November 20 Ward & News from Council Member Lisa Goodman

I want to extend positive wishes of thanksgiving and ask that everyone stay safe and healthy as we celebrate the holiday next week.

Lisa

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Last Friday the Minneapolis City Council voted 7-6 to approve a stop-gap funding request from the Police Chief to help stabilize staff levels through the end of 2020. This vote gives Chief Arradondo the ability to hire officers from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department and/or Metro Transit Officers to help the Minneapolis Police Department do patrols and respond to 911 calls. These partnerships are very common and something the city implements ever summer in downtown Minneapolis.

MPD staff levels have declined significantly since the first of the year. 40 officers have retired and an additional 121 are out on medical leave due to PTSD claims. Meanwhile, crime rates are up and although the leadership team has been able to shift staff and priorities, more work with less people has its limits. Without additional temporary assistance, we will continue to see a decline in staff and an increase in response time for 911 calls. When response times diminish, the ability to apprehend suspects is seriously compromised.

While the city is actively looking at transformative ways to improve the MPD – which I support – I feel strongly that we must support our Police Chief and embrace a both/and approach instead of an either/or stance so that we are able to maintain public safety as we work to improve public safety for all people in Minneapolis.

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Share Feedback on Proposed 2021 City Budget at Upcoming Online Public Hearings

There are three upcoming online public hearings for people to share thoughts on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2021 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website.

Online public hearings:

• 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2
• 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9

Learn how to participate in online public hearings.

Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed $1.5 billion budget calls for a 5.75% maximum levy increase. With a 12% increase in the overall tax base growth, three-quarters of Minneapolis residential property owners will see a decrease in their property tax bills with the median-valued household set to experience a $59 yearly decrease.

Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more.

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The 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program Application Window is Open

The City of Minneapolis is now accepting applications for the Minneapolis 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program. This program helps property owners obtain property tax reductions for agreeing to keep a portion of rental units affordable for 10 years. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis with a final deadline of January 8, 2021. Property owners are encouraged to apply early.

Since the launch of the program in May 2018, the Minneapolis 4d program has helped preserve over 1,100 affordable housing units through partnerships with more than 100 property owners. It is one of several strategies the City is deploying to address the affordable housing shortage in Minneapolis.

Program benefits

• 10-year eligibility for 4d property tax rate, which provides a 40% tax rate reduction on qualifying units. The reduction is prorated so if you enroll 50% of the units in the building your reduction would be about 20%, etc.
• Free or low-cost energy assessments and city cost sharing for solar energy installations and energy efficiency improvements.
• A grant to each 4d property, in the amount of $100 per affordable unit, capped at $1,000 per property, as well as payment of document recording fees and first year State of Minnesota Low Income Rental Classification (LIRC) fees.

Eligibility

Owners of market-rate multifamily properties that have a Tier 1 or Tier 2 rental license with at least 20% of the property’s rental units affordable to households making 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Starting this year, single family rental homes can be enrolled in the 4d program. In order to support future affordable homeownership opportunities, the City will release a 4d program declaration of restrictive covenants only if the property is sold to a current tenant, or another buyer with an income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), and in either case the buyer signs an affidavit that says they will occupy the home as their primary residence.

Learn more about eligibility requirements

Property Owner Commitment

Record a 10-year affordability declaration on your property stating:

• At least 20% of units at a property (e.g. 2 units at a 10-unit property) will remain affordable to households making 60% of AMI. You may enroll up to 100% of the units in the building. As of 2020, 60% AMI rents are:
  • $1,086 for a Studio
  • $1,164 for a 1 BR
  • $1,396 for a 2 BR
  • $1,613 for a 3 BR
  • $1,800 for a 4 BR
• Rent increases for tenants in affordable units with rents below 60% AMI are limited to 6% or less annually.
• As units turn over, new tenants must have household incomes at or below 60% of AMI. In 2020, maximum incomes are:
  • $43,440 for one person
  • $49,680 for two people
  • $55,860 for three people
  • $62,040 for four people
  • $67,020 for five people

For more information, email 4dprogram@minneapolismn.gov or call us at 612-673-5055 or 612-258-3390.

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More Spaces Becoming Available This Winter for People Experiencing Homelessness

Partners from the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and State of Minnesota are coming together to encourage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Hennepin County to come inside as winter weather arrives.

A broad coalition of government agencies, nonprofit and philanthropic partners are currently operating the largest and safest emergency shelter system that has ever existed in Hennepin County as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These collective efforts have thus far allowed us to avoid the devastating impacts COVID-19 has had on people experiencing homelessness in other cities.

There is existing emergency shelter capacity, especially for women, children and families. Emergency shelters continue to see beds becoming newly available each day, and some go unused each night. There are also around 200 current vacancies in board and lodge facilities, which provide low-barrier housing that people can access today.

Partners are also working to open new spaces that meet the individual needs of people sleeping outside before the end of the year, and to make permanent improvements to ensure COVID-19 safety guidelines continue to be met at existing and new shelter spaces, as they have since the beginning of the pandemic.

By the end of 2020, partners, including city, county, state and philanthropy, plan to invest $55 million to open at least seven sites to provide emergency shelter, low-barrier housing and protective housing for people experiencing homelessness, as well as enhance existing shelters and expand support services and street outreach. An additional 670 units of very affordable housing designated for people experiencing homelessness will have opened or begun construction by the end of this year.

Partners recognize that emergency shelter may not meet everyone’s individual needs. We are committed to working directly with individuals to find the best solutions available. One person sleeping outside is too many. We are committed to making full use of the options available right now, even as we bring more online.

So far in 2020, 1,300 people experiencing homelessness have found permanent housing with help from city, county, state and nonprofit partners.

Get connected to shelter

Hennepin County

• Single adults: Call Adult Shelter Connect at 612-248-2350.
• Families: Call the Hennepin County Family Shelter Team at 612-348-9410. Hennepin County practices a “shelter all” commitment for families.

New safe spaces, enhanced shelter and expanded supports expected by year’s end

Four new emergency shelter locations |Total investment of $15.2 million for 200 total beds

• Homeward Bound, 50 beds for Native American adults, $7.5 million total investment, planned opening December 1
• Lerner Building, 100 separate units in an “indoor village” for people currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness, $6 million total investment, planned opening end of December
• Salvation Army emergency shelter, 30 beds for women experiencing unsheltered homelessness, $1.3 million total investment, planned opening December 1
• Simpson Housing emergency shelter, 20 beds for women experiencing unsheltered homelessness on a separate floor of Simpson Housing’s existing emergency shelter location, $400,000 total investment, opened in October

New protective housing sites are also being acquired to replace hotel rooms currently leased by Hennepin County for people at high risk of COVID-19 complications due to age or underlying health conditions | $20-30 million total investment

Enhancements to all existing shelters to improve safety and meet CDC COVID-19 guidelines | $5.7 million total investment

• $3.2 million to make physical improvements to existing shelter sites such as air flow systems, partitions, etc.
• $2.5 million to ensure all existing shelters continue to provide 24/7 accommodations

Expanded support services | $17.4 million total investment

• $675,000 to expand homeless diversion services at Simpson Housing to help people find alternatives to shelter
• $700,000 to add seven new street outreach workers
• $16 million in state ESP-CV and CARES Act funding to expand shelter capacity at hotels/motels and shelters, extend shelter hours, increase staffing, support outreach workers and food provision

670 additional units of affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness

In addition to these investments, city, county, state, nonprofit and philanthropic partners continue to work together to develop and preserve permanent affordable housing and to create policies that support a variety of housing options.

 Twelve projects with 670 units of new housing designated for people experiencing homelessness will have opened or begun construction by the end of this year, including:

• Catholic Charities Exodus 2.0 (construction beginning soon): 203 units for people experiencing chronic homelessness
• Park 7 (open now): 61 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Mino-Bimaadiziwin (opening December 2020): 17 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Maya Commons (opened July 2020):  12 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Penn Avenue Union (opened August 2020): 4 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Lake Street Phase 1 (opening late 2020): 6 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Franklin Avenue AICDC site (opening soon): 20 beds for Native American residents experiencing homelessness with chemical dependency
• Gateway NE (opening early 2021): 10 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Scattered site opportunities (opening soon): 200 new units for people experiencing homelessness, including 100 permanent and 100 time-limited, at various sites around the county with subsidies and support services
• Amber Apartments (construction beginning soon) – 17 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Lydia Apartments (construction beginning soon) – 80 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Anishinabe III (construction beginning soon) – 40 units for people experiencing homelessness

New policies to support affordable housing and shelter under review in Minneapolis

The City of Minneapolis is also working on an ordinance to allow shared housing in the city, which would create additional low-barrier, affordable housing options. Zoning requirements related to emergency shelters are also under review to make sure the city can continue to provide adequate shelter space for those who need it.

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Community Trainings on Restorative Justice, Trauma Healing, Self-Care and Resilience, and Racial Healing and Equity

The Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute has several upcoming trainings that are partially funded by the Minneapolis Foundation for all those who live, work, and/or play in Minneapolis. 

Introduction to Restorative Justice for Community Healing and Transformation

Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $50; CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses

Monday, November 23, 2020, 9am-11am CST:  FB page: https://fb.me/e/1Dj2Pemlg

Introduction to Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience for Cultural Competence, Racial Healing and Equity

Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $30;  CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses

Monday, November 23, 1pm-3pm CST:  FB page: https://fb.me/e/cGZKwTKqb

Friday, December 4, 10am-12pm CST                  

Coming to the Table (CTTT) Racial Healing Talking Circles

These free monthly events are free, and donations are gratefully accepted

Saturday, November 21, 2020, 10:30am-12pm CST  FB page: https://fb.me/e/5HboZBg4E

Monday, November 23, 2020, 7pm-8:30pm CST:  FB page: https://fb.me/e/27pzvcW3o

Introduction to Self-Care for Resilience: Training for Practice in Everyday Life

Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $50; CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses

Friday, December 4, 2020, 2pm-4pm CST

STAR-Lite Training: Learning Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience in a Single Day for Cultural Competence, Racial Justice Healing and Equity

Early Tuition: $99 Standard Tuition: $155  CEs/CLEs available for MN mental health professionals, attorneys, teachers, and nurses.

Thursday, December 10, 2020, 9am-5pm CST

Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute :: 5200 47th Avenue South :: Suite 101 :: Minneapolis, MN 55417 : 612-345-4310 : www.mnpeace.org

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Speed Limit Now 20 mph on Local Residential Streets for Safety

Crews have finished installing signs at entry points in Minneapolis alerting drivers that the speed limit is now 20 mph in the city unless otherwise signed. The City of Saint Paul expects to complete its installation of new citywide and downtown gateway signs by early 2021.

Slower speeds on local streets make travel safer for everyone no matter how you get around. The speed limit changes follow detailed technical studies done by the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul Public Works departments to determine appropriate local speed limits as required by state statute.

Now that the gateway signs are installed in Minneapolis, the 20 mph speed limit on local residential streets is in effect. The cities will generally not be posting 20 mph signs on local residential streets.

New speed limits are 20 mph for local residential streets; 25 mph for larger, arterial City-owned streets; and 30-plus mph for a few City-owned streets. Per Minnesota law, cities do not have authority to change speed limits on County and MnDOT roads. Speed limits on these streets in Minneapolis and Saint Paul will not change.

Reducing speed limits is one of the key strategies in the Minneapolis Vision Zero Action Plan, which outlines key steps for the next three years to advance the City’s goal of ending traffic deaths and injuries on City streets by 2027

Video

Watch a video promoting the new slower speed limits in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.

Learn more about the speed limit changes at visionzerompls.com and stpaul.gov/speedlimits.

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Gov. Walz Announces Four-Week Dial Back to Control Spread of COVID-19

As the spread of COVID-19 skyrockets across the state and hospitals voice concern about the ability to treat those who fall ill, Gov. Tim Walz announced new actions to help control the spread of the virus. Turning the dial back, Walz announced a four-week pause on in-person social activities, in-person dining, sports and fitness establishments.

The scientific research and public health data indicate that the virus is spread most in places where people gather for long periods of time, especially when masks are not consistently worn. For instance, a quick stop at a retail store with a mask and physical distancing appears to have a lower risk than a gathering of friends for dinner where guests are likely to be seated closer together and unmasked while eating or drinking — whether it’s at a restaurant or in their own home.

New restrictions

Beginning 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and lasting until Friday, Dec. 18, in-person social gatherings with individuals outside your household are prohibited; bars and restaurants are dialed back to take-out and delivery service only; gyms, fitness studios, entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments will need to close; and adult and youth sports are paused. Retail businesses, salons, and places of worship may continue to operate with proper precautions in place. Childcare remains open. Schools will continue to operate under the Safe Learning Plan, which shifts between in-person, distance and hybrid learning depending on the local conditions of the virus. All other current restrictions also remain in effect.

The pandemic has reached a concerning and dangerous phase throughout much of the Midwest this November. It took 29 weeks to reach 100,000 infections in Minnesota, and just six weeks after that to reach 200,000. Less than three weeks after reaching 200,000 infections, Minnesota will reach 300,000 infections.

To support small businesses that are struggling as they do their part to combat the spread of COVID-19, Walz has announced an additional $10 million in Small Business Relief Grants. This funding will support an additional 1,000 businesses that have applied for the grant program. It supplements hundreds of millions of dollars in small business support that Minnesota has allocated since the beginning of the pandemic. With options at the state level severely limited moving forward, the governor is pushing the federal government for additional support. Minnesotans with questions about unemployment insurance are encouraged to visit uimn.org.

Find more information on the new restrictions.

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Keep Your Loved Ones Safe This Thanksgiving: Stay Home

Because of the explosive community spread of COVID-19 all across Minnesota, holidays need to be different this year. In order to stay safe, protect our loved ones and slow the spread, stay home this Thanksgiving. A huge part of the spread has been through people with no symptoms who don’t even know they’re sick.

New restrictions from Governor Walz limit social gatherings to only the people you live with. This applies to both indoor and outdoor gatherings. These restrictions from 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, through Friday, Dec. 18, will help fight the spread of COVID-19. For everyone’s safety, do not host in-person Thanksgiving gatherings with anyone outside of your household.

Celebrating virtually is always a way to feel the love while protecting our loved ones. This year may be the time to develop special new rituals. Some ideas are to write cards of gratitude to loved ones, cook the same recipes in your separate locations, and virtually show off your Thanksgiving decorations and children’s artwork.

Get tested

Even if you don’t feel sick, consider getting tested for COVID-19. You may be infected without having any symptoms. Find local testing sites on the City website, including free saliva testing at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Remember to quarantine until you’ve received your test results and isolate if you test positive.

And remember, stay home if you don’t feel well, if you've been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days, if you're showing COVID-19 symptoms or if you’re at a higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

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COVID-19 Situational Update as of November 18, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 18,798 cases in Minneapolis and 277 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 12% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 6.3% and ICU admissions increased by 3.5%.
• Over the past week, there have been more than 300 new cases per day on average, with a high of 542 cases reported on Saturday, November 14. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• Cases are increasing across all ages, races/ethnicities, and geographic areas. Youth sports, young adult social gatherings, and dining at bars and restaurants are big drivers of community spread. For example, at least 25% of cases diagnosed in the last two weeks included an in-person restaurant visit.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 17 regarding bars and restaurants remains in effect. The regulation closes bar areas in restaurants, nightclubs, and indoor spaces of entertainment. Food and beverages can be served tableside while patrons are seated and patrons can approach the bar to order as long as they don’t congregate.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 242,043 cases in Minnesota out of over 3.5 million tests completed. There have been 3,010 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 53,486 cases and 1,061 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The Minnesota Department of Health uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of November 12, the State is reporting 116.3 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 80.7 cases per 100,000.
• Currently, Minnesota’s and Minneapolis’s seven-day rolling average rate is higher than what New York City experienced at their highest point this spring. Minnesota’s rate ranks fifth worst in the nation.
• Governor Walz announced new state restrictions [Executive Order 20-99] to control the spread of COVID-19. The following restrictions take effect on Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
• Bars and restaurants must close in-person food and drink service, both indoor and outdoor. Take-out, curbside, and delivery may continue.
• Minneapolis businesses with a curbside pickup zone may continue to use those spaces. Businesses who have not previously had a curbside pickup zone can request one on the City’s COVID-19 Businesses web page.
• The following facility types must be closed:
• Gyms and other fitness facilities, including public pools, and pools and fitness centers at residential apartment buildings or condominiums.
• Recreation and entertainment facilities, such as bowling alleys, movie theaters, museums, arcades, etc.
• Other venues providing indoor or outdoor events, such as festivals or fairs. Drive-in events may continue.
• Governor Walz’s statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.

Thanksgiving guidance

• Stay home: keep your loved ones and your community safe this Thanksgiving.
• Because of the explosive spread of COVID-19, holidays will look different this year. Social gatherings with people you don’t live with are not allowed. Celebrating at home with only those in your household is the best way to keep everyone safe and healthy. Traveling to visit family and friends or hosting social gatherings is not safe right now. These activities will increase your risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.
• Celebrating virtually is a good way to stay connected while protecting others. Consider developing new traditions to honor the holiday. Some ideas are to create a gratitude jar filled with notes about what you’re thankful for, leave a special holiday treat on your neighbor’s porch, or have kids draw a thank you picture to send to frontline healthcare heroes.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• The Health Department continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the 18,798 cases in Minneapolis, 69% have been interviewed and 2.0% have refused. Twenty-three percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English.
• Nineteen percent of cases have been lost to follow-up (LTF), compared to approximately 11% last week. This increase is attributed to a recent change in how the State defines LTF cases. The previous definition was “no contact within 10 days of report”; the new definition is “no contact within five days of report.”
• As is true for contact tracing efforts across the state, the number of follow-up calls to be made is increasing at an overwhelming rate. Currently, 9.6% of new Minneapolis cases still need interviewed.
• Currently there are 34 active case investigators, including four non-MHD enterprise staff and 12 AmeriCorps staff. We will be training additional AmeriCorps and MHD staff as we attempt to keep up with the rapidly expanding workload. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 57 cases per shift and making an average of 82 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.

Community COVID-19 testing and flu shots

• On November 14, MHD staff hosted a free community testing event at East Side Neighborhood Services. 288 people received free COVID-19 tests and approximately 120 people received flu shots.
• The State Health Department is offering free in-person saliva testing at multiple locations including the Minneapolis Convention Center and Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Testing at the Convention Center is open seven days a week from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends. Testing at the airport is open seven days a week from 7am to7pm. Additional information is available on the State’s COVID-19 testing webpage.
• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Through the COVID-19Test at Home program, any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test to be delivered to their home with expedited shipping. The test is then sent to the new lab in Oakdale, Minnesota, for processing.
• The City's testing webpage offers guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19test results. It is imperative that you stay home and away from others while you wait for test results, especially if you are showing any symptoms. The webpage also includes short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.
• We are receiving training on how to use three different types of saliva test kits purchased with federal CARES funding. These tests would be distributed strategically to mission-critical enterprise staff, essential workers in the community, congregate care settings, and at free pop-up testing events. Decisions about how to distribute these tests are being based on available COVID-19 data and health equity principles. Additional details will be shared as our plans are finalized in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 vaccination

• Pfizer and Moderna, two companies in the final stages of COVID-19 vaccine development, released initial results this past week indicating vaccine efficacy rates above 95%. While this is hopeful news, it is critical to keep wearing a mask, washing your hands, and limiting physical contact with those outside your immediate household in order to slow the spread of the virus right now.
• MHD is actively planning for vaccination of Phase 1 critical populations, including staff at senior care facilities and first responders. The City’s vaccine distribution plan for Phase 1A will be submitted to the State by December 4. Our plan will address anticipated challenges with vaccine distribution including ultra-cold storage and two-dose vaccination requirements.
• We continue to host community conversations to share information and gather questions about vaccine development, approval, and distribution. On November 17, our staff met with Hmong community leaders and we plan to meet with this group on an ongoing basis. Additional upcoming community conversations include a District60 Virtual Town Hall with State elected officials via Facebook Live. Watch the event live on Thursday, November 19 from 6:30–8p.m. at www.facebook.com/RepMohamudNoor.
• Training for a new group of Community Vaccine Liaisons started November 18. The liaisons will conduct individual and group discussions with community members in the coming weeks. Information from these conversations will inform our vaccination planning and communications efforts.

Responding to community needs

• MHD staff continue to respond to community requests for masks and hand sanitizer. This past week we saw an increase in the number of requests. Supplies were distributed to religious groups, food shelves, community-based organizations and residents, a Montessori school, the Civil Rights Commission, and a Council Member’s office for distribution in their Ward’s multi-family housing buildings. A total of 6,200masks, 200+ bottles of sanitizer, and 200 thermometers were given to the community.
• We continue to field comments and inquiries to ourCOVID19@minneapolismn.gov email address, averaging between 6-10 per day. Emails received in the past week range from questions about small business relief grants to requests for COVID-19testresults. Residents also are reporting complaints about mask wearing and physical distancing concerns in businesses. Businesses located both within and outside of Minneapolis have been reporting to us positive tests of staff.
• We completed purchases with federal CARES funds and nearly all have been received. Supplies purchased include: personal protective gear and hygiene products, electronic equipment, signage, and administrative supplies to support COVID-19 testing and flu shot events.

Businesses

• Health inspectors completed 50 food safety routine inspections with an emphasis on COVID-19 preparedness plans and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Health inspectors responded to 13 food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 311 complaints; two incidents of reported COVID-19 positive employees/patrons; and one business fire call.
• Environmental Health and Business Licensing staff developed guidance for businesses about the Governor’s Emergency Executive Order 20-96 which placed restrictions on bar and restaurant operations. We are in the process of developing additional guidance to reflect new restrictions announced on November 18 as part of Executive Order 20-99. MHD will assist Business Licensing with compliance when needed.
• Environmental Health is coordinating with Business Licensing and Hennepin County on the approval of three sites to house homeless individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19. The VOA property (143 19th St E) and the Metro Inn (5637 Lyndale Ave) submitted their applications and were approved by Health to move forward for lodging licensure. Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation 2020-19 will assist the Indoor Village in moving forward through the process. Indoor Village has submitted a concept plan and continue to work with CPED and Regulatory Services on fire safety and occupancy issues.
• Stories from the field: The director of a Montessori school described their child screening plan to a health inspector. However, some families did not have thermometers and were unable to follow the school’s plan. The inspector reached out to the COVID-19 logistics team which connected the school with supplies.

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

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard - postponed until Feb 2021

EDITOR'S NOTE - Via a November 17 e-announcment from Northern Lights.mn:

Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard has been postponed until February 2021.

"We recognize that COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Minnesota, and this event falls between two holidays that may cause further spread. We feel that postponing this event is in the best interest of our community. We are tentatively rescheduling for February 18-20, 2021, so mark your calendars! If you have already registered for this event, your registration will be automatically cancelled and you will need to register for the new dates. We will post registration information when it becomes available on our website, social media, and Eventbrite. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@parkconnection.org or call 651-291-8164."  

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Via an October 29 e-announcement from Northern Lights.mn

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard

Northern Lights.mn and our partners are very excited to announce the title and theme for this year’s Illuminate the Lock project.  Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale. An animated video collage projected onto the 400 x 50 foot wall of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is synced with a soundscape of music composed by Lyz Jaakola (Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe) and a recorded narrative by Dakota/Ojibway First Nation elder Millie Richard. Viewers will also find three silent video projections with flickers of imagery from the main video distributed around the lock.  With images of the Grandmother moon (Nokomis), fire, earth, water, and the jingle dress dance entwined in swirling colors, the piece will explore themes of homecoming and finding connection within ourselves to culture, to ancestors, and to nature, no matter how far away we may sometimes feel. From an Anishinaabe perspective, it is as a reminder that Nokomis is always around, an elder always ready for us to reach out and willing to hear what’s in our hearts. Save the details:  Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard, 2020  Thursday, December 10, 11, 12  5:30 - 8 pm, Free   Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika / St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam

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This project is a partnership with All My Relations Arts, a program of Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), Northern Lights.mn,  Mississippi Park Connection and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and is supported through a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board.

10th Avenue Bridge Update

10th Avenue Bridge and Watermain Project

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.

Latest Project News

Construction Update Meeting - Friday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Project staff will hold a virtual construction update meeting next Friday using GoTo Meeting. 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/784924461

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412  Access Code: 784-924-461  

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 see the latest Construction Update or go to the project page 10thavebridge.com

Check out the new drone videos showing construction progress on the project website.

What's Coming Up

The 10th Ave Bridge will remain closed to all traffic including, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians until Summer 2021.

West River Parkway (roadway only) will be closed to motor vehicles through December 15, 2020. The adjacent trail will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians.

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 Info

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

10thavebridge.com

Episode 3 of Milling About with Brianna Rose Airs November 16

Article by Becky Fillinger

Brianna RoseSet a reminder on your schedule - the next episode of Milling About with Brianna Rose will debut on November 16 at 5PM. This episode will air for four weeks on MCN6. Replays follow for one month from the first air date on Thursdays and Fridays at 8PM, and Monday and Tuesdays at 5PM.

This episode will feature speakers and content you’ll not want to miss:

• Dan Turpening, professional accordionist, Owner of The Accordion Shoppe
• Doug Snyder, Executive Director, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO)
• Heidi Amouta, Co-owner, Minneapolis Boxing Club
• Be That Neighbor interview of Erik Sather, Co-owner and Butcher, of Lowry Hill Meats
• Michael Rainville, Jr., with an extended history of the Thanksgiving Day Fire of 1982

What topics would you like to see covered on the show? Milling About with Brianna Rose is a production of Mill City Times, and we cover topics of interest to our readers. We focus on local entertainers, small businesses, neighborhood stories, Mississippi River connections, local food producers and history - and are open to suggestions! Please email Becky Fillinger, executive producer, at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com to suggest ideas or to be a guest on the show.

Health Department to Begin Texting Program to Reach Positive Cases, Close Contacts

Via a November 13 e-announcement from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH):

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will soon expand its toolkit for case investigation and contact tracing (CICT) by notifying people via text that the health department will be calling.

The initiative aims to more effectively reach and inform those who test positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts about what they need to do to prevent further spread, and to better protect the state’s most vulnerable populations through improved outreach and communication. The texting is expected to begin Monday, Nov. 16.

“Reaching every single person by phone who needs information is a monumental task,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Our staff and our partners in local public health and tribal health have done enormous work in this area, and will continue to do so. We ask all Minnesotans to do their part by answering the call, and we hope this text notification helps provide some notice and reassurance.”

“We have information and resources to share with Minnesotans, but we understand that many people are wary of answering a phone call from a number they don’t recognize,” said Chris Elvrum, MDH project spokesperson. “Sending the text lets people know we’re going to call and even tells them what number to expect the call from. Adding this tool boosts our chances of slowing the spread of COVID-19 by increasing the number of people who answer the call and successfully isolate themselves.”

A text message will be sent to people identified as a case or the contact of a case to let them know that a case interviewer from state, local or tribal health departments will be calling to discuss their COVID-19 test results or potential exposure.

The text message is simple:
Answer the Call: State and local public health department staff will be calling you with important information about your health. Please answer the call from xxx-xxx-xxxx. This is an automated text message, please do not reply.

The phone number in the text will vary depending on the region of the state the person is in and will help people know what number to look for so more calls get answered and interviews get completed.

Case interviewers from MDH as well as local public health and tribal health not only gather valuable information from positive cases about the outbreak, but also provide connections to resources to help all Minnesotans reduce the risk of infection.

Combatting fears about calls from scammers pretending to be public health workers is another important part of the project. Getting a text message and knowing what number to expect a call from will help, but there are a few other things to know.

Case interviewers will talk to you about: 

• Symptoms you may be experiencing. 
• People you may have been in contact with. 
• How to avoid getting other people sick.

Case interviewers will never ask for a Social Security Number, bank account information, or credit card numbers. Anyone with questions can visit the MDH website for more information on Avoiding Phone Scams.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the goals of case investigation and contact tracing have remained the same: To contact people who have or were exposed to COVID-19, help people isolate themselves to prevent spreading the virus and educate people on reducing their risk. Each case successfully isolating can prevent dozens of people from contracting the disease.

MDH has engaged with a broad array of stakeholders and public health community partners to assist with case investigation and contact tracing. Those who help guide and support this work include tribal government and tribal public health, local public health, advocacy groups, disability advocacy groups, community-based groups representing people of color and indigenous people, counties, workforce partners around the state, colleges and universities and others. 

For more information on case investigation and contact tracing, see Tracing COVID-19.

Hennepin County & Minneapolis Regional Chamber Launch Elevate Business HC to Support Economic Growth

Via a November 12 e-announcement from Hennepin County:

Hennepin County & Minneapolis Regional Chamber Launch Elevate Business HC to Support Economic Growth

Program offers no-cost support services in three areas for businesses located in Hennepin County

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Today Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber announce the launch of Elevate Business HC, a public-private initiative offering pro-bono services to businesses located in Hennepin County.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to support small and medium-sized businesses in Hennepin County working in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber,” said Hennepin County Board Chair Commissioner Marion Greene, District 3. “Small businesses bring vibrancy, creativity, and life to our region. Many of our region’s small businesses are minority and immigrant-owned, serving as the backbone of our communities. We want to ensure that they are able to survive, grow, and thrive now and into the future.”

The programs included in Elevate Business HC are designed to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. They include:

• Technical Assistance: Professional service providers are available for one-on-one consultations to discuss and find solutions for issues impacting individual businesses in a variety of areas including financing, human resources, technology, and many others.
• Peer-to-Peer Roundtables: Reoccurring and facilitated small group discussions segmented by industry and areas of participant interest with a focus on sharing best practices and problem solving.
• Topic-Driven Webinars: Industry and subject matter experts will discuss issues facing employers with a focus on workforce needs in remote environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include areas like workforce diversification, employee mental health and wellness, insurance policy review, and many more.

“Hennepin County is making this important investment so that our local entrepreneurs and business leaders have tools and resources they need to build a stronger, more inclusive economy than it was before,” said Patricia Fitzgerald, Hennepin County Community and Economic Development Manager. “Helping businesses navigate critical issues and strengthen their organizations will result in benefits across our county and region.”

“Regions that lay a strong foundation now will be better prepared for success when the most difficult part of the pandemic is past,” said Jonathan Weinhagen, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. “The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area grew faster in the period after the Great Recession than our competitive peer regions. Let’s make sure we do the same coming out of the current economic downturn. Elevate Business HC will marshal our resources to help businesses come back strong.”

Funding for Elevate Business HC is provided by Hennepin County through the Federal CARES Act. Hennepin County businesses are encouraged to log on to www.elevatebusinesshc.com to learn more and engage.

Stronger Together: The House of Charity and St. Stephen’s Human Services to Merge

Via a November 11 e-announcement:

The House of Charity, Inc. and St. Stephen’s Human Services, Inc. Boards of Directors are announcing the merger of our two organizations, effective January 1, 2021.  

All current programming will remain in place and no staff layoffs are planned. Dr. Deborah F. Moses, the current CEO/Executive Director of House of Charity, will be the Executive Director and CEO of the combined organization. 

House of Charity and St. Stephen’s Human Services are both longtime, respected non-profit organizations. Both have long histories in Minneapolis, with House of Charity forming in 1953, and St. Stephen’s serving the community since 1972.  

The merger of St. Stephen’s Human Services and House of Charity represents an opportunity to more fully integrate our services in support of people experiencing homelessness, hunger, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. The merger aligns with the core missions of both organizations and will create a comprehensive continuum of care for those we serve, as well as a stronger voice as we advocate for equity and social justice issues at the local, state, and national level.   

House of Charity feeds hundreds of individuals and families every day and provides permanent supportive housing to about 270 people along with outpatient treatment for Substance Use Disorders and mental illness. St. Stephen’s Human Services works to end homelessness through Street Outreach, shelter, and housing programs that collectively benefit more than 4,600 individuals per year. 

Together, we will reach almost 8,000 individuals and families each year with program offerings that include Street Outreach, emergency shelter, housing programs, various food supports, and treatment for addiction and related health issues. The people we serve will benefit from the combined expertise and experience of both organizations.  

A new organization name and logo will be chosen through an inclusive re-branding process in early 2021. 

Together, we can achieve our shared goals and have a greater impact on the individuals we serve and the community as a whole. We will be stronger together. 

If you would like to learn more about House of Charity, please visit their website: www.houseofcharity.org.  

We look forward to building the next phase of our history with you. Together, we will be able to provide more comprehensive services to more people than ever before. In the meantime, all of our programs remain in place and all staff remain in their roles. Our address, phone number, and other contact information will not change. You can continue to support our street outreach, shelter, housing, and early intervention programs on the St. Stephen’s website or on our Give to the Max Day page. 

New Holiday Lights Tour from Experience the Twin Cities

Via a November 10 Press Release:

All Is Bright Open-Air Bus Holiday Lights Tour from Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities revealed a festive new local event for the2020 holiday season, the All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour. The private 30-minute family-friendly tour takes place in the Experience the Twin Cities open-air bus and travels through the dazzling light displays of Inver Grove Heights with Santa at the wheel playing seasonal tunes. Patrons are encouraged to dress warmly, bring blankets, and bring warm beverages. Time slots are available from 5:30 pm to 9:15 pm Thursdays through Sundays in December. Advanced reservations are required and can be purchased on the Experience the Twin Cities website.

“We’re really excited to offer a fun and safe event to help celebrate the holidays and embrace our Minnesota winter. It’s been a challenging year and safety is our top priority, so utilizing our open-air bus puts a fun, hearty Minnesotan spin on an outing to help families and small groups get out of the house and feel festive together,” says Rebecca Pfeiffer, owner of Experience the Twin Cities.

Experience the Twin Cities’ open-air bus fits up to 13 people and the All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour is open to private groups only. Reservations must be made in advance on the Experience the Twin Cities website. A festive snack pack featuring local favorite, Candyland Chicago Mix popcorn, is also available for purchase. The tour has also partnered with B-52s Burgers & Brews, Microtel Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express in Inver Grove Heights to offer discounts for All Is Bright tour patrons. COVID-19 precautions will be in place.

About Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities has been partnering with Twin Cities businesses to craft public and private food, brewery, winery, distillery, and sightseeing experiences for Minnesotans and visitors for over nine years. The company’s popular tours, such as the St. Paul Skyway Food Tour and the Countryside Winery Tour, as well as custom tour experiences, are available to private groups during COVID-19. More info.

Holidazzle Announces More for 2020 Virtual Experience

Via a November 10 Press Release from mpls downtown council:

The Holidazzle Show to headline schedule and feature weekly shows bringing Holidazzle to you.

Holidazzle shared today the first of its 2020 virtual experience, The Holidazzle Show.

The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast will bring elements of Holidazzle to you and yours wherever you are, whenever you’d like. Four episodes of The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast will be available on Holidazzle.com with new episodes airing Friday, November 27 and the three following Thursdays: December 3, December 10, and December 17.

The show will feature a visit from Santa, DIY holiday projects, entertainment, small business holiday gift ideas, local food spotlights, and more. The Holidazzle Show will complement Holidazzle’s 2020 virtual experience providing online content including interactive social media challenges, past photos and videos, live craft demonstrations, and HoliTivities featuring free activities for all ages.

“We are excited to bring the spirit of Holidazzle to you and yours this holiday season through our 2020 Holidazzle virtual experience,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “Wherever you are, you can enjoy the entertainment and activities you’ve come to expect each year at Holidazzle, and we look forward to being together again when we can safely return to an in-person celebration.”

“Holidazzle has been an important long-standing tradition in our community and we are thrilled this year’s celebration will continue in a new way,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice president, Comcast Twin Cities. “All of us at Comcast are proud to be the presenting sponsor of The Holidazzle Show and are excited our customers can seamlessly experience this free and festive destination on the X1 platform.”

Additional details will be announced throughout November.

Other online content and activities include: 

• HoliTivities
• Holiday cooking recipes
• Mpls Craft Market virtual shopping experience featuring local makers
• Where to enjoy winter in the Minneapolis area
• Virtual ice skating lessons
• Weekly social media challenge
• Past Holidazzle photos and videos
• And more

Visit www.holidazzle.com or follow Holidazzle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to enjoy this year’s virtual content.

Holidazzle—which typically takes place in Loring Park—is moving online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued concerns around public gatherings. In addition to Holidazzle, the Mpls WinterSkate ice rink in Loring Park will take the season off to prioritize public health.

About Holidazzle: 

The 2020 Holidazzle is managed and produced by the mpls downtown council. Holidazzle is an annual holiday tradition in mpls downtown that offers free programming and activities for all ages and ability while also highlighting local people, places, and products that make our community unique. The 2020 Holidazzle virtual experience is sponsored by Comcast, Xcel Energy, Mpls Downtown Improvement District, Fulton Beer and more.

About the mpls downtown council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central 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 developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders, and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit www.mplsdowntown.com.

A Mandala - Life is Interconnected

Submitted by Mill District resident, Ric Rosow

Mandala has a number of meanings, some of which are spiritual and one of which is that all life is interconnected. 

Although this was created in Photoshop, it is not a photograph. The work was hand drawn using the mandala brush in Photoshop.

To create this image, I started with a blank document in Photoshop and set the color to black. I split the image into six equal blocks. Within Photoshop, I hand drew white lines on the black background. What I drew in one block, the brush automatically repeated in the five others.

From there I applied colors. I adjusted the hue, saturation and brightness of each color, and blended the color gradients into the black and white drawing. I revised the work several times. 

In addition, I printed two words (other than my signature in the lower right) in the primary block. These were replicated in the other section. The words blended into the lines and the color gradients. Perhaps you can find them. 

You can find more of my photography at www.traveltheglobephotography.com.

October 2020 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

November 6 Ward 7 Update from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Minneapolis Sets New Voter Turnout Record

More than 237,000 ballots were cast in Minneapolis, breaking the city’s record for an election turnout. A record number of voters also cast early ballots, largely to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While the final turnout number for the city may still change, an estimated, unofficial total of 237,689 ballots were cast in this election, including more than 170,000 absentee ballots. That means 80.6% of registered voters in Minneapolis participated in this election.

In comparison, a total of 219,832 ballots were cast in Minneapolis in the 2016 presidential election, which was the previous record. Of those, 60,538 ballots were cast early. Mail ballots postmarked on or by Nov. 3 and received through Nov. 10 will continue to increase the overall ballot totals. A court decision on Thursday gave the City direction to segregate mail ballots received after Nov. 3 but did not direct to the City to leave these ballots uncounted.

Partial, unofficial election results can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

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Take Survey on Transforming Community Safety

Minneapolis community, please provide your input on what community safety looks like and tell us your ideas about a new model of community safety for the City. You can take the survey in English right now, and translations will follow shortly on the City website. Complete the survey by Nov. 20 for the first phase of survey results. Input provided after Nov. 20 may continue to be used for future engagement phases.

In June 2020, the City Council pledged to create a new model of community safety. As part of that, we committed to a yearlong process of community engagement. This survey is one of the first steps in that process. Through the survey, you can share your vision for a new community safety model. You can also provide ideas for how to accomplish that new model.

Results from the survey will be used to help create recommendations for elected leaders and to help guide the City’s next steps for community engagement.

This survey includes some questions similar to other recent City surveys. That includes questions about alternative responses to mental health crises and non-emergency crimes. Any input you already provided on those surveys is valued and will still be used as planned. Recommendations will also be considered as part of this broader focus on transforming community safety.

Take the survey

Take the survey and share it with your community, and check back for Spanish, Somali, Hmong and Oromo versions soon.

You can also check back to stay up to date on progress and more opportunities to provide input.

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2020 Collection of Leaves and Bundled Brush Ends Soon

Garbage day in the week of Nov. 16 is the last 2020 collection for leaves, brush and other yard trimmings. Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling customers can set properly prepared yard waste at their alleys or curbs next to their garbage carts by 6 a.m. on garbage day.

Yard waste must be in compostable bags – paper (Kraft) or compostable plastic – or unbagged in a reusable container 32-38 gallons in size, at least 26 inches high, with sturdy handles. Reusable containers are lifted and emptied by hand; they must be easily managed. Yard waste is not allowed in City-provided containers.

Preparing yard trimmings and leaves

• Less than 40 pounds.

Preparing brush

• Less than 40 pounds.
• Less than 3 feet long.
• Branch size less than 3 inches in diameter.
• Must be bundled with string or twine (no wire or tape).

Reusable containers

• Less than 40 pounds full.
• Between 32 and 38 gallons in size.
• At least 26 inches high.
• Must have sturdy handles.

Which bags can be used in the program?

• Compostable plastic bags labeled with the BPI logo.
• Paper (Kraft) bags.

Bags marked “biodegradable” or “degradable” do not meet the State law and are not accepted.

It’s against the law and bad for our lakes to rake leaves into the street.

Anyone who has questions about leaf and brush pickup can call 612-673-2917 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. People can also find more information on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.

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Fall Street Sweeping Continues

City crews continue to sweep streets across Minneapolis before winter to keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains and ending up in our lakes and rivers as much as possible.

During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Use this link to check dates for street sweeping in your area: sweeping and leaf collection on streets.

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Free COVID-19 Tests and Flu Shots in Ward 7

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

You don’t need insurance for the test. Your flu shot is free if you don’t have insurance. If you do have insurance, bring your insurance card for the flu shot.

Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at Hennepin United Methodist, 511 Groveland Ave. Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

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

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

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COVID-19 Situational Update as of November 6, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 14,542 cases in Minneapolis and 264 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 10% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 4.5% and ICU admissions increased by 3.8%.
• Over the past week, average daily case counts have increased from the mid-70s to more than 100 cases per day. We have surpassed 200 cases per day 3 times in the past week.
• We are seeing increases across age and racial/ethnic groups.
• Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard. Additionally, specific case counts by neighborhood are also available.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 17 regarding bars and restaurants remains in effect. The regulation closes bar areas in restaurants, nightclubs, and indoor spaces of entertainment. Food and beverages can be served tableside while patrons are seated and patrons can approach the bar to order as long as they don’t congregate.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 160,923 cases in Minnesota out of over 2.9 million tests completed. There have been 2,530 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 38,911 cases and 1,009 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The Minnesota Department of Health uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of October 26, the State is reporting 39.6 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 32.1 cases per 100,000. Both the City and State rates have increased significantly over the last week. These numbers put both Minnesota and Minneapolis in the red category. The red category is characterized as a tipping point which might indicate the need for more stringent safety measures.
• Minnesota is currently in Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan for reopening.
• Governor Walz’s statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• The Health Department continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as, contact tracing at both workplaces and with exposed individuals. Currently there are 37 active case investigators, including four non-MHD enterprise staff and 12 AmeriCorps staff.
• Of the 14,542 cases in Minneapolis, 80.7% have been interviewed, 2.4% refused, and 10.2% have been lost to follow-up. Approximately 6.6% of new cases still need to be interviewed. With increasing number of cases, the percent still needing to be interviewed has also increased significantly. Twenty-five percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English.

Community COVID-19 testing and flu shots

• Community testing partner Shiloh Temple sent the following note to Commissioner Musicant thanking the City’s for its commitment to the health of North Minneapolis. “Your team was a pleasure to work with. Also your commitment to the Health of the North Minneapolis Communities is unwavering. Because of you, people of color, and all those who call Minneapolis home, can thrive and be healthy in this great City.”
• A new ad campaign launched on November 1 to promote COVID-19 community testing. The campaign includes targeted social media and community newspaper ads, new dedicated testing webpages on the City’s website, donated billboard space, radio spots, and videos. Messages will be available in multiple languages.
• We are continuing to explore options for indoor testing events during the winter months. We have purchased saliva test kits that can be used at community events or for at-home testing.
• The State health department will offer free saliva testing at the Minneapolis Convention Center starting Monday, November 9. Testing will be available seven days a week, noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Appointments can be made through the Vault Health registration site.

Upcoming COVID-19 testing events

Flu shots will be available at both events. Participants can register at the events and test results are usually available in two business days.

• Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.
• East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE, from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to share COVID-19 vaccination information through presentations and listening sessions with community groups and neighborhood associations. A good source of reliable information about COVID-19 vaccination is the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine website.
• We are recruiting community partners to serve as COVID-19 Vaccine Community Liaisons. So far, we have seven liaisons onboard and are working to fill gaps in geographic or demographic representation. Over the next few weeks, they will conduct community outreach to share information about COVID-19 vaccination and bring back residents’ questions, concerns, and insights to help guide our planning efforts.
• We continue to meet regularly with the State and the Metro Region Healthcare Coalition to plan for vaccine distribution. Initial doses of the vaccine, expected in mid-to late-December, will be distributed to staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities. MHD is reaching out to key partners to coordinate distribution logistics for long-term care sites; the Metro Region Healthcare Coalition will ensure distribution to hospitals.

Food insecurity

• MHD is issuing $970,000 of CARES funding to 37 organizations to increase food security in response to COVID-19. Awards ranged from $2,000 to 53,500 and will pay for food, hygiene supplies and equipment used for food distribution this fall. Organizations will serve BIPOC communities and some are targeting special populations such as HIV/AIDS positive, older adults and persons experiencing homelessness. Funding has been allocated to parts of the city where food insecurity is the greatest.
• CARES funding will also be used to provide supports at Corcoran Park to the families that had been previously served at Powderhorn Park. This effort is a collaboration of MHD, NCR, MPRB and food security partners.

School Based Clinics

• The seven school based clinics (SBC) located in six Minneapolis Public high schools and one alternative school have transitioned to a hybrid model of seeing teens via telehealth and limited in person visits at the clinics. SBC staff have worked hard to ensure that clients have access to health services including mental health and prescriptions often times dropping medications off at students’ homes.
• Although visits and the resulting revenue from insurance is down, the clinics have secured some grant funding to strengthen the capacity for tele-mental health services and health education. While SBCs are successfully adapting, they are concerned about lower immunization rates and the potential for an increased number of sexually transmitted infections due to less STI testing during the pandemic.

Businesses

• Stories from the field: o A couple who own a downtown restaurant reached out to their health inspector asking about City support for their business. The business estimates their sales are at 10% of pre-COVID-19 levels. They are being allowed to pay only 25% of their rent, but the landlord expects the other 75% to be paid in the future. All staff has been laid off except for one part time employee. The Small Business Team is working with them.
• A business owner had an employee test positive. Employees got COVID-19 tests in a variety of places. The owner closed the business while waiting for COVID-19 test results to arrive. The owner was frustrated to find there was not a way to quickly test all staff and possibly prevent the business from closing.
• Environmental Health inspectors performed a bar sweep of six businesses on Friday, Oct 20, as part of a response to increased COVID-19 cases. Overall, the businesses are implementing their COVID-19 preparedness plan accordingly. During the sweep, an inspector noticed a party bus with about 40 patrons on board dancing with no room to move. A complaint was submitted to the party bus company for follow-up.
• Health inspectors completed 94 food safety routine inspections with an emphasis on COVID-19 preparedness plans and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Health inspectors responded to 9 food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 311 complaints. Health inspectors responded to 5 incidents of reported COVID-19 positive employees/patrons. One event was inspected over the weekend.

Homeless encampments

• The environmental assessment of the encampment at Van White Memorial Blvd and 2nd Ave N. was completed. The assessment determined the site is not safe to be camped there. City staff visited the site last Friday to inform the residents. Some chose to leave. Due to the lawsuit, we are not demobilizing the site at this time.
• The City is working to remove a significant amount of trash from a small encampment at 27th and 3rd.
• MRBP has only a few remaining encampments.

Logistics

• MHD staff continues to respond to community requests for surgical masks, cloth masks and hand sanitizer. This past week, supplies were distributed to members of the Shared Powers Advisory Committee and senior living facilities.
• MHD’s COVID-19 email address responds to daily inquiries for guidance on COVID testing, quarantine and contact tracing, complaints about mask wearing in businesses, workplaces and public spaces and solicitations for PPE or donated supplies.
• Federal CARES funds have been used to purchase safety and hygiene supplies, equipment and testing materials to support MHD testing events through November 14.

Find COVID-19 tips for staying well and travel guidelines on the Health Department web page.

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

State to Open Saliva Testing Location at Minneapolis Convention Center on Monday, November 9

Via a November 5 News Release from the Minnesota Department of Health:

Site will offer free saliva tests to anyone who needs it

The State of Minnesota today announced it will open a saliva testing site on Monday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This will be the eighth in the state, offering free saliva tests to any Minnesotan who believes they need to be tested.

“What’s happening in Minnesota right now is alarming,” said Minnesota Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “We are seeing record numbers of new cases every few days. And it’s because we’re falling behind the rapid spread of this virus. This is truly a statewide outbreak, and we encourage anyone who believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to visit one of these no-barrier testing sites. Testing is a key part of our strategy, and we’ve made great progress in removing obstacles to testing thanks to strong partnerships across the state. When combined with social distancing, masking, avoiding crowds and staying home when sick, testing helps us slow the spread of COVID-19 and move us closer to the day when we have safe and effective vaccines.”

Testing will be located at the Minneapolis Convention Center, at 1301 2nd Ave. South in downtown Minneapolis. Those coming for testing should enter on the west side of the building off 1st Avenue, then continue to exhibit room E. Free parking will be available and marked in nearby surface lots and parking ramps.

Due to expected demand, testing will be available seven days a week, noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The State of Minnesota and Vault Health will reevaluate hours of each site as others open and demand waxes and wanes with disease progression in Minnesota. Appointments can be made through the Vault Health registration site.

The state opened the first saliva testing site in Duluth on Sept. 23. Since then, saliva testing locations have opened in Winona, Moorhead, Brooklyn Park, Mankato, St. Cloud, and Saint Paul. State officials plan to open at least two more in the Twin Cities metro area in coming weeks. Those tests will be processed right here in Minnesota, at the new saliva lab in Oakdale. Results will be provided via email within 24-48 hours.

“The Minneapolis Convention Center offers access to thousands of people in the heart of the metro,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Our COVID-19 numbers are moving in the wrong direction, but we still have a chance to turn the tide here in Minnesota if everyone does their part; we hope this increased access to testing will help people learn if they are positive for COVID-19 and to isolate when necessary.”

Testing is free to all Minnesotans who believe they need a COVID-19 test, including those who are asymptomatic. Participants will be asked for their health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or for any reason insurance doesn’t cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains completely free to everyone.

“We’re glad to have another COVID-19 testing option in our community,” said Hennepin County Public Health Director Susan Palchick. “This new site will make it easier for people to access testing, to know if they’re positive, and to take steps to protect themselves and others."

“This is a welcome additional source of testing for those who live or work in our community,” said Gretchen Musicant, Minneapolis Health Commissioner. “Because it will be open seven days a week without barriers it is an important resource as we work to stem the rising number of COVID-19 cases.”

The same saliva test was also recently made available to 23 counties and the Red Lake Nation through the COVID-19 Test at Home Program The service will be available soon to all Minnesotans statewide.

The saliva test is a PCR test, just like the traditional nasal swab, with the same effectiveness rate; however, it is more comfortable to take. Those who come for a test should avoid eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before providing a sample. Once they arrive at the site, they will self-administer the test by spitting into a funnel attached to a small tube. Clinic staff will be available on-site to monitor the collection process and ensure there is enough saliva to be tested.

“Our strategy to managing the virus continues to be proactive, data-driven, and aggressive,” continued Huff. “A higher testing capacity, combined with masking, social distancing, and isolation when appropriate, is critical to that strategy. Our work to bring saliva testing to Minnesotans is an important supplement to the COVID testing options already offered across the state. Growing and diversifying our testing options is a tool to keeping Minnesotans safe.”

For more information about the saliva testing site in Minneapolis, please visit COVID-19 Saliva Community Testing Sites.

A Message from Friends of the Hennepin County Library

A message from Kristi Pearson, CEO, Friends of the Hennepin County Library

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Recently, a young girl gave a gift to the library with a handwritten message tucked in: I’m giving this donation so you can buy books for others. The note proudly declared that she was a friend of the library.

After I read her words, I sat for a quiet moment and reflected.

Especially in a year of such hardship, reading a sentiment so pure and simple from a young patron set so much into stark and dazzling clarity—what does friendship really mean, in a time when our connections to one another are being tested so fully?

My thoughts then turned to our library.

This year, when we've all been in need of support, our library has been a friend to each of us. It has listened to patrons, adjusting quickly to meet the high demand of digital materials. It has understood the need to balance safety with access, opening 30 locations for Grab and Go service. It has distributed free books to children in parks who needed ways to engage in a summer stripped of so many activities.

And of course, our library has shared. Sharing is the very foundation of the library: passing books from hand to hand, sharing knowledge, stories and resources. So today, we’re asking you to do what true friends do best and share whatever you are able.

Give to the Max is the single, largest day of giving to our library, and it’s coming up on Thursday, November 19. It’s a time when our friends from all over band together to support the library that supports us all so well in good times and bad.

Your donation now through November 19 will be counted toward our 1,000 Friend goal to unlock an additional $30,000 matching grant. That extra support is critical with increasing demands and so much uncertainty still ahead.

If you are able, here is the link to donate: https:/give.supporthclib.org/givemax2020

Thank you for ensuring that everyone has a friend in their library. Your kindness and generosity make all the difference.

In solidarity and friendship,

Kristi

Kristi Pearson
CEO, Friends of the Hennepin County Library

Minneapolis Police Precinct 1 Update

Via a November 4 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Police Precinct 1:

Important Informational Alert

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In response to the recent uptick in criminal behavior in the 1st Precinct, please take note of these safety reminders.  Please, also share this information with friends and neighbors. As always, if you see or experience ANY suspicious or questionable behavior, CALL 911.

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY

Personal Safety

• Be aware of your surroundings. Always. Look at and take note of who is near you or your vehicle
• When driving, keep your doors and windows locked
• Take note of vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers or suspect descriptions
• Do not leave your vehicle running and DO NOT leave keys or a fob inside the car
• Maintain good social distance from strangers, this is a good rule for personal safety and personal health
• Be wary of someone asking for the time, directions, to use your phone or if you have spare change
• Do not carry your cell phone in your hand. Keep it safely in an inside pocket. Do not carry it in your back pocket
• Do not walk and text
• Avoid carrying a purse. Carry only what you need in a secure pocket. If you do carry a purse, utilize a smaller bag. Make use of a cross body strap, carry it under your coat so the purse is not displayed
• Consider a self-defense class to increase confidence when out in public
• Use a buddy system when walking, if possible
• Walk in well lit, well-traveled areas

Phones and Financial Security

• Always have your IMEI and serial number for your phone in a safe place.   Keep an electronics inventory list with serial numbers and product descriptions for computers etc.
• Consider a “track my phone” app
• Use a pass code to lock your phone when not in use
• Hide all apps for banking, credit cards and cash pay along with personal information in an “incognito” file
• Record all your credit card, driver’s license, banking, and pass code information. Keep it in a safe place. Consider emailing it to yourself. Do not store this info on your phone unless protected
• Know how to access accounts and institutions incase of loss or fraudulent activity
• Report Lost or stolen items immediately to your financial institutions

Vehicles

• NEVER leave keys or a fob in your car EVER. Do not leave it in the ignition, the glove box, center console or hidden. If it is in the car, your car can be stolen
• Look around before entering or exiting your vehicle
• Check your owner’s manual for a valet key and remove it
• Don’t leave a spare key hidden or in another vehicle
• LOCK YOUR DOORS, even when parked in an access-controlled garage
• Do not leave personal property in plain sight
• Keep doors locked when driving
• Call 911 if intimidated on the road, stay on the phone with 911, do not stop or engage. Drive to a populated, well-lit area.

Residences and Garages

• Keep ALL doors and windows locked – even inside multi-unit dwellings. Use your deadbolt
• Do not prop open any exterior doors
• Be mindful of common use outside doors (front doors, overhead garage door) DO NOT allow someone to follow you into the building
• If you live on the ground floor be vigilant about your access points
• Utilize available lighting or consider adding more
• Do not leave valuables such as bicycles unsecured. Record description and serial number
• If you need to keep your bicycle in the garage, lock it to a secure pole or bike rack bolted to the floor or wall
• Whether single family or multi-unit, ensure your security cameras are operational and are good quality. While cameras rarely prevent a crime, they are excellent in aiding an investigation and subsequent arrest
• Do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle
• Lock your vehicle when parked inside the garage and do not leave valuable such as purses, weapons and electronics
• Maintain good key and access card/fob control
• Get to know your neighbors. Consider forming a building or block club to share information

IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR - FILE A POLICE REPORT.  Call 911 to report assaults, robberies or carjackings. Call 311 or go to http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/index.htm to file a theft report.

FOR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL THE 1ST PRECINCT AT 612-673-5701 or contact Crime Prevention Specialists Renee.Allen@MinneapolisMN.gov or Carla.Nielson@MinneapolisMN.gov for further assistance and/or guidance.

Visit the Minneapolis Police Department on Facebook.

Lighting Up the River

Submitted by Mill District resident, Ric Rosow

Lighting Up the River

I took this photograph last Thursday, October 29, from the Stone Arch Bridge. The buildings to the right of the river are, from left to right: Cedar Riverside Plaza, The Eleven (under construction), the Legacy and a faint blue outline of Stonebridge. I love taking photographs of the Mississippi River and in the process capturing all the development along the river. It was a great time to photograph from that location as the sun was setting off to my right behind downtown. The reflection of the sun on the buildings along the river contributed to the color of this artistic interpretation.

Ric Rosow

Josh Thoma of Smack Shack Invests in New COVID-19 Safety Measures

Via an October 30 Press Release:

New UV Light Air Purification System And Ionic Electrostatic Sanitizing Spray Provide Peace Of Mind For Guests And Staff At Smack Shack And The Lexington This Winter and Beyond

With colder weather already here and COVID-19 cases on the rise throughout the Midwest, local restaurateur Josh Thoma, owner of Smack Shack and The Lexington, has invested in new sanitizing technologies to keep his restaurants clean and his staff and guests safe.

Thoma has installed a new Steril-Aire UV Light Air Purification System at both his restaurants. The system is installed in the existing HVAC ductwork. As the air passes through the filter, UV light penetrates the cell wall of the microorganisms and disrupts the structure of the DNA thereby prohibiting reproduction of the cell. Air continually passes through the filter killing 99% of viruses and bacteria providing clean air to the entire restaurant every fifteen minutes.

“We wanted to do all that we could to provide a safer environment to our guests and staff,” said Thoma. “This is an uncertain time for all of us and our commitment to everyone’s safety is our number one priority.”

In addition to the new Steril-Aire, Thoma has added Graco SaniSpray systems at Smack Shack and The Lexington. The SaniSpray system uses ionic electrostatic technology making the sanitizing process much more thorough and effective than traditional spray bottles. Sanitizer is sprayed at a wide angle thereby covering a larger area. The electrostatic nature of the spray then adheres to surfaces, including frequently touched and difficult to reach areas, resulting in a more comprehensive coverage.

For those guests that may still be apprehensive about dining indoors, Smack Shack has also installed fourteen infrared heaters on their covered patio so that it may be used year-round. Since the system uses infrared heat, not only does it warm the air to a reasonable temperature, but surfaces including the tables and floor absorb the heat as well providing a more comfortable sustained temperature.

For more information on the restaurants safety measures, visit smack-shack.com and thelexmn.com.

October 30 Ward 7 News from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Absentee Ballots Must be Received by Election Day to be Counted

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has overruled the approved consent decree which had extended the deadline for submitting absentee mail ballots for this year’s presidential election. As you know, that consent decree would have allowed absentee mail ballots that were postmarked on or before November 3 (Election Day) to be accepted and included in the final results tally through November 10. The Court of Appeals ruling means that absentee mail ballots must be received by Election Day in order to be counted; there will be no extension provided to receive mail ballots after polls close on Election Night. The Secretary of State’s Office will be disseminating updates about this decision via paid statewide media to alert all voters of this significant change in the rules governing the administration of the election this year.

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Voting Updates

With less than a week until the Nov. 3 election, City election officials have opened two additional Early Vote Centers, making early in-person voting more convenient for even more Minneapolis voters.

There are now four places Minneapolis voters can cast early ballots:

• The new North Early Vote Center at Urban League Twin Cities, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.
• The new South Early Vote Center at Longfellow Park Recreation Center, 3435 36th Ave. S.
• The Early Vote Center at Election & Voter Services offices, 980 East Hennepin Ave.
• The Hennepin County Government Center, 300 6th St. S. (for all Hennepin County voters)

Along with avoiding Election Day lines and crowds during the pandemic, Early Vote Centers are especially helpful to people who need language support or other special accommodations, such as curbside voting.

All four early voting locations are open through Nov. 2. For hours and other information on early in-person voting, go to vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person.

Drop off mail ballots now

Because Election Day is just one week away, mail delivery may not be able to return completed absentee ballots in time to be counted. Instead, City election officials recommend dropping off completed ballots at one of 13 mail ballot drop-off locations now open through Nov. 3. 

Voters dropping off ballots from other voters can bring no more than three completed ballots (not counting their own ballots). They will need to show identification with name and signature and complete simple paperwork.

On Election Day, mail ballots can only be dropped off at one of the 13 drop-off locations until 3 p.m. and cannot be dropped off at regular polling places.

Voting in person on Election Day after requesting a mail ballot

Voters who completed and mailed back their early ballots should check the online ballot tracking tool first thing in morning on Election Day, Nov. 3. If the tracking tool indicates that their ballots has not yet been accepted, they should look up their polling place and go vote in person.

Voters can vote in person as long as election officials have not yet received and counted their mail ballots. Elections staff at polling places check to see if they’ve received and counted mail ballots from voters who want to vote in person. Voters are given ballots as long as the City has not received and counted mail ballots from them. Any uncounted mail ballots from people who have voted in person will be cancelled and not counted (even if election officials receive it later).

Voting on Election Day, Nov. 3

To make voting safer during the pandemic, 50 polling places have changed locations. Be sure to use the online polling place finder.

Pole locations are open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm If you are in line at 8:00 pm you will be allowed to vote.

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City Leaders are Taking Steps for Election Safety

In a video message, Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo discuss how City leaders are working with partners to ensure public safety before, during and after Election Day on Nov. 3.

The City is taking all threats seriously and coordinating with local, state and community partners on preparedness efforts. 

Watch the video.

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Free COVID-19 Tests and Flu Shots in Ward

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests and flu shots. All are welcome. You do not need insurance for the test. The flu shots are covered by insurance. If you have insurance, bring your insurance card for the flu shot. If you don’t have insurance, the flu shot is free.

Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at Hennepin United Methodist, 511 Groveland Ave. Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14

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

Resources

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

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

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Fall Street Sweeping Update

Street sweeping has resumed. Keep an eye on the interactive map on the website for the most up-to-date schedule, and as always, watch for signs on your street at least 24 hours before a planned sweep.

During the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Read more.

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Neighborhoods 2020 Public Hearing Nov. 5

Now that the public comment period has closed on the Neighborhoods 2020 draft program guidelines, the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department (NCR) reviewed the 244 public comments received and created a summary to present along with a public hearing at the Nov. 5 Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. The comments and summary will be available on the Neighborhoods 2020 webpage before the City Council takes action.

Next steps

• 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5: public hearing and presentation at the Nov. 5 Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. Find instructions on participating in the public hearing or watching the presentation on the City website.
• Nov. 12: Budget Committee presentation to discuss the program allocations and base funding amounts.
• Nov. 13: Full City Council vote.

By voting on the program guidelines before the budget, the City Council can discuss the funding needed to implement the program as designed.

Over the next few weeks, NCR will send out more information as it becomes available.

Find City Council meeting calendars, agendas and decisions on the City of Minneapolis’ Legislative Information Management System (LIMS).

Read more about Neighborhoods 2020.

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Comment Period Extended for Draft Built Form Regulations

The City extended the comment period for the draft built form regulations to Nov. 9. The public comment period closes with a public hearing before the Minneapolis Planning Commission, which will vote on forwarding a recommendation to the City Council.

The built form regulations will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions throughout Minneapolis. The regulations are critical to achieving the goals of Minneapolis 2040, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which was approved by the City Council in 2018. The plan will shape how the city will grow and change over the next two decades so all residents can benefit. Under consideration now are technical aspects of Minneapolis 2040 implementation.

Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide the development of new regulations, which will govern issues such as: building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, among other things. The new built form regulations will resolve some of the major conflicts between Minneapolis 2040 and the City’s current zoning regulations. They are also intended to provide more predictability for the scale of new buildings and additions in different areas in the city, including neighborhoods, downtown, production/employment areas and areas served by high-frequency transit. 

Minneapolis 2040 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, following over two years of community engagement. The plan guides growth and change with 14 key goals, including eliminating racial disparities, promoting climate change resiliency, and increasing access to jobs and housing.

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Applications Open for Current and Upcoming Vacancies on Crucial City Boards and Commissions

Six major boards and commissions are seeking applications for people to help shape important City decisions. Most of the boards and commissions below meet between one and four times a month.

Examples of past board and commission work includes reviewing a proposed charter amendment related to the creation of a Department of Community Safety & Violence Prevention (Charter Commission), comparing national best practices with current MPD policies for officer interactions with those experiencing mental health crises (Police Conduct Oversight Commission), and reviewing zoning changes to allow new affordable housing options (Planning Commission).

• The Charter Commission oversees proposed amendments to the City Charter, the local constitution for the City of Minneapolis. Applicants must be qualified voters in the City of Minneapolis. Find recent examples of proposals the commission has reviewed on the City website.
• The Civil Rights Commission spreads awareness about the City's civil rights policies and occasionally serves on panels to review complaints of discrimination from Minneapolis residents. Anyone who lives in Minneapolis can apply for this commission.
• The Police Conduct Oversight Commission is a volunteer body of Minneapolis residents from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Commissioners identify potential areas for study on Minneapolis police policy and practice, make policy recommendations shaped by research and engage the community in discussions about police procedure. See examples of studies completed on behalf of this commission.
• The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission preserves historically and architecturally significant buildings, districts and sites with accommodations for modern day use. Commissioners must have knowledge of historic preservation, reside in a landmark property or historic district, or be a registered architect. See examples of the Heritage Preservation Commission's work on the City website.

• The Planning Commission is responsible for the City’s comprehensive plan, which outlines a vision for developing and improving Minneapolis. The Planning Commission makes decisions about planning and about how properties and buildings are used; reviews proposals; interprets the City’s zoning code; and weighs in on public land sales. See examples of the Planning Commission's work in the annual reports posted on the City website.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears requests for exceptions to zoning rules, appeals, and requests for properties or buildings to keep their original use if the zoning code changes around them. See examples of the Zoning Board of Adjustment's work in the annual reports posted on the City website.

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New Data Dashboards Offer More Transparency with Intuitive Navigation

A new online City resource presents more than 40 different dashboards of continuously updated data. Minneapolis DataSource pulls data sets on many aspects of the City’s work and services including elections, housing, health, community safety (for example, use of force and crime statistics), outdoor air quality, city workforce demographics, and vacant and condemned properties. Minneapolis is using technology to provide services and solve city problems and sharing the data with anyone, anytime, anywhere.

These dashboards provide:

• Transparency.
• One place to find city data.
• Dynamic dashboards responding to user clicks and filters.
• Intuitive navigation and visual data representation.
• Features and dashboards that will continue to grow as part of the continual service improvement efforts.

This comes as part of the City’s IT strategic plan to move toward data-driven decision-making capabilities.

Watch a demo with IT Director Fadi Fadhil introducing the dashboard and some of its capabilities.

Start using the dashboard to find information.

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City Secures Property Tax Relief for Properties Damaged During Civil Unrest

The State of Minnesota has approved requests by the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County for property tax relief for properties damaged during civil unrest.

Following the civil unrest that occurred after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, the City’s Assessor’s Office began reviewing more than 900 properties in Minneapolis that were reported to have potential damage from the civil unrest and determined there was more than $106 million in reassessed value lost as a result of the damage. 

The amount of property tax relief for impacted property owners is estimated at more than $1.7 million for 2020. Of that, the State will be reimbursing the City and other local taxing authorities $1.3 million. The City’s Assessor’s Office collaborated with departments across the enterprise along with partners from Hennepin and Ramsey counties and the Department of Revenue to seek this relief for taxpayers.

Assessment officials have determined that just over 600 properties of the 900 properties reviewed sustained some level of damage and approximately 75 sustained significant damage or were destroyed during the civil unrest and are eligible for property tax relief.

Damage to these properties included: graffiti, broken windows, structure damage due to forced entry, fire and water. While the damage was primarily along Lake Street, there was damage reported across the city.

Hennepin County notified property owners that qualify for the tax abatement that they were not expected to make the Oct. 15, second half property taxes. The County will recalculate the taxes using the City Assessor’s reassessed value and issue a new property tax statement. If the recalculation results in a tax bill being overpaid, a refund will be issued. If there is a remaining second half tax owed, property owners will have 21 days to pay the remaining amount to be considered timely.

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City Council Approves Resolution Establishing Truth and Reconciliation Process for City of Minneapolis

The City Council has approved a resolution establishing a truth and reconciliation process for the City of Minneapolis. The ultimate objective of this process is to begin implementing specific solutions to specific harms that created and perpetuate racial disparities with a prioritized focus on healing with historically Black American descendants of slavery and American Indian/Indigenous communities.

The resolution notes that Minnesota and Minneapolis have some of the most severe racial inequities in the country. African Americans make up 31% and American Indians make up 8% of the incarcerated population but only 7% and 1%, respectively, of the statewide population. The Minneapolis median household income for white families is $68,000 compared to $30,000 for African American families.

The resolution calls for the establishment of a working group that will explore the creation of the truth and reconciliation process and study the meaning of reconciliation, research different models of truth and reconciliation commissions, and understand the impact that such a process might have on the City of Minneapolis and its residents.

Truth and reconciliation processes have taken place all over the world, including in South Africa after the end of Apartheid and in Sierra Leone after the end of an 11-year civil war.

Next steps

The City’s Division of Race & Equity will lead the enterprise-wide effort in collaboration with other City leaders to explore the formation of a truth and reconciliation process. Key work will include consulting with local and national truth and reconciliation experts, people skilled in conflict resolution and other stakeholders from the community. Additionally, the work will involve developing the organizational capacity and framework required for a City-led process and recommending an approach for establishing a truth and reconciliation commission. A report back on the proposed truth and reconciliation process and commission framework is due to the City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee in January 2021.

This latest action follows another resolution passed by the City Council in July declaring racism a public health emergency in the City of Minneapolis. City leaders committed to a series of action steps to dedicate more resources to racial equity work.

Read more.

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Snow Emergency Information Coming to Household Mailboxes

Snow season has arrived. Minneapolis residents should watch their mail over the next several days for information on what to do when the City of Minneapolis declares a Snow Emergency. Residents can avoid a ticket and tow, and also help crews do a complete job by moving their cars when a Snow Emergency is declared. The City is sending out about 182,000 Snow Emergency mailers, one to each household in the city. The mailer has graphics and text showing the parking rules during the three phases of a Snow Emergency.

People should hold on to the mailers throughout the snow season and have them handy whenever a Snow Emergency is declared. They explain the Snow Emergency parking rules and ways to stay informed during the snow season. Following the rules can help make snow season easier for everyone. It’s also important to help neighbors and visitors know the rules.

Snow Emergencies are declared when there’s enough snowfall to warrant a complete plowing of our streets. Moving vehicles allows crews to plow the full width of the street. When the snow flies, City Public Works crews have enormous jobs to do, with more than 1,400 miles of streets, parkways and alleys that need to be cleared. Vehicles parked on the street in violation of Snow Emergency rules can be ticketed or towed.

Getting drivers to follow Snow Emergency parking rules helps the City, too. Towing and impounding vehicles is expensive and makes plowing inefficient, so it’s in everyone’s interest to help drivers follow the parking rules and avoid a ticket and tow.

Sign up now, stay informed throughout the season.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of October 28, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 13,234 cases in Minneapolis and 260 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 6% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 3.9% and ICU admissions increased by 3.3%.
• Over the past week, average daily case counts have increased from the mid-70s to more than 90 cases per day. We have averaged more than 100 cases per day in the last five days.
• Persons under age 35 still make up over 50% of cases over the past week, but we are starting to see a decrease in those under 25 and an increase in those 25 and older.
• Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard. Additionally, specific case counts by neighborhood are also available.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 17 regarding bars and restaurants remains in effect. The regulation closes bar areas in restaurants, nightclubs, and indoor spaces of entertainment. Food and beverages can be served tableside while patrons are seated and patrons can approach the bar to order as long as they don’t congregate.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 139,444 cases in Minnesota out of over 2.7 million tests completed. There have been 2,387 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 34,988 cases and 995 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The Minnesota Department of Health uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of October 26, the State is reporting 27.5 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 19.5 cases per 100,000. Both the City and State rates have increased over the last week. These numbers put Minnesota in the red category, while Minneapolis remains in the orange category. The red category is characterized as a tipping point which might indicate the need for more stringent safety measures.
• Minnesota is currently in Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan for reopening.
• Governor Walz’s statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• The Health Department is conducting over 50 case investigations and contact follow-ups per day for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Of the 13,234 cases in Minneapolis, 84.1% have been interviewed, 2.4% refused, and 10.4% have been lost to follow-up. Approximately 3% of new cases still need to be interviewed. Twenty-five percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English.
• Starting November 5, MHD will be responsible for following up on all Minneapolis cases. In the past we have split the case load with State contact tracers. We are working to boost our staffing capacity to handle this increased workload. As of November 2, we will have 37 active case investigators, including four non-MHD enterprise staff and sixteen AmeriCorps staff.

Community COVID-19 testing and flu shots

• In partnership with Communications, we are developing a new ad campaign to promote COVID-19 community testing. The campaign will launch on November 1 and will include targeted social media and community newspaper ads, new dedicated testing webpages on the City’s website, donated billboard space, radio spots, and videos. Messages will be available in multiple languages.
• On October 22 and 23, we supported a State-led free testing event at Sagrado Corazon Church in South Minneapolis. 476 people received COVID-19 tests. We also led an event at Shiloh Temple in North Minneapolis on October 24. Ninety-two people received COVID-19 tests and 80 received flu shots.
• We are continuing to explore options for indoor testing events during the winter months as well as purchasing saliva test kits that can be used at community events or for at-home testing.

Upcoming testing events

The following events are located outdoors. Tents, heaters, and other winter supports will be provided to help participants and staff stay warm. Test results are usually available in two business days.

• Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. Flu shots will be provided.
• East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE, from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. Flu shots will be provided.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to share COVID-19 vaccination information through presentations and listening sessions with community groups. Last week, we hosted discussions with Mayflower Church, the Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota, the Division of Indian Work, and the Sheridan Neighborhood Association.
• Common themes from these presentations include 1) concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine approval process; 2) questions about flu shots, and 3) questions about timing of vaccine distribution. Two resources we are sharing are the New York Times vaccine tracker and the MN Health Department’s public webpage on COVID-19 vaccination.
• We are activating former members of the Health Department’s Shared Power Advisory Committee to serve as COVID-19 Vaccine Community Liaisons. After receiving training in early November, they will conduct community outreach to share information about COVID-19 vaccination and bring back residents’ questions, concerns, and insights to help guide our planning efforts.
• We continue to develop our COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, due to the State by December 4. Health Department staff are meeting regularly with the State and the Metro Region Healthcare Coalition to plan for the initial phases of vaccine distribution focusing on healthcare workers and long-term care staff.

Businesses

• Stories from the field: • Overall day care and pre-school attendance is down significantly. A school director for Head Start McKnight shared that last year at this time, the Center had approximately 800 children attending the school. Presently, only about 20 children attend. Many day cares and preschools are currently not operating.
• A hotel operator mentioned that their hotel is operating 89 out of 229 rooms. On average, 15 rooms are occupied. On the day of inspection, only two rooms were occupied. Three-fourths of the hotel staff are currently laid off.
• Other business owners report their employees are self-diagnosing “medical conditions” so they do not need to wear a mask.
• An operator in the Como neighborhood wanted to express his gratitude to the City for waving Sewer Access Charge (SAC) fees for expansion of premise options rolled out this past summer. This really helped his business survive as he was able to add 10 additional 4-top tables without any SAC fees.
• During the past week, Health inspectors completed over 100 food safety routine inspections with an emphasis on COVID-19 preparedness plans and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Health inspectors responded to nine food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 311 complaints. Inspectors also responded to four businesses with reported COVID-19-positive employees and/or patrons.

Halloween messaging

• Check out Mayor Frey’s Halloween video message, featuring his daughter Frida, for tips on how to have spooky fun!
• Find ideas for staying COVID-19 safe in a lighthearted Halloween flyer that ranks activities with pumpkin faces!

Homeless encampments

• City staff is concerned about a growing encampment at 2nd Ave. North and Van White Memorial Blvd in North Minneapolis. The site has environmental concerns. MHD staff is reviewing information about the site to determine if it is safe for people to be camped there. Notification was given to the residents of the site last Friday letting them know we are doing an assessment and that the outcome could impact whether or not people are allowed to stay.
• The Greenway encampment continues to have about 100 tents with people moving in and out daily.

Logistics

• MHD staff continue to distribute cloth masks and hand sanitizer to community requestors. This past week, supplies were distributed to Minneapolis Public Schools, a long-term care facility, a neighborhood association, a community member, and the Civil Rights Commission. Hand sanitizer remains a popular item and we have a variety of sizes available for distribution thanks to a recent donation by Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.
• We are reconnecting with past recipients of supplies to identify ongoing needs, especially any requests we may be able to fill quickly using CARES funding. We are focusing on engagement with long-term care facilities, community clinics, and multi-family housing.

Food insecurity

• Last week, MHD released a rapid response Request for Proposals to address community food insecurity needs linked to COVID-19 and the resulting financial distress. $470,000 will be made available to community groups to purchase food and hygiene products, food storage equipment, and other food distribution supports. 46 applications, totaling more than $1.2 million in requests, were received by the Wednesday, October 28 deadline. Funding decisions are expected to be announced on November 2.

Find COVID-19 tips for staying well and travel guidelines on the Health Department web page.

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

November News from the Northrup King Building

Via an October 30 e-newsletter from the Northrup King Building:

The Northrup King Building November Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who came out for Mask-erade! We loved the fun, the masks, and, especially, the art. November brings with it even more opportunities to revel in and purchase art for your collection. There's no better time to browse than Art Attack! Virtual Edition (this year you can even get in on the attack action early with Art Attack! Collection). And the annual shop local holiday, Small Business Saturday, returns on November 28.   Plus: Celebrating Kolman & Pryor Gallery. And, to artists reading, don't miss on the call for art below!  More after the jump ~

Art Attack! Virtual Edition

Participate in Art Attack! Virtual Edition from the comfort of your blankets (especially nice as hibernation mode came early this year). From Friday, November 6 - Sunday, November 8, you can shop over 350 local, small businesses with art and other goods to embellish your home. Who doesn't need something gorgeous and new to go on a wall nowadays? Shop Art Attack! Virtual Edition here.

Art Attack! Collection

Art Attack! Collection is the perfect balancing act: View and peruse over 350 artist's work at the Northrup King Building in a safe and distanced way! Gallery 332 showcases the breadth and talent of over 100 of our artists during the following openings: Saturday, October 31 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM  Thursday, November 5 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM We hope you'll join us! An attendant will be present to ensure social distancing is able while visitors join us in the gallery space. Masks are required. Image credit: Michael Bellotti Fine Art

Call for Art: Social Justice Exhibit

Call for artists to join a social justice art exhibit & forum at the Northrup King Building in Gallery 332. 10 artists will be selected to exhibit their works and participate in a virtual panel discussion regarding the relevancy of art and social justice, moderated by Tina Burnside, Director of the Minnesota African American Museum & Gallery. Works must be relevant to social justice themes of racism, intolerance, and the need for racial equality in America. The exhibit will be open during three Extended Hours offerings at the Northrup King Building in December. While open, the exhibit will be socially distanced with 10 guests at a time and masks required.   Interested in submitting? Here's the need-to-know info Please submit three samples of your work to Beverly Tipton Hammond at tiptonhammond@yahoo.com by November 2.  Deadline to submit: Monday, November 2 at 5:00 PM.  Art drop off to Northrup King building: November 24.  Exhibit opens: December 3, 5:00 - 9:00 PM during Extended Hours: First Thursdays. Exhibit also open: December 5 & 12, 12:00 - 4:00 PM during Extended Hours: Open Saturdays. Virtual panel discussion: Saturday, December 12, 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Art pick up: Sunday, December 13, 12:00 - 2:00 PM Drew and Beverly Tipton Hammond are the event hosts and submission jury. Above artwork courtesy of Drew and Beverely Hammond.

Exciting News from Kolman & Pryor

Kolman & Pryor Gallery (#395) turns 10 years old on November 5, and to celebrate, they've created a brand-new grant initiative: The Project Space.  The Project Space will award $10,000 grants to Minnesota artists beginning in 2021. This initiative will support the grantees with funds, technical support, and exhibition space to advance their careers. Grants are based on capstone proposals submitted to the gallery. The first group of grantees are: Betsy Ruth Byers, Kelly Jean Ohl, Jodi Reeb, Julie Snidle, and James Holmber. More information about the The Project Space will soon be available on Kolman & Pryor's website.

Small Business Saturday

Support local artists and creative business with our favorite shopping initiative: Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday 2020 is November 28, 12:00 - 6:00 PM this year! It's the Saturday after Thanksgiving: If you can't travel to visit family this year, we'd love to have you over. Expect studios and galleries to be open for your enjoyment and shopping ease. Masks required and social distancing will be enforced.

November Extended Hours

This month's regular Extended Hours offerings are:  First Thursdays | November 5, 5:00 - 9:00 PM Open Saturdays | Every Saturday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Parking is available and free. We hope you'll join us to peruse four floors of art!   Masks are required at all times while shopping at the Northrup King Building, and open studios (and their visitors) must comply with state and city regulations regarding COVID-19, which limits the number of shoppers allowed in a studio/gallery at any one time. Due to the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, public building hours are subject to change.  Artists and businesses will continue to set their own hours or availability; we encourage you to contact artists ahead of time to ensure they will be open and operating during our extended hours. You can use our online Studio Directory to do so.

Minneapolis Park Foundation Announces "Wild and Rare" Talk, December 10

Via an October 30 e-announcementfrom Minneapolis Park Foundation:

Next Generation of Parks™ Event Series: A "Wild and Rare" Talk

It's opening night of the 2020-2021 Season, featuring Minnesota author and landscape architect, Adam Arvidson

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When: 7:00pm, Thursday, December 10

Where: Everywhere, via Zoom
Tickets: Always Free • Register Now

Adam ArvidsonAdam Regn Arvidson is Director of Strategic Planning for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and an award-winning author of two non-fiction books about nature and the environment, including most recently, Wild and Rare: Tracking Endangered Species in the Upper Midwest.

Wild and Rare is an exploration of the ways in which humans are knowingly and unknowingly interconnected with the natural world, through the lens of 10 of our state's most iconic species and their landscapes - lillies, mussels, plovers, roseroot, butterflies, and the lynx, among them.

In this dynamic live event, you'll meet a cast of plant, animal, and human characters that will help you look at our delightfully diverse neck of the woods anew.