livability outreach and street engagement
4. Advocacy for a safer downtown
5. Activation, vibrancy, and crime prevention

Outreach and security presence are cornerstones of this safety plan. The security presence and response plan includes DID Ambassadors, dedicated downtown patrol, added Joint Beats presence, and more.

In addition to the new Hennepin County social worker, the plan includes street outreach engagement through the DID Livability Team, YouthLink, Youth Coordinating Board, St. Stephen’s, Office of Violence Prevention Outreach Interrupters and MAD DADS.

To further enhance communication, the plan will include the DID Safety Communications Center at the First Precinct coordinating with a network of law enforcement, outreach teams and private security. RadioLink, security meetings, downtown safety workshops and more will be part of the communications plan.

Vibrant streets make safe streets, so activations are part of the safety plan. This year’s activation plans, subject to public health guidelines throughout the year, include the Nicollet Farmers Market, Nicollet Maker Market, street show music performances, Street Eats incubator food cart program, MN Fringe Beyond the Box performances, MNSpin, and more.

For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com or follow @MplsDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner, and greener. DID convenes people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seeks continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors. For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com

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Hennepin County Shelter Availability

In preparation for the upcoming weather, there have been additional shelter beds added for single adults this week. Almost all emergency shelter is currently accessible 24 hours a day and all shelters have made accommodations to be CDC compliant. We encourage anyone that is currently sleeping outside to contact the Adult Shelter Connect to access shelter. We understand there is hesitation, for many reasons, but it is critical over these next few days to get out of the cold and this is the best way to do that.

To access emergency shelter, please call the Adult Shelter Connect at 612-248-2350 from 10:00AM - 5:30PM Monday-Friday, or 1:00PM - 5:30PM on weekends and holidays.  More info here.

If you work with any families that are in need of shelter there is ample capacity. Call 612-348-9410 to speak to shelter representative.

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Ward 7 Spotlight

Small, family-owned businesses are the life-blood of Minneapolis. The smaller they are, the more important their history in our community. Gittelson Jewelers has been a downtown Minneapolis business serving consumers, MN athletes and musicians for over 35 years. In fact we just celebrated our 35th anniversary this last fall during COVID-19 and the aftermath of city-wide unrest. Needless to say, the results of our generational celebration were all but forgotten in the wake of our current environment. The skwyways are empty and these businesses are all but forgotten.

Gittelson Jewelers is in the Norhtstar Center building serving generations of clients and Minneapolis’s most interesting customers for now, almost 36 years. Please remember to support the smallest of our family-onwed businesses in downtown Minneapolis, specifically the hidden “Gems" in the Minneapolis Skyways. 

Gittelson Jewelers specializes in:

• Diamond engagement rings
• Custom made engagement rings and other fine jewelry
• Jewelry & watch repair
• Diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more.

We’ll clean, check and inspect your jewelry for free while in our store. 

We’ll comp your parking in the Crowne Plaza ramp if you are purchasing with us. 

If you don’t want to come in the store, we’ll do virtual consultations and even deliver it to your doorstep if you’re within the Twin Cities metro locale. 

We are the longest standing jewelry store in the Minneapolis skyway system since 1985. 

For Valentine’s Day we have numerous sale items throughout our store. 

www.gittelsonjewelers.com

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of February 3, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• As of February 3, there are 31,699 cases in Minneapolis and 377 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 1.3% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 1.3% and ICU admissions increased by less than 1%.
• Over the past week, there have been about 75 new cases per day on average. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• The new case rate in Minneapolis has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 10 new cases per day, as well as averaging five hospitalizations, one ICU admission, and one death per day. It is important to continue taking precautions and take advantage of the available testing.
• The seven-day rolling average rate for Minneapolis is at 16.3 cases per 100,000. The rate continues to decrease, but the impact of the re-opening of bars and restaurants, as well as the return to school and sports, remains to be seen.
• The State is releasing $6.9 million in federal vaccination funding to local public health departments. MHD will receive $368,621 to spend by June 30. In addition, the Minneapolis Police Department received federal funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the COVID response and MHD will allocate $268,000 of it for COVID testing, case investigation, and contract tracing.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• As of February 2, there are 463,766 cases in Minnesota out of over 6.6 million tests completed. There have been 6,234 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 96,262 cases and 1,539 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of January 26, Minnesota is reporting 18 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 16.3 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance to determine how prevalent the newly identified strains of COVID-19 might be in Minnesota. As of today, 16 cases of the B.1.1.7 and two cases of the P.1 variant have been detected in Minnesota.
• MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 is in effect. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Have a COVID-safe Super Bowl

• Looking forward to the big game on Sunday? The safest way to cheer on your favorite team is to stay home and watch with people in your own household. Attending large gatherings increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.
• If you host or attend a party, there should be no more than two households total and a maximum of 10 people indoors. While you’re around others, it’s very important to stay physically distanced, wear a mask, and wash your hands.
• The CDC offers additional recommendations for COVID-safe celebrations on their website.

Health Department Incident Command updates

• The Health Department is offering multiple community testing and vaccination clinics every week during the month of February, with many more to come in the next few months. We need City staff to volunteer at these events. Thank you to those who have already signed up to help out! Anyone who is interested can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events.

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• MHD staff are conducting case and contact follow-up for Minneapolis Public School (MPS) staff diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19, and providing recommendations to MPS on next steps.
• We continue to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 65% have been interviewed and 2.3% have refused. Thirty-three percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 50 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. With the decrease in cases, case investigators are interviewing an average of 60 cases per shift and making an average of 100 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• Cases now have the option of completing the interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to partner with Hennepin Healthcare to vaccinate Phase 1A priority groups in Minneapolis. This week, we are hosting 10 clinics and expect to vaccinate Metro Transit workers, older adults in assisted living facilities, school health workers, and unaffiliated health clinic staff. To date, we have given out over 2,000 vaccines.
• Hennepin County Human Services has been and will continue to vaccinate certain groups in Minneapolis where they have existing relationships (i.e. shelters, the unsheltered homeless, and board and lodging facilities).
• The State is opening a vaccination clinic at the Minneapolis Convention Center this Thursday, Saturday (February 4 – 6), with second doses being provided in March. They are expecting to vaccinate approximately 9,000 people at this site including 4,500 educators/childcare workers and 4,500 people over age 65. Other updates about the State’s vaccination distribution plans and progress can be found on their vaccination website.
• Vaccine demand continues to far outpace available doses at this time. While waiting to be vaccinated help stop the spread of the virus by continuing to wash your hands, stay 6ft apart, and wear a mask.
• We are hosting vaccine briefings for Enterprise Leaders every other Monday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, February 8. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

Community Public Information and Outreach

• As a Health Department, we’re committed to providing timely, culturally appropriate, science-based information to help people make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.
• We established agreements with five community partners (Insight, Centro, Somali Center Resettlement Services, MIGIZI and SEAD-Southeast Asian Diaspora) to serve as trusted messengers. These groups will help us ensure that critical COVID-19 information is reaching BIPOC communities using the most effective messages and channels.
• We are developing, translating and disseminating community friendly materials for trusted messengers to use when educating about COVID-19.
• We are offering community conversations about COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and ways to prevent the virus. Please use this form to request a conversation.
• A City vaccine webpage called “the hub” will be available in the next several weeks so that Minneapolis residents can find a vaccination site close to their home.
• Food, Lodging, and Pools inspectors along with NCR staff are distributing flyers to promote the COVID-19 testing events listed below.

COVID-19 Testing

In the past week, 209 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at three community based events, a local business, and a coffee shop. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is important to get tested. Please help us promote the following free saliva testing events:

• Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, February 4 (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.) for MPS staff and community and offered with the Power of People Leadership Institute on February 13 and February 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for all community members.
• MN Chippewa Tribe Building, 1308 East Franklin Ave, February 16 (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
• Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E. on February 4, 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
• Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
• Free saliva testing is also offered at three local sites hosted by the State health department. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register and find more information.
• Minneapolis Convention Center - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Brooklyn Park Starlight Center - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers the latest information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms. The web page has short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.

MHD distribution of saliva test kits:

• The Health Department is offering free saliva testing kits to community partners, organizations and businesses. After you request saliva testing kits, a staff member will contact you for more information. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request.
• To date there have been 64 requests from businesses and community partners for 6,989 test kits.
• MHD may also offer testing to companies; testing was provided at the Broadway Equipment Company on February 2.

Responding to community needs

• We have a good stock of personal protective equipment on hand (masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) and are able to fulfill community and business requests for supplies. These items may be requested through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form.
• We are responding to 10-15 emails per day in our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov inbox. Most people are requesting information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Please continue using the COVID email for any questions about vaccines or other COVID-related issues.
• Last week, we distributed 7,660 hygiene items to unsheltered homeless persons through community partners. Items included wipes, toothbrushes and paste, deodorant, condoms, warm weather gear including gloves and boots, and 4,320 handwarmers.
• With CARES funding, we purchased equipment to support the weekly free food distribution at Corcoran Park (tables, chairs, tents, carts). We are working with other community food distribution sites to determine if and how we can share the equipment.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

MSP Film Society Announces the 40th MSPIFF Will be May 13-23, Passes Now on Sale

Via a February 2 Press Release from the MSP Film Society:

MSP Film Society is thrilled to announce the 40th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF40) will take place Thursday, May 13 through Sunday, May 23, 2021! Due to the ongoing pandemic, MSPIFF40 will be a hybrid festival, with films and panels presented primarily in thevirtual world, while plans are in motion for several outdoor screenings, as long as state and local Covid-19 orders allow. Details will be released in the coming months, once MSPIFF40 films and locations are confirmed.

MSPIFF40 Festival Passes are on sale now at mspfilm.org

All-Access Passes for MSP Film Society Members are $175 through March 20, then go up to $200. Non-Member All-Access Passes are $250 and include a 1-year MSP Film Society Core Membership.The complete lineup for MSPIFF40 will be announced Thursday, April 22, 2021.

Like most nonprofit arts organizations, MSP Film Society took a deep financial hit in 2020, due to the shutdowns put into place to help control the spread of Covid-19. Thankfully, our members and supporters adapted as swiftly as our staff, and remained engaged with our virtual programing while staying safely at home.

“We are relieved to have weathered the storms of 2020, and as we find our footing in 2021 with renewed hope, MSP Film Society turns our focus on the 40th MSP International Film Festival – yes, that’s right, forty years!” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society, theparent organization of MSPIFF. “We have lots of great ideas on how to make MSPIFF40 our most fabulous festival yet, and worthy of its standing as a tried and true Minnesota cultural institution.”

MSPIFF is Minnesota’s largest film festival and, at 40 years running, one of the longest-running film festivals in the country. As in most years, MSP Film Society staff began mapping out plans for MSPIFF40 last fall, when programmers began discussing themes, anticipated films, possible tributes, and potential guests. Most years, the MSPIFF programmers attend a few key fall and winter festivals to scour the newest films to hit the fest circuit, including Toronto and Sundance – and that continued this year, albeit virtually, while concurrently screening films submitted directly to MSPIFF.

“This year we received over 800 submissions to MSPIFF, which is on par with previous years,” said MSPIFF Programming Director Jesse Bishop. “So the storytellers continue to wow us with their new work, and whether we are presenting a physical, virtual, or hybrid festival, our job essentially remains the same: to seek out a range of voices and debut the latest and greatest in international cinema to our ever-expanding MSPIFF audiences.”

The MSPIFF40 programming team is also tasked with determining each year’s Spotlight Theme, and with all the strife and division we collectively endured, it has been decided the 2021 Spotlight theme could only be: Common Ground: Presenting stories that focus attention on and explore equity and bias that manifests across the human experience, from racial and gender, to social, educational, geographic or economic.

MSP Film Society looks forward to sharing the films that fit this theme along with all we have in store for MSPIFF40, including our many MSPIFF filmmaker panels, conversations, and tributes recognizing filmmakers of note to complement another rich slate of films from around the globe, including an occasion to remember the legacy of the Film Society’s founder Al Milgrom and a VIP fundraising event celebrating MSPIFF40. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

MSPIFF40 is generously supported by many sponsors including: Star Tribune, Cedarwoods Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts’ Art Works Grant, Best Buy Community Grant, McKnight Foundation,St. Paul Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, KNOCK, Inc., Jazz 88, numerous locally owned and basedbusinesses, consulates from around the world, our Masters and Auteurs Member Circles, the 2,500+ Members and Donors of MSP Film Society…and more to come!

MSPIFF is presented by the MSP Film Society, a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities.

DID Launches 2021 Safety Plan

Via a February 3 Press Release from the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

The plan provides wrap around support for downtown Minneapolis

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) today announced a new partnership with Hennepin County to add a social worker as part of the DID Livability Team’s ongoing work. The position will help more effectively address a range of mental health and chemical dependency issues throughout downtown.

This new partnership aligns with the full unveiling of the DID’s 2021 safety plan—a robust, five-tiered approach made possible by $3.5 million worth of investments from downtown property owners focusing on overall safety measures, activity, and collaboration.

The DID safety plan will bring members of the public, private, and non-profit sectors together throughout the year providing a variety of resources that, together, build a cohesively vibrant downtown experience. The plan has begun rolling out and all tactics are expected to be deployed prior to this summer.

“We strongly believe it takes full collaboration to build confidence in downtown’s safety, and that includes community outreach, law enforcement, communication with our downtown stakeholders and street level activations,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “This plan is thorough, brings a great deal of expertise together and is a unified effort in providing public safety to our downtown community.”

The plans five focus areas include: 

• Communications and collaborations
• Security presence and response
• Livability outreach and street engagement
• Advocacy for a safer downtown
• Activation, vibrancy, and crime prevention

Outreach and security presence are cornerstones of this safety plan. The security presence and response plan includes DID Ambassadors, dedicated downtown patrol, added Joint Beats presence, and more.

In addition to the new Hennepin County social worker, the plan includes street outreach engagement through the DID Livability Team, YouthLink, Youth Coordinating Board, St. Stephen’s, Office of Violence Prevention Outreach Interrupters and MAD DADS.

To further enhance communication, the plan will include the DID Safety Communications Center at the First Precinct coordinating with a network of law enforcement, outreach teams and private security. RadioLink, security meetings, downtown safety workshops and more will be part of the communications plan.

Vibrant streets make safe streets, so activations are part of the safety plan. This year’s activation plans, subject to public health guidelines throughout the year, include the Nicollet Farmers Market, Nicollet Maker Market, street show music performances, Street Eats incubator food cart program, MN Fringe Beyond the Box performances, MNSpin, and more.

For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com or follow @MplsDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner, and greener. DID convenes people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seeks continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors.

Social Justice Exhibit at the Northrup King Building Includes 4 Events

Via a February 1 e-announcment:

Eye-opening, thought provoking, inciting needed conversations; the Social Justice Exhibit at Northrup King Building, hosted by Beverly and A. Drew Hammond opens this Thursday, February 4th from 5-9pm in Gallery #322.

You don’t want to miss this amazing and diverse body of works from seven artists who are expressing their views on social justice in America through their art! Artists include:

• Loreta Bebeau
• Broderick Poole
• seangarrison
• A Drew Hammond
• Beverly Tipton Hammond
• Karen Kraco
• Kathy Mommsen

Join the Virtual Forum on Social Justice on Saturday, February 6th from 6:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Tina Burnside, Co-Founder of the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.

Additional Dates and Times:

Saturday, February 13, 12-4pm

Saturday, February 13, 5-10pm during Northrup King Nights

Melon-Colony, A. Drew Hammond

The World Heard Your Pain, A. Drew Hammond

January 29 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Keep Safe While Waiting for Vaccinations

With the welcome news that vaccinations have begun against the coronavirus, we also know the demand for vaccine far outpaces the supply. The entire distribution process will take time.

While we wait throughout this process, public health experts remind us to keep protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors by doing what works:

• Wearing a mask, washing your hands, maintaining social distance, and staying home when you feel sick.
• Getting a free COVID-19 test. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Find dates and locations of free testing events — or how to get a test kit in the mail — on the City website.

Thanks for your patience. We will end this pandemic together.

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Federal Government Announces Plans to Increase Vaccine Supply to Minnesota

The Biden administration has announced plans to increase the supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped to states by 16% over current levels for at least the next three weeks. Minnesota is expected to receive nearly 11,000 additional doses each week under the new allocation.

The announcement comes after requests from Gov. Tim Walz and other Midwestern governors for more vaccine to be distributed by the federal government. The Centers for Disease Control had originally allocated fewer than 70,000 doses to Minnesota – not enough to vaccinate priority populations including healthcare workers, long-term care residents, and Minnesotans 65 years of age and older.

Walz announced a goal to have 90% of every dose arriving in the state administered within 72 hours and 100% within one week.

Setting up ways people will get vaccinated

The State is standing up pilot vaccination clinics around Minnesota to test ways of getting more doses to people once more vaccine comes from the federal level. The State is also continuing work with health systems, smaller clinics and community pharmacies to help expand the ways Minnesotans will get vaccinated.

Learn more about the State's vaccine distribution plan.

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Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program Laying Groundwork for State Vaccination Clinics

On Jan. 18, the State launched a vaccination pilot program at nine sites across Minnesota. These initial clinics will set the State on a path for a more extensive network of vaccination clinics in Minnesota communities as the federal government increases vaccine supply. Because this is a limited pilot program, vaccine demand is outpacing available doses.

The pilot program is for Minnesotans 65 and older, pre-K-12 educators and staff (who will work directly with their program or school), and child care workers (who will be randomly selected and notified).

Appointments are extremely limited, and no walk-ins will be accepted.

Besides the pilot clinics, Minnesota health care systems are also providing limited vaccine doses to their patients 65 and older. Health care providers are developing systems to let their existing patients know when they can make an appointment for a vaccine. Providers will contact patients with this information; Minnesotans should not contact their health care providers directly right now.

While waiting to be vaccinated you can help stop the spread of the virus by continuing hand-washing, social distancing, wearing a mask, getting a free test and avoiding high-risk situations.

Learn more about State distribution plans for the vaccine.

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COVID-19 Variants Found in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory found the variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the P.1 variant first identified in Brazil in a specimen from a Minnesota resident with recent travel history to Brazil. This case marks the first documented instance of that variant in the United States. Eight people in Minnesota have now been identified with the variant first identified in the United Kingdom.

The new variants appear to spread more easily, but there is no sign yet that they are any different in terms of how sick people can get or how they affect any particular person.

Keep protecting yourself and your loved ones by wearing a mask, staying 6 feet from anyone you don’t live with, avoiding gatherings, washing your hands often, staying home if you feel sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, and getting tested.

Learn more from the Minnesota Department of Health website.

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Find Free COVID-19 Tests; Help Stop the Spread

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.

The State of Minnesota especially asks these people to get tested:

• Students returning to school, youth sports or extracurricular activities. Testing doesn’t sideline your team but helps identify the virus early so it doesn’t have a chance to spread.
• College and trade school students returning to campus or classes.
• Anyone who regularly interacts with people outside of their family unit or household.
• Anyone with symptoms or who was exposed to someone who tested positive or someone they don’t live with.
• Anyone who is working at places that remain open during the pandemic such as critical infrastructure, first responders, health care, retail, schools and child care.

Free COVID-19 tests

Columbia Manor Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 and 20

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe building, 1308 E. Franklin Ave. 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave. N. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27

You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.

More free COVID-19 saliva tests

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Make an appointment here. Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.

Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.

Resources

The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you. The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.

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Updates on Transforming Community Safety

The City of Minneapolis is committed to a goal of safety for everyone in Minneapolis. On June 12, 2020, the City Council passed a resolution committing to creating a transformative new model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis.

Since then, internal work groups and key stakeholders have been exploring ways to develop an integrated community safety response that works for everyone.

Three pillars of community safety

The City’s realignment to provide a holistic community safety response will take place in phases over time with much staff, partner and community participation. It focuses on three main areas:

• A public-health-oriented response for preventing violence.
• Alternatives to police response for 911 calls.
• Reforming law enforcement policies, protocols and practices.

Some of the work in progress includes:

• Minneapolis’ crime prevention specialists (CPS) now report to the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department instead of the Police Department. The change reflects the crime prevention specialists’ roles in community engagement. Nothing will change as far as work location, scope of work, job titles and programs offered to the community without further planning and engagement.
• If you have a mental health crisis in Minneapolis, you can continue to call 911 or the Cope mobile crisis team in Hennepin County: 612-596-1223 (for adults in Hennepin County) and 612-348-2233 (for children 17 and under). In 2021, two mental health teams will be available 24/7 for crisis calls. This means police may not provide the primary response for a mental health crisis call or police may still respond if the mental health teams are both on current calls.
• To report theft of property damage, you can call 311, 911 or submit an online report. As part of a pilot this year, City employees (non-sworn officers) will take theft and property damage reports from residents.

Stay up to date

Stay updated on this work by visiting the City’s community safety webpage. This source will have updated information on the three focus areas. Information will also be shared out over a variety of channels in many languages.

Staff will present regular community safety updates at City Council meetings. The first is a Health Department presentation on the first phase of engagement around public-health-oriented violence prevention. This presentation will include a summary of the online survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups you were invited to take part in. Staff from the City Coordinator’s Office will also provide an update on the alternatives to police response work rolling out this year. Watch the Jan. 21 presentation to the Public Health & Safety Committee on the City’s website.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of January 27, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 31,276 cases in Minneapolis and 369 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 1.7% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 1.2% and ICU admissions increased by 1.1%.
• Over the past week, there have been about 80 new cases per day on average, the first time the daily number of cases has been below 100 in the past three months. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• The new case rate in Minneapolis has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 10 new cases per day, as well as, averaging five hospitalizations, one ICU admission, and one death per day. It is important to continue taking precautions and take advantage of the available testing.
• The seven-day rolling average rate for Minneapolis is at 17.1 per 100,000. The rate continues to decrease, but the impact of the recent re-opening of bars and restaurants, as well as the return to school and sports, remains to be seen.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 457,317 cases in Minnesota out of over 6.4 million tests completed. There have been 6,124 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 94,872 cases and 1,509 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of January 20, Minnesota is reporting 20.9 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 17.1 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct strain surveillance to determine how prevalent the newly identified strains of COVID-19 might be in Minnesota.
• MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 is in effect. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• MHD continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 63% have been interviewed and 2.3% have refused. Thirty-three percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and 1.4% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 55 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 90 cases per shift and making an average of 148 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• Cases now have the option of completing the interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.

COVID-19 vaccination

• MHD continues to vaccinate people in the Phase 1A groups, and is providing 2nd doses for EMS staff. Six vaccination clinics will be held this week for more than 300 individuals. We have given out over 1,200 vaccines to date.
• We are also offering vaccines to Blue and White taxi drivers who provide non-emergency medical transport for COVID patients.
• We are working with Hennepin County to vaccinate sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons.
• On January 18, the State launched a vaccination pilot program at nine sites across Minnesota. The closest site to Minneapolis is Brooklyn Center. Because this is a limited pilot program, vaccine demand is outpacing available doses at this time, and a new lottery system has been put in place to more fairly distribute the vaccine. Minnesotans are encouraged to remain patient as the state waits for more vaccine doses from the federal government. These initial clinics will set the state on a path for a more extensive network of vaccination clinics in Minnesota as the federal government increases vaccine supply.

Minnesotans 65 and older can schedule an appointment at one of these nine pilots sites online at www.mn.gov/vaccine or by phone at 612-426-7230 or 833-431-2053. No walk-ins are accepted. New appointment slots will be made available every Tuesday. If no appointments are available, you may be able to add your name to a waitlist for each site.

• Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators and school staff will work directly with their program or school to sign up for a vaccine appointment. The State has set up a vaccination clinic for educators and other school staff at the Xcel Energy Center (Roy Wilkins Auditorium) in downtown St. Paul.
• Child care workers will be randomly selected and notified to secure an appointment through the state-sponsored pilot sites.
• In addition to the pilot clinics, Minnesota health care systems and clinics are providing limited vaccine doses to patients 65 years of age and older. Health care providers are developing systems to let their existing patients know when they can make an appointment for a vaccine. Providers will contact patients with this information – Minnesotans should not contact their health care providers directly right now.
• Updated information on Minnesota’s vaccine distribution efforts is available on the State’s Vaccine dashboard.
• While waiting to be vaccinated you can help stop the spread of the virus by continuing hand-washing, social distancing, wearing a mask, and avoiding high-risk situations.
• We are hosting weekly Vaccine Briefings most Mondays for Enterprise Leaders. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

Community Vaccination Perspectives and Outreach

• As a Health Department, we’re committed to providing timely, culturally appropriate, science-based information to help people make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.
• Health Department staff participated in the City’s cultural radio shows during the month of January. On each show, we provided updates on COVID-19 vaccination efforts and other important safety messages.
• We established agreements with five community organizations to serve as trusted messengers. These groups will help us ensure that critical information is reaching BIPOC communities using the most effective messages and channels.
• Recently, we completed a vaccination perspectives survey, with more than 4,600 community members responding. Survey results revealed key values held by community such as the need to acknowledge trauma and for government to be transparent when talking about COVID vaccination. The survey also showed community concerns about the prevalence of vaccine misinformation and inequitable vaccine distribution. These findings are informing our ongoing communications and vaccination plans.

COVID-19 Testing

In the past week, 104 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at three community based events.

COVID testing in Minneapolis has dropped by about 20% compared to the last quarter of 2020. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is important to get tested. Please help us promote the following events:

Upcoming free COVID-19 saliva testing events:

• Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, January 27 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), January 30 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and February 4 (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.), February 13 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and February 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Hennepin United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave, January 28 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E. on February 4, 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Free saliva testing is also offered at three local sites hosted by the State health department. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register and find more information.
• Minneapolis Convention Center-9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Brooklyn Park Starlight Center-9 a.m. to7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport -7 a.m. to 7p.m. seven days a week.
• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers the latest information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms. The web page has short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.

MHD distribution of saliva test kits:

• The Health Department is offering free saliva testing kits to community partners, organizations and businesses. After you request saliva testing kits, a staff member will contact you for more information. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request.
• To date there have been 64 requests from businesses and community partners for 6,989 test kits.

Responding to community needs

• We currently have a good inventory of personal protective equipment (masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) and are able to fulfill community and business requests for supplies. These items, along with free saliva testing kits, may be requested through theCOVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form on the City’s COVID webpage.
• We are responding to many questions from community members, employers, and staff emailing our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov account. Most of the requests for information pertain to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The State health department is also forwarding some vaccination inquiries to us. Please continue using the COVID email for any questions about vaccine distribution or other COVID-related issues.
• The Health Department is hosting regular community testing and vaccination clinics, with more to come in the next few months. We need City staff to volunteer at these events. Anyone who is interested can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment.

Businesses

• Health inspectors followed up with seven food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 complaints, two of which were related to non-compliance with the current bar and restaurant COVID-19 restrictions.

• While routine health inspections are temporarily suspended, inspectors have been re-assigned to support COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation efforts. They also continue to assist with the delivery of COVID-19 saliva test kits to businesses requesting them.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

New Locally-curated Valentine's Day Gift Boxes from Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities has launched new Twin Cities Valentine's Day gift boxes, featuring locally-curated items from hot cocoa bombs and truffles to craft beer items and lip balm. The four gift box options make unique Valentine's gifts that support small Minnesota businesses, and they're perfect for kids, chocolate lovers, beer fans, and beauty connoisseurs.

Be My Sota Girl

My Little Valentine

Craft Beer Lover

Chocolate Indulgence

Two locations for picking up your Valentine's Day Boxes:

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Chocolate Indulgence, Be My Sota Girl, My Little Valentine

Experience the Twin Cities' Golden Valley office: You'll receive a Pick Up email with exact address

Dates: Friday, February 12, 7am-7pm and Saturday, February 13, 12pm-5pm

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Craft Beer Lover

Inbound BrewCo; you'll receive a Pick Up email with exact address

Dates: Friday, February 12, 3pm-8pm and Saturday, February 13, 3pm-8pm

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Contact them to discuss alternate arrangements if these dates and times don't work. Call 612.750.9898 (Mon-Friday 9a-4p) or email info@experiencethetwincities.com.

Updates on the 4th Annual Illuminate the Lock, February 18, 19, 20

An image of the Grandmother moon (Nokomis), fire, earth, water, and the jingle dress dance entwined in swirling colors, Madweyaashkaa celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale.

MADWEYAASHKAA: WAVES CAN BE HEARD debuts during 4th annual Illuminate the Lock

The 49-foot tall chamber of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam will come alive again with a winter program of large-scale projection and sound. Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can be Heard by Duluth-based artist Moira Villiard (Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe direct descendent) celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale. An animation projected onto the 400 x 49 foot wall of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is synced with a soundscape featuring music by Lyz Jaakola (Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe) and a recorded narrative by Dakota/Ojibway First Nation elder Millie Richard. Viewers will also find small video projections with flickers of imagery from the main video distributed around the lock.   With images of the Grandmother moon (Nokomis), fire, earth, water, and the jingle dress dance entwined in swirling colors, the piece will explore themes of homecoming and finding connection within ourselves to culture, to ancestors, and to nature, no matter how far away we may sometimes feel. From an Ojibwe perspective, it is as a reminder that Nokomis is always around, an elder always ready for us to reach out and willing to hear what’s in our hearts.  “This is my first creation using animation as the main medium, and it’s really wild and humbling to think that it’s going to debut on such a large and public surface. I’ve really just been honored to work with so many wonderful folks to bring this immersive experience to life, especially during such a chaotic personal and societal moment in time. I sincerely hope the piece literally illuminates a message of hope and clarity for whomever needs to hear it.” -- Moira Villiard PROGRAM DETAILS Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard  February 18, 19, 20 - 6 - 8:30 pm   Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika / Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam  1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Enter at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge Free; Registration required. Visit http://bit.ly/2021IlluminateLock to pick a time slot.   For more information, visit parkconnection.org/illuminate. Production notes: Moira Villiard is a self-taught, dynamic visual artist, Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe direct descendent, and current Minnesota-based community organizer. Additional artist credits: Sound effects and audio production by JayGee of DanSan Creatives. Hand drum and vocals by Lyz Jaakola. Projection and process mentoring by Jonathan Thunder. Madweyaashkaa is presented as part of Bring Her Home: Sacred Womxn of Resistance, an annual exhibition at All My Relations Arts gallery that invites Indigenous artists to reflect on the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. This project is a partnership with All My Relations Arts, a program of Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), Northern Lights.mn, Mississippi Park Connection and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and is supported through a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. A note on place and language: Owmani-yomni is ‘whirlpool’ in the Dakota language. Gakaabika is ‘severed rock’ in the Ojibwe language. Both are the names of the place where the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam currently sits, in the homelands of the Dakota. Prior to colonial settlement, the Dakota lived along Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika and Ojibwe,Ho-Chunk, and other nations traveled through that place. It was and still is an important and sacred place to Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk, Dakota and Indigenous peoples currently living here. What To Expect: This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Viewing of Madweyaashkaa will work like a gallery visit where visitors stroll around the perimeter of the lock chamber to view the projections. Chairs are not allowed. This is an industrial federal facility where pets, alcohol, and smoking are not permitted. Kids under 12 need to be supervised by an adult at all times. Strollers are not allowed on the lock. Accessibility: there are three steps to reach the lock wall. There is also a fully accessible entrance. Please ask staff for assistance if you need to use the accessible entrance. Some surfaces at the lock are metal grates; please wear appropriate shoes. This event will take place entirely outdoors next to the Mississippi River in February, so dressing for the weather will give you the best experience! You can expect to be outside for at least 15 minutes. One accessible portable restroom will be on site. COVID-19 Safety Protocol: If you are not feeling well, or think you might have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home to keep your community safe. This event will take place entirely outdoors. This is a timed entrance event and registration is required. No more than 250 people will be allowed on the outdoor structure at a time. Mask: Please wear a mask upon arrival and for the duration of your time at the event. Social Distance: Keep a distance of 6+ feet from anyone who is not a part of your household, including the artists, park rangers, and staff. If a viewing area is crowded, please wait until there is enough space for you to safely step forward. The video will run on a 10-minute loop, leaving plenty of time to view the entire projection. ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL RIVER AND RECREATION AREA In 1988, a National Park was created to enhance the significant values of the waters and land of the Mississippi River corridor within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Known as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the park extends for more than 70 miles along the river, running directly through a metropolitan area (the park corridor begins in Ramsey and Dayton and ends just south of Hastings). The park provides leadership, acting as a facilitator and coordinator, in promoting a common vision for river corridor management among 25 municipalities and numerous partner agencies and organizations, whose responsibilities intersect. Learn more at nps.gov/miss. ABOUT MISSISSIPPI PARK CONNECTION Mississippi Park Connection is the charitable, nonprofit partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Its mission is to strengthen the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience our national park. Mississippi Park Connection works with partner community groups and individuals across the Twin Cities to create meaningful and exciting experiences at the river. Learn more at parkconnection.org ABOUT ALL MY RELATIONS ARTS  All My Relations Arts is an initiative of NACDI (Native American Community Development Institute), an intermediary organization that envisions a community in which all American Indian people have a place, purpose, and a future strengthened by sustainable community development.  All My Relations Arts presents the work of American Indian contemporary artists and fills a critical space in the Twin Cities arts community, providing high-quality gallery space and consistently recognized shows that raise up Native arts from this region and provide access for Native artists. As well as hosting/ co-presenting events in the community to bring arts practices to youth and elders and all through creations of murals, art cars, through classes, tours, artists talks, and more.  Learn more at http://www.allmyrelationsarts.com/ ABOUT NORTHERN LIGHTS.MN Northern Lights.mn supports artists in the creation and presentation of art in the public sphere, focusing on innovative uses of technology to imagine new interactions between audience, artwork and place and to explore expanded possibilities for civic engagement. Learn more at northern.lights.mn