Letter to the Editor: There Is No Market-Based Solution to The Affordable Housing Problem

Dennis Paulaha, PhD, Great River Coalition

When we talk about affordable housing, and the affordable housing problem, we have to be careful.

If we look at single-family houses, we can say every single-family home in Minneapolis is affordable to someone. Not everyone can afford to buy and maintain a $10 million house with $70,000 a year property taxes, but someone can. In fact, more than one person or family can afford to buy that house, although not every one of them will choose that particular house over some other alternative.

The same is true for every single-family home in Minneapolis; regardless of its price, each is affordable to someone.

Of course, the other truth that matters is, not everyone can afford to buy a single-family house in Minneapolis.

In other words, we know there are thousands of individuals and families in Minneapolis, or who would like to move to Minneapolis, who cannot afford to buy any single-family house in the city.

The question is: Should we worry about individuals and families who cannot afford to buy a single-family house but can afford to pay market rents?

Some, especially city officials, say, no. They say, as long as individuals and families can afford to pay market rents, there is no problem. In fact, the belief that renting is in some way equivalent to owning is at the core of the Minneapolis 2040 Plan, a plan that assumes being able to rent an apartment is as good as being able to buy a single-family house, a plan that, because of that belief, intends to replace single-family homes, each of which is affordable to someone, with rental units, a plan that intends to force thousands of families into being renters for life, which, as the studies show, is the single-most important factor in creating the downward spiral that has kept blacks and other minorities poorer than whites.

Which means a plan that gives thousands of families no choice but to be renters for life by eliminating thousands of single-family homes is a plan to intentionally push thousands of families, black and white, into long term poverty by eliminating the opportunity for them to accumulate equity through ownership.

As such, to an economist, it is a solution to a problem that is not only unconscionable, but by destroying the wealth of the city and forcing middle-income families to move to suburbs or to other cities, is also bad for the economy of the city.

Very simply, ownership matters, and finding ways to increase ownership should be a major part of any responsible city plan.

THE REAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROBLEM

The affordable housing problems all cities should be focused on must address three groups of people. People who have jobs but cannot afford to purchase single-family homes, people who have jobs but cannot afford to pay market rents, and the homeless.

And none of them will be helped with plans that, either implicitly or explicitly, are based on the idea that if not everyone can afford to buy a single-family home, single-family homes should be torn down and replaced with little apartment buildings.

That’s a little extreme sounding, but it’s pretty much what the Minneapolis 2040 plan is doing. It is based on the idea, or fact, that not everyone can afford to buy a house in Minneapolis, which, of course, is true, not only in Minneapolis, but in every other city in America and the world. But that is not a reason to push for the tearing down of single-family homes, each one of which is affordable to someone, and each of which can build wealth through equity for an owner, and replace them with rental units in which renters cannot accumulate equity.

Most important is the fact that “market solutions” to the affordable housing problem for people who cannot afford to either purchase a home or pay market rents are non-solutions, or, at best, false solutions that will help a small number of individuals and families.

A better way to look at affordable housing is to begin by protecting single-family homes and to then focus on increasing incomes that are not high enough to afford either purchasing single-family homes or to pay market rents.

That is where the real problem lies.

And it is a problem that will be made worse, not better, by city plans based on the assumption that the private sector can solve a problem it cannot possibly solve.

In a February 16, 2020 article by Natalie Hall in MplsStPaul Magazine, a quote by Rep. Illhan Omar makes the homeless problem clear. “On a single night, over 10,000 people in Minnesota were homeless last year – the highest number ever recorded. 6,000 of them were youth – which means children are showing up at school without a place to go home to.”

The article also pointed out that all public housing units in Minneapolis are already occupied, and when the city created a waiting list, 17,000 people signed up in six days, many of whom will have to wait ten years for an opening.

It is easy to find articles describing the horror of homelessness.

It is even easier to find articles describing and lauding the huge number of apartment towers being built in Minneapolis, whether it is in Uptown, the “hot” Northeast, or the newly “hot” Southeast. And.although some promise token “affordable” units, most units are far from affordable to those earning less than 30 percent of the city’s median wage.

Which, to an economist, means the $1 trillion Homes for All Act introduced by Rep. Omar and discussed in the MplsStPaul article is, whether or not it passes, a recognition that the nationwide affordable housing problem requires solutions that include direct actions by federal, state, and city governments.

Third Avenue Bridge and Water Works Park Progress Photos from Doug Verdier

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project. He has also been documenting the Third Avenue Bridge rehab project.

Lots of activity to watch this past week along the riverfront. Third Avenue Bridge repair activities included work on the bridge piers, which extend into the river below and support the foundation of the bridge. On the West side of the river, landscape workers continued planting shrubs and trees throughout the new park, and irrigation installation continued. 

Tons of crushed rock were poured through yellow tubes into the area near the base of one of the piers to be used in forming a platform around the pier. This photo was taken at the beginning of the operation. Later, rock was poured by front loaders over the edge of the bridge. Once sufficient rock was in place, it could be spread around the pier base.

Machinery was lowered by crane onto the area where the crushed rock was poured to spread the rock around the base of the pier to create a work area for subsequent repair to the base of the pier.

A closer view of one of the machines used to spread the rock. A worker in front of the machine gives perspective to the size of the pier and the work area created by spreading the crushed rock.

On an adjacent bridge span, workers use a barge to position a machine to remove damaged concrete facing of the pier base. This section of the bridge is accessible by barge.

A closer look at the barge supporting the machinery used to remove the outer layer of concrete from the pier base.

Rebar can be seen on this pier base where outer concrete has already been removed.

Back at Water Works Park, the South Plaza area now has white pine trees and other plantings in place. Irrigation lines were previously imbedded beneath the surface area to ensure watering. The area is then mulched.

More plantings being done near the Bank of America City Steps along First Street.

During excavation of the former buildings on site, these artifacts of the mills that once operated at the location were saved for possible future display yet to be determined.

August 28 Ward 7 News from Council Member Lisa Goodman

For the past few weeks, I have been able to see the city of Minneapolis through the eyes of an old friend and coworker who was here visiting family and friends. He was here as a result of being one of millions of people laid off from a job he loved, due to the COVID pandemic. He was so proud of how far the city has come in so many ways since he left town. I got to see an “outsider” perspective of the resiliency of Minneapolis attempting to recover from civil unrest and to do better by varied communities of color that make our city the wonderful place it is.

We had the good fortune of touring an historic building being saved after a fire and made into affordable housing. We walked around east downtown where he used to live, and he was so happy to see the new Finnegan’s Brewery and all the mixed income development in a neighborhood that had almost no development when he left. We looked at some of the many boards created by artists in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and felt hopeful that real change, systemic change, was around the corner and something we could do with public safety transformation here in Minneapolis and that it would start the nation on the path to real change in law enforcement.

Wednesday night, his last night in town, we witnessed a very different picture. A murder and suicide happened downtown, and two people lost their lives. That in and of itself is a tragedy, but what happened next was a travesty - violence, rioting and opportunistic looting - these are not acceptable responses to anger and trauma. It must be said that the level of distrust between law enforcement and many members of our community partially led to this situation as did being cooped up by COVID, unemployment, homelessness and uncertainty in these times we live in. The fact that this all began through misinformation being put out on social media is completely irresponsible, both by those who put out the message and by those that chose to react with abject destruction of property. 

What we have all witnessed occurring in our downtown and to our beloved neighborhood businesses is exactly the reason I believe we need a fully funded, well trained and transformed public safety system. We need a system that can respond to 911 calls, many of which are in and of themselves violent, and to conduct investigations so those who commit serious crime are found, tried and punished fairly but most importantly we need a public safety system that is proactive and engaged in the community. We need foot patrols that walk a beat, know neighbors by name, stop by businesses to listen to concerns and address them in advance of violence. We need intervention and redirection by community partners like MAD DAD’s, a Mother’s Love and YouthLink to communicate with people before violence happens and we need to partner with others who can best respond to traffic issues, mental illness calls and other concerns that might not need an armed law enforcement response. We need more public safety, not less. I have always believed that public safety is the most important public service element cities are responsible for and if we are not all safe, if we don’t all feel safe, than we have nothing.

I know no one wishes to hear this but I need to be honest: prior to this week, I had already heard from many small and large business owners, their employees and residents are seriously contemplating whether they wanted to live, work and own businesses in our city. Downtown businesses employ more than 175,000 people, many of whom also live in the city and want to be there because they can easily bike, walk or use transit to get to their jobs. My fear is that this is exactly the sort of unrest that will tip the scales. It isn’t only that businesses don’t want to invest in our downtown or Uptown but that there is a broader belief that downtown, in particular, isn’t safe. This affects all aspects of what our city has to offer and ultimately it hurts everyone.

Downtown Minneapolis is the economic hub of the state of Minnesota. We have a thriving theater district, a historic warehouse district along with restaurants and sporting venues, small businesses and big ones, hotels and event locations that will all suffer, if jobs cease to exist or move out of the city. Our neighborhood commercial and cultural corridors like 38th and Chicago, Lake Street and the incredible American Indian corridor of Franklin Avenue have suffered as a result of violence that has spun out of control as we hope they will have the resiliency to come back.

There is no excuse for people looting stores and setting businesses on fire. This does not honor the memory of George Floyd or any of the dozens of black and brown people who have been killed by law enforcement this year. Systemic racism is the challenge of our generation and our children's generation. We must step up and call out racism and work to cure it. We can do this, we must do this, and we can’t allow violence, arson and looting to be the path we are on to cure this public health crisis.

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Summary of Damage Assessment and Outreach

Below are some summary points of business support activities and below that a copy of the communication we sent to businesses. 

1. Following the Mayor’s emergency declaration, City staff were out immediately this morning to assess the damages.  This canvas identified damages to 61 properties throughout the city. We are also receiving data from our partners at the DID, Warehouse District, though 311 and 911, and other community organizations of damages that we will cross reference with our data in the coming days.
2. We will provide details on these properties and locations when we confirm the cross reference. 
3. City staff has reached out to the businesses who sustained fires, Britt’s, Walgreen’s, Tire’s Plus, and China Wok, to offer support and assistance. We plan to connect with all affected properties in the coming days.
4. We continue to work with our partners downtown and in the neighborhoods to provide supports and sent messaging out to businesses and community organizations this afternoon with tips and information around supports.
5. The City has technical resources available to affected businesses through our Business Technical Assistance program.  Please connect with the Small Business Team at 612-673-2499.

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Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo Overhaul Policy on Police Using Force

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced an overhaul of the Minneapolis Police Department’s (MPD) use of force policy. The new policy requires that officers use the lowest level of force needed to safely engage a subject and that officers first consider all reasonable alternatives before using deadly force. The changes also prohibit behavior that incites or escalates a situation.

Frey and Arradondo are also advancing a ban on shooting at moving vehicles and effecting a fundamental shift in department policy by replacing long-held standards for what is “legally allowable” with overarching principles and best practices to oversee use of force.

Some of the changes were made possible by new latitude afforded by the recent Minnesota Police Accountability Act, including the restrictions on deadly force. 

Read more and watch the announcement here.

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City Council Expands Revised Structure to Five Modified Committees

The City Council continues to update its committees and schedule to respond to changing needs during the local public health emergency. Beginning the week of Sept. 7, the two-week City Council cycles will consist of five standing committee meetings and the regular meeting of the full City Council. The standing committees are:

• Budget Committee.
• Business, Inspections, Housing & Zoning Committee.
• Policy & Government Oversight Committee.
• Public Health & Safety Committee.
• Transportation & Public Works Committee.

The full City Council will continue to meet at 9:30 a.m. every other Friday.

This is the latest change in the City’s policy-making process since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dates and times of upcoming meetings are available on the City’s website at lims.minneapolismn.gov.

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Census Deadline Approaching Fast – Get Counted

Have you completed the census yet? The deadline to get counted in the 2020 census is Sept. 30, and Minneapolis still has several neighborhoods that are severely undercounted. Completing the census will ensure that our communities receive resources for programs and services that we need. Many programs that our communities rely on, including SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and Head Start are funded through data that is obtained by the census. The 2020 Census is our chance to shape the future of Minneapolis for the next 10 years.

In 2010, the City of Minneapolis had a census response rate of 72.8%.

Census takers have begun following up in Minneapolis with households that haven’t yet completed the 2020 Census. Census staff have been hired locally and are here to help households complete their census forms. The goal of census door knockers is to help get an accurate count. Census staffers can be easily identified by a valid government ID badge that includes their photograph and a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark.

Census field staff follow both CDC and local public health guidelines, are trained in physical distancing protocols and will provide census takers with masks during their visit. Census staff have sworn a lifetime oath of confidentiality. Any information that you provide to them will not be shared with any entity other than the Census Bureau for statistical purposes only and never to identify an individual.

Find more information here on verifying a census taker’s identity, COVID-19 protocols or the strategy to visit households that haven’t responded yet.

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Highlights of Recovery Efforts Helping Business Community

As these unprecedented times test our resilience, staff across the City are working on strategic resources to begin the long path toward recovery. Since the start of the pandemic, the City’s economic development team has helped our business community start to recover through expertise, funding and adapting processes.

Overall, the City’s economic development team has connected with more than 2,000 businesses, provided more than 3,000 hours of direct customer assistance directly or through service contracts, changed licensing and regulatory processes to save businesses $1.4 million, and helped business access more than $3 billion in funding since the start of the pandemic.

Some highlights of our work:

Expertise

• The Small Business Team has fielded 650 calls since the beginning of April to connect businesses to resources. The team has reached out to cultural malls and damaged commercial areas and done research as part of establishing the Small Business Administration’s disaster declaration.
• Increased resources to community-based partners and modified program guidelines provided technical assistance supporting 645 businesses. The service helped navigate employee issues, triage outstanding expenses, negotiate payments with creditors and apply for relief funds.
• Our partners helped food establishments adapt their business models with online ordering and delivery, online sale of gift certificates, etc.
• The City committed a total of $500,000 to 10 community-based business organizations in pandemic specific funding.

Funding

• Made 173 loans totaling $1.55 million to businesses in targeted areas to increase equitable results. Around 70% of loan recipients identified as non-white with borrowers identifying as Black/African American as the largest overall recipient group at 42% of total loans.

• The program provided $5,000 or $10,000 loans of flexible funding to meet immediate working capital needs such as payroll and employee benefits, rent or mortgage payments, accounts payable and payments due to supply chain.
• Besides direct funds, our business teams helped businesses access funding from County, State and federal resources for a total (including the City funds) of almost 14,000 businesses receiving more than $3 billion.

• The City business assistance teams relaxed permit fees and fee collections, saving businesses a collective $1.4 million.

Improved processes

• The City streamlined reopening for 112 businesses expanding outdoors and reopening in early June by creating a guide; modifying processes and ordinances; and coordinating with the State of Minnesota, Metropolitan Council and Metro Transit.
• City staff rooted the opening plan in racial equity and identified those impacted most by having roundtables with restaurants, labor leaders and community-based groups; and completing a racial equity impact assessment to flag barriers to the business owners and needs of the workers.

See more ways the City is working to move recovery efforts forward.

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COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program Opens to Help with Housing Expenses

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program has opened to cover housing expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, or other housing-related costs. This program will help keep folks in their homes and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners in communities across the state.

People in Minnesota interested in applying for assistance can call the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 211 Resource Helpline at 651-291-0211, 211unitedway.org or texting “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211. The 211 Helpline has dedicated multilingual staff to answer questions about the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

For questions regarding the application process, check the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program frequently asked questions.

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Expanded Bus, Light Rail Train Service Coming in September

Upcoming schedule changes will serve riders with more options and space when traveling on buses and trains. The changes taking effect Saturday, Sept. 12, will mean that many local bus routes, the METRO A Line and the METRO C Line will have about as much service as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. The METRO Blue Line and METRO Green Line will offer 10-minute service throughout most of the day. Because of a significant drop in demand, around 50 express bus routes will remain suspended and the Northstar Commuter Rail Line will continue to operate on a limited, weekday-only schedule. In July, ridership on local bus routes and the METRO A Line and METRO C Line was down about 50% compared to the same month last year. Light rail train ridership was down about 75%. Increases in local bus and light rail train service will help riders keep a safe distance on buses and trains as more people return to transit.

Learn more about the changes.

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Voters: Apply Now to Get Your Ballot for the General Election

Want to make sure your ballot will be returned on time to count for the general election on Nov. 3?

Apply now and get your ballot right when early voting opens. Ballots will be mailed out starting Sept. 18. This will ensure plenty of time to receive your ballot, vote and then return your ballot using the postage-paid envelope.

Apply on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website. 

Learn more about how the City is working to ensure a safe election season during the pandemic.

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City Leaders Continue Conversations with Community about Future of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue

The City is committed to supporting and investing in racial justice and healing in the area of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. City leaders have met with community leaders who have authored a racial justice resolution outlining a series of demands for the City to consider before barricades would be removed from the intersection.

While City staff and elected officials have had conversations with community about a potential phased reopening plan for 38th Street the week of Aug. 17, those plans are on hold to allow for continued discussions with community members.

City leaders and staff have been actively engaging with community members since late May following the death of George Floyd, a Black man, in the custody of Minneapolis Police. They have attended daily meetings on the street and held several town halls. The City has heard numerous perspectives about this intersection, both short- and long-term desires and needs. City officials including Mayor Jacob Frey, Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins and Council Member Alondra Cano met for two hours with justice resolution authors to discuss demands.

To provide safe access for visitors to the intersection, the City placed barricades to through traffic, while also ensuring access for emergencies and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since May, the barricades have remained in place. Moving toward a phased reopening is necessary to improve community access, mitigate neighborhood and business impacts, and support public safety. The City has expressed the need for a phased reopening to community members and organizers.

Conversations between City and the community are continuing with a commitment to work together toward longer term investments in racial justice, in addition to numerous efforts currently underway: 

• The City Council recently passed a resolution declaring racism a public health emergency and has committed to a series of action steps to dedicate more resources to racial equity work.
• The revised 2020 City budget includes $100,000 to support initial community engagement in the co-creation of a vision for a permanent memorial for Floyd. It also includes $150,000 for the Creative City Making program to hire a diverse team of artists and healers to create, implement, and lead community engagement processes to guide the City’s community healing and rebuild with racial equity efforts for areas most impacted by civil unrest.
• The City Council adopted an ordinance establishing 38th Street as one of seven cultural districts in Minneapolis. As outlined in Minneapolis 2040, the City’s comprehensive plan, the goal of cultural districts is to advance racial equity, prevent displacement, preserve cultural identity and fuel economic growth in areas with a rich sense of cultural and/or linguistic identity rooted in communities significantly populated by people of color, Indigenous people and/or immigrants. The ordinance allows the City to prioritize deploying resources to these areas.
• A recommendation to rename Chicago Avenue between 37th Street East and 39th Street East to honor Floyd is also moving through the City approval process.
• The City will accelerate funding to reconstruct the street and intersection to build the community vision in conjunction with the Metro D-Line bus-rapid transit project.

The City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee heard a staff report Aug. 20 on the status of the intersection and future work.

Find updates on the City website.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of August 26, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 8,768 cases in Minneapolis and 218 deaths. The City shares Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• Minneapolis has seen a decrease in the seven-day rolling average of new cases from 19.2 cases to 15.5 cases per 100,000 between August 1 and August 19. This decrease coincides with the implementation of both Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 17 for bars and restaurants and Governor Walz’s Executive Order for statewide mask use.
• Colleges and universities are preparing for the start of the fall semester by developing COVID-19 safety plans for housing, classroom instruction, and other on-campus experiences. The state health department recommends they balance the need to return students to in-person instruction with the importance of reducing transmission opportunities. The University of Minnesota decided to delay the opening of dormitories and the start of in-person undergraduate classes by at least two weeks at its Twin Cities campus.
• 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 71,236 cases in Minnesota out of over 1.4 million tests completed. There have been 1,793 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 22,044 cases and 873 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The Health Department is using a color-coded map with multiple layers to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases in Minnesota. The State is at 11.1 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 15.5 cases per 100,000. These numbers put both Minnesota and Minneapolis in the orange category, which represents accelerated spread of COVID-19.
• 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 Incident Command updates

As the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) continues to respond to COVID-19, we are applying an equity lens to all our work in conjunction with partners across the City enterprise.

Businesses:

• Health inspectors continue to assist with permitting and inspecting larger public events that will serve food. Health inspectors ensure events are following the governor’s executive orders, including having an approved COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and meeting food safety standards. Attorney General Ellison’s office has asked to be notified of large events as they are enforcing the Governor’s executive orders. On Sunday, August 23, health inspectors provided 1,000 masks to the Black Entrepreneur State Fair organizers to distribute to event goers.
• Health inspectors are normalizing COVID-19 education and review of Preparedness Plans into routine inspections.

Case investigations:

• MHD is conducting over 50 case investigations and contact follow-ups per day for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Currently, there are 26 investigators, including six non-MHD enterprise staff. Of the 8,768 cases in Minneapolis, 85.3% have been interviewed, 2.1% have refused, 9.3% have been lost to follow-up, and 3.3% are new cases that still need to be interviewed. Twenty-eight percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents are in a language other than English.

Communications:

• MHD is working with City Communications to amplify the #MaskUpMpls media campaign to encourage mask wearing, especially among young adults. New campaign materials featuring Minnesota Lynx player, Napheesa Collier, will launch later this week. The media campaign will include a promotional video, social media, and donated billboard space. Magnets and branded Lynx and Timberwolves masks will be distributed at a youth-focused community event in partnership with Man Up Club in North Minneapolis on August 29. City Communications will send out a media advisory to bring awareness to the campaign.
• MHD and Communications staff are working with the state health department to develop messaging to promote flu vaccinations among BIPOC communities and other at-risk groups. This season, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever as it will not only protect against seasonal flu, but it will also help preserve scarce medical resources for health care providers and COVID-19 patients.

Community testing:

• MHD continues to work with community partners and clinics to host free COVID-19 testing events. So far this week, more than 650 people were tested at two events focused on low-income families and BIPOC communities.
• A pilot program to give free flu shots was held at a COVID-19 testing event on August 25. One third of the participants elected to receive a flu shot.
• The next testing event is planned for Friday, August 28 from noon to 7:00p.m. at New Salem Baptist Church (2507 Bryant Ave. N). While this event is focused on the north Minneapolis community, all are welcome. The testing is free for everyone. Online pre-registration is available, but not required. Flu shots will not be offered at this event.
• Testing events are promoted in a variety of ways including through cultural radio programs, social media, the City's COVID-19FAQ webpage, news webpage, twice weekly e-newsletters, and through City Council constituent newsletters.

Food security:

• MHD and NCR continue to co-host a weekly free food distribution event at Powderhorn Park (Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2p.m.) for 400-700 households, primarily serving the Latinx community.
• City staff are working to support pop-up food distribution sites and other community organizations as they address equity, accessibility, and other systemic barriers to food security and distribution. City staff are identifying potential operating options and regulatory frameworks for pop-ups that want to continue operating long-term. Pop-ups have varying organizational partners, structures, resources, and strategies. Each will need to consider what options work best for them and the community they are serving. The City is committed to working with pop-ups to ensure they can continue to provide low-barrier food support to their communities.

Encampments:

• This week, MHD staff placed hygiene stations and trash receptacles at two encampments located on City-owned land: one behind the former Kmart site on Lake Street and another at 9^thAvenue and 13^th Street. Staff will continue to monitor health and safety needs at these sites and other encampments across the city.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• MHD continues to respond to requests for masks and other supplies. In the past week, staffdistributed4,645masks and 110bottlesof hand sanitizer to neighborhood organizations, small business owners, faith communities, and community-based organizations. Specific efforts included distributing masks at the Black Entrepreneur State Fair, the Powderhorn Park weekly free food distribution, and City-sponsored community testing events.

Schools:

• Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS)has outlined five phases for students returning to full-time classroom learning. MPS will start the school year under Phase 2: Distance Learning with Student Supports.
• Health Department School-Based Clinic staff will provide services by appointment, either in-person or through virtual consultations (telehealth care). Clinics are located within Edison, Henry, Longfellow, Roosevelt, South, Southwest, and Washburn High Schools.
• School based clinics provide health education, medical, and mental health services to students. Services include physicals, immunizations, treatment of illnesses, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, family planning care, prescriptions, nutrition services, mental health assessment and ongoing counseling.

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

MPRB Presents September Movies in the Parks - Drive-In Style!

Brought to you by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board!

Movies in the Parks - Drive-In Style!

A League of Their Own - Friday, September 4 at Bohemian Flats

Registration Opened Wednesday, August 26 at Noon
Click here to purchase tickets

Grease - Friday, September 11 at Bohemian Flats

Registration Opens Wednesday, September 2 at Noon
Click here to purchase tickets

Top Gun - Friday, September 18 at Bohemian Flats

Registration Opens Wednesday, September 9 at Noon
Click here to purchase tickets

Space Jam - Friday, September 25 at Bohemian Flats

Registration Opens Wednesday, September 16 at Noon
Click here to purchase tickets  

2020 Monarch Festival

The 2020 Monarch Festival will look different this year.

The Festival will organize cultural, artistic, and educational virtual activities to keep the spirit of the Festival alive and promote our core message of protecting the Monarch Butterfly from August to September 12.  These bilingual, interactive online and in-person events will bring the Festival right into your home with local artists and hands-on projects, author and book reading, and our scientific experts.

Check out the activities here.

10th Avenue Bridge and Water Main Project Update - August 24, 2020

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

Latest Projct News

Construction Update Meeting - Friday, August 28, 2020 - at 10:30 a.m.

Project staff will hold a virtual construction update meeting this 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 10th Ave Bridge.

What's Coming Up

The 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 November 1, 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.

Project Contacts:

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

Take the Great River Road to Minnesota’s Scenic Outdoor Tapestry

Via an August 24 News Release from the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission:

Nowhere along its 2,500+ mile course – from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico – does the Mississippi River provide such diverse scenic themes as it does in Minnesota. Minnesota’s Great River Road is the designated travel route to reach them all.

Eight geographic and geologic river reaches characterize the Mississippi River in Minnesota, and each has its own mystique. A drive on any of the eight is revealing, but a journey along all eight gives the traveler insight into the great river’s source…before it plunges southward.

Lake Itasca is a quintessential bucket list destination. Ancient pines and pristine lakes dominate the headwaters area, where the river meanders lazily. Large lakes and reservoirs provide supreme views and recreational opportunities. The Mississippi is a prairie river by the time it gets to Brainerd. St. Anthony Falls, the river’s only major waterfall, marks the Twin Cities’ reach where it played the centrifugal force in drawing Native peoples, European explorers and American industrialists all of whom left their mark on the landscape and the economy. It also offers the Mississippi’s scenic gorge. At the confluence of the Mississippi and the Minnesota, two of the state’s great rivers, the Mississippi becomes the mighty river of classic lore. And the Minnesota Mississippi River journey is completed in the scenic Bluffs and Driftless Area, where Locks and Dams 3 through 8 lie and are listed on the National Register.

Along the Great River Road, you’ll find urban centers, college towns, working river ports and iconic mill towns, a colorful collection of Minnesota communities. The Mississippi River travels through 43 towns, 20 counties and three tribes as it makes its way to the Iowa border. These communities offer a change of pace, history, and opportunities to get on or beside the river.

September is Drive the Great River Road Month. More important, it’s one of Minnesota’s prettiest months, when the dimming light of summer shows off the colors of the landscape. And, the car – or the bike or canoe – can be your safe passage to the vistas. For more information and a map: www.mnmississippiriver.com.

About the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Minnesota’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC) is a statutory Commission, recognized in 1963, whose mission is to...To preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor and to develop the national, scenic and historic byway known as the Great River Road.  The MN-MPRC is part of the larger 10-State National MRPC organized in 1938 to celebrate the Mississippi River by developing the Great River Road Scenic Byway. The 10 states include: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The National MRPC is the oldest organization whose work ties together all the Mississippi River states.

Eight Scenic Reaches to Explore

• Lake Itasca: The journey of this world-renown river begins at Lake Itasca. But there is more here than the point where the Mississippi spills out. The lake lies within the 32,000-acre Itasca State Park, the second oldest state park in America.

• Serpentine River: After percolating from Lake Itasca, the infant river follows a serpentine course to Brainerd, frequently twisting back on itself, leaving cut off lands and oxbows.

• Headwaters Lakes & Reservoirs: The headwaters region includes thousands of lakes. The largest contribute to America’s first reservoir system. Created by the Corps of Engineers over 100 years ago, the reservoirs provide a wide range of scenic views.

• Prairie River: From Brainerd to St. Anthony Falls, the Mississippi becomes the Prairie River, as it straightens out and islands replace oxbows. Here, the prairie runs up to the river’s banks, not bluffs.

• St. Anthony Falls: No place anchors the Mississippi’s significance in the Twin Cities like St. Anthony Falls - the river’s only major waterfall.  Its physical power gave rise to Minneapolis, but its scenic power has drawn nationally known artists since the 1800s and still attracts modern day painters and photographers.

• The Gorge: Below the falls, the Mississippi drops into the 8.5-mile Gorge, stepping down 110 feet through three locks and dams, running between bluffs one-quarter to one-third of a mile apart. Nowhere does the river fall so quickly over such a short distance.

• The Big River: The Big River – the river of Mark Twain - begins at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. It is characterized by a broad valley and a wide floodplain, with many side channels, backwater lakes and wooded islands.

• Driftless Area: Below Hastings, the Mississippi enters the Driftless Area, with its distinctive limestone bluffs. During the last ice age, glaciers bypassed the Driftless Area, creating a unique and nationally significant landscape.

For Great River Road route details and information on 700+ things to see and do, use the Plan Your Trip online mapping at www.mnmississippiriver.com.

The Best Loved Woman of the North Star State

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

1880 portrait of Maria SanfordFor thousands of years teachers have been passing on knowledge and inspiring students to achieve their dreams. Aristotle, Booker T. Washington, Maria Montessori and Eleanor Roosevelt have impacted thousands of eager learners as they all dedicated their lives to teaching. Another name to put on this list of legendary teachers is Maria Sanford, one of the first female professors in America and a very important woman in Minnesota and United States History.

Maria Louise Sanford was born in 1836 in Saybrook, Connecticut and tried to learn everything she could as a child. At the age of fifteen, she used her dowry to pay tuition to attend the New Britain Normal School. Four years later in 1855, she graduated with honors. During the next decade and a half, she taught at various schools until she was appointed as the principal for an academy in Unionville, Pennsylvania in 1869. Later that same year, Swarthmore College, also in Pennsylvania, hired her as a history professor.

Maria Sanford portrait, 1918During her time at Swarthmore, she began to master the craft of lecturing, traveling from town to town, speaking to educators about raising moral and utilizing aesthetics to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in the classroom. After ten years at Swarthmore, she retired to focus on her lecturing career. In 1880, the president of the University of Minnesota, Dr. William Watts Folwell, took note of her public speaking ability and invited her to interview for a new French language professor position. While Maria Sanford did not have an advanced degree and did not speak French, Dr. Folwell was still very impressed with her knowledge and talent and hired her as a professor in the English Department. This made her the first woman to be a professor at the University. During her tenure, she would teach rhetoric, elocution, literature, and art history. Later in Dr. Folwell’s career, he stated that hiring Maria Sanford was his proudest accomplishment.

She was immediately a favorite among the University students, and even though her courses included a high workload, her pupils were always dedicated and enthusiastic. While she was one of the top professors, she was still making less than her male counterparts. In order to bring more income in and to expand her student’s knowledge, she began renting books to students and offering “sunrise courses” to those who were interested. A win-win. In her spare time, she would also tour the state and nation giving lectures. A few professors at the University were not fond of her side-jobs and frequently complained to University officials. The complaints were never addressed, as she was doing an amazing job as a professor and also gave the University credibility with her lecturing tours.

Maria Sanford statue in Statuary Hall in D.C.During Maria Sanford’s state tours, she would speak about Minnesota’s nature and how it is important to preserve it. Because of her efforts, along with historian Jacob Brower’s, Itasca State Park was founded in 1891 and the headwaters of the Mississippi River would be saved for generations to come.

She frequently hosted student social events in her home in SE Minneapolis, and because of her popularity, she placed third in the Minneapolis Journal’s favorite-teacher contest. Her students could not believe she didn’t win, so they raised enough money to buy her the grand prize, a trip to Europe! Because of her popularity with her students and local officials, she was often referred to as the “the best loved woman of the North Star State.”

At the age of seventy-two, she retired from the University of Minnesota in 1909 and was invited to be the commencement speaker for that year’s ceremony, where she would also be named professor emeritus of rhetoric. This made her the first female to give a commencement speech at any major university. During her tenure, she saw the University of Minnesota grow from 300 students to over 4,800

She was still quite active in her post-retirement life by continuing to tour across the United States lecturing about environmental preservation, education, healthcare and temperance, and promoting women’s rights and equal opportunities for people of color in the education world. During World War I, she continued her tours, this time sticking to more patriotic subjects, such as her famous speech An Apostrophe to the Flag.

On April 21st, 1920, after giving a speech to the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington D.C., Maria Sanford passed away in her sleep at the age of eighty-three. However, her legacy continues on to this day in many forms. A year after she retired, the University of Minnesota opened up Sanford Hall, the first female housing on campus. She is also the namesake of Sanford Middle School in South Minneapolis, the Minneapolis chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Maria Sanford Chapter, was named in her honor in 1923, she was chosen to represent Minnesota in Washington D.C.’s Statuary Hall in 1958, and the Hennepin History Museum has one of her traveling lecture podiums in their collection. She truly was, and still is, a role model everyone can look up to.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs. Michael is also a historic interpreter and guide at Historic Fort Snelling at Bdote and a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 7+ years. Contact: mrainvillejr@comcast.net. Click here for an interactive map of Michael's past articles.

Letter to the Editor regarding Upper Harbor Terminal

Submitted by Jen Antila and Alexis Pennie 

Upper Harbor Terminal:

Change the Process; It's not too late

The evolution of the industrial Mississippi riverfront to residential and recreational is a benefit to Minneapolis. The Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment in North Minneapolis will be especially welcomed as we say goodbye to environmentally harmful industry and welcome citizens back to the riverfront. Unfortunately, the City has awarded this development to United Properties (owned by the Pohlad family) and First Avenue. Northside residents, community activists, and environmental organizations do not support the project in its current form. The City’s approach perpetuates structural racism.

It’s important to acknowledge our racist history in the context of this project. Northside residents endure the legacy effects of “Jim Crow of the North” practices. Discriminatory housing policy in Hennepin County - dating back to the early 1900s via racial deed covenants - drained resources and denied opportunities for Black residents to build wealth through homeownership. Highway construction and racist policies reinforced redlined segregation. Today, Minnesota has the largest racial wealth gap in the nation.

The common thread of this history is that the government was complicit in creating the racial wealth gap that persists to this day. This project is a missed opportunity because the City will be forgoing the possibility of reparations, which will perpetuate systemic racism in North Minneapolis, reinforce white privilege and deliver more wealth to established elites.

Even though it’s now the eleventh hour, a change can still be made. The Upper Harbor development could be a transformational project in our city instead of an extractive wealth process. We urge you, City of Minneapolis, to take your blinders off, absorb what concerned residents have communicated to you, and adjust your actions accordingly. We can fundamentally change the process and the resulting outcomes from inequitable to equitable. It’s not too late.

August 21 Ward 7 Update from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Ward 7 residents in neighborhoods far and wide including Bryn Mawr, East Isles, Elliot Park, Kenwood, Loring Park and Lowry Hill have come face to face with our unsheltered neighbors living in encampments throughout our parks and city. It is estimated that there are currently approximately 100 encampments in Minneapolis. I appreciate that many of you have reached out to me, clearly articulating deep concern for all impacted by this crisis. Many of you have expressed that we are doing a disservice to those living in encampments and to all of the thousands of neighbors who don’t have their own green space and rely on this park for their only recreation during this time of COVID. The need for innovation and collaboration focused on addressing this crisis has never been greater.

We are in a time of great uncertainty and high anxiety. The city and our partners at the county and state are stretched to capacity as we work to respond to the numerous crises impacting our communities. I am very pleased that a group of Minneapolis-based (many from Ward 7) advocates and elected, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders including myself, are working collaboratively with City staff and our jurisdictional partners to develop innovative solution that address the needs of the over 4,000 people, disproportionately Native American and Black, who are homeless on any given night in Hennepin County. Of this 4,000, 800-1000 are living outdoors in Minneapolis.

Working in partnership with social service professionals, private philanthropy, City staff, other governmental partners and people with lived experience of homelessness, this group has leveraged their diverse expertise to develop The Indoor Villages Pilot Project www.indoorvillages.org. This innovative project is on track to be open by winter 2020.

It will be a welcome compliment to the other initiatives that will increase the availability of dignified emergency shelter with trauma informed supportive services. The Indoor Villages Pilot Project is a rapidly deployable indoor community that addresses the urgent need to expand and enhance shelter and supportive services for people in Minneapolis experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Indoor Villages is an interior community made up of secure, private dwellings (“tiny shelters”) within a climate controlled indoor structure designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and promote safety, stability and wellbeing. Trauma informed support services, such as mental health, chemical dependency and harm reduction services will be available on-site. The design and programming of Indoor Villages has been directly informed by people with lived experience of homelessness as well as our lead service providers, fiscal agent and shelter operator, Special Treatment Services and Simpson Housing Services.

The Indoor Villages Pilot Project is not meant to replace, rather complement and expand on existing government resources in partnership with State, County and City government entities. Last month Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis issued $3.5M in federal emergency aid related to Covid-19 to establish 50 beds for the American Indian community; 50 beds for homeless women; and approximately 203 beds for the elderly, medically frail and veterans (Star Tribune, 2020) for a total of 303 beds. Unfortunately, this does not meet the current demand that is anticipated to grow, in the coming months, due to COVID-19 economic impacts.

We are so grateful that a Ward 7 local, family foundation generously stepped forward with a significant matching grant to launch this innovative pilot. We at the City are actively supporting the project’s pursuit of additional State, County and private funding opportunities so that we can add approximately 100 desperately emergency shelter beds by this winter.

I invite you to learn more and get involved with Indoor Villages fundraising, communications and outreach efforts www.indoorvillages.org.

You can view the coverage of this initiative on WCCO through this link: https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/08/18/indoor-tiny-house-community-for-homeless-planned-in-minneapolis/amp/

Peavy Plaza Summer Season

Green Minneapolis in conjunction with Stronger Futures and the YWCA is offering free concerts and yoga classes in Peavey Plaza.

Thursday, August 27, 12:30 pm: Youth music and dance performances in partnership with Strong Roots Foundation.

KNOWN: A local youth choir made up of youth ages 10-21 years old. This choir is made up of youth that just want to sing and make music. This is a fun community choir that has brought joy and smiles to rally’s events and festivities right here across the Twin Cities.

Hopewell Music Cooperative North: Hopewell is about more than just music, it is about equal opportunities and access to music education. Music has the added benefits of instilling values such as discipline, resilience, cooperation, and good communication while providing both youth and adult students with a creative outlet. As an inner-city music school that is what we strive to do.

YMCA: Yoga Classes

Saturday, August 29 at 10:00 am

Monday, August 31 at 5:30 pm

Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 am

In addition to those activities, the Minnesota Orchestra is holding Chamber Music on Peavey Plaza every Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 – 8:00 pm through the end of August.

Tickets are required to be seated in the basin of the plaza but the music will flow up and out for all to enjoy.

These evening programs are designed by Minnesota Orchestra musicians and each concert will feature a piece of music written by a Black composer. The repertoire will be announced from the stage and will also include music by composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Benjamin Britten, Valerie Coleman, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Paquito D’Rivera, Jean Françaix, Devonté Hynes, Wolfgang Amadè Mozart, Daniel Bernard Roumain, William Grant Still, Igor Stravinsky, Jerod Tate, Heitor Villa-Lobos and George Walker, among many others.

Visit the Minnesota Orchestra website for more information.

*The basin and fountains of Peavey Plaza will be turned off a portion of the day due to this event.

Mayor Frey Delivers 2021 City Budget Address

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his 2021 budget address, which underscored his commitment to maintaining core City services, the City’s response to COVID-19, and new public safety transformation work. Frey has recommended continuing an enterprise-wide hiring freeze, reductions in spending across the board, and broad departmental reorganizations to maintain current service levels.

Without cuts, offsetting $35 million in lost revenue would have required a property levy increase of more than 15%. Frey’s measures will result in a 5.75% levy increase for 2021, but the overall growth to the city’s tax base means that median valued homes ($281,500) will actually see a 3% decrease ($47) under the mayor’s proposal.

Frey’s 2021 budget proposal also reinforces his commitment to affordable housing as a top priority. The proposal makes the Stable Homes Stable Schools program permanent. Started as a three-year pilot program, Stable Homes Stable Schools has housed or provided housing stability for 330 families and 946 children. Over 95% of the families served through Stable Homes Stable Schools are Black, Indigenous and people of color.

Frey also unveiled several public safety initiatives, including $2.5 million in ongoing funding for the Office of Violence Prevention to implement a violence intervention initiative. Trained violence interrupters and outreach workers prevent shootings in this model by mediating conflicts in the community and following up with individuals to decrease retaliation.

Frey is also allocating funding to provide staff from the Office of Violence Prevention with an office space in community to increase accessibility.

In his address, Frey continued making the case for a culture shift within the Police Department and advocated for meaningful arbitration reform.

The budget also features a move that adds positions to 311 to answer crime-report only calls and shift those calls away from the MPD to reduce demands on sworn officers’ time. The measure is estimated to save the City $336,091 annually.

City Council Approves Jim Rowader as New City Attorney

The City Council has approved Mayor Jacob Frey’s appointment of Jim Rowader as the new City Attorney.

Rowader currently serves as vice president of general counsel employee and labor relations for Target Corp. He will start working at the City Aug. 24. Before joining Target in 1994, he was an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board in Detroit and subsequently for a Twin Cities law firm. He is a board member of the Minnesota Justice Research Center and the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota. He’s also an active member of the Hispanic National Bar Association and the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association. 

He has served as vice chair of the Minneapolis Workplace Advisory Committee, which advises City leaders on workplace regulations and policy.

The City Attorney’s Office is organized into two divisions: Civil and Criminal. The Civil Division provides a broad range of legal services to the City’s elected officials and staff, the City’s departments, and independent boards and commissions. The Criminal Division prosecutes misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor crimes within the city.

Complete Your Census by September 30, Census Takers Begin Door Knocking

Have you completed the census yet? Completing the census will ensure that our communities receive resources for programs and services that we need. Many programs that our communities rely on, including SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and Head Start are funded through data that is obtained by the census. The 2020 Census is our chance to shape the future of Minneapolis for the next 10 years.

Census takers have begun following up in Minneapolis with households that haven’t yet completed the 2020 Census. Census staff have been hired locally and are here to help households complete their census forms. The goal of census door knockers is to help get an accurate count. Census staffers can be easily identified by a valid government ID badge that includes their photograph and a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark.

Census field staff follow both CDC and local public health guidelines, are trained in physical distancing protocols and will provide census takers with masks during their visit. Census staff have sworn a lifetime oath of confidentiality. Any information that you provide to them will not be shared with any entity other than the Census Bureau for statistical purposes only and never to identify an individual.

Find more information here on verifying a census taker’s identity, COVID-19 protocols or the strategy to visit households that haven’t responded yet.

Fill out your census

If you haven’t yet completed the 2020 Census application and would like to avoid a census taker coming to your home, you can submit your form online, by phone or through the mail (using the U.S. Census Bureau form that you received in the mail at home). Language assistance is offered in multiple languages online or over the phone and can also be requested at your visit if they come to your home.

Take your census by Sept. 30

The U.S. Census Bureau officially announced that the 2020 Census self-response period will end Sept. 30, 2020. This means that there are less than two months remaining to ensure that our communities are counted and that we get the resources that we need for the next 10 years.

In 2010, Minneapolis had a census completion rate of 72.8%. Currently, Minneapolis has a completion rate of 69.9%. It is important – now more than ever – that our communities are counted.

Let’s get counted, Minneapolis.

City Seeking Diversity of Applicants for Fall Openings on Boards and Commissions Appointments

Twenty-four City boards and commissions have openings for appointments this fall. The City seeks applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences representing the demographics of Minneapolis to strengthen the work of the City. Translation and interpreting services are available so all residents can participate. The positions are open until filled; application review begins Sept. 30 unless marked otherwise.

City boards and commissions have brought forward recommendations that resulted in renter protections, wage protections and a ban on a hazardous chemical in dry cleaning. 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.

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. Applications are open now.

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.

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

National Night Out Recommended Date Changes to Sept. 15 for 2020

The Minneapolis recommended National Night Out date for 2020 is Tuesday, Sept. 15. Residents can find out if their block is already signed up by emailing crime.prevention@minneapolismn.gov. Registered block leaders received notices directly about closing their streets to hold their event, but a block without a block leader could still hold a COVID-19 safe event by spreading out across three or four yards to make enough space for physical distancing.

Event safety in a pandemic

A safe event during a pandemic follows guidelines from the Minneapolis Health Department, Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Events are outdoors.
• People keep their masks on when they’re not eating or drinking.
• People keep at least 6 feet from others not in their household.
• Households bring their own food, beverages, utensils, tables and chairs.

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, holding block parties and getting to know their neighbors to prevent crime. It’s a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family.

Find out more about National Night Out.

Seventh Annual Minneapolis Trans Equity Summit Goes Virtual

Hosted by the City of Minneapolis, the seventh annual Trans Equity Summit takes place Sept. 13-15. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all attendance this year will be virtual.

Trans Equity Summit

September 13-15

2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Register online

Join Facebook event

This year's theme is "Claiming Our Power for Change: Caring for Community." In this moment of deep pain and radical possibility, Minneapolis is centered locally, nationally and globally as a place from which potential new futures can be born. Organizers, healers and artists are redefining community, connection and the expansiveness of their own power. As always, trans and gender non-conforming folks are at the forefront.

Programming includes breakout sessions, performances, a job and resource fair, and healing justice offerings. Space is available for community care, for collective witnessing, and for trans/gender-non-conforming folks to find or further assert their places and power in this pivotal moment.

The summit is free and open to the public, and we encourage anyone interested in furthering trans equity to attend.

Find updates on the Trans Equity Summit here.

COVID-19 Situation Update as of August 19, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 8,310 cases in Minneapolis and 212 deaths. The City shares Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face coverings 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.
• Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has outlined five phases for easing students back into in-person learning over time. When school starts in September, MPS will be under Phase 2: Distance Learning with Student Supports. With Phase 2, all learning is done through distance learning, but students will be provided with supports such as tutoring, technology, and mental health at certain school buildings.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 66,618 cases in Minnesota out of over 1.3 million tests completed. There have been 1,727 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 20,853 cases and 855 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The Health Department is using a color-coded map with multiple layers to show a seven-day rolling average of new cases in Minnesota. The State is at 11 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 16 cases per 100,000. These numbers put both Minnesota and Minneapolis in the orange category, which represents accelerated spread of COVID-19.
• 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 Incident Command Updates As the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD) continues to respond to COVID-19, we are applying an equity lens to all our work in conjunction with partners across the City enterprise.

 Businesses: Health inspectors are assisting with permitting and inspecting larger public events that will serve food to ensure they are following the governor’s executive orders, including having an approved COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and meeting food safety standards. MHD staff worked with Communications to develop new posters to encourage people to wear masks when patronizing local businesses. These posters, which are geared toward young adults visiting bars and restaurants, are available in multiple languages on the City’s COVID-19 Print Resources webpage.

 Case investigations: MHD is conducting over 50 case investigations and contact follow-ups per day for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Currently, there are 26 investigators, including six non-MHD enterprise staff. Of the 8,310 cases in Minneapolis, 85% have been interviewed, 2% have refused, 8% have been lost to follow-up, and 5% are new cases that still need to be interviewed. Twenty-four percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents are in a language other than English.

 Community testing:

• Approximately 500 community members were tested at the Incarnation- Sagrado Corazon Church on Saturday, August 15. MHD staff will be supporting a second testing event at PICA McKnight (4225 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409) on Tuesday, August 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The testing is free for everyone. Both drive up and walk up testing will be provided. Online pre-registration is available, but not required.
• Free testing will also be available at Phelps Park (701 E 39th St.) on August 25 and 26 in collaboration with the Native American Community Clinic, Hope Communities, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB), and the University of Minnesota from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• MHD is collaborating with clinic and community partners to support and provide testing in the East African community. Community testing will be available at Abubakar As-Sadique Islamic Center (2824 13th Ave S.) on September 19 and 26. Additional testing opportunities are being planned for this Fall.
• Community testing is being planned for a north Minneapolis site in September.
• In preparation for cold weather, MHD staff are planning for indoor or sheltered COVID- 19 testing sites as well as for vaccine locations when a viable vaccine becomes available.

Food security:

• MHD continues to co-host a weekly free food distribution event at Powderhorn Park (Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) for 400-700 households, primarily serving the Latinx community.
• MHD convened a meeting with over 25 grasstops food insecurity partners to identify long-term capacity and potential strategies since humanitarian food distribution will continue into the Fall. Staff continue communication and outreach with pop-ups and food shelves from north and south Minneapolis.
• One issue being addressed involves ensuring food safety while sustaining community food assistance. An internal City workgroup is meeting to balance the needs of pop-ups who want to provide low barrier food support with the City’s regulatory authority to ensure that providers are using food safe practices and are complying with the City’s food licensing program while addressing equity, accessibility, and other systemic barriers to food security and distribution.

Encampments:

• The large encampment located on the west side of Powderhorn Park was recently demobilized. In accordance with the Park Board’s safe school zones guidance, the park has been completely cleared of tents because of its proximity to Wilder School. Currently, there are more than 400 tents located in 34 parks across the city; most are permitted according to MPRB guidelines.
• City staff are monitoring two new encampments located on City-owned land: one behind the former Kmart site on Lake Street and another at 9th Avenue and 13th Street. In addition, MHD staff are assessing sanitation needs for an encampment of RVs located in a small park across from Xcel Energy in northeast Minneapolis.

Personal Protective Equipment: MHD has continued to respond to requests for masks and other supplies. In the past week, staff distributed 5,250 masks (1,900 one-time use masks and 3,350 reusable cloth masks) and 345 bottles of hand sanitizer to neighborhood organizations, small businesses, faith communities, healthcare, and community-based organizations.

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

FINNOVATION Lab New Cohort Will Tackle Today’s Systemic Issues

Via a recent News Release:

FINNOVATION Lab, the champion of changemakers who believe in solving systemic social problems through the power of business, selected nine entrepreneurs for the third cohort of the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program. The program will support fellows as they work to develop innovative business models to address a range of social, environmental, economic and other timely issues and will help fulfill their potential of becoming leaders of social impact.

Selected fellows will receive a $50,000 living stipend, $3,000 health care stipend, have access to dedicated workspace, an ecosystem of advisors and mentors, and tailored curriculum focused on leadership development, business planning and modeling, and systems-level analysis for social change. The Fellowship Program is often the first opportunity participants have to focus their energy on diving deeper into a problem and developing a sustainable solution. The nine-month immersive program kicks off in September and will run through mid-June. 

Nine fellows were chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants aiming to address varied areas of impact. FINNOVATION Lab continues to attract increasingly diverse applicants with 66% identifying as people of color, 66% women or non-binary, 38% first-generation college students, and 21% in the LGBTQ+ community. After narrowing the pool to 20, applicants participated in a virtual Selection Day at which a panel of Minnesota’s leaders in social impact and entrepreneurship identified the top contenders demonstrating an understanding of the problem area, dedication to the issue, systems-level thinking, and an innovative entrepreneurial idea. 

“This year has highlighted systematic issues in our society and continues to bring new ones to light”, said Connie Rutledge, CEO of FINNOVATION Lab. “We saw so many great candidates with a passion to solve the issues of today. Our final group represents the strength of the social impact scene here in Minnesota, and we’re excited to see what they bring to the community.” 

The third cohort of fellows is made up of: 

• Michelle Abdon: addressing the lack of mental health education in high schools by building a curriculum development company that teaches mental health skills and knowledge through studio arts.
• Marlee Dorsey: reducing health disparities linked to systematic oppression and inter-generation trauma in the Black community through mental health services and resources.
• Valerie Fleurantin: addressing health disparities in the Twin Cities by creating a health and wellness center with a focus on a wellness culture shift.
• Naomi Ko: addressing disparities faced by women of color in the film and TV industry by creating a company that connects, empowers, and funds WOC filmmakers.
• Leah Korger: rethinking the hospitality industry to provide an intersectional space to foster authentic queer community through food and beverage.
• Brook LaFloe: reducing early childhood disparities for American Indian children by mobilizing an Indigenous artist and educators collective.
• Temi Ogunrinde: addressing housing inequalities by utilizing the entertainment industry to bring housing revitalization and increase homeownership in marginalized communities.
• Mary Taris: creating a Black literary arts center for the North Minneapolis community where the Black narrative is valued and Black voices are empowered.
• Dane Verret: dismantling institutionalized oppression in government and non-profit foundations by founding a learning institute rooted in the knowledge of Black and Indigenous people. 

“The Fellowship Program feels more relevant and important than ever,” said FINNOVATION Lab and FINNEGANS Brew Co. Founder Jacquie Berglund. “We’re proud to foster the growth and development of fellows tackling racial inequalities, housing inequalities, and mental health education and the important change they’re working to implement.” 

The Fellowship Program is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation, known for its commitment to innovationand creative problem solving.

More information about the FINNOVATION Lab and the Fellowship Program is available at Finn-Lab.com.

About FINNOVATION Lab

FINNOVATION Lab is an inclusive workspace and community inspiring social change, growth, innovation, and experimentation. From educational programs to unique events, FINN Lab empowers social entrepreneurs to make a positive change in the world through the power of business. For more information, visit Finn-Lab.com.

Doug Verdier's August 18, 2020 Water Works Photos

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project.

Major landscaping has been taking place at the park these past 2 weeks. Lots of new trees of various types.

Irrigation lines in place along the West River Parkway edge of Water Works Park. The newly planted trees along this stretch have previously been mulched and also have water bags attached.

Line of new trees showing irrigation lines and mulching of the entire area underway.

Another view of the extensive network of irrigation lines being installed throughout the park.

Mulch awaiting spreading throughout the park as part of landscaping plan.

Minnesota Farmers Union and Birchwood Cafe Announce F + B Pop-up Restaurant in Former Spoonriver Site

The F + B pop-up is scheduled to open Thursday, August 20 for dinner, and be open weekly Thursday-Sunday from 4-8 p.m., with brunch available on weekends and lunch hours and delivery to be added soon. Days of service and hours may expand.

There may be no State Fair this year, but the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and Birchwood Cafe team are still serving up their fair favorite - the Minnesota-grown Heirloom Tomato + Sweet Corn BLT - and much more.

Based on a shared commitment to Minnesota family farmers, this proven partnership has been a success for several years at the Minnesota State Fair. Now they are moving forward to open F + B, a pop-up concept restaurant at 750 South 2nd Street in Minneapolis. F is for Farmers Union and B is for Birchwood. Together, F + B equals a delicious, locally sourced collaboration for Good Real Food sourced directly from Minnesota family farms.

The space, formerly home to the renowned restaurant Spoonriver, which was founded and run by local food pioneer Brenda Langton, will remain mostly as-is through the duration of the pop up, with minor changes for optimal safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. MFU and Birchwood have been planning to open a restaurant in this location for several months now. Amid hard times in the restaurant industry, the partners are delighted about this pop-up takeout opportunity.

“Of course this wasn’t exactly what we envisioned when we announced our new endeavor last fall, but when COVID-19 hands you lemons, you make Lavender Lemonade, right?” said Birchwood founder Tracy Singleton. “What’s essential right now is keeping our staff employed, uplifting and showcasing our local farmers and bringing our Good Real Food — food sourced, prepared and served toward cultivating a more equitable world — to a new audience downtown. To that end, F + B will follow Birchwood’s One House philosophy as a no-tipping establishment. Looking ahead, we’re excited to collaborate with the Shea design team to transform the space to best serve our new neighborhood’s needs. We see this pop-up as a test run to help us figure that out.”

“Farmers who do business with restaurants have been hit doubly hard by the pandemic, and the pop-up is a great way for Twin Cities residents to support both farmers and restaurants,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “As generations get further removed from the farm,  it’s important to reconnect consumers to farmers through their food, something the folks at Birchwood do really well. At Farmers Union, we advocate for Minnesota family farmers and we aim to build on that food connection to raise awareness for the issues our farmers face.”

A celebration of farm-community connections, the opening menu at F + B will feature Minnesota State Fair Farmers Union Coffee Shop favorites alongside Birchwood seasonal specialties. Spoonriver fans will recognize a few items created to pay tribute to Langton’s legacy. As the season changes, so too will the menu and inspirations.

The menu will be available for walk-up and curbside pickup, as well as a limited amount of patio seating. Additionally, there are picnic-site options in close proximity — with Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City Park and the spacious Guthrie plaza all steps away from F + B. It’s also close to public transportation and the beautiful bike trails along the River Road.   

“The Mississippi River has always been a part of our identity in Seward, and our new venture downtown brings us even closer to it, front and center with our region’s history and foodways,” Singleton said. “I think it’s imperative that we amend the Mill City narrative to acknowledge that we are on Indigenous land. By honoring the original Dakota and Ojibwe stewards, we offer gratitude for their past and present care for the land.”

The Mill City Times Interview: Rashmi Bhattachan of Gorkha Palace

Article by Becky Fillinger

Gorkha Palace's 10th anniversary will be commemorated in September. We talked to co-owner Rashmi Bhattachan about her celebration plans and menu recommendations.  

Rashmi BhattachanQ:  You’re about to celebrate Gorkha Palace’s 10th anniversary. What do you have planned for the event?

A:  We have some exciting promotions planned. Because it is our ten-year anniversary, we will be doing lots of giveaways throughout the third week of September through our social media channels. We will also be offering 15% off on Monday, September 10, which is the day of our tenth anniversary.

Q:  We’ll mark our calendars! You’re a leader in serving locally-sourced, 90% organic food. What are the challenges in maintaining those quality standards?

A:  We have a very reliable supplier who has been providing us 80% of our organic produce. Thankfully we have not had any challenges in maintaining the standards. We also buy from our local farmers market vendors on a regular basis in summer. In case our regular supplier runs out of any ingredients, we have the farmers market as a resource.

Chef SaralaQ:  Your menu changes seasonally. What’s available now that we should try before summer ends?

A:  Actually, our menu changes seasonally for the lunch buffet. Pre-COVID-19, our Chef Sarala and her team used to prepare seasonal vegetable entrees for the buffet. We hope that once everything comes back to normal, we shall once again serve our popular buffet.   

Q:  Is there one dish on your menu you wish more people would try? 

A:  I wish more people would try our Aaloo Bhindi, which is okra sautéed with potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and spices. On the non-vegetarian side, I wish more people would try the Goan Lamb Chili, which is Tandoor grilled lamb sautéed with bell peppers, red onions and tomatoes and served with Lentil soup. These are hidden gems of our menu. But I do recommend that customers take a look at our menu – we have many authentic Nepali, Indian and Tibetan dishes to try.

Aaloo Bhindi

Momo serving at the Mill City Farmers MarketQ:  What food items do you offer at the Mill City Farmers Market?

A:  We offer Turkey Momo (Ferndale Market turkey potstickers), Vegetable Momo and Mixed Vegetable Curry with Jasmati rice (Jasmine and Basmati rice blend).

Q:  Do you anticipate the restaurant will open for indoor dining in the near future?

A:  We are not sure about this year, however we are keeping up to date with the national and local news and the restaurant industry rules, regulations and suggestions from the Hospitality Association. Even though we’ve had no dine-in operations and no alcohol sales, and our revenues have gone down - we feel incredibly fortunate to have had immense support from our community, our patrons. We would not have been able to sustain had it not been the outpouring of love and support from our loyal patrons who keep ordering curbside takeaways, some more than twice a week! My Chef Sarala and I, as well as our entire staff, are deeply touched as well as grateful to all our patrons. This is another reason we really want to celebrate our Ten-Year Anniversary in a special manner this year. Lots of giveaways are in store!

Q:  How may we stay up to date with happenings at Gorkha Palace?

A:  Facebook and Instagram are two ways we provide updates on a very regular basis. And twice or thrice a year we send out our newsletter via email. Sign up for the newsletter on our website at www.gorkhapalace.com. Also, please feel free to give us a call at 612-886-3451 or email at info@gorkhapalace.com.

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About Becky Fillinger

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

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

MPRB's Movies in the Parks switches to Drive-In Style on August 26

Movies start at dusk, around 9 pm. Check sunset times here.  $15 per vehicle.  Advance online purchase required. 

UPCOMING MOVIE: Wednesday, August 26 - Happy Gilmore at Theodore Wirth Golf Course Parking Lot

Come park under the stars and enjoy a night of movie magic with a golf course view in Minneapolis. Join us for a drive-in movie at the Theodore Wirth Golf Course parking lot. Space limited to 60 vehicles. Tickets are $15 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance by clicking here. FM transmitter will be your access to the sound for this movie event. Details regarding sound and tuning into the movie will be confirmed after registering for this event.

Celebrating more than 120 years of free entertainment in Minneapolis parks.

Find the schedule for Virtual Concerts and Drive-In Movies at  www.mplsmusicandmovies.com. 

For schedule upcoming events and notifications: Facebook | Twitter

Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival Launches Social Distancing Art Experience August 17 Along Nicollet and Hennepin

Via an August 17 News Release from the minneapolis downtown council:

Throughout the month, chalk art will be available for viewing at own pace

The 2020 Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival, organized by the Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) and Hennepin Theatre Trust (HTT), returns today, August 17 and is adjusting this year to provide social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Street artists completed their work over the weekend, and the works of art are ready for viewing.

Over the following weeks—weather permitting, rain may impact art’s duration—the art will be available for viewing on Nicollet and Hennepin. Art can also be viewed through this virtual experience as well as the Mpls Street Art Festival social media channels. The street art is scattered and available for viewing at the public’s own pace, whenever time allows, to provide ample social distancing.

To learn more about the Downtown Mpls Street Art Festival, visit MplsStreetArtFest.com or follow along @MplsStreetArtFest on Facebook and Instagram, or @MplsStArtFest on Twitter.

The Downtown Street Art Festival is organized by DID and HTT with support from hospitality partner AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown.

Photo credit Tony Nelson Photography

Photo credit Tony Nelson Photography

Photo credit Tony Nelson Photography

Photo credit Tony Nelson Photography

About the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

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

About Hennepin Theatre Trust

Hennepin Theatre Trust drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Its historic theatres — the Orpheum, State and Pantages — and event center at 900 Hennepin light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming. Hennepin Theatre Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Does a Neighborly Act Require a Large Time Commitment?

Article by Becky Fillinger

Last week we met Pat Jenkinson and Barb Babekuhl of Columbia Heights who have rejuvenated their neighborhood over many months with weed pulling, plantings and making connections between residents of their neighborhood. These two have made a huge impact in their community.

Benedict's server Phil was the beneficiary of a Big Tip Challenge thanks to Mill District resident Kate Rocca.But - does every meaningful neighborly act need to take a large time and energy commitment? The answer is No. Let me introduce you to Kate Rocca, a Mill District resident, co-owner of a photography studio and a server. Kate turned 30 on Saturday and wanted to participate in the #BigTipChallenge as a way to give back to the server community.

The big give took place at Benedict’s in Rochester – Kate’s hometown. Over sixty people donated to her birthday challenge! Phil, the unsuspecting server, was speechless as he received $1,420 as his tip. He ultimately shared the bounty with the entire wait staff at the restaurant.

Kate says, "What a special day being able to take care of those in the service industry – and to those who donated – y’all are pretty special too." 

So, thank you Kate for showing us that neighborly acts can be spontaneous, generous acts that delight. Happy Birthday!

Do you know someone who should be recognized as a good neighbor?

Be That Neighbor is seeking nominations from our readers. Please use this online form for your nominations - people, businesses, nonprofits are all eligible. We'll celebrate these exemplary neighbors in October by recognizing 'A Neighbor A Day' - winners will be featured on Mill City Times and social media. We can't wait to hear from you! Please share with your friends.

https://millcitytimes.survey.fm/nominate-a-good-neighbor

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About Becky Fillinger

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

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

Reader Opinion: Up-zoning in a Pandemic World

Why the Novel Coronavirus Means Up-Zoning Should Be Eliminated from The Minneapolis 2040 Plan

Dennis Paulaha, PhD, Great River Coalition

The Minneapolis 2040 Plan was created on the premise it would help solve three crucial problems: affordable housing, racial inequities, and the city’s negative impact on global warming.

The major tool in the Plan is up-zoning, a policy that eliminates single family zoning throughout the city and allows developers to buy and tear down any homes they want and replace them with apartment buildings ranging in size from three units to an unspecified limit, depending on the proximity to mass transit routes.

The authors of the Plan, saying they did not want to impose any financial burdens on developers as they tear down and rebuild the city, removed lot-line setbacks, which means new buildings can be built right up to lot lines, or across lot lines if adjoining properties are purchased by a builder. 

The Planners also eliminated the “burden” to developers of providing off-street parking, which means the occupants (renters, not owners) of the new apartment buildings will have no choice but to park on the street.

The question is: Is there any chance the up-zoning tool will help solve any of the Plan’s stated problems?

The answer is, no. The truth is, up-zoning will make each problem worse. Of course, we knew that before the 2040 Plan was adopted. 

There were enough articles, meetings, and presentations to make it clear to the mayor, the Planning Department, and the City Council that up-zoning will lead to increasing, not decreasing home prices and rents, will eliminate the homes people who, as they struggle to advance, might someday be able to buy (because those homes will be gone), will increase population density, which will increase, not decrease, the city’s carbon footprint, and instead of reducing the racial inequity problem, will make it worse by forcing blacks out of homes they are renting with no thought as to where they can go after those houses are torn down and replaced with apartment buildings with each unit having rents higher than what they were previously paying.

In other words, if someone wants to increase the affordable housing problem, increase racial inequities, and increase a city’s carbon footprint, there is absolutely nothing better than eliminating single-family zoning.

A PANDEMIC WORLD

Now there is an even more serious problem with up-zoning. 

In a world we now know must live with pandemics on an ongoing basis, the absolutely worst thing any city could do is install an up-zoning plan.

Here’s why.

As the writers of the Minneapolis Plan promised, up-zoning will increase the population and population density of the city, which makes controlling pandemics worse.

Replacing single-family homes, which give people a physical safety net, with apartment buildings that remove that safety net by forcing people to live in much closer quarters makes it easier for a virus to spread. 

Apartment buildings with no lot-line setbacks, no off-street parking, and no grass make it impossible for people to spend safe time in their own yards, which imposes both psychological and physical damages on city residents.

The Minneapolis up-zoning plan, which city officials also called “transit oriented development,” meaning it is intended to increase the use of mass transit, is also the absolutely worst thing a city can do when dealing with the reality of pandemics, because mass transit does not allow social distancing unless the buses and trains only one-quarter filled with passengers.

The related plan of encouraging tall (and very expensive) condo buildings throughout the city, in order to give wealthy people an opportunity to accumulate equity in something other than single-family homes, has also been singled out as a dangerous design by architects who point out the obvious contamination issue with elevators and hallways. 

When the Mayor of Minneapolis, the City Council, and the Planning Department pushed through a Minneapolis 2040 Plan based on up-zoning, they made it absolutely clear at the few public meetings they held that they had no concern for the financial well-being of homeowners, the future of the black community, the education of the city’s children, the natural environment, or the city’s impact on global warming.

And now, in our new world, it can be said that a failure to eliminate up-zoning from the 2040 Plan and to reinstall single-family zoning will make it clear that their disregard for the residents of Minneapolis is even deeper and even more dangerous.

Third Avenue Bridge Renovation Photos

Article and photos by Mill District resident Doug Verdier

Work continues on the renovation of the Third Avenue Bridge, with major prep work being done on the base of one of the bridge piers nearest to Main Street.

Also this week, the water level of the Mississippi River below the bridge was lowered about two feet, allowing workers to install new wooden boards along the length of the Horseshoe Dam structure. The boards, which are now installed along the entire length of the Horseshoe Dam, help control the flow of the river in the area.

Removal of damaged outer layer of concrete is underway on this span near Main Street. 

Each span will undergo similar removal and replacement of outer material to below water line.

Horseshoe Dam upstream from Third Avenue Bridge shown high and dry after the river's water level is lowered to allow workers to install new wooden boards that will help control flow over the dam.

Workers first installed metal bars to support and attach wooden boards. A completed section of boards can be seen at top of photo.

Friends of the Mill District is now Be That Neighbor

Article by Becky Fillinger

Name change better reflects the nonprofit's expanded vision

The Friends of the Mill District nonprofit formed in 2015 when a group of friends began a conversation about Minneapolis’ Mill District and the broader community in downtown Minneapolis. The vision was that their programming be free of charge and available to every resident, including the disadvantaged and others who sometimes feel invisible.

Their programs grew over the past five years to include a community choir (the Mill City Singers), Yoga in Gold Medal Park, meals and donations for those experiencing homelessness, support for Cedar Riverside youth programs, Community Conversations and more. The mission to build community by ‘connecting, convening, and supporting’ neighbors hasn’t changed.

What changed was a need to refine the nonprofit’s focus.

Claudia KittockClaudia Kittock, Board Chair, explains, “When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we decided to create a Facebook page where we could post community needs in real time. The name Be That Neighbor was simple and described our work. As the Facebook page exploded, we realized the name also better reflected the work we have been doing as a charity. Be That Neighbor gives us a clearer focus, and while the Mill District is home for several of us, our focus is not geographic. It is about being a good neighbor in every way we can.”

Jennifer Weber

Jennifer Weber, Board Member, also notes the broader mission of Be That Neighbor: “Friends of the Mill District has been an incredible neighbor at the heart of all the work and support we have provided across the Twin Cities for the last four years. The name change gives new energy and purpose to inspire us all to be the best neighbors we can be without being confined by a geographic title.”

The nonprofit is currently collecting nominations for Good Neighbors. In October, they’ll celebrate ‘A Neighbor A Day’. Know someone you'd like to nominate? Send your nominations to: 

https://millcitytimes.survey.fm/nominate-a-good-neighbor

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About Becky Fillinger

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

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