April 12 Newsletter from 7th Ward Council Member Goodman

Open Doors Minneapolis

Doors Open Minneapolis is a new civic celebration that is a collaboration between the City of Minneapolis, the American Institute of Architects (AIA-MPLS) and sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation and a variety of corporations and businesses.

The event is an opportunity for the public to enjoy free access to over 110 venues throughout the City of Minneapolis that tell the story of the city through the venues, businesses and individuals that make our city a great one.  It will be held from 10 AM – 5 PM Saturday/Sunday May 18-19.  If you go to www.doorsopenminneapolis.com you can see the participating venues and volunteer!!  We need 900 volunteer greeters please consider!! 

Join in the Earth Day cleanup and 5K run/walk

The 2019 Earth Day cleanup and 5K run/walk are Saturday, April 20. Neighbors, businesses and volunteer organizations come together for a common purpose: stewardship of our City’s parks, neighborhoods and watersheds. Volunteers pick up trash and help clean up at several sites around Minneapolis.

5K Bee Run at Boom Island Park 7:30 a.m. Registration opens 8:30 a.m. Kids run 9 a.m. Fun run/walk

Cleanup at sites around the city Individuals can arrive at any site between 9:30 a.m. and noon. No pre-registration required.

The cleanup is a collaborative effort held each April by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling, and several neighborhood organizations.

To learn more about the cleanup events or join in, call 612-230-6479 or visit the MPRB's website and click on “Get Involved.”

City Council approves vision, mission and values as part of City’s Strategic and Racial Equity Action Plan 

The City Council has approved the City’s vision, mission and values as part of the Strategic and Racial Equity Action planning process — a framework that will set the direction for the future of the City and ensure the implementation of racial equity goals.

The Strategic and Racial Equity Action Plan is a four-year plan that will embed racial equity principles into all aspects of the City’s work, aligning work from City leadership to departments and defining goals at all planning levels that can be objectively measured and inform resource decisions. The council is expected to vote on a final version of the plan in June.

The City’s vision adopted by the City Council reads as follows: “Minneapolis is an intentionally compassionate city where each of us can reach our full potential while caring for one another, eliminating racial disparities, improving our environment and promoting social well-being. We lead in innovative and creative ways, focused not only on our present needs, but also the success of future generations.”

The adoption of the vision, mission and values follows the approval of eight City goals earlier this year. The goals were informed by community engagement from the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minneapolis 2040’s first goal is to eliminate disparities and a targeted number of policy areas from the plan have been identified as policy priorities for the Strategic and Racial Equity Action Plan.

Mayor Frey and the City Council have also directed City staff to focus on strategies in 2019 for three top priorities: reduce evictions among communities of color, increase the number of businesses owned by people of color and eliminate the disproportionate impact of violence in communities of color, immigrant and indigenous communities.

Additionally, the City Council adopted City enterprise goals in December 2018 that call for increasing the retention of racially and ethnically diverse employees, diversifying the City’s vendor base, improving the use of racially disaggregated data in policymaking, and improving the capacity of the City’s boards and commissions to advance racial equity work.

Responding to the urgent need to prioritize and address historic racial disparities in Minneapolis, this is the first time the City has merged its strategic planning with a racial equity framework. To learn more about the plan, visit the plan’s website or contact RaceEquity@minneapolismn.gov.

Minneapolis Public Health Week to honor public health heroes, resource fair April 17

As part of National Public Health Week, the City of Minneapolis will honor local public health heroes whose work supports the goals of the Health Department and helps to raise awareness of the critical roles that public health and prevention play in making Minneapolis healthier.

Public Health Hero award ceremony and resource fair 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, April 17 City Hall Rotunda, 350 S. Fifth St.

The Local Public Health Hero Awards will honor the accomplishments of community partners whose service to public health activities transforms and strengthens the lives of our residents and visitors.

The resource fair will include interactive booths staffed by Health Department employees who will:

• Show you how to test mugs, toys, cookware and other products for lead.
• Offer you a chance to spin the wheel of worksite wellness, answer trivia questions and register for a prize.
• Provide a hand-washing station that helps you see if you are washing your hands correctly and demonstrates proper hand washing.

Is your child missing school because of asthma?

Is your child missing school because of asthma? The Minneapolis Asthma Program can help. Families with a child with asthma can get a home visit by a healthy homes specialist who can identify sources of asthma triggers in a home. Many homes have asthma triggers that can be reduced by using a HEPA air cleaner to remove pollen, mold spores and pet dander.

The healthy homes program offers the HEPA air cleaner, allergenic pillow and mattress covers and more products free to families.

Help your children to stay in school and reduce their asthma triggers. Request a visit by calling or texting Eliza Schell at 612-685-8512 or emailing her at eliza.schell@minneapolismn.gov. This program is run by the Minneapolis Health Department and is brand new in 2019.

Get ready for spring street sweeping, avoid a ticket and tow

Public Works crews are gearing up to start the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program to clear away what had accumulated in the streets over the winter. The City has scheduled Tuesday, April 16, for the first day of sweeping. Beginning Monday, April 15, drivers should watch for temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow.

Starting April 16 for approximately four weeks, sweeping crews will take care of more than 1,000 miles of city streets in addition to sweeping alleys. To make sure the crews can do the most complete job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

Residents, workers and visitors have several ways to find out more about street sweeping:

• “No Parking” signs – Crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day a street is swept. The “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking. Drivers should not park along these streets until these temporary “No Parking” signs are removed.
• Phone calls to residents – In addition to the “No Parking” signs that will be posted the day before sweepers come through, the City will make about 3,500 automated phone calls each evening to let residents know their streets will be swept the next day.
• Interactive web tool – To find out which week your street is scheduled to be swept, go to www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping and click on “street sweeping schedule lookup.” Then the weekend before your week, you can revisit the website to find out which day of the week the street is scheduled to be swept.
• Video – Street sweeping is explained in short video at www.YouTube.com/cityofminneapolis and on City cable channels.

Clean streets mean a healthier environment

Minneapolis is known for its sparkling lakes and waterways, and we want to keep it that way. That’s why protecting and enhancing our environment is one of the City’s top priorities. Street sweeping is one way we work to protect our environment because it keeps leaves, trash and other pollutants from clogging our storm drains and polluting our lakes and rivers.

Minneapolis streets are swept completely curb to curb once in the spring and once in the fall. 

Residents should not push leaves, grass clippings or anything else into City streets. It’s bad for our lakes and waterways, and it’s against the law. Anything that goes down a storm drain flows directly into our lakes, creeks and river, and decomposing plant material in the water encourages the growth of harmful aquatic plants and algae.

City gears up for 2019 construction season

The City’s 2019 construction season kicks off this month with projects planned throughout Minneapolis to improve the transportation network and underground utilities, making travel safer and more efficient for all travel modes.

The increased investment in the City’s street network is a result of a landmark agreement passed by the Minneapolis City Council in 2016 that provides $800 million over the next 20 years to help maintain streets and neighborhood parks. Improvements to pedestrian, bicycling, water and sewer infrastructure are also planned.

2019 construction projects at a glance:

• Hennepin Downtown: Hennepin Avenue between Washington Avenue South and 12th Street will be reconstructed to make the street more functional for all travel modes. The reconstruction will also update the aging infrastructure, such as the 1880s-era sanitary sewer system, and coordinate private utility work to support a growing city. Utility work begins Monday, April 15, on Hennepin between Seventh and 12th streets. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on that five-block stretch of Hennepin. (Note: Hennepin bus routes will move to Nicollet Mall beginning Monday, April 15.)

• Eighth Street reconstruction project: Eighth Street between Hennepin and Chicago avenues will be reconstructed. Utility work is underway and heavier construction is scheduled to start in late April.
• Fourth Street reconstruction project: Fourth Street will be reconstructed from Second Avenue North to Fourth Avenue South. Utility work 80 feet below the road surface is underway, and roadway construction is expected to start in 2020.
• 10th Avenue Bridge rehab and water main project: The 1929-era bridge over the Mississippi River will be rehabilitated. The existing water main suspended from the 10th Avenue Bridge will be replaced with a new water main under the river. The water main relocation is scheduled to start in late April, and the bridge work will begin later this fall.
•  
  • 34th Avenue South reconstruction: The City is reconstructing 34th Avenue South between East Minnehaha Parkway and 58th Street East. Construction on the avenue between 50th and 58th streets is scheduled to start in mid-April.
  • 28th Avenue Bridge: A new bridge will replace the existing 1904-era bridge over Minnehaha Creek. Construction is expected to start in mid-June.
  • North Commons Park sidewalk gap: The project will focus on filling sidewalk gaps around North Commons Park in north Minneapolis.
  • Penn Avenue North lighting project: New lighting will be installed on Penn Avenue North between Glenwood and 44th Avenue during the two-year project. Work this year will focus on installing lights on Penn between Glenwood and 23rd Avenue North.
  • Hoyer Heights residential reconstruction project: The project in the Waite Park neighborhood of northeast Minneapolis involves residential street improvements along with the replacement of 1930s-era sanitary sewer infrastructure on multiple streets. Utility work starts in mid-April.
  • North Loop paving and pedestrian improvements: The paving project will reconstruct five streets, restore historic street material in some areas, widen sidewalks and add greening, among other improvements. A bikeway connection will also be made along Fifth Avenue North to Target Field Station. Pedestrian safety measures will be installed at 16 intersections throughout the North Loop. Construction will begin in May 2019 and is expected to be completed in spring 2020.

• Safe Routes to School-Roosevelt High School: The project will focus on pedestrian improvements on 28th Avenue South between 40th and 41st streets.

For more information about all of the City’s 2019 construction projects, visit minneapolismn.gov/cip. The City is working to minimize construction impacts as much as possible. Visit minneapolismn.gov/traffic to sign up for citywide traffic alerts and for traveling tips.

Work begins for Hennepin Downtown reconstruction project

Beginning Monday, April 15, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on Hennepin Avenue between Seventh and 12th streets downtown as utility work starts for the Hennepin Downtown reconstruction project. Hennepin Avenue will be reconstructed from Washington Avenue South to 12th Street. The redesign will make the street more functional for all travel modes.

The downtown section of Hennepin Avenue was last rebuilt in 1986. After more than 30 years, the pavement is worn out and needs to be replaced. The reconstruction will also update the aging infrastructure, such as the 1880s-era sanitary sewer system, and coordinate private utility work to support a growing city.

Hennepin bus routes will move to Nicollet Mall beginning Monday, April 15, for the duration of the reconstruction project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

Hennepin Avenue — one of the city’s most celebrated cultural corridors with several theaters and entertainment venues — attracts thousands of people every day. Once complete, the reconstructed Hennepin will remain a two-way street with wider sidewalks, one-way protected bikeways in both directions, enhanced transit stops and four vehicle lanes. Hennepin will remain a busy and thriving destination during construction with public art projects planned in coordination with the reconstruction project.

Animal Care and Control low-cost pet vaccinations April 28 and May 19

Minneapolis residents can bring in their pets for low-cost vaccinations April 28 and May 19. The City will offer rabies vaccine, feline distemper vaccine, canine distemper vaccine, and microchipping for $10 each or $25 for all three. You can use cash, check or a credit card.

Low-cost pet vaccinations

2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sunday, April 28 Minneapolis Animal Care and Control Shelter, 212 17th Ave. N.

2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sunday, May 19 Minneapolis Animal Care and Control Shelter, 212 17th Ave. N.

All dogs must be on a leash, and all cats must be in a carrier. Must have a valid ID and/or proof of Minneapolis residency to participate.

www.minneapolismn.gov/animals

35W@94 reconstruction update from MnDOT

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced the latest short-term and long-term road closuresthat will affect driving on I-35W. Remember to plan ahead and consider alternative ways to get downtown as work continues on MnDOT’s 35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown project. Make sure to check the website before your trip, and sign up for email updates to stay current. Metro Transit bus routes and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority routes will be affected by construction.

About the 35W@94 project 

• MnDOT, Metro Transit, the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County are partners in the four-year reconstruction of I-35W between 43rd Street and downtown Minneapolis that will improve accessibility, safety and mobility in the corridor. The work started in September 2017 and is scheduled to be complete in fall 2021.
• The work includes reconstructing 2.5 miles of freeway, reconstructing 11 bridges and repairing four bridges, adding new access ramps from I-35W north to 28th Street and from I-35W south to Lake Street, and replacing ramps from I-35W north to I-94 west and I-94 east to I-35W south. Bus riders will experience a new two-story transit station at Lake Street and walkers and bicyclists will have new pedestrian bridges at 24th and 40th streets and improvements near the Midtown Greenway.
• To learn more about this project, current traffic impacts and detour routes, and to sign up for email updates, visit www.mndot.gov/35w94.
• Plan ahead, know your route and check 511 and the project website for updates: www.511mn.org.

Jobs with the City 

Ever considered working for the City of Minneapolis? Opportunity is knocking. The City of Minneapolis has more than 900 different job types. Find your dream job today.

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/jobs. 

Orpheum, State and Pantages Theatres, plus 900 Hennepin, to Remain Open During the Hennepin Avenue Reconstruction Project

Via an April 12 e-letter from Mark Nerenhausen of Hennepin Theatre Trust:

Hello friend,

I am writing to you as someone who is interested in shows and events in the Hennepin Theatre District to share information about a major improvement project beginning next week along Hennepin Avenue. The City of Minneapolis will break ground Monday, April 15, on a long overdue project to replace century-old utility pipes and other infrastructure between 12th Street and Washington Avenue.

We at Hennepin Theatre Trust are excited about what this project means for the Theatre District, including upgraded utilities and a newly designed streetscape that will contribute to an even more vibrant and welcoming experience for downtown visitors. However, we also recognize that a project of this magnitude will create some disruption and delays when attending shows or events in our spaces.

The most important thing you need to know is that the Orpheum, State, Pantages Theatres, as well as 900 Hennepin, will remain open and accessible throughout this multi-year project.

We are working closely with the Minneapolis Department of Public Works to minimize the disruption to patrons who visit our theatres and nearby restaurants, hotels or other businesses. We are even planning additional public art projects — including a major initiative to be unveiled in June — that will make your trip to Theatre District as enjoyable as ever.

To learn more about this project, please visit HennepinDowntown.com. Rest assured, we will make sure that you are aware of updates that may affect your visit to our theatres.

Thank you for your continued patronage. I look forward to seeing you at one of our shows soon.

Sincerely,

Mark Nerenhausen

President and CEO 

Road Closures for April 13 Hot Chocolate 5K/15K

The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Minneapolis takes place Saturday, April 13, at Boom Island Park, with start times of 8:10am for the 5K and 8:55am for the 15K.

The following roads will be closed from approximately 7:30am-12pm:

SE Main Street

Stone Arch Bridge

West River Parkway - from Plymouth Avenue to E 27th Street

Let the Games Continue: Sports Minneapolis has Plenty in Store for the Region in Q2

Via an e-announcement from Meet Minneapolis:

The biggest championship series in college basketball lit up Minneapolis this past weekend, and Sports Minneapolis still has ‘plenty of game’ to come for the region. From volleyball to Taekwondo, events in the coming months will bring an estimated 32,000* people into the greater Minneapolis region, more than 26,000 of them from out of town. Those visitors are expected to fill more than 32,000 hotel room nights throughout the second quarter of 2019, all of which adds to the economic vitality of the community.

The Minneapolis Convention Center will be the headquarters for these amateur sports events, and the economic impact will spread far beyond, to people providing transportation, food and beverage, technical expertise, event planners, and other businesses that are part of the thriving tourism and hospitality industry in Minneapolis that employs 36,000 people.

“Part of the mission of Sports Minneapolis is to successfully bid on and help execute sporting events in the region for the benefit of our community,” explained Sports Minneapolis Executive Director Melvin Tennant, “And while we work hard to bring in national events like this summer’s X Games or the just-concluded NCAA Final Four, smaller events are also part of the backbone of what we do. In addition, the flexibility of space in the Minneapolis Convention Center allows us to attract a wide variety of sports events.”

The largest of the upcoming sports events at the convention center is the 2019 USA Taekwondo National Championships that run from June 28 through July 4.

“We expect more than 10,000 out of town visitors to be in the Minneapolis region for that event,” said Sports Minneapolis Director Matt Meunier. “That’s thousands of people who will be spending money on hotel rooms, dining, shopping and entertainment during weekends and holidays when business travelers and convention attendees are typically scarce.”

Upcoming sporting events at the Minneapolis Convention Center include:

• 2019 Northern Lights Qualifier – April 19-28. Estimated attendance: 17,000*
• 2019 Region IV Xcel Regional Gymnastics Championships – April 26-28. Estimated attendance: 2,000*
• Stars and Stripes Classic 2019 Volleyball – May 24-26. Estimated attendance: 2,000*
• 2019 USA Taekwondo National Championships – June 28-July 4. Estimated attendance: 10,875*

The successful work of Sports Minneapolis to bring both amateur and professional sports to the community is reflected in the growth of sports tourism hotel room nights. In 2018, nearly 29% of the hotel room nights actualized through the booking of conventions, meetings and events were attributed to the work of Sports Minneapolis – in 2015 it was 14%.

*Attendance numbers are provided by partner organizations and are subject to adjustment based on meeting planner and event rights holders’ projections.

ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS

Sports Minneapolis leads the region in bidding, winning and executing major professional and amateur sporting events that impact the city of Minneapolis and beyond. Sports Minneapolis, a division within Meet Minneapolis, has played a major role in securing events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s Final Four, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, USA Girls’ Jr. Volleyball, CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer, X Games and more. Amateur and professional sports events increase visitor spending and tax revenue that benefits the local community.

In addition to securing upcoming NCAA championships and major events, such as the 2020 Division I Wrestling Championships, 2021 Division I Men’s Gymnastics Championships, and the 2021 Division I Men’s Basketball Regional, Sports Minneapolis and its partners will be the local organizing committee for the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four. For more information on Sports Minneapolis, visit www.sportsminneapolis.org.

POW! BAM! Out Of The Box Presents The Amazing Adventures of Acis and Galatea, the Wonder Nymph

From the company that brought sopranos to a boxing ring for its Diva Cage Match comes a whole new theatrical experience. Out of the Box Opera presents The Amazing Adventures of Acis and Galatea, the Wonder Nymph with three performances only (5pm, 7pm and 9pm) on Saturday, May 11 at the A-Mill Artist Lofts, 315 Main Street SE.

Members of the audience won’t just be watching the show; they’ll be in it. Immersed in the action of this passionate, roaming opera, they’ll move to four locations inside the historic 1881 Pillsbury A Mill – from the crypt-like hydro power tunnels that predate the Civil War to the Mill’s dramatic rooftop overlooking the Mississippi River and downtown skyline. The last act performed on the rooftop will segue into an after-party for the audience.

Out of the Box Artistic Director David Lefkowich describes the show as “an intimate retelling of an epic story.” He explains, “It is our biggest production to date with more performers, musicians and theatrical elements than any previous show we have created. But due to the intimacy of the spaces in the A-Mill (each show is limited to 60 people), the audience will be participating in the drama as the story unfolds.” 

Lefkowich drew some of the inspiration for the show from comic books. He sees the story of Acis, the mortal, and Galatea, the nymph, as a kind of superhero adventure: “Girl meets boy; boy meets cyclops; cyclops kills boy and the girl brings him back to life. What could be more comic book than that?” The show also drew some of its inspiration from the New York underground sensation Sleep No More, where audience members explore an abandoned hotel interacting as they go with scenes based loosely on MacBeth. Lefkowich wants to work the same kind of theatrical magic: “We’ll create an environment where all five senses come alive and the audience experiences opera in a completely new way.”

Out of the Box is proud to be showcasing local Minnesota talent: Galatea is played by Siena Forest, a soaring soprano who won over the crowd at the first-ever Diva Cage Match by jumping on the ropes in stiletto heels. Tenor David Walton sings the role of Acis. He earned rave reviews for his recent performance in Glimmerglass Festival’s The Barber of Seville. And Andrew Witzkowski plays the role of the Cyclops, Polyphemus. He is no stranger to taking opera “out of the box,” having created his own show, Guns N' Rosenkavalier, as a mash up of art song and rock concert. The cast is rounded out by a “Greek chorus” of five ensemble singers. Lara Bolton serves as the music director.

The 1718 opera with music by George Handel, and a libretto by John Gay, with Alexander Pope and John Hughes, is based on Ovid's Metamorphoses. It was Handel's most performed opera during his lifetime.

Tickets are $60 for the 5pm and 7pm performances and $50 for the 9pm show. VIP tickets, which include two drinks of your choice from the full bar can be purchased for an additional $15 ($75 for the 5pm and 7pm shows and $65 for the 9pm show). Tickets

ACES 24th All-Star Evening To Honor Mark Rosen

ACES TO HOST 24TH ANNUAL ALL-STAR EVENING WITH VIKINGS COO KEVIN WARREN AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Professional Athletes and Community Come Together to Celebrate Student Success and Honor Mark Rosen

Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES), a local non-profit offering after-school learning programs, will host its 24th Annual All-Star Evening Thursday, May 9 at the Hyundai Club in US Bank Stadium with Minnesota Viking Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren as the keynote speaker.

The evening will bring together professional athletes, media personalities and community stakeholders for silent and live auctions and an opportunity to learn more about ACES commitment to caring for Twin Cities youth. ACES will also honor the career of media personality and ACES supporter Mark Rosen, who has been involved with the organization for over a decade. Rosen served on ACES Advisory Board of Directors, where he was instrumental to the organization's success over the years.

The annual All-Star Evening has continued to grow, providing valuable resources. In 2017, the event raised $203,000, while in 2018, the event raised $240,000. That funding increase allowed ACES to shift the program’s model and more than doubled the amount of time youth spent in ACES throughout 2018. ACES hopes to continue this trend, raising $310,000 in 2019 to sustain and grow after-school programs.

Founded in 1994, ACES has provided after-school programming to over 6,000 youth throughout the Twin Cities by preparing students for school and their future careers through an innovative, sports-themed curriculum. In 2017-2018, ACES provided 300 hours of programming per student and conducted 20 experiential learning field trips. In 2019, ACES will serve an estimated total of 500 students. ACES also has an e-mentoring program, connecting athletes and sports staff with mentees in the ACES program, building relationships and talking about life beyond middle school.

The achievement gap is especially prevalent in the Twin Cities area, and carries major implications for the future economic and social health of Minnesota. Research shows the transition from middle school to high school exacerbates this gap, so ACES is working to change this trajectory, preparing students with the skills needed to successfully navigate the transition. Data from the 2018 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments shows math proficiency still remains a challenge in Minnesota, especially for youth of color.

During the 2017-2018 program year, ACES saw significant growth in students' academic and social-emotional skills, thanks in part to new initiatives — including dramatically increasing the amount of time students spent in academic programming, increasing the opportunities for "a-ha" moments. “Our frequent attendees had 20 percent higher math scores than those who came less frequently,” said ACES Executive Director Christina Saunders. “This proves what we already know: consistent and quality instruction is key.”

A large component of ACES’ success has been its valued partnerships with professional athletes who have a passion for student education. The Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba has played a large role, visiting multiple sites in 2018 and speaking at the 2018 All-Star Evening, where he was awarded the ACES Locke’d In award for his outstanding volunteerism and commitment to after-school programming. Dumba and former teammate Nino Niederreiter also bought out luxury suites at 11 Minnesota Wild home games to provide ACES students with an NHL experience. ACES staff have seen an immense impact on student learning at after-school programs since putting an emphasis on athlete integration.

For more information on ACES 24th Annual All-Star Evening, visit www.aces4kids.org/all-star-evening and to donate to ACES, visit https://aces4kids.org/donate.

ABOUT ACES

Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES) is an academic after-school program that engages urban youth in learning and provides opportunities to build the skills necessary to succeed academically, develop personally, and become responsible, contributing members of the community. ACES was founded in 1994 by Dr. Rajiv Shah and has served over 6,000 youth across the Twin Cities. Follow ACES on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Hennepin County Will Activate Outdoor Warning Sirens During Severe Weather Awareness Week

4/10/19 UPDATE:

The National Weather Service is cancelling the tornado drill watch/warnings for Minnesota for Thursday, April 11.  The NWS will not be issuing any test tornado watches/warnings for anywhere in Minnesota on Thursday, April 11.  The cancellation is due to the very strong snow storm set to arrive later Wednesday. Blizzard warnings are already in effect for part of the state.  It is also cancelled for Friday, April 12, as some areas of Minnesota will still be experiencing heavy snow and/or strong wind.  We will *not* be issuing any test tornado watches/warnings for Minnesota on Friday.  This decision has been made through many discussions with many of our public safety partners. We wish this decision didn't have to be made, but feel it is especially wise based on the expectations and timing of the incoming storm. (If local governments, businesses, schools, etc wish to continue with their own drill on Thursday, April 11, that is a local decision.)

Via an e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

As part of a statewide drill, the county will activate outdoor warning sirens on Thursday, April 11, at 1:45pm and 6:45pm.

The drills are part of Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 8-12. In Minnesota, more than half of federally declared-disasters are due to severe weather. This week serves as a reminder to create, update and practice emergency plans.

Sirens alert people who are outdoors of severe weather warnings and other situations when they should take shelter. People who are indoors may not hear them and should use another means to monitor the weather, such as an NOAA weather radio.

Outdoor warning sirens sound for weather when the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning and/or if there are reports of sustained straight-line winds in excess of 70 miles per hour. While the county activates sirens, the cities within Hennepin County purchase and maintain the equipment.

Siren safety tips

• Obey the sirens. Sirens mean people should seek shelter and tune to local weather information on radio, television or an NOAA Weather Radio. Unless it’s a first Wednesday of the month drill, the warning is real.
• Be weather aware. Know the weather forecast when you start the day, and check the weather throughout the day.
• Be alert and know where to shelter. If conditions change quickly or you see violent/threatening conditions, seek shelter and tune to local media. Take time today to learn and practice the emergency procedures at your workplace or school.
• Get a personal warning. Sirens alert people who are outdoors. Inside your home, you may not hear them. Use an NOAA weather radio or a severe weather smartphone app and stay tuned to local media.

Real-time weather monitoring

View interactive weather forecasts, maps and more at hennepinwestmesonet.org. Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news. Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.

The Southern Theater Launches Good Night Series

New Programing Starts Monday April 15, 2019

The Southern Theater is launching a new program series on Monday April 15 at 7:30 that highlights new ideas, works in progress and previews. Good Night at the Southern is an opportunity for artists and companies to share their upcoming work, and for audiences to get a first glance into what’s coming up in the Twin Cities arts scene.

3-5 companies or artists are selected for a different Monday night each month with performance genres ranging from theater, dance, music, spoken word, comedy and more. Each performer will have up to 20 minutes to showcase their work, followed by a post-show gathering where audiences can learn more about the company, hear more about upcoming shows, purchase tickets, buy merchandise, or mingle with the artists.

The April 15th inaugural show features performances by MixTape, urban and street dance that focuses on accountability to community, challenging tradition and artistic collaboration, Ballet Co. Laboratory, a company of professional artists presenting original and collaborative productions, and Corey Adam, Twin Cities comedian.

Future Monday nights are scheduled for May 13, June 10, July 22 and August 19. Tickets for the 7:30 performances are Pay What You Can and will be available at the door the evening of the performance (no advance purchases). 

Twin Cities Sightseeing Tours Announces Minneapolis Riverboat and Bus Combined Tour

See our exciting and historic city by land and water

Twin Cities Sightseeing Tours recently announced a new offering for 2019: Two great experiences, one low price. They've combined the relaxing Sightseeing Tour with a spectacular river cruise to create a summer midday treat. It begins with a 90-minute city tour, incorporating the best of Minneapolis' past and present, before concluding with a thrilling 90-minute cruise down the mighty Mississippi River. This tour is excellent for visitors, locals and families alike!

TOUR OPERATES:
Fridays 10:45am-1:45pm (May-Oct)

SIGHTS:
Mississippi Riverfront - Sculpture Garden - Walker Art Museum - Stone Arch Bridge - St. Anthony Falls - 
Basilica of St. Mary - Mary Tyler Moore Statue - Nicollet Island - Iconic buildings - IDS and Foshay - Guthrie Theater - Mill City Museum - Prince landmarks - Bob Dylan Mural - Sports Stadiums - US Bank, Target Field and Target Center

PRICING:
$55 per person

PICK UP:
Minneapolis Visitors Information Center, 505 Nicollet Mall 

More info

Employee Art on Display in Hennepin Gallery Through June 20

From caring for patients at NorthPoint Health & Wellness to reducing barriers for new employees in Human Resources, from managing key information technology initiatives to keeping at-risk children safe, Hennepin County employees perform a myriad of tasks.

For people who often work behind the scenes, the biennial Employee Art Show offers a spotlight to show talents that aren’t part of their daily work routines – painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, textiles and more. 

The Hennepin Gallery at the Government Center will provide a venue for county employees’ artwork through June 20. 

The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 6pm, at the Hennepin County Government Center, A-level, 300 S 6th Street.

The exhibit is sponsored by and is a project of Hennepin County Communications.

Road Closures for April 7 for Goldy's Run

The following roads will be closed Sunday, April 7 from 7:30am-12pm for Goldy's Run 10 Mile:

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West River Parkway from 13th Avenue S to E 38th Street

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East River Parkway

March by the Numbers

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Share Your Feedback on Vision Zero

Via an April 4 e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:

Vision Zero: Safe streets for everyone

The City of Minneapolis has joined the national Vision Zero movement to eliminate deaths and life-altering injuries on our streets. It is unacceptable that people die in traffic crashes on our streets. Together, we can prevent severe injuries and deaths caused by traffic crashes.

To reach this ambitious goal, we are working with people from across our community to develop a Minneapolis Vision Zero Action Plan. The Action Plan will set our path to achieve a safe transportation network for all people. We expect to release a draft plan in fall 2019.

The City of Minneapolis committed to Vision Zero in September 2017 through adoption of a City Council resolution. The Vision Zero Action Plan is being coordinated with the Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan, which is a 10-year action plan to guide future planning, design, and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they move around. 

Learn more about Vision Zero at: www.visionzerompls.com/

Sign up here to receive Vision Zero email updates.

Follow VisionZeroMpls on Twitter and Facebook and share your thoughts with #VisionZeroMpls.

Take our Vision Zero survey

Minneapolis is creating a Vision Zero Action Plan that will set our path to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries on our streets by 2027.

Help us prioritize efforts in the Vision Zero Action Plan by completing this 10-minute Vision Zero survey.

Join us at upcoming community workshops

The City is hosting 5 community workshops and 1 online open house in April to collect public input on two transportation-related plans: the Vision Zero Action Plan and the Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan.

Community Workshop (Southwest)  
Tues. April 9  
4–6pm 
Richfield Lutheran Church  
8 W 60th St

Community Workshop (South)  
Thurs. April 11 
5–7pm 
Longfellow Recreation Center 
3435 36th Ave S

Community Workshop (East)  
Tues. April 16  
4–6pm 
Northeast Recreation Center 
1530 Johnson St NE

Community Workshop (Downtown) 
Mon. April 22 
4–6pm 
Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room 
300 Nicollet Mall 

Community Workshop (North) 
Wed. April 24 
5–7pm 
Farview Recreation Center 
621 N 29th Ave 

Online Open House (Facebook Live) 
Tue. April 30 
6:30–7:30pm 
City of Minneapolis Facebook page

Your participation is encouraged and welcomed. If you require assistance, reasonable accommodations, interpreting services or materials in alternative format please contact Millicent Flowers, Public Works, 612-673-3310 or email visionzero@minneapolismn.gov. People who are deaf and/or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-673-2157. 

Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge Update

The Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge was repaired last year.

Via an April 4 announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Contractor returns next week to finish up work

The Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge reopened last November after an extensive repair project revitalized the 118-year-old structure.

Beginning next week (the week of April 8, 2019) workers will be onsite to perform remaining work not completed in 2018. This includes site grading and turf establishment, concrete abutment work, paint touch-ups, and electrical work.

The follow-up work is not anticipated to close the bridge, but please use caution around construction areas.

A Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled this year and details will be publicized soon.

About the Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge

The current trail connection between Boom Island Park and Nicollet Island was originally built in 1901 as a railroad bridge. In the 1970s, the rail yard it served was cleared and the bridge was given to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, which converted it to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the 1980s.

In late 2013, the bridge was closed to emergency and maintenance vehicles after significant deterioration was discovered during an inspection. Emergency repairs were completed in July 2015 and permanent repairs were performed May-November 2018.

Project Page

Minneapolis Parks Foundation Announces PopUp Dinner at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation invites you to join them in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center for the summer's most artful and delightful picnic-in-a-park, Saturday, August 10. Event proceeds benefit the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. PopUp Dinner Twin Cities is a beautiful picnic and vibrant gathering under the stars. The dress code is all-white attire, with hats, belts and accessories in the color of your choice. Enjoy outdoor dining in style, along with a live band and dancing.

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Reserve Tickets

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board launches new Comprehensive Plan effort, “Parks for All”

Two-year process will set vision for the next decade of Minneapolis Parks and Recreation

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to announce “Parks for All,” a new comprehensive planning process that will set its priorities and policy direction for the next decade.

Parks for All will engage Minneapolis residents and park users, along with MPRB staff and commissioners, over the next two years to shape the future direction of Minneapolis’ park and recreation system.

What is Parks for All?

The last MPRB Comprehensive Plan was approved in 2007 and set a vision through 2020. Parks for All is the next MPRB Comprehensive Plan, which will guide the Minneapolis park and recreation system for the next decade.

The MPRB Comprehensive Plan guides everything done by the MPRB. It articulates why the MPRB exists, identifies how the MPRB performs its work, and describes what the MPRB hopes to become.

Parks for All is separate from the recent City of Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. It solely covers the Minneapolis park and recreation system. It will build off other recent MPRB plans including service area master plans for neighborhood parks, master plans for regional parks and other plans and policies that have been developed by MPRB in recent years with community input.

Get involved now

• Visit the Parks for All website at minneapolisparks.org/parksforall and subscribe to email updates.
• Follow the Parks for All Facebook page
• Fill out the Dream Park Survey online
• Submit your ideas in person using a Park Dream Box at any MPRB recreation center or at MPRB Headquarters
• Invite MPRB staff to attend a meeting or event in your neighborhood, organization or community. Email cchristensen@minneapolisparks.org to share ideas!

Community Collaborators

MPRB invites local grassroots, neighborhood and cultural organizations to convene their own conversations about the future of Minneapolis parks and recreation through the Community Collaborator program. Please consider submitting a project proposal designed to broaden community engagement for Parks for All.

Funding varies $500-$3,000 according to the project idea and proposed budget. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis with three rounds of submission and review in April, August and December 2019. First deadline is April 22.

Community Collaborator Application [PDF]

The MPRB is hosting two pre-proposal information sessions about the Community Collaborator program:

• Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 4:30 pm
• Monday, April 15, 2019, 4:30 pm

Both meetings are at MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road. They are not mandatory.

Coming Soon

• Apply to serve on the Community Advisory Committee. The application will be released in late April.
• Participate in community meetings and events. Meetings will be posted on the project website as they are scheduled, please sign up for email updates!

Final Four Arrives in Downtown Minneapolis

With March Madness in full swing, the Final Four is right on our heels! Setup for this week's festivities have begun across downtown, including at The Commons, which will serve as an entry point to U.S. Bank Stadium. The NCAA is bringing more than just the big game to Minneapolis; check out the fan festival, music series and free practice games too! Click here for more information, including road closures and event times. Final Four Friday: April 5, U.S. Bank Stadium - free open team practices and all-star game March Madness Music Series: April 5 - 7, The Armory - free music series, pass required Final Four Fan Fest: April 5 - 8, Convention Center - kids 12 & under free Tip-Off Tailgate: April 5 - 8, Nicollet - free activities and entertainment National Semifinals: April 6, U.S. Bank Stadium Final Four Dribble: April 7, Convention Center - free youth basketball practice National Championship: April 8, U.S. Bank Stadium

Peavey Plaza Revitalization Underway The new Peavey Plaza is on track to open summer 2019. To date, a new accessible ramp has been installed, the granite basin raised, and fourteen of thirty-five new trees planted. Work continues in the equipment room and on the plaza fountains. Learn more about the project.

Spring Planting at Hennepin-Lyndale Around the Corner In 2018 Green Minneapolis partnered with MnDOT, neighborhood organizations and cultural institutions to transform the Hennepin-Lyndale Crossroads. This year Green Minneapolis will maintain the new plantings and look to expand the project's footprint north and south.

Chameleon Shoppes Select Dates | April 1 - 26 Now in Gaviidae Commons, visit four Chameleon Shoppes - short-term pop-ups with new treats, eats and retail from a rotating collection of local minority- and women-owned businesses. View shoppe retailers here.

25 Communities to Compete in Step To It Challenge

25 communities to compete in Step To It challenge

Build healthy habits by joining the Step To It challenge, open to people of all ages and abilities at no cost to participants.

Track your activity online from May 1 – 28 for the chance to win prizes. Almost any activity counts, such as mowing the lawn, gardening, yoga and manual wheelchair use.

Compete solo or as part of a group

• Cities/communities — 25 communities will compete to win one of three titles: Most Active Community, Most Active Residents and Most Engaged Community. The most active people from each community will win Minnesota Twins tickets and recognition on field at a Twins game.
• Schools — Two elementary schools with the most participation will win Twins tickets and a Twins collectible.
• Workplaces and other groups — Earn bragging rights while focusing on personal wellness goals.

All participants are eligible for Twins tickets and Step To It t-shirts through random prize drawings conducted in each participating community.

Learn more and register at steptoit.org.

March 29 Newsletter from 7th Ward Council Member Goodman

City preparing for Final Four festivities

Minneapolis is gearing up to welcome teams and fans for the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four April 5-8.

The City is focused on ensuring the four-day event in downtown Minneapolis is a safe and welcoming experience for visitors and residents.

In addition to the games at U.S. Bank Stadium, there will be several family-friendly events:

• A free three-day music festival at the Armory.
• Fan Fest at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
• Activities and entertainment on Nicollet Mall.
• A free open house at U.S. Bank Stadium for team practices and the All-Star Game.
• The “Final Four Dribble” with youths dribbling basketballs on downtown streets.

The City has worked with event organizers and downtown stakeholders to minimize traffic and parking disruptions as much as possible. There will be limited road and lane closures around U.S. Bank Stadium and Nicollet Mall.

There are many ways to get around downtown for Final Four activities. Transit and walking are great options. For planning to drive, park once and enjoy downtown by foot. For more tips, visit finalfourminneapolis.com and watch the recent Final Four “Know Before You Go” press conference.

City closing streets, restricting lanes around U.S. Bank Stadium, Nicollet Mall for Final Four festivities

The City began the first phase of street closures around U.S. Bank Stadium in preparation for the 2019 Final Four in downtown Minneapolis April 5-8.

Through Friday, April 12, the following streets are closed around the stadium:

• Chicago Avenue between Fourth and Sixth streets.
• Norm McGrew Place between Third and Fourth streets.

Additional closures and lane restrictions begin Wednesday, April 3, as noted on the map. Roadways, bike facilities and sidewalks will reopen beginning Tuesday, April 9. Chicago Avenue South and Norm McGrew Street will be closed through Friday, April 12.

The City is also closing portions of Nicollet Mall and adjacent streets for Final Four festivities. Closures begin Monday, April 1, and all roadways will reopen Thursday, April 11 if not sooner. Note: 11th Street from Marquette Avenue South to LaSalle Avenue South will be closed intermittently April 5-8.

Pedestrian access and sidewalks along Nicollet Mall and cross streets will remain open.

The City of Minneapolis has worked closely with event organizers and stakeholders to craft a traffic management plan that will enhance the Final Four experience while minimizing disruption to traffic and parking as much as possible.

Apply for openings on Minneapolis boards and commissions

Several board and commission positions are open for City Council and mayor appointments this spring. Board and commission members in the City of Minneapolis help shape key policy decisions, give community-based input into the City’s administration of services and supply valuable insights. The City seeks applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to strengthen the work of the City. Translation and interpreting services are available on request so all residents can participate.

People can apply through the open position pages linked below and stay up to date on vacancies, position descriptions and timelines by visiting minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings. The positions are open until filled.

There are 77 open positions on 10 City boards and commissions:

• Animal Care & Control Advisory Board. Apply by April 19.
• Census Complete Count Committee. Open until filled.
• Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission. Apply by April 12.
• Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Apply by April 19.
• Racial Equity Community Advisory Committee. Apply by April 12.
• Southside Green Zone Council. Apply by March 30.
• Upper Harbor Terminal Community Planning and Engagement Committee. Apply by April 14.
• Violence Prevention Steering Committee. Open until filled.
• Workplace Advisory Committee. Apply by April 12.
• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Apply by March 30.

Boards, commissions and advisory committees

The City of Minneapolis has more than 50 volunteer-based boards, commissions and advisory committees that advise the City on issues and help develop policy and administer services. Boards and commissions fall into a handful of categories: appeal boards, development boards, general advisory boards and special service districts (defined areas within the city with special services).

Appointments to boards and commissions are made twice a year: in the spring and fall.

Minneapolis’ appointed boards and commissions are becoming more inclusive with a steady increase in residents of color serving. A new study shows that the City has met its race diversity benchmark with board and commission members within 80 percent of the city’s demographics. Thirty-three percent of the City’s board and commission members are people of color, whereas the population of Minneapolis is 36 percent people of color.

The City still pursues more diverse representation in its appointed boards and commissions with:

• High school and technical school graduates.
• Renters.
• People ages 18-24.

Potential applicants can find more information at 612-673-2216 or OpenAppointments@minneapolismn.gov.

2019 collection of leaves and bundled brush begins week of April 8

The 2019 season for Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling collection of leaves, brush and other yard trimmings starts the week of April 8. 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 26-32 inches high, no more than 26 inches wide, with sturdy handles. Reusable containers are lifted and emptied by hand; they must be easily managed. Yard waste is not allowed in City-provided garbage, recycling or organics recycling carts.

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 26 and 32 inches high.
• No more than 26 inches in diameter.
• 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, creeks and river to rake leaves into the street.

For questions about leaf and brush pickup, customers can call Solid Waste & Recycling at 612-673-2917 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. People can also find more information here.

Youth Violence Prevention Week events March 30-April 6

The City of Minneapolis joins a national public education effort by participating in its fifth annual Youth Violence Prevention Week. Activities and events March 30-April 6 will call attention to the issue of youth violence, identify strategies to combat this public health epidemic and promote the positive roles young people and adults can play in making their communities and schools safer.

A diverse array of youth-oriented activities includes a pop-up recording session, basketball tournaments, art, dance, a girls’ symposium and personal safety workshops.

Find details in the 2019 Youth Violence Prevention Week event list.

Minneapolis among top metro areas nationwide for solar jobs growth

Minneapolis-Saint Paul is among the top metro areas nationally with Chicago, Miami and Seattle for the number of solar jobs added in 2018.

The Solar Foundation released a map on the number of solar jobs in every state, metropolitan area, county and congressional district revealing how solar energy is supporting local economies nationwide. The report found 242,343 solar workers in the United States as of 2018.

To tackle climate change, Minneapolis has set clear and ambitious goals to get Minneapolis to 100 percent clean energy by 2030. The City of Minneapolis and Xcel Energy offer these programs and uses these practices that help support solar jobs:

• Incentives for solar projects through the City of Minneapolis.
• Incentives for solar projects through Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards.
• Solar panel installation on select City buildings.
• Community solar garden subscriptions.
• Purchase of Renewable Connect for City energy use.

Find out if your home or business is right for rooftop solar.

Find the interactive solar jobs map and detailed state fact sheets at SolarStates.org. Find complete information on the National Solar Jobs Census 2018 at SolarJobsCensus.org.

Join 2020 Census celebration April 1: We Count

Join Mayor Jacob Frey, Council Member Abdi Warsame, the Minneapolis Complete Count Committee and leaders from nonprofit organizations, business and community organizations to kick off the yearlong 2020 Census complete count campaign:

We Count Minneapolis kickoff 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, April 1 The Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Ave.

We Count Minneapolis will promote awareness and participation in the 2020 Census. The goal is to ensure everyone is counted and fairly represented, regardless of immigration status, age or income level.

Getting a fair and accurate count in the 2020 Census is a major focus of the City of Minneapolis, which is the only municipality in Minnesota to dedicate funds toward the effort. Reaching historically undercounted communities will be a priority. The kickoff event will bring together community stakeholders committed to ensuring a complete count. 

Find more information at minneapolismn.gov/census.

Help shape the future of transportation in Minneapolis

The City is hosting five community workshops and one online open house in April to collect public input on ways to improve the city’s transportation system as City staff develop the Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan and the Vision Zero Action Plan.

The Transportation Action Plan will be a 10-year plan to implement the transportation vision outlined in the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. It will develop strategies and actions on advanced mobility, pedestrian, bicycle, transit, freight, street operations and street design.

The Vision Zero Action Plan will be a three-year plan to advance the City’s commitment to ending traffic fatalities and severe injuries resulting from traffic crashes on our streets by 2027.

Community workshop (southwest) 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 Richfield Lutheran Church-Fellowship Hall, 8 W. 60th St.

Community workshop (south) 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 11 Longfellow Recreation Center, 3435 36th Ave. S.

Community workshop (east) 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 Northeast Recreation Center, 1530 Johnson St. NE

Community workshop (Downtown) 4-6 p.m. Monday, April 22 Central Library, Doty Board Room, 300 Nicollet Mall

Community workshop (north) 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 Farview Recreation Center, 621 29th Ave. N.

Online open house (City’s Facebook page) 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 City of Minneapolis Facebook page

Public Works will conduct community engagement to gather input and feedback on these two plans throughout the year. Staff is expected to submit the plans to the City Council for approval in 2020.

Can't attend an event? You can still get involved.

You can learn more about the Transportation Action Plan and provide direct feedback on our interactive website. Our topic pages include short surveys and are a great place to share your thoughts. You can also use #gompls to talk transportation with us and follow the City of Minneapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Jobs with the City

Ever considered working for the City of Minneapolis? Opportunity is knocking. The City of Minneapolis has more than 900 different job types. Find your dream job today.

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/jobs.

2019 Housing and Community Development Action Plan

The 2019 housing and community development draft action plan shows how Hennepin County and partner suburban cities plan to use approximately $4.7 million in federal funding for housing and development activities in suburban communities.

This funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through three federal programs:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - $2.9 million: Funding primarily used by cities to fund a variety of infrastructure, community development, and social service activities
• HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) - $1.8 million: Funds affordable housing development and preservation for very low- and low-income families or individuals, homeless families, and persons with disabilities.
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) - $230,000: Funding primarily used to rehouse people experiencing homelessness through short-term tenant-based rental assistance and supports.

Learn more and view the plan

Comment on the draft plan

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Public hearing April 16

Hennepin County will host a public hearing to gather comments and feedback on the draft plan:

Tuesday, April 16
1:30 p.m.
Hennepin County Government Center Board Room (A-2400)
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487

Submit written comments by April 30

You may also submit written comments on the plan by 4:30 on April 30. Send written comments to:

Julia Welle Ayres
Hennepin County Community Works
701 4th Avenue South, Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55415