Ward 7 Outreach and Update

Via a May 31 e-newsletter from 7th Ward Council Member Lisa Goodman

Just wanting to touch base with you all today as there is such fluidity in everything that is happening it is nearly impossible to stay on top of it all. I was relieved to see that last night’s coordinated response was much more successful then what had occurred on previous nights. The State is currently in charge of law enforcement operations and they are working closely with the City of Minneapolis and a wide number of partners to restore peace.

The curfew is in effect again tonight from 8:00 pm until 6:00 am. I want to reassure residents that we have no intelligence at this time of any residential targets but we are encouraging people to consider the following:

• Remove anything from your lawn that could be flammable or a projectile through a window
• Store dumpsters in your garage or move to hidden area in back yard. Consider wetting down the inside contents if they have to be left outside in view.
• Keep LIGHTS ON and some windows open to hear noises that may be approaching. (use caution with windows that may be easily asked from the ground)
• Keep you cell phones charged
• Have alternative ways to communicate with your neighbors and help them to make a plan in case things do get bad.
• Have garden hoses ready and untangled for possible use.
• If you have fire extinguishers-know where they are located
• Check your flood lights; door lights; KEEP THEM ON.
• Be off the streets at 8:00 p.m.
• Be aware of suspicious activities/groups
• Be aware of large gatherings
• Call 911 if you are witnessing suspicious activity and do not confront them
• Watch local news stations for current information
• If you need to be outside wear headlamp, bright colors and reflective clothing
• Check on each other-especially older neighbors, and the vulnerable.

The City of Minneapolis systems have been under cyberattack and the website may be unavailable. The phone and voicemail systems have also been disrupted so the best way to reach me is by email: lisa.goodman@minneapolismn.gov.

As you might imagine, I am receiving an unusually large number of emails and am working to respond to each and every one, please be patient as it may take me a little while to get back to you. With that said, I am asking that people only reach out with critical issues and questions at this time. 911 and 311 are both up and operational. MPD and the Fire Department are still responding to emergency calls in our community.

I am asking each of you to continue using face masks and practice social distancing, however, please reach out to your neighbors and stay connected. Exchange phone numbers and email addresses and stay in close contact with them and your loved ones. This all seems like a nightmare but we will get through this and my hope is that our community will be in a better place on the other side. Stay calm and take care of your mental and physical health.

In Peace and Solidarity,

Lisa