April 17 Newsletter from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Mask made by Ward 7 resident Margaret Anderson KelliherAs I sit here writing these thoughts for our newsletter, I’m in my den overlooking a quiet street in Bryn Mawr, and I’m reminded of the slogan I’ve seen and heard so many times over the past month: Alone - Together.  It is true that we are being asked to stay at home and that has been hard but through this situation we have discovered new and creative ways of connecting and by embracing the stay at home order we are truly helping ourselves and our community.

As we go through this scary and uncertain time and when we come out the other side, we know that things are going to be different.  There are friends, family, neighbors and colleagues that will be affected directly or indirectly by the physical disease as well as the horrible economic impacts associated with this pandemic.  We will be challenged to figure out how to comfort and support those we care about, even if we are not able to be with them in person.

Despite our best efforts, we are going to lose some of our local and beloved small businesses.  Even with the extra financial assistance government is providing, there are those that will not have the necessary reserves to weather the storm.  This is a definite source of sadness for many of us and at every level we will feel and experience the loss of favorite restaurants, small businesses, arts organizations, nonprofits and even neighbors who fall ill or loved one that succumb to this disease.  The days and months ahead will be a time of adjustment, mourning, and allowing ourselves time to grieve these losses.

For me the biggest loss is the loss of time and important experiences that bind us together.  Not being able to gather over the Passover Seder was particularly hard for me. We are also missing out on the other important life events like Easter, graduation, prom, neighborhood annual meetings, the opening of theatre productions, even fundraisers to help our favorite organizations. These are the things that bind us together and create memories when times are hard.

In the darkness there is also light.  Daily I see people stepping up to do the right thing and to do what they can to care for other people.  I see this in big ways through the work of the staff and leadership in the City of Minneapolis and at the State of Minnesota. I see and appreciate the commitment of our health care workers and first responders as well as our front-line workers in grocery stores including our local Bryn Mawr market.  I see the small and significant ways neighbors are stepping up to help the person down the street that needs a helping hand, sharing a hot meal or a homemade mask. There are also the anonymous donations of food to hospital workers and the passionate support of local restaurants still offering food and those that are buying gift certificates to help provide a source of income, so they care for their employees.

We know that our state and community has done a really good job with social distancing to help keep the infection rate low, all the while just wanting to hug those we care about. We embraced social distancing early and now we up the ante by choosing to wear face coverings when we go out in public. We do this knowing this doesn’t to protect us but those around us. This is yet another simple and selfless action I see people take to show they care for their neighbors and their community.

I find inspiration in our collective actions, seeing businesses able to continue operating due to community support and in the ways we all continue to work to ensure the safety and needs of our neighbors and the lives saved due to flattening the curve.

We are in a unique and interesting time in our history and in the midst of the upheaval and the feelings of isolation we get to see the goodness of people and to practice kindness by caring for those around us.  My wish to you all is that you continue to take care of yourselves and those around you.

Lisa

2020 Spring Street Sweeping Reminder

As we do every Spring and Fall, the City of Minneapolis is set to begin the Spring Street Sweeping the week of April 20, 2020.

• Please pay attention through the look up feature on the City Web Page so you are not caught off guard. While many of us are using our cars far less frequently, I don’t want anyone to get towed while this is underway.
• Specific schedules are not yet available but you can check the city web page for updates at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/

2020 Collection of Leaves and Bundled Brush Reminder

• Just in time as the weather continues to improve and we all find ourselves wanting to spend more time outside,
• Starting this week (Beginning April 6, 2020) Minneapolis Solid Waste will once again be accepting yard waste as part of their regular pick up services.

Coronavirus Response Resources Available for Minneapolis Small Businesses

Businesses across Minneapolis have shut their doors or changed their operations to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. This presents an unprecedented challenge, but there are resources available to support small businesses, independent contractors, and non-profit organizations in this time. To stay up to date as new information is available, visit the City of Minneapolis Coronavirus FAQs for business and check out this excellent guide from Minnesota DEED.

• Payroll Protection Program: Forgivable loans for up to 2.5 months of payroll expenses for business who keep their employees
• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Long-term loans up-to-$2 million at 3.75%, includes an up-front $10,000 grant
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Unemployment benefits for those who do not typically qualify, such as independent contractors and self-employed people.
• Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan: Interest-free loans of $2,500-$35,000 for businesses impacted by the Governor’s temporary closure orders. Loans are partially forgivable.
• City of Minneapolis Forgivable, No-Interest Loan: $5,000-$10,000 forgivable, no-interest for small businesses and self-employed people with fewer than 20 employees or under $1 million in revenue and located in certain parts of the city. The deadline is Monday, April 20 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon). Apply today!

This information may feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The City of Minneapolis has expanded Business Technical Assistance Program services to make sure that you have an expert to talk to about your specific situation. You can also contact the City’s Small Business Team at 612-673-2499 or smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov. We are all in this together.

Internet Service Enhancements in Response to COVID-19

U.S. Internet (USI)

• USI opened its Wi-Fi network in Minneapolis for those who may need temporary internet access.
  • Select the “City of Minneapolis Public Wi-Fi” or “USI Wireless” network on your mobile device and you will be connected. The process is similar to using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or the airport.
  • A password, credit card or social security number is not is required to sign-in.
  • These networks are available throughout the City of Minneapolis. Check the signal strength for your best option based on your location.
  • Go to the Wireless Minneapolis webpage for the Wi-Fi coverage map.
  • Contact US Internet for more information or to get help over the phone.

Comcast

• Comcast opened its Xfinity Wi-Fi network and is offering unlimited data for free.
  • For a map of Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.
  • Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name and open your internet browser.
  • Internet Essentials is free to new customers.
  • Refer to Comcast's COVID-19 resources for additional details and how to get help.

See the Get Connected guide for ongoing low cost internet and computers resources in Minneapolis.

City Extends Comment Period for Neighborhoods 2020

• The new deadline is July 15, 2020
• Check out the program information at: www.minneapolismn.gov/neighborhoods2020
• You can submit comments:
  • Email: neighborhoods2020@minneapolismn.gov
  • Phone: 612-673-3737
  • Mail: Neighborhood and Community Relations; 105 Fifth Ave South; Suite 425, Minneapolis, MN 55401

City Extends Comment Period for the draft Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan

• The new deadline is May 22, 2020
• Check out the program or comment at: http://go.minneapolismn.gov/
• This 10 year action plan will guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they get around
• Staff will hold its first online open house on the Transportation Action Plan
  • Monday, April 13 (4:30-5:30 pm)

Minneapolis Property Owners Can Buy Trees for $25.00

• This year Minneapolis offers twice as many low cost trees for property owners to plant on their private property (not to be planted on boulevards)
• 22 Varieties available (including large species, flowering and several kinds of fruit trees)
  • Comparable trees cost $125 at a nursery
• Trees are available on a first-come, first served basis for residents, businesses and nonprofits (limit one tree per address)
• Trees must be picked up May 16, 17 or 18 at the Minneapolis Impound Lot
• ORDER THROUGH: https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/

Situational Update as of 12pm, April 15

There are over 2 million confirmed cases worldwide. There have been over 130,000 deaths globally. CDC has issued a global Level 3 Travel Warning and recommendation that anyone returning from international travel self-quarantine for 14 days.

There are 631,187 confirmed cases in the US with new cases being updated rapidly. The US is now the country with the highest number of cases and deaths by a significant margin. A total of 26,950 deaths have been reported in the US.

There are 1,809 cases in Minnesota out of approximately 40,242 tested (combined MDH Lab + Private Numbers). There have been 87 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 651 cases and 46 deaths in Hennepin County.

The City will begin sharing Minneapolis specific daily case counts through a public facing dashboard later this week.

Twenty-seven long-term care facilities in Hennepin County and twelve in Minneapolis have seen at least one case of COVID-19 among either a resident or staff.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reported that social distancing may be having an impact in that COVID cases are doubling every eight days instead of the expected doubling of cases every one or two days.

MDH is using strict testing criteria to focus on the highest priority specimens, including hospitalized patients. Health care workers and those in congregate living settings such as long-term care and correctional facilities continue to be given high priority.

The Stay At Home order is in effect to May 4.

Current mitigation strategies such as the closures of bars/restaurants will stay in place through May 4, and schools will provide for distance learning through May 4

Resources

• City of Minneapolis: http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/index.htm
• Impacts to Services:  How Coronavirus is impacting City Services.
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223375
  • NOTE: This link has links to dozens of city departments and services
• FAQS on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223282
• FAQS for Businesses
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223299
• Contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team:
• 612-673-2499 (BIZZ) or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
• Community Support
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223288
• Housing
  • http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1520221592207&pagename=External%2FPage%2FEXTStandardLayout
• Resources in multiple languages
  • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/index.html
• Minnesota Department of Health
  • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
• Center for Disease Control
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

• State of Minnesota Dedicated COVID-19 Hotlines:
  • Community (schools, child care, business) questions
    • 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
  • Health questions
    • 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)

judy.sherin@minneapolismn.gov or call at 612-673-2207

Celebrating National Park Week, April 18-26...Virtually!

Next week is National Park Week! Join Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service each day for a virtual celebration of America's greatest conservation triumph.

Catch a web talk from a ranger, then head out for some properly distanced perusing of your local national park. To see the full list of events, visit the event page.

National Park Week: Junior Ranger Day                                                                   Saturday, April 18 - 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Junior Ranger Day celebrates a program that engages youth with national parks across the country through workbooks and activities. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area will host a Junior Ranger follow-along activity on Facebook Live at 10 AM CST.

National Park Week: Volunteer Appreciation Day
Sunday, April 19 - All Day

Volunteers are an integral part of practically everything Mississippi Park Connection and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area does to serve the community through youth education, environmental stewardship and public programming. Learn about their impact today and how you can get involved.

.

National Park Week: Military Monday
Monday, April 20 - All Day

Perched above the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota River, Historic Fort Snelling will be celebrating its bicentennial anniversary in 2020! Learn more about this and other historical topics on the park’s website.

.

National Park Week: Transportation Tuesday
Tuesday, April 21 - 10:00 AM  10:30 AM

Mississippi River Paddle Share is a self-serve kayak program that lets you rent a boat for up to three hours and paddle to a destination downriver. It is one of the most immersive ways to experience this national river park. Its fifth season in operation brings new routes and ways to have an on-water experience in the park. Join Ranger Lauren for a #CoffeeWithARanger presentation on Facebook Live to learn how the Paddle Share system works, get tips for planning your trip, and ask questions.

.

National Park Week: Do-It-Yourself Earth Day
Wednesday, April 22 - All day

The holiday to honor the earth and promote healthy and sustainable environmental practices was founded 50 years ago in the United States in 1970. We believe that Earth Day is a state of mind and can be practiced and celebrated every day of the year, wherever you are. Learn how you can take action and make a difference.

.

National Park Week: Throwback Thursday
Thursday, April 23 - All Day

To commemorate the centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment, we are debuting an online series of stories of women who’ve had a great impact on the Mississippi River and the river park. Do you know of someone, a historical figure or someone still alive today, who should be included in this series? If you would like to contribute your own essay or nominate a notable person to be featured, contact Anna at awaugh@parkconnection.org.

.

National Park Week: Friendship Friday
Friday, April 24 - All Day

In times of joy and peace or sorrow and uncertainty, parks are an essential community space and resource. Just within the boundaries of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, we see people benefiting from outdoor spaces in a myriad of ways. Parks bring the community back in balance by providing needed support. When we care for the river, we are caring for our community. Nearly every national park in the country has a friends group or co-op that gives monetary, programming, staffing and/or operational support. Mississippi Park Connection works side by side with the National Park Service to bring educational programming, environmental stewardship opportunities and fun events to the community surrounding the park.

.

National Park Week: Discover Your MN Park
Saturday, April 25 - 10:00 AM  2:00 PM

In honor of National Park Week, NPS sites in Minnesota will host short virtual talks about trip planning and recreation so you can discover new parks from home! Tune into Facebook Live on April 25th to learn about exciting opportunities that await you at Minnesota’s national park sites.

.

National Park Week: BARK Ranger Day
Sunday, April 26 - All Day

The BARK Ranger program is a fun and inclusive solution to help dogs and their owners enjoy the park while keeping it safe through stewardship.

Construction Impacts to West River Parkway This Year

Via an April 16 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board

Series of construction projects will cause temporary closures and detours for segments of parkway through the fall

Sections of West River Parkway will be impacted by four construction projects over the next six months. These closures and detours are in addition to closures to motor vehicles already in place to help trail users stay six feet apart during Gov. Walz's stay at home order.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's understanding and patience while these critical projects to repair and improve public infrastructure are performed. Please stay away from areas where work is taking place and follow all posted detours and signage.

Bridge Project Closures - 13th-22nd Avenues S; April 16-June 14

 

The parkway will close completely to motor vehicle traffic between 13th Avenue S and 22nd Avenue S from April 16 through June 14 for work related to two bridge projects: the rehabilitation of 10th Avenue SE Bridge by the City of Minneapolis, and repairs to Bridge #9 (the bike/pedestrian bridge serving the Dinkytown Greenway) by the University of Minnesota.

At times construction activity will take place on bike and pedestrian trails. On these occasions trail users will be detoured onto the parkway in this area.

Sewer Project Closure - E 33rd-36th Streets; April 20-Fall 2020

The northbound lane of the parkway will close between E 33rd Street S and E 36th Street from April 20 through the fall for a regional sewer improvement project by the Metropolitan Council.  

The northbound lane is already closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians for social distancing during the Governor's stay at home order. Starting April 20:

• The northbound lane will be closed to both pedestrians and motor vehicles to accommodate the sewer project.
• Pedestrian traffic will revert back to the walking/running path and bikes will remain on the bike path.
• Northbound motor vehicle traffic will be detoured onto Edmund Boulevard.

Water Works Closure - North of the Stone Arch Bridge; April 23-May 6

A short stretch of parkway north of the Stone Arch Bridge will close at times between April 23 and May 6 for construction work related to Water Works, a new park project within Mill Ruins Park.

This area of parkway is already closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians for social distancing during the Governor's stay at home order. Starting April 23, a crane placed approximately 50 feet north of the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot will occasionally block one or both lanes of the parkway during weekdays. Access to the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot and nearby residential buildings will be maintained.

When the crane is on the parkway, pedestrians traffic will revert back to the walking/running path and bikes will remain on the bike path. Please follow all onsite signage.

Council Member Steve Fletcher's April 14 Newsletter

 

Ward 3 Friends -- As we sit, collectively alone, however many days into physical distancing, we’re confronted with some hard truths, and some inspiring evidence of our capacity to support each other through this pandemic and beyond. The hard truths:  Despite our efforts, we’re losing people. A growing number among us know someone who has contracted the virus and died from it. Even more of us – maybe most of us – are one degree of separation from someone who has fallen victim to COVID 19, and are challenged to comfort grieving friends across physical distance. When we emerge from this pandemic, we will look around and find some people missing, and we will hurt, and mourn. Despite our efforts, we’re losing many local businesses. The actions we’re taking to prevent greater loss of life from this virus is crushing to businesses that could not have predicted or prepared for this kind of disruption, and do not have sufficient reserves to weather this crisis. Small business owners and workers who have built these businesses for years, and sometimes decades are suffering a terrible loss. When we emerge from this pandemic, some of the businesses that contributed to our daily happiness and our sense of place will not be there any longer. We’re losing time, and experiences. Everyone is grieving the loss of events, and social interactions, family gatherings, and vibrant crowds that are part of what make life worth living. Inspiration:  Together, we’re achieving something that many people cynically believed we could not accomplish. We are all, together, making sacrifices and changing our behaviors to protect each other. For some of us, that means summoning the courage to show up to do critical work that ensures our entire community is fed, and cared for, and protected. For some of us, that means stepping back and staying in, for the safety of the people whose work is too critical for isolation. The selflessness of our collective community response is breathtaking. We’re defying cynicism and showing we can act together. The best symbol of that selflessness is the masks people are wearing when they must be out in public. The mask you wear doesn’t protect you, but it protects other people from you, in case you are carrying the infection. It was only a week ago that the CDC started recommending masks be worn in public, and there aren’t easy places to buy them, so they require a little creativity and improvisation. More and more people are finding a way to cover their faces, and it’s a meaningful gesture of caring and solidarity to protect each other that way. We know from watching the places where the curve was not flattened that this crisis could be so much worse, and that our efforts are working. We are saving lives. There are businesses that would have closed for good, but for the community rallying around them. The intentional efforts by so many to support local restaurants with your takeout purchases, with gift card purchases, and more are helping some businesses weather the storm, while we work to connect them with city, federal, and state financial support. We will mourn our losses, and also celebrate our successes. When we reemerge, we will celebrate the smiles of the people who aren’t missing, who we might have lost had we not acted together. We will celebrate the businesses that persevered, that might not be there had we not leaned into supporting them. We will celebrate the workers who kept us going during this crisis with a renewed respect for the importance and dignity of their work – the janitors, bus drivers, nurses, first responders, grocery workers, and everyone else whose work was called critical during the shutdown, and will be appreciated as critical in the future, too. Where do we go from here?  This isn’t going to end quickly, and when we start re-emerging into public life, it will likely be gradually, and in stages. Many people will take a long time to recover, from illness, grief, lost income, lost jobs, lost livelihoods, and lost time. We have a great deal of work and collective action ahead of us to ensure that the surge of the pandemic isn’t followed by a surge in homelessness, poverty, and hunger. Many are furloughed or laid off, many are missing rent payments, and many of the nonprofit and government institutions that might normally help are experiencing their own financial crises. The City of Minneapolis itself will be facing a significant loss of revenue as we approach next year’s budget, which places real limitations on the solutions we can initiate on our own. We have already done things that we did not think possible. Imagine someone telling you three months ago that we would make the kind of massive practical and social changes we’ve made to prevent this virus from spreading. We are capable of more than we realize, and we need to be bold and courageous in the coming months. We need to make investments in people that sound unimaginable.  That’s why I joined a majority of my colleagues, as well as a majority of Council Members in St. Paul, Council Members from surrounding suburbs and Hennepin County Commissioners in signing on to a call for a suspension of rent and of mortgage payments. This is an aggressive approach to flattening the curve on one looming crisis: a wave of evictions and homelessness when the moratorium on evictions is lifted. Like the COVID-19 pandemic itself, the consequences of inaction are so great, that we’re called to get out of our comfort zones and pursue audacious, uncomfortable, and imperfect solutions to urgent dangers. There are other ways that we’re going to need to think big to make sure we’re simultaneously solving the problems immediately in front of us and looking on the horizon to predict and understand the looming economic curves that will need to be flattened through actions as dramatic, intentional, and selfless as the actions we took to flatten the COVID infection curve. We are living in a time that will be remembered for generations. What we do will establish the city’s story of ourselves for a long time to come. I believe we’re all playing roles we’ll look back with a sense of pride. Let’s keep rising to the occasion together, save lives, and rebuild better and more sustainably than ever. En Avant, Steve

---

The Latest on the COVID-19 Pandemic in Minnesota

Governor Tim Walz extended the state's stay-at-home except for essential needs order until May 4. 

• The governor’s order to stay home is forecasted to significantly slow the spread of COVID-19, pushing out the peak of the disease and allowing the state to continue key preparations for the pandemic.
• These preparations include building new hospital capacity and buying ventilators and masks, planning for how to protect those most at risk, expanding testing, and freeing up time to develop critical treatments for the virus. https://mn.gov/covid19/faq/
• You can read more here from MinnPost about the data and modeling that state officials are using to make projections and public health decisions.

The CDC and Minnesota Department of Health recommend covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when going out in public.

• It is possible to spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Wearing a cloth face cover can help protect other people in case you are infected and are not showing symptoms, and their cloth cover can help protect you.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. A cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
• Please do not wear medical-grade or surgical masks. Those are in high need in health care facilities to protect health care workers, and if you have any unopened masks of these kinds, please consider donating them. The CDC website offers instructions for making homemade cloth masks with or without sewing.

Viruses don’t discriminate and neither should we. Help fight the stigma around mask wearing by reporting discrimination to the State anti-discrimination helpline: 1-833-454-0148.

We've updated the Resources page on my Ward 3 webpage, including resource lists for Artists & Freelancers from NEMAA, and more.

Finally, you can join me tomorrow, Wednesday the 15th, at 5pm for a virtual community office hours meeting online on Skype or by phone at 612-276-6670 (enter the conference ID 606362367#). 

---

My Previous COVID-19 Updates:

• Tuesday, April 7
• Saturday, March 28
• Tuesday, March 24
• Wednesday, March 18
• Monday, March 16
• The City's Coronavirus resource page
• COVID-19 News & Resources

---

Applications Open for Forgivable Small Business Loans

Applications for the City’s forgivable $5,000 and $10,000 small business loans are now open, and will close on Monday, April 20 at 12 p.m.

The loans are part of the Minneapolis gap funding package for small businesses, renters, and families. Eligible businesses must be located in targeted areas, such as Cultural Districts, Promise Zones, Green Zones or ACP 50 neighborhoods. 

Documentation status does not affect eligibility. The City’s new forgivable loan is available to businesses with 20 or fewer employees and/or less than $1 million in revenue. The loans have no-payment and no-interest and are 100 percent forgivable after 12-months if the business continues to operate in Minneapolis and remains in good regulatory standing.

These loans allow eligible businesses to meet immediate working capital needs such as payroll and employee benefits, rent or mortgage payments, accounts payable and payments due to supply chain, and other critical working capital needs. The City will not be looking at credit scores, and no collateral is required.

The application is available here and will be posted in Somali, Spanish, and Hmong by the end of the day April 10.

The City is also working to launch a modified 2% loan program as part of the gap funding package. The City’s existing 2% participation loan program for small businesses will be modified to set the interest rate to 0% and expand the eligible expenses to include working capital costs. Eligible businesses and self-employed workers need to have 20 or fewer employees or $1 million or less in annual revenue, and also be able to show a demonstrable impact from the pandemic. 

Learn more about Minneapolis gap funding here.

---

City Coordinating Donations for Non-Personal Protective Equipment (fixed links)

The City is managing donations of items other than personal protective equipment (PPE), such as food, cleaning supplies, homemade masks, etc. Fill out the appropriate form to:

• Donate items other than PPE.
• Request items other than PPE.
• Note: The City will not warehouse or store actual items; instead, Health Department staff will help catalog what is available and what is needed, then help folks on either side find each other.

Hennepin County has requested donations of personal protective equipment. The City of Minneapolis is not accepting donations of PPE.

---

State Expanding Energy Assistance Program

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has made some changes to the Energy Assistance Program (EAP)'s eligibility requirements and deadlines for applications to help those that may be impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and quarantine.

Energy Assistance Program (EAP) facts:

• Renters and homeowners are eligible.
• Assets such as the home value are not considered in determining eligibility.
• Grants range from $200 to $1,400, based on household size, income, and fuel cost.
• The average grant is about $500.
• In addition to the initial grant, additional Crisis funds are available to:
  • Help pay a past due bill or get an emergency fuel delivery.
  • Help homeowners get their broken furnace repaired or replaced.

EAP changes made to help during COVID-19:

• The application deadline is extended to July 1.
• The annual crisis maximum is increased to $1,200 (up from $600).
• EAP can help households pay a past due bill, even without a shut-off notice.
• Income eligibility is based on past one month
• EAP still has sufficient funds and expects more from the CARES Act.

Additional information may be found at:

• Minnesota Department of Commerce EAP website: https://mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp
• Energy Assistance Service Provider List (by County and Reservation): https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/eap-provider.jsp
• Help Finding a Service Provider: 1-800-657-3710

---

Tune in to Weekly Cultural Radio Programs

The City of Minneapolis’ cultural radio programs are now airing with new content every week. Tune in and share the schedule with your family and neighbors.

Get the latest information on COVID-19 and the impacts it has on your family and community in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the City’s cultural radio programs.

KMOJ 89.9 FM (English) - "Minneapolis 360"

Minneapolis 360, the City of Minneapolis' radio show on KMOJ, is increasing to a weekly schedule and moving earlier, to 1 p.m. Starting April 8, tune in every Wednesday to get the latest news about your city.

La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish) - "Mi Ciudad"

A partir del 7 de abril, el programa de radio "Mi Ciudad" de la Ciudad de Minneapolis estará al aire cada semana. Escucha "Mi Ciudad" en La Raza 95.7 FM y 1400 AM para recibir la información más reciente sobre el coronavirus, su impacto y para conocer cuáles son los recursos disponibles en nuestra ciudad.

KALY 101.7 FM (Somali) - "Magaaladayda Minneapolis"

Waa barnaamij ka baxa raadiyaha KALY bishiiba mar oo maamulka magaaladu ugu talagalay in lagu wacyigeliyo korna loogu qaado aqoonta mowduucyada muhimadda gaarka ah u leh busha weynta Bariga Africa ee ku dhaqan Minneapolis.

WIXK AM1590 (Hmong) - "Kuv Lub Nroog Minneapolis"

Kuv lub Nroog Minneapolis suab lus Hmoob xovtooj cua WIXK yog qhov chaw sibtxua lus coj lub Nroog cov kev pab txhawb nqa pejxeem tuaj pub rau tsoom Hmoob sawvdaw kom tau paub thiab muaj kev nyab xeeb. Cov qhua tshwjxeeb tuaj koom hais lus suam huabcua yog cov paubtab thiab txawjntse txog lawv cov luag haujlwm thiab kev pab pejxeem.

Find more details and see the latest schedule updates here.

---

Provide Live Comments Remotely for Public Hearings

Now that public meetings are electronic due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people who want to participate in public hearings can do so remotely.

Find out how to participate in these meetings at minneapolismn.gov/meetings. You can watch live meeting broadcasts and get access to agendas, reports and other meeting documents.

When there are public hearings, people have the option to provide live comments by phone. Anyone interested would fill out a form found under the “participate by phone in the meeting” heading. Then they’ll get a phone number and conference code by email.

Remote participation is available for the following meetings:

• City Council
• City Council committees
• Audit Committee
• Board of Estimate & Taxation
• Executive Committee
• Charter Commission
• Civil Rights Commission
• Civil Service Commission
• Heritage Preservation Commission
• Planning Commission
• Zoning Board of Adjustment

Include your pets in your emergency plan

It’s important to have a plan for your pets in case you’re unable to care for them. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control has helpful tips on how to include your pets in preparedness planning for pandemics, severe weather and other emergencies:

1. Post a rescue alert sign.
2. Gather information about your pets.
3. Prepare a disaster kit for your pet.

Watch this YouTube video and visit minneapolismn.gov/animals/emergencyplanning for more information.

Protect your neighbors from dog bites and COVID-19 exposure

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control has seen a significant increase in dog bites. To keep our staff and the public safe from injuries and from COVID-19 exposure, we need your cooperation.

• All dogs must be on a leash when outside or contained on your property per ordinance.
• Animals off leashes are more likely to get injured, injure others, or be lost or stolen.
• Keep cats inside and from roaming.
• Remember to keep 6 feet apart everywhere – even at parks – and avoid gatherings.

---

Nice Ride Returns for 2020 Season, Will Help Critical Health Care Workers

The Nice Ride Minnesota bike share system has returned for the 2020 riding season. COVID-19 has radically changed Minneapolis transportation: there’s far less car and truck traffic in the streets, and transit options are curtailed, making cycling safer and easier and elevating biking toward the top of our transportation choices for essential trips.

Free 30-day memberships for critical health care workers

Lyft and Nice Ride are also giving critical health care workers free 30-day bikeshare memberships through May 6. Eligible health care workers can sign up through their employers to access unlimited 60-minute trips on classic bikes for 30 days.

Keeping bikes disinfected

Nice Ride is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health. High-contact surfaces on bikes will be disinfected each time they arrive in the Nice Ride depot. High contact surfaces on vans used to transport vehicles will also be disinfected at the start of each shift. In addition, Nice Ride associates are wearing gloves when handling bikes both in the depot and at high traffic stations.

For more about using Nice Ride, visit niceridemn.com.

---

(Virtual) Coffee With Your Council Member

I normally hold regular open community office hours at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, at a rotating neighborhood coffee shop in Ward 3 for constituents to drop by, ask questions, and raise any issues you see in the community. 

This week, I will hold my community office hours remotely on Skype: 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15, 5:00 P.M.

Click here to join the Skype meeting! Trouble Joining? Try the Skype Web App.

Or: join by phone at 612-276-6670 and enter the conference ID 606362367#

If you have questions or a topic to discuss, email Aurin.Chowdhury@minneapolismn.gov to RSVP.

Local Small Business YogaFit Studios offers Virtual Classes

Article by Becky Fillinger

Ashok DhariwalWant some feedback while doing your yoga practice at home?

Ashok Dhariwal, YogaFit Studios owner, invites you to check out his studios’ live virtual classes via Zoom, with 45-50 live classes offered per week. Pre-recorded classes are also available on the company’s YouTube Channel.

Live classes include YogaFlow, YogaBarre, YogaBurn and Yoga Restore. The classes are open to all fitness levels, and there are two payment options: drop-in classes for $10 or an unlimited virtual membership for the rest of April for $79!

What are the benefits? 

• Classes are live – you can and will receive feedback from local instructors.

• Your practice is based around your schedule and from the safety of your home.

• Hold the Savasana pose as long as you want – you don’t have to get up and rush out of the studio.

• First virtual class offered free of charge – to sign up, email lindenhills@yogafitstudios.com.

• A portion of your contribution for virtual classes will be donated to the Believe Foundation which helps families facing financial hardship after the death of a child by providing immediate, practical financial support.

.

Check the virtual live schedule here.

Set up for a Zoom session

Home session

What does a happy customer sound like? 

“I have been using your virtual classes DAILY (1-3 times!) since you started offering them in March. I LOVE THEM and it's such a wonderful way to move my body and stay connected during these crazy times. I am SO GRATEFUL you are offering these. Thank you SO MUCH for all you are doing for your teachers, students and community during this unprecedented time!!” 

Getting ready for virtual yoga

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 

About Becky Fillinger

I’ve been a resident of the Mill District only since July 2019, but have visited the Guthrie, the Farmers Market, restaurants and friends in the area for many years prior to making the leap to Minneapolis. I’ve lived in many places (and climates) in the US and can testify that our cultural events, bicycle and hiking trails, parks and green spaces, museums, diverse neighborhoods and wonderful restaurants put Minnesota and Minneapolis high on my best places list. I’m a member of the Mill City Singers and look forward to our choir practices and performances.

One of my main interests is community - a very broad concept. For me it means bringing people together with common interests to form meaningful relationships. I look forward to reporting on businesses and individuals in our neighborhoods. Feel free to drop me an email at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com with your thoughts and ideas for stories. 

10th Avenue Bridge and Watermain Project Update - April 13, 2020

The 10th Avenue Bridge will be closed and detours will be in effect for approximately 18 months, until Summer 2021. This project will rehabilitate the historic 10th Ave SE bridge over the Mississippi River and W River Pkwy. A new water main will be installed under the river as part of the project. More info.

---

Latest Project News

Construction Update Meeting - Friday, April 17 - 10:30 a.m.

Project staff will be holding a virtual construction update meeting this Friday using GoToMeeting. Members of the public are invited to join the online meeting and hear updates on construction progress and speak with project staff.

Please use this link to join the 10th Ave Bridge Online Construction Update Meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone: 
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/208696037

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 208-696-037

The bridge was closed on March 30th and the contractor has been actively working on repairs. For more details on the repairs, schedule and bridge deck changes, please go to the project page 10thavebridge.com

---

What's Coming Up

The contractor will begin deck removals in May.

The bridge will remain closed to all traffic including, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians until Summer 2021.

West River Parkway will have periodic day time closures throughout Spring & Summer 2020.

Work requires the use of heavy equipment that will increase noise, vibration, and dust in work areas.

Access to adjacent apartments and businesses will remain open during the construction activity.

---

For more information on this project contact: 

Bridge Contact: Meseret Wolana, meseret.wolana@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3527

Water Main Contact: Peter Pfister, peter.pfister@minneapolismn.gov or 612-661-4906

Open Eye Theatre presents OPEN EYE @ HOME, April - August

Via an April 10 e-announcement

Open Eye Theatre presents 

OPEN EYE @ HOME

April - August 2020

Enjoy full-length videos of award-winning productions in our FREE online series!

Open Eye announces the release of five full-length shows from the company’s archives filled with music, puppetry, live performance and storytelling. One show will be featured for free viewing each month, April-August! Visit openeyetheatre.org for more info and to register.

In times like these, we all need a laugh, a fun song, an experience to share with friends and family that will lift our spirits. Performances that spark our imaginations, bring a smile to our faces, and remind us that we’re all in this together. So, let’s stay connected! Open Eye is coming to your home!

Like other arts organizations, Open Eye has postponed or canceled public programming for spring and summer, including the company’s popular Driveway Tour, which brings high-quality original puppet shows to parks, backyards, and communities throughout the Twin Cities. The Driveway Tour would have entertained its 100,000th audience member this summer, since the program launched in 2003.

By selecting productions from the Open Eye archive that were created especially for kids, youth, and families, Open Eye is able to continue serving its mission of opening eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of the performing arts, even in these challenging circumstances.

"This is an unprecedented situation for everyone—and like everyone else, Open Eye is innovating how we can be of service to the community and stay connected with our patrons. So we're kicking off a 5-month online series of award-winning, all-ages, family-friendly storytelling, puppetry, music, and original theatre. In this period of increasing social isolation, we hope Open Eye @ Home can offer everyone a chance to gather the kids, share a laugh, and get creatively inspired by some of the region's best artists." — Joel Sass, Producing Artistic Director 

APRIL: MILLY AND TILLIE

Winner of 2013 IVEY Award, featuring Elise Langer & Liz “Howls” Schachterle

Directed by Jason Ballweber - Recommended for all ages!

Meet the delightful Silly sisters — Milly and Tillie! Expect the unexpected as their imaginations turn the smallest game into a playful, silly adventure. Join Milly and Tillie as they create their perfect picnic — filled with tea parties, surprise visitors, science experiments, and talking bears. The giggles don’t stop in this charming show for families.

“Like the silliest public television show for kids brought to full and vivid life, sisters Milly and Tillie Silly will delight their guests, the audience, for just under an hour, at which point you will be sad to say good-bye to them.” — Cherry and Spoon

MAY: THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE

Designed and Directed by Michael Sommers

Original Score composed by Michael Koerner

Recommended for ages 8 and up!

If you had access to a sorcerer’s magic, what would you do? With impeccable design, an original score, and ingenious puppetry, this masterful marionette show is a look at youth and aging, the allure of power, and the beauty of a life well lived. Beloved by both children and adults, this is one of Open Eye’s most popular shows!

“Employing some of the oldest techniques in theater—there is even a short shadow-puppet sequence—Michael Sommers and a team of talented puppeteers make magic happen.” — City Pages

“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice bears Sommers’ signature old-European patina: intense craftsmanship, a sense of mystery and comprehensive artistry. His eye for detail is unerring, and one always gets the idea he has tumbled the whole show around in his soul many times before giving life to it on stage. His sweat and joy are evident.” — Star Tribune

JUNE: THE LEARNING FAIRY

Featuring Zoe Jethro Sommers Haas, with Julian McFaul, Michael Sommers, Noah Sommers, Matt Speckor, Carly Wicks

Recommended for ages 5 and up!

The Learning Fairy blends child’s play with rock-and-roll and is sprinkled with puppetry, old school theatre magic and modern day fun. Arriving through a magical portal, the Learning Fairy and her friends—her rock band, the clever Mr. Make-It, the ever present Questioning Girl, a flying pig, the tiny little Minnie Tinies, and a giant giggle ball—share the joy of playing outside, being good to yourself and your community, and celebrating what makes us different.

“If you and/or your kids enjoy watching people go completely cuckoo in an up-close-and-personal theatrical context, The Learning Fairy is for you.” — Twin Cities Daily Planet

“Zoe Sommers Haas is simply stunning in the title role. The woman has so much energy, it’s amazing. She’s funny, she’s charismatic, and she looks great in her space-age hoop skirt, designed by Liseli Polivka.” — Twin Cities Daily Planet

JULY: NOTHING IS SOMETHING

Winner of 2016 IVEY Award, created & performed by Liz “Howls” Schachterle & Noah Sommers Haas

Directed & Designed by Joel Sass - Recommended for all ages!

Adventure awaits when a lonely tramp explores a mysterious workshop filled with holes that lead to unexpected places. What will happen when he accidentally creates his own twin? Combining physical comedy, object theater, and delightful puppetry, this ‘metaphysical vaudeville’ show is part Charlie Chaplin, part Samuel Beckett, and completely magical.

“It’s sort of like watching a pair of Harpo Marxes set loose in an M.C. Escher print.” — Minnesota Playlist

“Sommers Haas and Schachterle are such engaging performers, using their loose-limbed bodies like musical instruments…Allow the physical and absurd humor to take over in a piece that's equal parts Charlie Chaplin and Looney Tunes.” — City Pages

AUGUST: KEVIN KLING’S GREATEST HITS & JUICY BITS

Recommended for ages 14 and up!

Beloved Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling headlines an evening of heartwarming tales, songs, and music featuring longtime collaborators Simone Perrin, Michelle Kinney, Jacqueline Ultan, and Eric Jensen. Folktales, poetry, humorous stories, gorgeous songs and duelling cellos make for a perfect summer outing that carries you into a whole new world—a world rich in sounds, patterns, momentum and music.

“Greatest Hits is transcendent. Kling has been working with this group of artistic partners (Simone Perrin, with her accordion and belt-y vocals; cellists Michelle Kinney and Jacqueline Ultan; keyboardist Eric Jensen) for a while. When they all hit the groove at the same time, the walls and roof of the theater seem to dissolve, leaving a constellation that’s gorgeous and warm and a little-heartbreaking.” — Pioneer Press

Donations are requested to support the artists featured in OPEN EYE @ HOME. The artists featured in our OPEN EYE @ HOME programming have generously allowed us to make these shows available for free. Donations received will be shared among the artists.

About Open Eye Theatre

Open Eye Theatre is nationally recognized as a vibrant home for artists who create imaginative and profound experiences that open eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of amazing stories and unforgettable performances. Experience a thrilling array of original theatre, inventive puppetry, live music, and world-class storytelling from local, national, and international artists year-round in our cozy 90-seat theater in South Minneapolis, or find us in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities with our summer Driveway Tour! More information is available at openeyetheatre.org.

April 10 Newsletter from Council Member Lisa Goodman

As we close out another week I want to begin by wishing happy holidays to all that are celebrating Passover and Easter as well as those getting ready for Ramadan.  I had the good fortune to have my father in town with me for the past two weeks from Chicago for the first few weeks of the shelter in place order and the holidays, being with family has been a blessing. 

My hope is that you have all been able to make accommodations to work at home, learn from home, congregate inside and out safely and connect with your friends and family in person and online.  Zoom, Go to Meetings, Microsoft Teams and Skype for business have been some of the many ways we have been trying to keep up with constituents, neighbors and neighborhoods.

This week the City Council completed our first cycle under the new committee structure and I’m happy to report that the City Clerk’s office was able to put a system in place that allows for public comment through our virtual meeting format.  During the BIZ (Business, Inspections & Zoning) Committee meeting, which I chair, we did accept public comment from a constituent on a public hearing item.  This is one more way the City is adapting so we can continue to operate under this time of change and transition.

The information below will highlight specific topics and items I wanted to share with you and at the end I will continue to provide a list of potential resources and contact information.

Lisa

State Stay-at-Home Order Update

• In case you missed it, Wednesday, Governor Walz extended the stay-at-home order until May 4
• The new order extends the closure of bars, restaurants and other accommodations but does add a list of exemptions especially for individuals that work outdoors as long as they maintain proper social distancing.
• It was stated that agency heads will continue to work over the next three weeks to get even more people back to work.

Mayor Frey Removes Moratorium on New Land Use Applications

• On Thursday, Mayor Jacob Frey signed a new Emergency Regulation 2020-10
• This new order rescinds Emergency Regulation 2020-4 which had placed a moratorium on new land use applications.

Situational Update

• As of 12PM, April 8th, there are over 1,452,000 confirmed cases worldwide. There have been over 83,000 deaths globally. CDC has issued a global Level 3 Travel Warning and a recommendation that anyone returning from international travel self-quarantine for 14 days.
• There are 401,166 confirmed cases in the US with new cases being updated rapidly. The US is now the country with the highest number of cases by a significant margin. A total of 12,936 deaths have been reported in the US, about a third in New York City.
• There were 1,154 cases in Minnesota out of approximately 30,753 tested (combined MDH Lab + Private Numbers). There have been 39 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 344 cases in Hennepin County.
• Thirteen (13) long-term care facilities in Hennepin County have seen at least one case of COVID-19 among either a resident or staff.
• The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reported that social distancing may be having an impact in that COVID cases are doubling every eight days instead of the expected doubling of cases every one or two days.
• MDH is using strict testing criteria to focus on the highest priority specimens, including hospitalized patients. Health care workers and those in congregate living settings such as long-term care and correctional facilities will also be given high priority.

AARP Sponsored: Live Virtual Town Hall with Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis' Health Commissioner

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, AARP is providing information, advocacy and resources to help older people and those caring for them protect themselves from the virus, prevent it from spreading to others and cope with the health problems and financial disruptions caused by the virus.

How can you best protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus, stay healthy and remain connected? Join the live tele-town hall with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Health Commissioner Gretchen Musicant as they address your questions related to COVID-19.

• Monday, April 13, 2020 (2:00-3:00 pm).  Stream the call live online www.vekeo.com/aarpminnesota or join by phone 1-866-757-0754.

2020 Collection of Leaves and Bundled Brush Begins

• Just in time as the weather continues to improve and we all find ourselves wanting to spend more time outside,
• Starting this week (Beginning April 6, 2020) Minneapolis Solid Waste will once again be accepting yard waste as part of their regular pick up services.

2020 Spring Street Sweeping

As we do every Spring and Fall, the City of Minneapolis is set to begin the Spring Street Sweeping the week of April 20, 2020.

• Please pay attention through the look up feature on the City Web Page so you are not caught off guard. While many of us are using our cars far less frequently, I don’t want anyone to get towed while this is underway.
• Specific schedules are not yet available but you can check the city web page for updates at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/

How to Provide Public Hearing Comment Remotely

• With public meetings now being done electronically due to COVID-19, the City Clerk has made use of a new system to allow the public to watch live meeting broadcasts, get access to agendas and reports and to participate in public hearings.
• The web page to utilize is: www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings
• Anyone wishing to offer public comment can submit their request to “participate by phone” and a phone number and conference code will be emailed to you.
• Remote participation will be utilized for the following meetings:
  • City Council and Council Committees (BIZ and POGO)
  • Audit Committee
  • Board of Estimate & Taxation
  • Executive Committee
  • Charter Commission
  • Civil Rights Commission
  • Civil Service Commission
  • Heritage Preservation Commission
  • Planning Commission
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment
• The above list consists of the 12 boards and commissions created under State Statute or City Charter that must meet and transact business, even during a declared emergency.

City Extends Comment Period for Neighborhoods 2020

• The new deadline is July 15, 2020
• Check out the program information at: www.minneapolismn.gov/neighborhoods2020
• You can submit comments:
  • Email: neighborhoods2020@minneapolismn.gov
  • Phone: 612-673-3737
  • Mail: Neighborhood and Community Relations; 105 Fifth Ave South; Suite 425, Minneapolis, MN 55401

City Extends Comment Period for the draft Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan

• The new deadline is May 22, 2020
• Check out the program or comment at: http://go.minneapolismn.gov/
• This 10 year action plan will guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they get around.
• Staff will hold its first online open house on the Transportation Action Plan on Monday, April 13 (4:30-5:30 pm).

Minneapolis Property Owners Can Buy Trees for $25.00

• This year Minneapolis offers twice as many low cost trees for property owners to plant on their private property (not to be planted on boulevards).
• 22 Varieties available (including large species, flowering and several kinds of fruit trees) Comparable trees cost $125 at a nursery.
• Trees are available on a first-come, first served basis for residents, businesses and nonprofits (limit one tree per address).
• Trees must be picked up May 16, 17 or 18 at the Minneapolis Impound Lot.
• ORDER THROUGH: https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/

City’s New Gap Funding to Help Renters, Families, Workers and Small Businesses

• More than $5M is being dedicated to help those hardest hit by the COVID pandemic.
• Housing assistance to low-income renters who have lost income and forgivable, no-interest loans for small businesses.
• The City is taking steps to ensure these funds complement, not duplicate efforts being made through State and Federal funding.
• Gap Funding for Housing Includes
  • $2M in Emergency Housing Assistance Programs
    • In most cases, the maximum assistance will not exceed $1,500 per household (but providers have flexibility to provide up to $2,000 in extraordinary circumstances)
  • $1M to Expand the Stable Homes Stable Schools Initiative
    • One-time or short-term assistance to families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
    • Open to all 39 of the Minneapolis Public Elementary Schools
• Gap Funding for Small Businesses Includes:
  • $2.2M in Forgivable and no-interest Loans to support small businesses and self-employed workers
    • Companies with 20 or fewer employees are eligible to receive fixed loans between $5,000 and $10,000 (depending on their need resulting from the pandemic).
    • Eligible businesses must be located in designated areas of the City
  • Modifications to the City Loan Program
    • The City’s existing 2% participation loan program for small businesses will be modified to set the interest rate to 0% and expand the eligible expenses to include working capital costs.
      • Eligible businesses and self-employed workers need to have 20 or fewer employees or $1M or less in annual revenue.
  • The City is also re-examining closed loans to help small businesses and considering forbearance and deferred payments
  • Two (2) successful programs will have stepped up funding
    • The Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP)
      • Provides consulting support to small and medium size businesses
    • The Twin Cities Hospitality Fund
      • A partnership that provides micro-grants to low-wealth employees in the hospitality and service industry
  • For more information: www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding

Support for Veterans

• Governor Walz announced that Minnesota veterans impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for $6.2 million in financial assistance grants from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).
• MDVA will award one-time financial relief grants in the amount of $1,000.
• To apply: Contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) or MDVA Field Operations Representative at FO.MDVA@state.mn.us OR you can apply online at: www.MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief

RESOURCES

• City of Minneapolis: http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/index.htm
• Impacts to Services:  How Coronavirus is impacting City Services.
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223375
  • NOTE: This link has links to dozens of city departments and services
• FAQS on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223282
• FAQS for Businesses
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223299
• Contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team:
• 612-673-2499 (BIZZ) or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
• Community Support
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223288
• Housing
  • http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1520221592207&pagename=External%2FPage%2FEXTStandardLayout
• Resources in multiple languages
  • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/index.html
• Minnesota Department of Health
  • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
• Center for Disease Control
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

• State of Minnesota Dedicated COVID-19 Hotlines:
  • Community (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
  • Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)

 judy.sherin@minneapolismn.gov or call at 612-673-2207

MPRB Announces Updates to Parkway Closures to Allow For Social Distancing by Pedestrians

Via an April 9 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Southbound lane of East Bde Maka Ska Parkway closes to motor vehicle traffic West River Parkway reopens to motor vehicles between Plymouth and 4th Avenue N All other existing closures to allow pedestrian use of parkways extended through May 3.

Today the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) announced adjustments to ongoing parkway closures to motor vehicle traffic to allow pedestrians more room for social distancing. Cyclists are asked to remain on the bike paths.

East Bde Maka Ska Parkway

Beginning at 5 am on Friday, April 10, the southbound lane of East Bde Maka Ska Parkway (Lake Street to 36th Street) will close to motor vehicle traffic to allow more space for pedestrians to stay six feet apart. This closure will remain in place until Gov. Walz's Stay at Home Order is lifted, which is scheduled for May 4.

Map of Bde Maka Ska Parkway Closure [PDF]

West River Parkway

Beginning at 5 pm on Friday, April 10, West River Parkway will reopen to motor vehicle traffic between Plymouth Avenue and 4th Avenue N. That section of parkway has been closed since March 27.

This segment of West River Parkway is being reopened at the direction of MPRB Commissioner Kale Severson, who represents North Minneapolis, including this segment of parkway.

Updated Map of West River Parkway Closure [PDF] 

Parkways Closed to Motor Vehicles are for Pedestrians Only

Once closures go into effect:

• Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic; cyclists should remain on bike trails.
• Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.

All other parkway and park road closures already in place will remain until the Stay at Home Order is lifted. Maps of every closure are posted on the MPRB Road Closures page.

Exceptions and Conditions

• Emergency vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets at all times.
• Service, delivery and sanitation vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets as part of their regular operations. Vehicle drivers will be required to move and replace barricades.
• Access to residential buildings and residential parking facilities on closed sections of parkways and streets will be maintained.

Social Distancing

The Minneapolis Health Department, Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 when visiting parks:

• Bring a water bottle. MPRB water fountains remain turned off for the health and safety of park users.
• Bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizers. MPRB restroom buildings remain closed.
• Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
• Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
• Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.

Stay Updated

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for more information on the MPRB's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.

Element Minneapolis Downtown, Home2 Suites Offering Special Discounted Rates for First Responders and Those Self-Isolating

Via an April 9 e-announcement

Element Minneapolis Downtown and Home2 Suites by Hilton in Bloomington are offering discounted room rates for those people most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

First responders, healthcare workers, delivery drivers, government workers and other essential workers are eligible for significantly discounted rates. People who wish to self-isolate due to health concerns or working conditions are also eligible.

Both properties are owned by Duluth, Minn.-based Lion Hotel Group.

“The spread of COVID-19 has impacted all of us in many ways. I am amazed and inspired by the kindness and generosity of so many people in the Twin Cities community. We at the Lion Hotel Group want to do our small part to provide a safe, clean and comfortable place to stay for those who need it most,” said Mark Emmel, the President of Lion Hotel Group. “We are very grateful for the courageous men and women who are sacrificing and working to keep us safe and healthy during these difficult times.”

The Element Minneapolis Downtown is a 156-room property located in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, adjacent to the Target Field Light Rail Station. Each hotel room is equipped with kitchens, flat screen televisions and oversized closets. There are laundry facilities on site.

In Bloomington, Home2 Suites by Hilton is located near the intersection of 494 and 35W. Each room is customizable using the “Working Wall” design. Rooms include storage space and flexible amenities including a desk with ergonomic chair, free Wi-Fi, an HDTV and a kitchen with a microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, utensils and cutlery.  

For more information on the special rates available, call Element Minneapolis Downtown at 612-215-0099 and Home2 Suites by Hilton at 952-888-2282.

April 7 Newsletter from Council Member Steve Fletcher

Maintaining Community During the Pandemic

In my newsletter two weeks ago, I wrote that the pandemic focuses our attention on three critical goals:

• First, maintaining focus on public health in the immediate crisis, which means making sure that we are doing everything we can to minimize the spread of the virus, and to support care for people who do become sick.
• Second, making sure everyone’s basic needs are met while their lives are disrupted by practical and social changes in support of public health. The crisis is exposing and stressing the precariousness of daily life for many people in our city, and creating urgent needs where people could not afford disruption.
• Third, keeping an eye toward the future, toward recovery, and toward sustaining the small businesses, freelancers, artists, and nonprofits who make our city a great place to live and thrive, many of whom will not be in business without support when we return to public life.

Maintaining Public Health

While there are signs that our social distancing is working to slow and flatten the curve as intended, we also know that the worst is yet to come and we need to keep doing what we are doing. As Governor Walz said in his State of the State address, “Staying home is the only vaccine we have right now.”

• You can view Governor Walz’s 2020 State of the State address here, which had a lot of important information about the status of Minnesota’s pandemic response.
• Over the weekend, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are now recommending that people cover their nose and mouth with a mask when they go out in public to help slow the spread of the virus. Remember, masks are no substitute for social distancing, and we all still need to maintain physical distance from each other.
• The Park Board has expanded the parkway closures to give everyone a little breathing room for outdoor exercise while maintaining physical distance.

Making Sure Everyone’s Basic Needs Are Met

On Friday, Mayor Frey announced the creation of a special gap funding package that we all had the chance to work on together. More than $5 million in City funding and new programming is now being dedicated to help renters, families, small businesses and employees hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. More on this below.

Despite the federal and state assistance programs that have already been enacted, and our own local assistance, we know that more is going to be needed. More people filed for unemployment in the last two weeks than in all of 2019 combined, and many in our community are not eligible for some or most or all of the assistance programs in the works. 

One of the most urgent ways in which this is impacting people is in rent and mortgages -- people can't pay their rent or mortgage when they don't have any income -- and not just for housing but for small business rent as well. This is a problem across our state and the entire country, and it needs a statewide or nationwide response. That is why I signed on to a letter urging the state legislature to support Representative Howard’s Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program proposal to dedicate $100 million to rental assistance. You can add your name, too. 

As important as that is as an urgent solution, it seems likely that even that kind of significant state investment will fall short of what we need. $100 million might get us through May 1, but then we need a plan for a deeper recovery for the weeks and months beyond. That is why I also joined leaders form cities around the Twin Cities who signed on to a letter drafted by my colleague, Council Member Jeremiah Ellison, calling on Governor Walz to support the suspension of rent and mortgage payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I was on the front lines of the foreclosure prevention movement after the collapse of 2008, and I witnessed first-hand the pain that we allowed by letting families fail, and then bailing out the banks whose loans were no longer getting repaid. This time, let’s all advocate for investments in people, and keep our economy whole by minimizing the anguish of eviction, foreclosure, and bankruptcy that is keeping many Minneapolis residents up at night.

Keeping An Eye Toward Recovery

• Art-A-Whirl and the Stone Arch fest announced 2020 backup plans
• Among a lot of local efforts to support Minneapolis restaurants, Mill City Times is maintaining a particularly comprehensive map of restaurants that are open for pickup and delivery.
• Musicians held an online celebration for First Avenue that you can watch at first-aid.live, and created special merchandise to benefit our local music scene.
• Our Small Business Team and B-TAP partners are working full-time helping small businesses apply for the variety of loans, forgivable loans, grants, and other assistance included in the federal and state relief packages. If you need assistance for your business, don’t hesitate to contact them at (612) 673-2499 (BIZZ) or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.

Keeping Our Government Open

In the meantime, we continue to adjust the way we run our City government in order to keep doing the things we need to be able to do for the City to run. Starting this week, people can now provide live comments remotely for public hearings by phone. 

Go to minneapolismn.gov/meetings to find out how to watch live meeting broadcasts and get access to agendas, reports and other meeting documents.

Anyone interested in participating by phone can fill out a form found under the “participate by phone in the meeting” heading. Once submitted, a phone number and conference code will be emailed to you. 

---

My Previous COVID-19 Updates:

• Saturday, March 28
• Tuesday, March 24
• Wednesday, March 18
• Monday, March 16
• The City's Coronavirus resource page
• COVID-19 News & Resources

---

City’s New Gap Funding Will Help Minneapolis Renters, Families, Workers and Small Businesses Affected by the Pandemic

On Friday, Mayor Frey addressed our City Council meeting to announce the creation of a special gap funding package that we all had the chance to work on together. More than $5 million in City funding and new programming is now being dedicated to help renters, families, small businesses and employees hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will primarily provide housing assistance to low-income renters who have lost income and forgivable, no-interest loans for small businesses. The City is taking steps to make sure these funds complement, not duplicate, the work made possibly by new state and federal funding.

The gap fund for housing includes:

• $2 million for emergency housing assistance programs. The amount of assistance for qualifying households varies, depending on individual needs and taking into consideration other resources individual households are eligible to receive. In most cases, the maximum amount of assistance won’t exceed $1,500 per household, but providers have the flexibility to provide up to $2,000 under extraordinary circumstances.
• $1 million to expand the Stable Homes Stable Schools initiative. The existing program provides one-time or short-term assistance to families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. It will now be expanded to address pandemic-related housing instability on an emergency basis, and eligibility will be open to all 39 of the Minneapolis Public Schools’ elementary schools.

The gap fund for small businesses includes:

• $2.2 million in forgivable and no-interest loans to support small businesses and self-employed workers in the most economically disadvantaged areas of the city. Companies with 20 or fewer employees, and people who are self-employed, will be eligible to receive fixed loan amounts of $5,000 and $10,000, depending on need resulting from the pandemic. Eligible small businesses must be located in one of a set of designated areas of Minneapolis, which includes Areas of Concentrated Poverty above 50%, the Green Zones, the Promise Zone, and the proposed Cultural Districts.
• Modifications to the City loan program. The City’s existing 2% participation loan program for small businesses will be modified to set the interest rate to 0% and expand the eligible expenses to include working capital costs. Eligible businesses and self-employed workers need to have 20 or fewer employees or $1 million or less in annual revenue, and also be able to show a demonstrable impact from the pandemic.

The City will also re-examine loans closed before the pandemic to help small businesses. For eligible and existing City-issued loans less than $200,000 to homebuyers and businesses, the City is moving forward with six months of forbearance and deferred payments. The City will also seek forbearance on its commercial real estate loans greater than $200,000.

Two programs that have already had success helping the Minneapolis business community will have stepped up funding. The Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP), which provides consulting support to small-sized and medium-sized businesses in Minneapolis, will receive $300,000 so more people can get support navigating the challenges brought by the pandemic. The Twin Cities Hospitality Fund, a partnership that provides micro-grants to low-wealth employees in the hospitality and service industry, will receive $100,000.

We can simultaneously applaud these funds as an important investment in our community for many people who badly need help, and also recognize that gaps remain, that it is not enough (and couldn’t possibly have been enough at the scale of the city’s budget) to meet the staggering need left by this unprecedented shutdown. The pandemic calls on us to care more than we ever have about the health and well-being of our neighbors, and of our community collectively.

I’m sympathetic to people noting that some of these resources don’t reach some people who need them, because of geographic restrictions or other program features, but I also want to encourage everybody to try to receive the Mayor’s proposal with a spirit of generosity and caring about the collective. Every family that receives these resources is a family not having to compete for another scarce resource down the line. Every business that gets one of the geographically limited small loans and lives to the other side of this contributes to our collective economic future.

To be clear: people are being left out. There’s not enough in this package even to serve everyone who does qualify for these programs. Leaning into existing programs with our limited resources was an efficient way to quickly make resources available and fill some of the gaps left by state and federal resources. In the meantime, I’ll continue to work both within government and with community and philanthropic partners to make sure everyone gets help accessing the resources that are there, and to meet more needs where gaps remain.  

More information on the gap funding package is available at minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding.

---

COVID-19 Donation Coordination

The Minneapolis Health Department has established a donation hub to facilitate connections between those have capacity or resources to donate and those with complementary needs. The City is not collecting or storing items, but is seeking to catalog what people and organizations have available, and what is needed, to help the supply and the need.

The best first step for people interested in donating anything OTHER THAN Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and for people and organizations who need items other than PPE, including thermometers, is to fill out the appropriate form below.

From there, City staff leading the COVID-19 response in the Health Department will do what they can to deploy resources and bridge gaps.

If organizations are in need of PPE, please email COVID19@minneapolismn.gov and staff will follow up directly.

---

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Updates & Activities

Neighborhood organizations are stepping up to offer ways for you to feel connected with your community, learn ways you can help, and find resources that might be available to you:

Beltrami

• April Newsletter
• Eastside Neighborhood Services emergency response fund
• Eastside Neighborhood Service COVID-19 Info & Preparedness landing page

Bottineau  

Bottineau Neighborhood Association Board Meeting, Tuesday, April 14th at 7pm    

Guests: 

• East Side Neighborhood Services 
• Northeast Farmer’s Market 
• Friends of the Lock and Dam 

Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6454874937  

Downtown Minneapolis 

DMNA Land Use Committee Meeting, April 7, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

• Join Virtual Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/2402884231  
• Meeting ID: 240 288 4231 Phone:+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)   

DMNA COVID-19 Information & Resources

Nicollet Island East Bank 

NIEBNA COVID-19 Info & Resources

North Loop  

• Minneapolis neighbors cheer health care workers from North Loop balconies
• North Loop Man Giving Away Masks, Hopes to Get More  
• Supporting North Loop Restaurants (https://northloop.org/9595-2/)  

Marcy-Holmes 

• Marcy Holmes COVID-19 Information & Resources
• Marcy Holmes Upcoming Meetings

Saint Anthony East 

• SAENA’s COVID-19 Response
• Support Clare Housing Residents
• Update on Hennepin County’s State of Emergency
• Status of Local Neighborhood Business
• Follow SAENA’s Latest News Blog

Sheridan

• #StayHomeSheridan: Information & What You Can Do to Help
• Sheridan COVID-19 Support Network
• Annual Meeting, Monday, April 27th from 7 - 9 PM; Online Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4904029706

---

Enforcement of Stay at Home Order

To slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state, Gov. Tim Walz directed Minnesotans to stay at home and limit movements outside of their home beyond essential needs until 5 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Read more about the Minneapolis Police Department's approach to enforcement.

Do not call 911 to report people who are not staying home during the City’s stay-at-home order. Please call 311 if you have concerns about the voluntary compliance of the stay-at-home order involving a business, organization or a group gathering in a public space. We will route all calls to the appropriate City staff for potential action. The local stay-at-home order was put in place by Mayor Frey, following the state directive by Gov. Walz, to try to keep the spread of COVID-19 from overwhelming our health care system.

---

Park Board Asks People to Stay 6 Feet Apart So Parks Can Stay Open

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is asking for the public’s help in keeping parks and trails open by staying 6 feet apart during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, since Gov. Walz’s Stay at Home Order went into effect, MPRB staff, commissioners and park police have been flooded with reports of park users disregarding safety guidelines by crowding popular park locations and trails, not staying 6 feet apart, and participating in team sports and group activities.

Closure of popular, previously crowded parks has already happened in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

The MPRB implores all its park users to strictly keep 6 feet apart to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep the park system open.

Read more here.

---

State Resources to Help Minnesotans During COVID-19 Response

The State reminded Minnesotans of some key information during this unprecedented crisis, including a special enrollment period to get health care coverage, an extension on tax return deadlines, how to access unemployment insurance, and more.

MNsure –A special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are without insurance runs through April 21. Apply through MNsure.org.

Unemployment insurance – The state’s unemployment insurance program can provide quick relief for employees who are unable to work as a result of COVID-19. Find more information about unemployment and apply here.

Deadline extensions – Minnesotans filing their annual Minnesota Individual Income Tax return for 2019 have until Wednesday, July 15, 2020, to file and make payments without any penalties or interest. The deadline to apply for the REAL ID has also been pushed back by one year.

Small business assistance –The Department of Employment and Economic Development is administering a Small business Emergency Loan Program to help Minnesota small business owners who need immediate assistance during COVID-19 closures.

Suspension of evictions –Landlords and financial institutions cannot begin eviction proceedings that would remove tenants from stable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you or someone you know has been wrongfully convicted, you can contact the Attorney General's Office here or at (951) 296-3353.

Child care –Six Minnesota foundations launched an Emergency Child Care Grant Program to provide financial support to licensed child care providers, which will provide invaluable education and services to our state's emergency response.

---

(Virtual) Coffee With Your Council Member

I normally hold regular open community office hours at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, at a rotating neighborhood coffee shop in Ward 3 for constituents to drop by, ask questions, and raise any issues you see in the community. 

While we are keeping social distance, I will hold my community office hours by phone instead. 

Wednesday, April 8, 4:00 - 6:00 P.M.

If you have questions or a topic to discuss, email Aurin.Chowdhury@minneapolismn.gov to schedule a 15-minute phone call this Wednesday between 4-6pm.

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for all the details on future scheduled events, or contact our office at 612-673-2203.

---

Public Comment Periods Extended for Transportation Action Plan & Neighborhoods 2020 Program Guidelines

Transportation Action Plan

The City of Minneapolis is extending the comment period for the draft Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan until May 22.

You can read the plan, see maps, and comment online at http://go.minneapolismn.gov

Online Open Houses

City staff will be holding online open houses to provide an overview of the action plan. The first virtual open house will be held Monday, April 13 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join the Skype broadcast here.

Follow the City of Minneapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated -- use #gompls to share your feedback with us. 

Neighborhoods 2020 Program Guidelines

The public comment period for the Neighborhoods 2020 draft program guidelines on neighborhood programming and funding has been extended to July 15, 2020. The guidelines are now expected to go before the City Council for review in mid-August.

During the extended public comment period, Neighborhood and Community Relations staff members will expand outreach and hold virtual public meetings. The first one was April 2, and a recording will be available at minneapolismn.gov/neighborhoods2020.

Neighborhoods 2020 is a plan for continuing to fund neighborhood organizations in Minneapolis when the existing funding source ends and a process to identify expectations for the work they do. The draft program guidelines follow the vision to preserve Minneapolis’ neighborhood organizations and create equitable communities in which all people are valued, communities are engaged and leadership mirrors the diversity of the city.

Statement from the mpls downtown council on the 2020 Minneapolis Aquatennial

Below is an April 5 statement from the mpls downtown council related to the 2020 Minneapolis Aquatennial:

“As of today, the Minneapolis Aquatennial is moving forward as planned,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations for the mpls downtown council. “However, we are continuing to watch the evolving pandemic and will make decisions related to the schedule as necessary.”

About the Minneapolis Aquatennial

The Minneapolis Aquatennial is the Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the mpls downtown council. For more information, please visit aquatennial.com or call (612) 376-7669.

About the mpls downtown council

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic business associations in the nation, the mpls downtown council (mdc) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The mdc’s collaborative development of the Intersections: Downtown 2025 Plan is designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit mplsdowntown.com.

Art for the Heart - “Coordinated Message” Exhibit at The Bridgewater Lofts

Article by Mill District resident Lisa Schissel

                                   Art for the Heart                                              “Coordinated Message” Exhibit at The Bridgewater Lofts

Your taste in art is never wrong, as it is personal to you. What you like, others may not and vice versa.

When looking at a new piece of art in your home, family and friends may say “that’s interesting.” In Minnesota, there are over 750 definitions of “interesting,” so simply smile and know that regardless of what others say about your art, to you it truly is interesting.

Whether it's a memory or a feeling, a piece of art can evoke and validate powerful emotions. Art can cheer us up after a bad day, make us remember, or inspire us to do more in life. It can provide comfort that we are not the only ones feeling a certain way.

Most of all though, art is accessible and needed in everyday life. It helps those in need, gives people in the future an idea of what life was like, and is a vital form of self-expression.

Art is important because it encompasses all the domains in child development. Art lends itself to physical development and the enhancement of fine and gross motor skills. Children learn about themselves and others through art activities. It helps build self-esteem.

And finally, the mental health benefits of art are for everyone: 

• Art relieves stress.

• Art gives you joy.

• Art encourages creative thinking.

• Art boosts self-esteem, provides a sense of accomplishment.

• Art affects the brain:  increased connectivity and plasticity.

• Viewing art increases empathy, tolerance and feelings of love.

• Art has an impact on brain wave patterns and emotions, the nervous system, and can actually raise serotonin levels.

.

Now a little about the artists on display at The Bridgewater Lofts through May 6. Note, you can view the art available and on display for each artist via the websites noted below. 

Kathy Mommsen

Kathy truly employs her artistic ability to “capture human gestures” in her Hours to Days, in which she used trained dancers as models for their ability to be expressive and hold demanding poses. The ceramic process she uses involves many layers. Observing the model at each layer creates images that are raw, expressive and show the most essential gestures.

Matthew Madson

Matthew’s Rhapsody in Grey oil on canvas uniquely captures his ability to find beauty in the mundane, everyday landscape that the majority of people take for granted: an empty loading dock at dusk; a van illuminated by a street light; headlights reflecting off of a stretch of wet pavement. It’s all about capturing mood and atmosphere, a quiet meditation or one fraught with mystery and intrigue.   

Kathleen Kvern

Kathleen, a self-taught artist, is inspired by the beauty of the natural world, the complexity of the inner world, and the mystery of the spiritual world. The Praise in the Future brings to life her passion of painting the repetitive process of laying down encaustic (pigments mixed with hot wax that are burned in as an inlay), fusing, and repeating over and over to build layers to create a contemplative state of mind.

Judy Fawcett

Judy turned to the arts at an early age with dance then later in life turned to the visual arts. With a concern about species survival, she was recently drawn to portraying trees in her Winter Connections, acrylics on canvas, as she learned more about their abilities to communicate and to heal one another.

Owen Brown

Owen received his artistic training at Yale and the California College of Art. Taught in the figurative tradition, he will also work rather abstractly. As Owen has said, “Painting is not the same as speech, even when depicting a scene. We leap to a story, but it is the story behind the story, behind the speech that it is subject matter.” Owen’s View of the Stone Arch Bridge acrylic on canvas captures this moment.

Anna Dvorak

Inspirations drawn from the natural world, from rock formations of major rift zones to landscapes of the western plains are captured in Anna’s Autumn Sky Grassland. 

The original inspiration of these landscapes - what is visible on the surface - suggests the energy and phenomena that occurred under the surface but has come to rest, appearing immutable and quiet. 

Candy Kuehn

Candy was born seeing out of three-dimensional space and was trained as an artist and photographer.  Portraits and landscapes are her new works where her intention is symbolic dreams living within and around our three-dimensional space and time. Her work, We Live in Love, can actually show you what she sees every day. “Just as others see darkness, I see vivid light.”

Bridgewater Lofts' Needlework Group Sew Protective Masks for Local Healthcare Workers

Article and photos submitted by Mill District residents Kathy Franzen and Ann Napp

On March 21, Ellen Schreader, a Lawyer at Carson, Clelland & Schreader, contacted Ann Napp to ask if the Bridgewater Lofts Condominium Needlework Group (215 10th Avenue S) could make cotton protective face masks for healthcare workers at two local Hospitals, Regions Hospital in St. Paul and North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. The Needlework Group quickly responded to Elly’s request. Elly supplied fabric, elastic, patterns, and sewing directions to us.

Upon hearing about this project, Bridgewater residents outside the Needlework Group joined in, greatly contributing to our cause. The masks are made with a double layer of tight-weave cotton that opens on the sides to insert a filter. There is elastic inside to make a tight fit over the bridge of the nose and the mask goes under the chin with elastic on the sides to fit over each ear.

A total of 198 masks have been delivered to local hospital healthcare workers during the course of this effort. We are hopeful that the more protective N-95 face masks will soon become readily available to our community healthcare workers.

Tom Napp

Thirteen Bridgewater residents participated in the project. In order to maintain social distancing and stay healthy in our individual condos for the project, Ann’s husband Tom Napp prepared videos of Ann giving directions to the group for making the masks, and he delivered and picked up masks as they rotated through the stitching process.

Kathy FranzenMany Bridgewater residents responded to a request the Group placed in the Bridgewater mail room for elastic for the masks. Because so many people are sewing handmade protective face masks for our healthcare workers, there is also a national elastic shortage.   

Our Bridgewater neighbors have felt a strong sense of community by participating in this project. It has been most rewarding for us to to help healthcare workers who risk their wellbeing daily due to inadequate supplies of protective equipment during this health crisis.

 -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -  

Editors Note: 

Here are two videos that demonstrate how to quickly make yourself a mask without the use of a sewing machine:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-BaNr2nuOZ/?igshid=1c36zc842okbh

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/how-to-make-your-own-face-mask-to-combat-coronavirus-spread/507-c7d82c22-206f-4c70-8e0b-a74a69c03f94?fbclid=IwAR11zuU2XRVBBQEUvX5eHF0AbiTnWOpkzUmAr6f1oMpgz4lGIMHKNPs0zRY

March 2020 by the Numbers

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

April 3 Newsletter from Council Member Lisa Goodman

It’s hard to believe that another week has gone by as we all continue to adapt to a new way of living and working in the age of COVID-19. Below are the new updates and resources I’d like to share with you. From the bottom of my heart I hope you and your family are healthy and safe and doing your best to cope at this incredibly challenging time. Know that me and my staff, Patrick and Judy are all here for you and available should you need to reach out.

Lisa Goodman

Message from Park Board Commissioner Jono Cowgill

Thank you Lisa for graciously allowing space for me to share information regarding park safety in your newsletter to Ward 7 Constituents. This is a critical time and I appreciate the collaboration. Jono Cowgill, Commissioner; Park Board District 4 jcowgill@minneapolisparks.org or 612.283.5630

Keeping Our Parks Safe for All 

As your Park Board Commissioner and President of the Park Board, I want to take a moment to notify Ward 7 Residents of the Minneapolis Park Board efforts to keep our parks safe and open to all during Governor Walz’ Stay at Home order. During this unprecedented time, it is critical that our parks remain open for people to exercise and it is critical that people using our parks can do so safely. I’d like to offer a few updates and suggestions on how to keep our parks safe.

1.  Everyone can help. We all can work on being aware of the space around us and reminding others to have the same consideration. Six feet!

2.  Signage reminding people to social distance is going up around the park system. This signage is being placed along popular pathways and in parks.

3.  Ambassadors are being deployed at popular park destinations to remind people of social distancing guidelines. These ambassadors are working in coordination with Park Police and MPD.

4.  Certain busy parkway locations in the system, including West River Parkway, St Anthony Main, Lake Harriet Parkway, and Nokomis, have been opened for pedestrian use until April 10th. This will allow for park path users at busy locations to spread out at safer distances.

5.  Additional measures are being considered to ensure safety for those exercising. As we monitor park use during this time, park staff will be evaluating concerns around groups at playgrounds, soccer fields, beaches, basketball and bocce courts. 

If you have questions or ideas, feel free to reach out to me at jcowgill@minneapolisparks.org or by phone at 612.283.5630

Property Tax Notice of Valuation Statements have been Mailed

The City Assessor’s office has mailed out this year’s 2020 Valuation and Classification Notices and since these often generate questions and concern I want to be certain to share a couple of points and the process for filing an appeal should you want to challenge the assessor’s determination.

The biggest point I want to make about these notices is that the values are a backward look based on comparable sales from October 2018 through September 2019.

Last week the City Assessor, Patrick Todd gave a detailed presentation to the Ways and Means committee and you can watch that through this link: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/tv/citycounciltv

Many people ask me about challenging your valuation and if you would like to talk with me prior to talking with the assessor, feel free to reach out to me via email. I’m happy to share what I know and the experience I’ve gained over the years about this process.

The process to appeal is as follows:

If a property owner has questions or disagrees with the classification or valuation

• The first contact should be to the assessor listed on your statement 

If a property owner has questions about the homestead status

• Contact homestead@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-2483.

Appeal Application

• The appeal application will be available on our department website once the notices have been mailed.
• There are two application options
  • online application
  • paper application which can be downloaded from our website, printed and either:
    • mailed to our office (address is on the notice)
    • delivered to our drop box on the 3rd floor of the Public Service Center (Note:  This is a change due to the closure of the City of Lakes Building.  We will regularly collect the applications for processing.)

Change to inspection procedures

• We will be conducting desktop reviews rather than onsite property inspections.

• The online application allows property owners to attach documents and photos that support their appeal. 

• They will also have the opportunity to email the appraiser additional photos or documents.

• If the property owner would prefer, the appraiser can schedule a Skype video conference.

The 2020 Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Convenes May 6, 2020

The Local Board of Appeal and Equalization process is the next option for those that do not agree with the appraiser’s review of their estimated market value.  The Local Board hears the appeal from the property owner, the assessor’s office provides the Board their appraisal review and the Board makes a decision on the estimated market value.  Because these have been in-person hearings we have already begun conversations with the City Clerk’s Office and our partners at the County and State to discuss a virtual meeting format solution.  Once we have those details confirmed we will provide you an update.  With the technology we have available and the success witnessed at the Committee and Council meetings, we are confident that we can move our Board meetings to a virtual setting.

Mapping Tax Increases Across Minneapolis

Neighborhood 2020 Public Comment Period Has Been Extended

The Neighborhood & Community Relations Department announced this week that the public comment period on the Neighborhoods 2020 program guidelines has been extended 90 days until July 15, 2020. The guidelines are now expected to go before City Council for a vote by mid-August.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Road Construction Starting Spring Work Early

With the early spring weather and with social distancing due to COVID-19 leaving downtown quieter than usual, road and sidewalk construction on Hennepin Avenue downtown will begin next week from 7th St. to 12th St. 

Utility work including Xcel, fiber, water, and storm sewer work will continue on all areas of the project, and is nearing completion on the south end of the project from 7th to 12th streets.  The utility and development work is now ramping up on the north end of the project.

Income Tax Deadline Extensions

Both the IRS and the Minnesota Department of Revenue are extending the 2019 tax return deadline for individual income tax returns and payments until July 15, 2020, without assessing penalties or interest.

• The FEDERAL extension includes businesses and 2020 estimated tax payments
  • www.IRS.gov
• The STATE extension includes all estimated and other tax payments for tax year 2019 that would otherwise be due April 15, 2020. It does not include estimated tax payments for 2020.
• The STATE has not changed filing dates for Corporation Franchise, S Corporation, Partnership or Fiduciary taxes; however, these taxpayers may qualify for an automatic filing extension.
  • www.revenue.state.mn.us

Governor Walz Signs Executive Order for Eviction Moratorium

The moratorium suspends evictions beginning March 24th at 5pm

• Except for cases where the tenant seriously endangers the safety of other residents or for violations of Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 504B.171, subdivision 1. 

The Moratorium also requests that financial institutions place a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions related to COVID-19 impact

• “related evictions when the foreclosure or foreclosure-related eviction arises out of a substantial decrease in income or substantial out of pocket medical expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, or any local, state or federal governmental response to COVID-19. Financial institutions are also strongly urged not to impose late fees or other penalties for late mortgage payments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “

The Minnesota Housing website has more details, including a Frequently Asked Questions document. 

Summary of Executive Order 20-14

Frequently Asked Questions about Executive Order 20-14

Executive Order 20-14: Renter and Homeowner Guidance

Resources for Renters

Below is the HOME Line and Legal Aid information. 

The City of Minneapolis contracts with HOME Line and Legal Aid as a resource for referral and legal services to Minneapolis renters.

HOME Line:

• Provides free and confidential legal advice to all Minneapolis renters
• Web Page: www.homelinemn.org
• Phone: 612-728-5767
• Email Form: www.homelinemn.org/e-mail-an-attorney

 Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid:

• Provides free legal services for income qualifying renters
• Web Page: www.mylegalaid.org
• Phone: 612-334-5970

Links to additional information:

• COVID-19: Renters' Rights and Court Changes During the Pandemic
  • www.lawhelpmn.org/self-help-library/fact-sheet/covid-19-renters-rights-and-court-changes-during-pandemic
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet
  • www.lawhelpmn.org/self-help-library/covid-19-other-planning-ahead-topics/coronavirus-covid-19

 judy.sherin@minneapolismn.gov or call at 612-673-2207

Three More Parkway Closures to Motor Vehicles Coming Soon to Allow Pedestrians More Space for Social Distancing; MPRB Addresses Questions Re: Summer Closures and Cancellations

Via an April 3 e-announcement:

Three more parkway closures to motor vehicles coming soon to allow pedestrians more space for social distancing

Cedar Lake Parkway: Northbound lane closes between Sunset Boulevard and Cedar Lake Road

Lake of the Isles Parkway: Intermittent full and partial closures to accommodate residential and transit access

West River Parkway: Northbound lane closes between 46th and 11th Avenues S

At its April 1, 2020 meeting, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners passed Resolution 2020-179, which expanded a series of parkway closures to motor vehicle traffic to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices and limit the spread of COVID-19.

The resolution also states that all parkway closures enacted in response to Gov. Walz’s Emergency Executive Order 20-20 Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home will remain in place until the end of the executive order, which is scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 5 pm. Parkway closures will mirror any extension of the executive order.

Parking lots adjacent to the existing and new parkway closures will also be closed in order to limit parkway closures from becoming regional destinations. Please visit parks and open spaces closest to your home.  

By 5 am on Saturday, April 4, new closures for Cedar Lake Parkway and Lake of the Isles Parkway, and an extension of a closure enacted last week on West River Parkway will join ones already in place for Lake Harriet Parkway, Lake Nokomis Parkway and Main Street SE. Maps of every closure are posted on the MPRB Road Closures page.

Once closures go into effect:  

• Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic; cyclists should remain on bike trails.
• Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.

Cedar Lake Parkway

The northbound lane along the lake and adjacent parking lots will be closed to motor vehicles and open for pedestrians between Sunset Boulevard and Cedar Lake Road. The southbound land will remain open for one-way motor vehicle traffic.

Map of Cedar Lake Parkway Closure [PDF]

Lake of the Isles Parkway

Full closures to motor vehicle traffic will be in place around the lake, with intermittent single-lane lane openings to allow residential access and both driving lanes open where needed for Metro Transit bus access.

Map of Lakes of the Isles Parkway Closure [PDF]

West River Parkway

The northbound lane along the river will close to motor vehicles and open for pedestrians between 46th Avenue S and 11th Avenue S. The southbound lane will remain open to one-way motor vehicle traffic.

Map of West River Parkway Closure (46th-11th Aves. S) [PDF]

Last week West River Parkway closed to motor vehicle traffic and opened to pedestrians between Plymouth Avenue N and 11th Avenue S, with one lane open to motor vehicles near Portland Avenue to provide access to the Water Works construction site and parking serving 200 2nd St. S.

Exceptions and Conditions

• Emergency vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets at all times.
• Service, delivery and sanitation vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets as part of their regular operations. Vehicle drivers will be required to move and replace barricades.
• Access to residential buildings and residential parking facilities on closed sections of parkways and streets will be maintained.

Social Distancing

The Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
• Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
• Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.

Stay Updated

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for parkway closure updates and other MPRB FAQs, including facility closings and activity cancellations. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board responds to questions about plans for summer closures and cancellations

Following yesterday’s sharing of summer plans, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) hopes the information below addresses the three primary questions it received today, “Why did the MPRB announce these plans so early in the season?”, “Why are pools, water parks and beaches not opening?” and “Are we not offering any summer programs?”

Why did the MPRB announce these plans so early?

The MPRB will continue to monitor the data and public health impacts being shared by the Governor and Minnesota Department of Health and adjust plans as resources allow.

“If the forecast changes and we able to provide summer services beyond what is currently planned, we will do so as resources allow,” explained Al Bangoura, Superintendent. “Right now, our planning is based on the March 25 scenario shared by Governor Walz that predicts the epidemic peak at 14 weeks, or early July. We interpret this to mean people will continue to get sick beyond that peak projection date, and public health and safety measures will be needed well into July and August.”

Bangoura also explains, “We take public service delivery, transparency and managing expectations seriously, particularly during this pandemic. As information was being shared with media and commissioners at the April 1 Board meeting, we felt obligated to share it with staff and the public.”

Unfortunately, some media coverage didn’t accurately reflect information shared. Yesterday the MPRB didn’t say all summer programs are cancelled; it said programs would be cancelled if they could not be modified or done virtually, to ensure social distancing. Staff are working hard to plan for spring and summer (see details below, in program section).

Why aren’t beaches, pools, waterparks and the Webber natural swimming pool opening?  The level of public congregation that takes place at our aquatic facilities and the level of staff required to operate these facilities will make it impossible to open and manage these facilities safely to accommodate social distancing. UPDATE: With almost 80 outdoor aquatic amenities (62 wading pools, 12 beaches, two waterparks, one natural swimming pool), we believe the MPRB has more aquatic amenities than any other city in Minnesota and possibly the country. Maintaining and operating these facilities takes significant lead time and requires significant staff resources. At this time, our workforce has already been impacted by COVID-19. Considering concerns about being able to provide these amenities in a way that would support social distancing, the timeframe and resources required to open them and demands on our workforce, we are not opening these facilities at this time.

Do event cancellations include only MPRB programed events or permitted events too? MPRB events held in neighborhood and regional parks that are produced by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will be cancelled through August. Staff will work to determine if an event can be moved to later in the year, but we anticipate the majority of all MPRB spring and summer MPRB produced events will be cancelled, as they are being cancelled throughout the country. UPDATE: This is for MPRB produced events such as Red White & Boom and smaller neighborhood park events; it does not include permitted events to outside organizations, such as:

• All permitted events and permitted programs as scheduled are still on, unless external organizers choose to postpone or cancel their events. For instance, the Red, White and Boom Half Marathon (which is a non-MPRB event) is still scheduled as planned.
• All weddings and wedding receptions in Park facilities are still on as planned after facilities re-open

If summer programs and team sports that do not allow social distancing are being cancelled, what is being offered? Unless a program can be done virtually or adjusted for social distancing, spring and summer programs, athletics and leagues will be cancelled. UPDATE: The MPRB is following MDH guidelines and intends to allow as many spring and summer recreational opportunities as possible, including: 

• All restaurants/concessions still intend to open per usual, including takeout options as directed via the Governor’s orders.
• Sailing School (both in-house and contracted) programming is currently under evaluation for the opportunity of safe summer operation.
• All watercraft and other rentals are slated to open as normal, with social distancing and sanitization planning.
• Sailboat buoy program is still scheduled to operate, with a delayed buoy draw process
• Canoe rack storage are still scheduled to operate this season.
• Boat launches are slated open May 1.
• Fishing, sailing, canoe docks will be installed per usual.
• Lakes are open for boating and fishing.
• Summer recreation center programming is being evaluated for safe summer operation; however, registration is currently on hold. This includes Music and Movies daily summer programs.
• Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden intends to open for the season – with social distancing measures in place for safe enjoyment of the space.

North Loop Paving and Pedestrian Improvement Project Updates

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

---

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

• Lighting installation is almost complete, it is anticipated that the luminaries will all be installed within the next three weeks
• Sod installation will begin in May
• Tree planting is tentatively scheduled to begin in late April

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

---

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

• This project will start back up on April 6, 2020
• Initial work will begin on the south side 2nd Ave N/2nd St N
  • The work on 2nd Ave N/2nd St N is anticipated to take three weeks
  • Buses will be rerouted while this work is occurring (see Metro Transit web site for detail)
• On the week of April 13, the SW corner of 1st AveN/2nd St N will completed
• Remaining work on 8th Ave N/2nd St N and 10th Ave N/2nd St N will also be completed mid to late April

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

---

Contact Information

Project Manager:

Stephanie Malmberg, stephanie.malmberg@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-3365

Chief Field Inspector:

John Benjamin, john.benjamin@minneapolismn.gov, 651-443-1096

Take Social Distancing Measures Seriously to Keep Minneapolis Parks and Trails Open

Important notice from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Stay six feet apart, no group sports or activities, don't drive across the city or metro to visit popular parks, use parks in moderation

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is asking for the public’s help in keeping parks and trails open while protecting the health and safety of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MPRB has continued to maintain and operate more than 6,800 acres of park land while it opened sections of four parkways or park roads to pedestrians and placed hundreds of signs at popular park locations telling people to stay six feet apart to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Unfortunately, since Gov. Walz’s Stay at Home Order went into effect, MPRB staff, commissioners and park police have been flooded with reports of park users disregarding social distancing guidelines by crowding popular park locations and trails, not staying six feet apart, and participating in team sports and group activities.

“Outdoor recreation opportunities are important for people of all ages during this stressful time,” said Al Bangoura, Superintendent of the MPRB. “But we need people to take the Governor’s orders and social distancing seriously. Everyone needs to do their part to protect others and protect themselves. We are aware of park closures in other states and would hate to have it come to that in Minneapolis.”

Closure of popular, previously crowded parks has already happened in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

“I encourage everyone in the metro area, including Minneapolis residents, to use their local neighborhood parks that are within walking distance rather than flock to the busiest parks in our system. If park visitors need to travel by car to get to a Minneapolis park, I urge them to explore the park system beyond its most popular spots,” said Jono Cowgill, President of the MPRB. “We recognize Minneapolis parks are popular and vital to the wellbeing of our city and region, but right now we need people to understand the importance of social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep our parks open.”

The MPRB is imploring all its park users to strictly comply with the following measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep the park system open:

Stay at least six feet apart from other park users not part of your household. This means you may have to go a little slower and be mindful of others as you pass.

Do not participate in group activities where you can’t always stay six feet apart . No pickup basketball, soccer, football, volleyball or other team sports. No group activities with people from outside your household, like grilling, hammocking or sunbathing in close proximity.

Do not drive across the city or metro to visit popular park attractions. 97% of Minneapolis residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Use the parks and open space available in your neighborhood.

Use parks in moderation. Visit parks for a walk, bike or roll, but do not hang out at the park all day.

Social Distancing

The Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
• Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
• Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.

Stay Updated

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for parkway closure updates and other MPRB FAQs, including facility closings and activity cancellations. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.

MDH Announces Quit Partner: New Free Quit-tobacco Programs Available Online, by Phone, and by Mail

Via an April 1 e-announcement from the Minnesota Department of Health:

The Minnesota Department of Health today is launching Quit Partner (1-800-QUIT-NOW), Minnesota’s new family of programs to help people who want to quit smoking, vaping, chewing or using other commercial tobacco products.

Quit Partner offers many free support options and resources so people can quit in a way that works best for them. Free support for Minnesota residents includes personalized coaching, email and text support, educational materials, and quit medication (nicotine patches, gum or lozenges) delivered by mail.

With Quit Partner being available online, by phone and by mail, Minnesotans looking to quit nicotine and improve their health during the COVID-19 outbreak don’t have to go it alone. According to the CDC, smoking can compromise the immune system, which makes people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. People can use as many of the support resources as they would like and can access them from home. Using coaching and medication together can more than double a person’s chance of successfully quitting.

“Our goal is to provide free quitting help to Minnesota residents when they want it and in the way that best meets their quitting needs. Most people who smoke want to quit, and we’re here to help,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm.

While fewer adults are using tobacco overall, some populations have higher than average rates of tobacco use. To help address these differences and to help people most at risk of nicotine use, Quit Partner offers specialized programs for people living with mental illnesses or substance use disorders, American Indian communities (American Indian Quitline), pregnant and post-partum women, and youth ages 13-17 (My Life, My Quit).

Electronic cigarettes and vaping are introducing more and more Minnesota children to nicotine use and addiction. According to the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey, 1 in 4 Minnesota 11th graders reported using an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, which is a 54% increase from 2016. Now for the first time, through Quit Partner, Minnesota has a program specifically developed for youth.

“The new youth program is especially important, as commercial tobacco use among our high school students has increased for the first time in nearly 20 years,” Malcolm said.

Tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of death, disease and disability in Minnesota. People can help protect their health and their lungs by quitting smoking and vaping.

QUITPLAN® Services, which was established by ClearWay Minnesota, stopped accepting new enrollees after March 31, 2020. ClearWay Minnesota was created with a portion of the Minnesota Tobacco Settlement as a life-limited organization that will end in 2021. In 2019, the state legislature funded the Minnesota Department of Health to establish new statewide commercial tobacco cessation programs to begin on April 1, 2020.

“Thanks to the Minnesota legislature’s action in 2019, residents of Minnesota will continue to have free help to quit smoking, chewing or vaping through the new Quit Partner programs,” Malcolm said.

Quit Partner is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, with quitline programs provided by National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital and largest, non-profit provider of quitline programs.