Neighbors Who Are Making a Difference: Minneapolis Neighborhood Safety Clubs

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Mill District and North Loop Neighborhood Safety Club members with MPD officers and Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville front and center.

A Discussion with Founder and Leader, Aileen Johnson

Did you know that we have neighbors walking our neighborhoods in the evening, providing assistance to people in need and reporting on crimes in progress? The Minneapolis Neighborhood Safety Clubs are currently operational in 15 neighborhoods, with plans to grow to 48 neighborhoods in two years. Founder Aileen Johnson provided us with the background of the clubs and information on how to join a current or start a new safety club.

Aileen JohnsonQ:  Can you tell us about the history and mission of the Minneapolis Neighborhood Safety Clubs?

A:  We began in April of 2022 in hard times in North Loop with the encouragement of MPD 1st Precinct Lt Mark Klukow, Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto, Martin Patrick 3 Business Owner Dana Swindler, and Council Member Michael Rainville. Over time what started as a neighborhood project spread across the city. We are neighbors, business, and law enforcement all moving forward together in a spirit of friendship.

Q:  What neighborhoods does the group cover?

A:  We cover North Loop, Mill District, Loring Park, East Isles, Lowry Hill, Kenwood, East Bde Maka Ska, West Maka Ska, Thomas Beach, Linden Hills, Windom, Dinkytown, Nicollet Island East Bank and Sheridan.

Q:  How often are the walks conducted?

A:  It depends upon the neighborhood. Some walk twice weekly, some weekly and some every other week. The safety walks are a part of a larger program which includes neighborhood clean-up events, tours of City Departments, and learning sessions with Departmental leaders to improve our civic and municipal acumen. We also do special details, for example, staffing our safety information table from during bar close in North Loop when there was trouble in the alley near N Washington Avenue and N 2nd Avenue and helping keep an eye out to address drug dealing on Oak Grove Street in the Loring Park neighborhood. We also have purely social events to get to know each other better.

Q:  What are the requirements to join a group?

A:  We are a civic-minded group promoting friendship and engaged in volunteer service to our beloved City.  In order to be a member, you must support our mission of neighbors, businesses, and law enforcement all moving forward together in a spirit of friendship.

Q:  What safety protocols does the group follow during walks?

A:  We stay together and look out for one another. We are not violence interrupters but are an extra set of responsible eyes on the street looking out for people who need help and reporting crimes in progress to 911. Even when we encounter a health emergency, we take a moment to reflect on the next safe step to take which is almost always to call 911 immediately and then let them talk us through the situation until help has arrived. We periodically meet with the MPD Precinct Crime Prevention Specialists who instruct us in tips and skills to keep us safe while on our walks and in our personal lives. We rely upon our collective ability to keep calm in an emergency and to evaluate all next steps from the position of not jeopardizing our own safety.

Q:  How do you communicate with local law enforcement or emergency services?

A:  We communicate both formally and informally. We report in-progress crimes and medical emergencies through 911 and other issues through 311. We have excellent relationships with each of the five MPD Precincts and the Park Police. They reach out to us and we reach out to them on a routine basis to discuss crime information and to adjust our walks and special details to address their needs and the needs of our neighborhoods. We have formed strong friendships with MPD Officers and visit with them on the streets and at their workplaces on a regular basis.

Q:  What equipment or tools do members typically carry (e.g., flashlights, whistles, phones)?

A:  We wear orange t-shirts - kindly provided to us at no charge by MP3 in North Loop - with our individual neighborhood name on front and our common motto on the back, “Join us. Together we stand for a safer community.” In winter we wear orange stocking caps also provided to us by MP3. We carry flashlights when we are out at night. We carry Narcan provided by the Sheriff. We pick up a lot of litter across the city so we also carry trash bags, gloves and pickers. In Loring Park - where our litter detail is extensive - we have a wagon provided by one of our members to carry our equipment and to manage recyclables, dog waste and broken glass.

Q:  How do you coordinate the walks or patrols (e.g., schedules, routes)?

A:  We are a federation of neighborhood safety clubs operating under one umbrella. We are a grassroots self-funded group of volunteers committed to the same objectives, which are to: improve safety; build friendships; increase our civic and municipal acumen. I lead the larger network plus the North Loop, Mill District and Loring Park clubs. As we expanded, we began to engage more safety club leaders and continue to inspire more people to become safety club leaders for their neighborhoods. The leaders of each club work with their neighbors to determine the schedule of walks. Most neighborhoods walk on the same day each week and a few neighborhoods change their walking day every week. In addition to their regular walks, the leaders of each neighborhood safety club often call upon their teams to do special details such as litter pick-ups, lake and river clean-ups.

Q:  Can you share any success stories or notable achievements of the group?

A:  MPD 1st Precinct Inspector Billy Peterson credits the North Loop Neighborhood Safety Club with reducing theft from autos in North Loop through our education program. Park Chief Jason Ohotto credits our Loring Park Neighborhood Safety Club with moving Loring Park from its status as number one park for crime to not even placing in the top ten. Park Board President Meg Forney and Park Chief Jason Ohotto credit our joint East Isles, East Bde Maka Ska,West Maka Ska, Thomas Beach and Linden Hills safety clubs with influencing a peaceful 4th of July at Bde Maka Ska through their 4th of July safety plan and nighttime walk around the lake paths. Perhaps our most notable achievement is the mutual aid network and the friendships we have built across our neighborhoods and with business and law enforcement. Working with Council Member Michael Rainville and Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto we successfully completed our “Lights On” project to restore broken lighting along the James Rice Parkway and the Stone Arch Bridge.

Neighborhood safety club team members perform litter pick-up as part of their overall tasks. 

Q:  What are the goals for the next year or two?

A:  Our goal for 2024 is to grow from our current 15 to 24 neighborhood safety clubs and then to double that number in 2025 to 48. We have made great strides in educating our members about how the various departments of our City work and in building friendships with the people who lead and work in these departments. In 2025, we would also like to expand our educational tours and programs to include County functions.

Q:  This is all so impressive – congratulations on making a difference in our neighborhoods and city. How may we follow your news or contact you to form a group?

A:  Please visit our website at www.mplsneighborhoodsafetyclubs.com or contact me at fritzdoris@comcast.net or at (612) 516-9705.

Update on Berger Fountain Rebuild Project in Loring Park

Illustration shows the proposed final design for reconstructing Berger Fountain and the surrounding plaza in Loring Park

Concept design approved by Park Commissioners, now detailed design and engineering begins

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), in partnership with the Berger Fountain Task Force, is working to rebuild Berger Fountain (Dandelion Fountain) in Loring Park. The Berger Task Force (Task Force) consists of representatives from Citizens for a Loring Park Community, Friends of Loring Park and Loring Greenway Association.

Design Approved

At the MPRB meeting on September 18, Park Commissioners approved the concept design of Berger Fountain. Concept Design Overhead View - Design Illustrations

State Grant Moves Project Forward

The Berger Fountain project received a $200,000 grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Legacy Fund during the 2024 legislative session. The grant was secured thanks to work from state Rep. Hornstein and state Sen. Dibble, with support from members of the Task Force and MPRB Commissioner Shaffer. This funding allows the MPRB to move the project forward by paying for the next phase of detailed design and engineering.

Next Phase

The plan approved by MPRB Commissioners last night is a general concept design that outlines how the rebuilt plaza area could look. This next design phase, called Design Development, will complete 60% design drawings and analyze engineering details, like the size of the underground mechanical elements, placement of the plaza, and more defined cost estimates. 

Damon Farber Landscape Architects is leading a team of landscape architects, fountain designers, and engineers to do this work, which is scheduled to be complete in spring 2025.

Then a third design phase will delve into more refined details, like specific materials, fountain spoke design, and plant species for the garden. These will be part of 90-100% design drawings later in 2025.

The design team will be presenting to Task Force members and posting public updates at appropriate milestones to ensure the community is informed during the process.

Visit Project Page

Fundraising

The MPRB has an agreement in place with Berger Fountain Task Force to raise funds for the Berger Fountain reconstruction project. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from Citizens for a Loring Park Community, Friends of Loring Park, Loring Greenway Association and at-large representatives.

Visit the Berger Fountain Task Force website to get involved. People can contribute to the project at the Berger Fountain Donation Page, or by texting "BERGER" to 53-555. The Task Force recently hired a fundraiser to help fundraise $1.5 million to help close the remaining budget gap.

First Phase of Graco Park Opens on Northeast Minneapolis Riverfront

Graco Park from the Plymouth Avenue Bridge shortly before it opened to the public on September 25, 2024

Now open: New trails, river landing, public art, picnic tables, and gathering spaces surrounded by hundreds of new trees and native plants

Next phases include The River Hub at Graco Park, a new 4,000-square-foot park building opening in 2025, and a future trail connection to Boom Island Park under Plymouth Avenue Bridge

Graco Park is now open along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront! The new nine-acre park is located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, between Boom Island Park and Graco Inc. headquarters. It includes Hall’s Island, which was restored in 2018, plus new trails and walkways, a river landing, public art, picnic tables, and gathering spaces surrounded by hundreds of new trees and native plants.

“If we’re going to have a truly equitable park system, residents of Northeast and North Minneapolis must be able to enjoy thoughtfully designed access to the Mississippi Riverfront, like residents in South and Southwest enjoy the riverfront, creek and lakes in their neighborhoods,” said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Superintendent Al Bangoura. “This is something that we’ve advocated for and worked on for decades, and now these parks are no longer just ideas, plans, or illustrations; they’re real. We’re in the middle of a golden era of riverfront park development in Minneapolis.”

Two other new riverfront parks – Water Works and the 26th Avenue North Overlook – opened on the Minneapolis riverfront in 2021. In 2023, the MPRB completed an extensive renovation at Father Hennepin Bluff Park and restored 4.5 acres of oak savannah habitat at Bohemian Flats Park. Earlier in 2024, the MPRB broke ground on a new 20-acre park at the Upper Harbor redevelopment and a new trail connection between the 26th Avenue North Overlook and Ole Olson Park.

“Opening Graco Park is a monumental milestone in our ongoing, decades-long mission to transition Minneapolis’ northern riverfront to a world-class attraction that’s more welcoming to people and wildlife,” said MPRB President Meg Forney. “We’re incredibly grateful to have a network of partners and neighbors like Graco who believe in our park system and support ambitious plans to restore our natural resources and offer outstanding trails and recreation opportunities.”

Future phases planned at Graco Park include a new 4,000-square-foot park building called The River Hub at Graco Park scheduled to open in 2025 and a trail connection under Plymouth Avenue Bridge to Boom Island Park.

The River Hub at Graco Park is scheduled to open in 2025

Graco Contributions

In 2018, Graco Inc., a leading manufacturer of fluid handling equipment that is headquartered next to the park, and the MPRB reached a series of agreements that resulted in this new park. The contributions from Graco allowed the park to be constructed much earlier than it could have through traditional park funding mechanisms.

“Graco Park is a testament to Graco’s commitment to the communities where we operate,” said Mark Sheahan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Graco. “Graco Park is a gathering space where the Northeast community can come together, play and build lasting relationships. We are proud to contribute to Graco Park and to be part of a community that has supported us for nearly 100 years.”

Graco Park Features

The first phase of Graco Park now open to the public includes:

• Habitat-rich plantings to support the Mississippi Flyway, including 255 trees and an expansive Bee Lawn
• Segment of Mississippi East Bank Trail
• Expansive river promenade walkway with room to host events
• New public art, “Timber Markers” that pay homage to the site’s logging history
• Gravel river landing
• Outdoor stage with sloped, grassy seating area
• Improved stormwater management
• Picnic tables
• Accessible parking spaces

L to R: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Executive Director Kevin Reich, Jan and John Gray, representatives from the Gray family that founded Graco Inc., Graco President and CEO Mark Sheahan, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board President Meg Forney

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Contributions

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) awarded a grant for native vegetation and habitat restoration, stormwater infiltration basins, a low-maintenance pollinator lawn, and a heated sidewalk and snowmelt system.

The restored habitat works hand-in-hand with the new green stormwater infrastructure at the park. A series of interconnected stormwater basins, planted with native vegetation and scattered throughout the site, form a stormwater treatment train to capture and clean runoff. These features are projected to capture 99 percent of the park’s stormwater runoff and remove up to 85 percent of sediment and phosphorus that otherwise would have entered the Mississippi River.

The heated sidewalk snowmelt system was installed in high foot-traffic areas around the new park building, reducing the need for salt and sand to keep paved areas safe for pedestrian traffic in the winter. The building will use geothermal heat for heating and cooling as part of the “Net Zero” building design.

Graco Park Agreements

On Oct. 17, 2018, the MPRB and Graco Inc. reached several agreements on the development of a riverfront park adjacent to Hall’s Island in Northeast Minneapolis.

Included in the agreements:

• The Graco Foundation donated more than $3 million to the MPRB to fund a new park named “Graco Park.”
• Graco gave an easement for the Mississippi East Bank Trail to the MPRB for free and the parties ended legal proceedings related to the easement.
• The MPRB sold 2.2 acres located next to Graco’s Riverside production facility to Graco at a fair market value of $1.1 million.
  • This land is part of a 3.55-acre section of the 11-acre site, dubbed “Parcel D,” which was purchased by the MPRB without state regional park funding.
  • When the site was acquired in 2010, the MPRB, City of Minneapolis and Metropolitan Council all agreed that Parcel D would not become parkland and planned to instead use Parcel D for a public-private partnership of some kind.
• Graco funded flood protection constructed on Parcel D and prepaid park dedication fees for Parcel D.

The site fall 2017, before Hall's Island was restored and Graco Park was built

Site History

2010: The MPRB purchased the 11-acre riverfront site from Scherer Bros Lumber Co. The former lumberyard was cleaned up and industrial buildings and asphalt were replaced with grass over the next few years.

2016: The Mississippi East Bank Trail was paved through the site. This riverfront trail extension connects Boom Island Park, Graco Park and Sheridan Memorial Park before terminating at the BNSF railroad bridge, in the 1600 block of Marshall Street NE.

2017-18: A project restored Hall's Island, which was eliminated by lumber yard expansion in the 1960s, and created a new gravel river beach.

2018: The MPRB and Graco Inc. reached several agreements that will result in this new park.

2021: MPRB staff collected feedback from the community, researched opportunities and constraints at the site and created a series of Graco Park design concepts for public feedback.

April 2022: The final park concept was approved by MPRB Commissioners after a public hearing.

September 2022: Grading and earthwork began to prepare site for park construction.

August 2023: Groundbreaking ceremony commemorates the beginning of park construction.

September 2024: The outdoor elements of the park open to the public.

FINNOVATION Institute and Conscious Capitalism

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Cohort 6 participants

A Discussion with Connie Rutledge, Executive Director

Connie RutledgeFrom its inception, FINNEGANS Brew Co. has been donating a portion of their profits to help feed those in need. FINNEGAN’s founder, Jacquie Berglund, also founded the FINNOVATION Lab (now FINNOVATION Institute) in 2017, a social business incubator and venture services company. We talked to Connie Rutledge, Executive Director at FINNOVATION Institute, about success stories from the Institute’s cohorts, conscious capitalism and what other innovative projects are in the works. You can get involved too – keep reading and supporting local businesses that back innovation and what’s best for all community members.

Q:  Can you share more details about Jacquie Berglund’s "potential of conscious companies" idea?

A:  Conscious capitalism is a global movement, and Jacquie is a rambunctious advocate in Minneapolis. Jacquie has been a social entrepreneur for over 20 years and is dedicated to helping others use business for the common good. Conscious capitalism is the idea that we can balance the needs of various stakeholders and still build profitable, thriving businesses. It's a mindful strategy to consider what's best for the environment, workers, and neighbors while making products or delivering services instead of only trying to maximize profit through the exploitation of resources. We all do better when we all do better.

Q:  FINNOVATION Institute has sponsored six cohorts. Can you tell us success stories from the program?

Junita Flowers of Junita's JarA:  We are really proud of all of our founders, so it is hard to highlight just a few! But I'll try to illustrate the breadth of ideas that our founders have and the various types of impact they are having in our communities.

From the first cohort, our most mature company is Junita's Jar. Junita Flowers started Junita's Jar with a mission to end relationship violence, and has become a well-known advocate and speaker - with cookies now being sold nationally in all Target locations. 

Alysha Price, CEO of The Price Dynamic, has become a thought leader in successful co-parenting and has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of families in the Twin Cities.

Marlee James, who founded Reviving Roots to elevate the mental health services available to Black people and to attract more Black therapists to our region; and Hilary Otey will be opening up Queermunity in Uptown Minneapolis this year - the first Queer community center in the Twin Cities!

The list of success stories goes on and on - our Fellows are working hard to preserve and advance the culture and languages of Hmong, Somali, and Native American communities, as well as equipping often overlooked communities with the tools and services they need to thrive.

Some of our newest Fellows are launching businesses this year to advance natural organic reduction (a greener alternative to cremation), to help ADHD college students stay on track, to center the Asian American experience in board games, to improve outcomes for BIPOC farmers, to connect Spanish speakers to resources in their local communities, to engage East African immigrants in both their heritage culture and American culture, to create emotionally intelligent workplaces where a diverse workforce can grow, and to bring the healing powers of sound and nature to those struggling with neurological disorders or poor mental health.

Q:  Has your organization inspired other companies to collaborate with FINNOVATION Institute to come up with their own programs? Can you share any details about their program objectives and history?

A:  We have collaborated with many other parts of our entrepreneurial ecosystem over the years. The Initiative Foundation in greater Minnesota has a program similar to ours for social entrepreneurs, and we have shared ideas and insights over the years. We've also collaborated with ILT Academy to offer early-stage entrepreneurs a way to prepare to apply for the Fellowship program, and we've also consulted with other organizations about fellowship programs they were launching.

Q:  What would you like Mill City Times readers to know about FINNOVATION Institute, and how may they support this initiative?

A:  There is so much good work happening in our city and so many social entrepreneurs to support. The best support they can give is to become customers and advocates for these young companies. Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram), and let us connect you to the cool things happening in the world of entrepreneurship and social impact. 

Our alumni are making a difference in Minneapolis, whether it's providing tools for your child with sensory issues or reducing gun violence by empowering young people to handle conflict constructively. There is power in choosing a new way of doing business, but it is realized through customers willing to use their spending power to nurture and promote innovation and local businesses.

Mpls Downtown Improvement District Announces 2024 Greening & Public Realm Award Winners

Photo credit - Kurt Moses Photography

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) has announced its Greening & Public Realm Award winners, a group decided by an interactive public vote that includes five first-time winners among the ten categories. The Greening & Public Realm Awards aim to showcase the greening efforts by local organizations and companies that help beautify downtown and its surrounding areas through enhancing our urban landscape.

This year’s awards included five new categories: Best Tree, Best Façade, Best Outdoor Café, Best Sustainable Greening and Best Adopted Garden. These categories highlight the continued expansion of greening and sustainability efforts in downtown Minneapolis.

First-time award winners include the Cottonwood Tree at Water Works Park (Best Tree), ‘Rockman’ by Tom Otterness (Best Public Art), The Monte Carlo (Best Outdoor Café), 3rd Avenue Bridge Renovation (Best Public Realm Improvement), and St. Olaf Boulevard Gardens (Best Adopted Garden).

Loring Greenway won a Greening & Public Realm Award for a record 13th straight year – including winning Best Large Green Space for the eighth year in a row. Peavey Plaza won its fourth straight Greening & Public Realm Award (Best Activated Space) and Minneapolis College took home the award for Best Small Green Space for the second year in a row.

“The Greening and Public Realm Award winners exemplify the commitment to sustainability and greening that is transforming our downtown,” said Adam Duininck, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Council and Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “Their efforts not only enhance our public spaces but also inspire the continued expansion of eco-friendly initiatives throughout our urban core. Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable contributions to our community’s vibrancy.”

Greening & Public Realm Award winners will receive a commemorative plaque created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods and creates high-quality wood products. Each award will display the year the award was issued and the category that was won. Winning locations will also receive a Greening & Public Realm Awards winner sign to designate their award-winning placemaking and greenery.

Finalists for the Greening & Public Realm Awards were announced on September 5th. Public voting for finalists remained open through September 20th. The finalists were selected and categorized by members of the Mpls DID staff based on criteria including overall year-over-year enhancements as well as continued excellence in their efforts to increase vibrancy in the public realm.

Shopping Basket from September 21 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the September 21 Mill City Farmers Market: 

Apples from Mary Dirty Face Farm, juice from Pure Ginger for You, eggs from Sunshine Harvest Farm, tomatoes from Mhonpaj’s Garden, Aleppo and Hidden Falls cheeses from Shepherd's Way, arugula from Burning River Farm, watermelon from Mom's Garden, harissa from Dervish Mazza, ornamental gourds from Green Earth Growers, ganache filled chocolate cake jar from Janna's Gluten Free, pie crust from Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company and chocolate hazelnut spread from Chocolate San Jose Minneapolis.

As always, we are very appreciative of all the growers and makers who bring their best to the MCFM every week!

Mill City Museum’s Courtyard Comes to Life for Projection Art Performance

History, art, and music come together during powerful show titled, “Rising from the Ruins”

Mill City Museum’s iconic Mill Ruins Courtyard is about to transform like never before. On three nights this October, the walls will be illuminated and bathed in color during a special projection performance titled Rising from the Ruins.

Blending art and music, Rising from the Ruins is an epic and imaginative journey that sets off from the banks of Owamniyomni, widely known today as St. Anthony Falls. It explores time, history, and space to tell the story of all who are affected by the falls’ and the river’s power.

Local artist Paul Herwig created the story that incorporates music from Ben Siems and graphic novel-style drawings from Dirk Opstaele. Herwig is one of the area’s sole practitioners of projection mapping and live animated projection events, and is a fiscal year 2024 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

This event will take place on three consecutive nights, October 3-5. On each evening, there will be two performances at 7:30 pm and 9 pm. Doors will open at 7 pm for the first showing and 8:30 pm for the later showing.

Tickets can be purchased online for $15 in advance or at the door for $20. Minnesota Historical Society members save 20%. 20 Pay-What-You-Can tickets will be available at the door thirty minutes before each performance. If a performance is canceled due to poor weather, a make-up showing will be scheduled for October 7.

How Does Climate Change Impact the Mississippi River?

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dr. Alex Roth

Climate change has serious impacts for the Mississippi River. Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) has been at the forefront of protecting and restoring our precious river. We talked to Dr. Alex Roth, Conservation Director, and Colleen O’ Connor Toberman, Land Use and Planning Director, to find out what a changing climate means for the river, efforts to stem the damage, and most importantly, 30 ways in which you can participate. Check out the annual fundraiser in September, and on November 5th be sure to vote YES for the environment trust fund or Lottery Amendment!

Q:  What does a changing climate mean for the Mississippi River?  

A:  It’s difficult to think of any aspect of the Mississippi River that isn’t harmed or impacted by climate change. 

Some changes are better known, such as intense rains, increased flooding and dramatic droughts. And, of course, we’re seeing temperatures tick upward, stressing riverfront communities, particularly those with fewer natural areas or shade, as well as wildlife. 

However, many climate change-related challenges are harder to visualize and involve extensive systems or critical infrastructure. 

Let’s zoom in on the Mill City or central riverfront area for a moment.

After an intense rain, we see St. Anthony Falls swell and roil. But below the riverbed, there’s what’s known as a “cutoff wall.” The Army Corps of Engineers built this underwater concrete wall just upstream of St. Anthony Falls in the 1870s to essentially hold up the falls and keep the riverbed from collapsing.

But it hasn’t been inspected in decades. If it fails, the outcome could be catastrophic. Without the wall, upstream water levels could drop too low to supply crucial drinking water supply intakes that serve Minneapolis, St. Paul and several suburbs. The water supply for 1 million Twin Cities residents, hospitals, schools and even fire hydrants could dry up within a few days.

We all saw the river overwhelm the Rapidan Dam this summer, leading to a partial collapse. Our dramatically increased river flow clearly makes it even more important to inspect and address this cutoff wall. 

Thankfully, legislators agreed with FMR and our advocates or River Guardians, and funded a study of the wall’s condition that is currently underway.  

Also, I should note that increased river flow is due not only to more intense rains from climate change but also to too much water running into the river — from our streets, storm drains, and especially farm fields, particularly those planted with row crops like corn and soybeans and that don’t have any cover crops on them. At FMR, we work to reduce the amount of excess river flow and pollution flowing into the river from such runoff pollution. 

But back to our Mill City area… If we look at one of our most popular local riverfront habitat restoration projects:

Climate change has also made us rethink our approach to many of our restoration projects, including our roughly 10-acre project on the north half of Nicollet Island. Now, all of our tree and shrub planting efforts include climate-adapted species - those predicted to do well under our future climate conditions. These species, including American Sycamore, Catalpa, bitternut hickory, and others, are already expanding their ranges north through Minnesota and will help make our forests more diverse and resilient in the face of climate change, and will ensure that our tree canopy is maintained, especially as other species contract their ranges northward.

We also recognize that as the effects of climate change progress, it’s important to have corridors of high-quality habitat, not only for the local benefits those connected sites provide but also to allow the movement of wildlife and plant species. FMR’s focus on the restoration of riverfront parkland in Minneapolis, including at Sheridan Memorial, Ole Olson, BF Nelson, Nicollet Island, and the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Parks, is an effort to do just that. We’ve also partnered with MPRB and local neighborhood organizations to create volunteer-centric management plans for James Rice (2021), Bassett’s Creek (2022) and Father Hennepin Bluffs Parks (2024) to help empower volunteers and communities to restore and maintain their own local natural areas.

All FMR climate change articles are available here: https://fmr.org/climate-change.

Q:  Is FMR working with local and state leaders on mitigation strategies to reduce the harm to the river from an increasingly hotter city and state? 

A:  Absolutely. FMR works with leaders and decision-makers at all levels - from community groups to state and federal legislators - to mitigate harm to the river from climate change. 

Returning to our local examples… 

Earlier, we mentioned the cutoff wall behind St. Anthony Falls as well as the problem of increased water flow and runoff pollution overall, especially from farm fields. FMR is working with various agencies, like the Army Corps of Engineers to address the wall and preserve our drinking water. To reduce agricultural runoff pollution, we’re working with the Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota amongst others to support “continuous living cover” that helps to reduce runoff water pollution by keeping roots in the soil year-round. 

Colleen O’ Connor TobermanFor both of these issues, we work with state and even federal legislators, not to mention all the FMR River Guardians, our advocates. These are everyday people who care about the river and have signed up to advocate with FMR to contact our representatives when we need their help the most. 

Now, back to the tree planting at Nicollet Island. FMR conservation staff have worked with the NPS, the DNR and the Army Corps to encourage the use of climate-resilient trees. We keep climate change front of mind whenever we plan a restoration project (and we have about 40 restoration sites in the Twin Cities metro!). 

While I mentioned climate resiliency, this also relates to mitigation: Healthy waters need healthier ecosystems on riverbanks and surrounding lands to absorb more water and pollution. Of course, forests and prairies—in both urban and rural spaces—are essential for not only wildlife stressed by climate change but can also help combat the heat island effect in urban areas and provide respite and shade for community members. 

Zooming back out for a moment, I want to note that in addition to our local and state level work, FMR has been working with Representative Betty McCollum, the National Wildlife Federation, the Mississippi River Network and dozens of other endorsing organizations, to pass a federal Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative.

This initiative would provide substantial funding for natural infrastructure, flood protection, habitat restoration and climate change mitigation in Mississippi River communities all along the river’s 10-state run, potentially funding work to reduce runoff pollution and restore habitat from Itaska to the Gulf of Mexico.

Q:  Talk to us about the work FMR does in the area of climate change and justice.

A:  Well, just about any work someone or an organization does to address climate change is inherently justice-related, since the people who will feel the impact of climate change the most are under-resourced communities. If Minnesota does not address its agricultural runoff, we will continue to push the costs of not only increased water flow but increased nitrate pollution and the health risks associated with it on downstream neighbors, especially impacting downstream communities that don’t have the extra money to address them.

Take the federal initiative I just mentioned, the federal Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative, we’re advocating that it set aside a significant percentage of resources specifically for underserved communities and tribes to address these issues.  

Now, back to the local level… In Minneapolis, wealthier areas have historically had the best access or have been the closest to natural areas. As temperatures increase, access to parks and natural areas matters even more, since they can both buffer and provide respite from increasing temperatures. At FMR we invest many resources, both in terms of land use planning and habitat restoration, to restore or even create natural areas in areas that have traditionally been industrialized, such as North and Northeast Minneapolis.

We have had a lot to say about climate change and justice – please see these additional resources:

- https://fmr.org/updates/conservation/climate-change-climate-justice-and-fmrs-land-conservation-program
- https://fmr.org/updates/land-use-planning/climate-change-climate-justice-and-fmrs-land-use-planning-program
- https://fmr.org/updates/water-legislative/climate-change-climate-justice-and-fmrs-water-program
- https://fmr.org/updates/stewardship-education/how-our-volunteer-and-education-programs-work-climate-change

Please also see FMR’s position on Mpls 2040.

Q:  The Held v. Montana case from 2023 has significant implications for climate litigation and environmental policy. The Montana court ruled in favor of the young plaintiffs, finding that the state’s actions and laws violated their constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment.” Although not binding on other states, do you think we’ll see similar actions here in Minnesota?

A:  We were excited about that case as well. (See https://fmr.org/updates/water-legislative-land-use-planning-stewardship-education/reflections-recent-youth-climate/esi) On a related note, we’ve also been encouraged by cases that grant personhood to rivers, although there’s yet to be one of those in the US. 

We certainly don’t have a crystal ball, but we can definitely say we are encouraged by this up-and-coming generation of environmental leaders. FMR operates an Environmental Stewardship Institute for high schoolers, and we’re regularly blown away by their passion and dedication. Our money is on the youth.

Q:  Is FMR a member of the State’s Interagency Climate Adaptation Team? Do you advise it or the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet?

A:  All of the official advisors and team members are with state departments or government agencies, such as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources. But we have worked with many of these agencies and we were particularly pleased to see the Walz administration - including not only the Department of Agriculture but the Pollution Control Agency - highlight the importance of natural and working lands, including continuous living cover crops, as part of their climate solution.

Q:  What can we do as citizens do to preserve the health of the Mississippi River? 

A:  There are many ways to get involved! 

We maintain a healthy list of 30 ways to help the river at fmr.org/30-ways. We picked “30” in honor of our organization’s 30th anniversary last year. And the tips include a wide range of activities, including ways to get involved with FMR as an advocate, so you can weigh in on issues like the cutoff wall, or volunteer, like at Nicollet Island and other nearby restoration sites, parks and natural areas.

Of course, we also recommend becoming a paid member of FMR if you have the means to do so. And if you’re able to join us at our annual fall fundraiser Thursday, September 26th at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, be sure to RSVP. We’d love to see you out on the river!  

And this November 5th, don’t forget to vote “yes” and check the box for the environment trust fund or Lottery Amendment! Many critical FMR and other projects depend on lottery dollars, and it’s up to Minnesota’s voters whether to renew that environmental trust fund this fall. 

November 2024 General Election Registration and Voting Information

Are you registered to vote? If not, now is a great time to do so. Minnesota makes it easy to check your voter registration status, register to vote, and update your registration. Already registered to vote? It's still a good idea to confirm your registration is correct and up to date.  

Register to vote! Pre-registration for the November 2024 General Election ends October 15. If you plan to vote but miss this deadline, you can register at your polling place on Election Day.  

What to do before you vote:

• View your sample ballot 

• Learn about early voting options

Vote absentee:

• Fill out your absentee ballot application and email or mail it to Hennepin County Elections. You can also fill out the online application.

Vote early in-person: 

• Visit your local elections office (check with your city clerk for location and hours)  

• Minneapolis Early Vote Center (Minneapolis residents only) 

• Hennepin County Government Center will be open for early voting 

Have questions?  

For all your election-related questions, visit Hennepin County Elections or mnvotes.gov.  

Important election dates:

• September 20: Absentee voting begins for the general election
• October 15: General election deadline to pre-register to vote
• November 4: In-person absentee voting closes at 5pm 
• November 5: General Election Day (polls open 7am to 8pm)

Mia Unveils Historical Tibetan Shrine Room

Did you know Minneapolis is home to over 5,000 Tibetans, the second largest population in the United States, outside of New York City?

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) unveiled of a new fully installed historical Tibetan shrine room on Saturday, September 14. Located in the Himalayan Art Galleries, the historical Tibetan shrine is a multi-sensory experience featuring more than 200 new pieces of Buddhist art, generously donated by Alice Kandell, a New York collector who made a major gift of Tibetan Buddhist art to the museum. This is the second time Kandell has gifted a significant collection; The Tibetan Buddhist shrine room at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art was also a gift from Kandell in 2010.

The historical Tibetan shrine room exists as it would have in an aristocratic family home or a small temple in Tibet. Guests will be transported hundreds of years in the past as they walk through the Shrine room and witness an ornate display of objects like gilt bronze Buddhist statuary, thangkas (paintings of spiritual realms), ritual implements, painted furniture and textiles such as carpets, wall hangings and canopies. 

More informatin on the shrine.

Shopping Basket From the September 14 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the September 14 Mill City Farmers Market: 

Boneless/skinless chicken thighs and eggs from Sunshine Harvest Farm, Skyr from Shepherd's Way, sweet red peppers from Mhonpaj’s Garden, cippolini onions from Burning River Farm, kale and green onions from Mom's Garden, pears from Ames Farm, purple sweet potatoes from Bean Market, hazelnuts from American Hazelnut Company, carmalized onion & gruyere sourdough foccaccia and banana bread from Zeytoon Bread & Co., and of course juice from Pure Juice For You and Krishna's Delight.

As always, we are very appreciative to all the growers and makers who bring their best to the MCFM every week!

Statistics from the MPD Forensic Services Division

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

It’s National Forensic Science Week, September 15-21. We all watch reruns of Forensic Files, and many other television shows that explain how crimes are sometimes solved through forensic evidence. We have our very own Forensic Services Division within the Minneapolis Police Department. We talked to Shannon Johnson, Director of the Forensic Division, and she provided us a breakdown of how forensic science is used by the MPD. I’m so grateful for the work of these 38 scientists!

Shannon JohnsonGeneral Information

The MPD Forensic Services Division is accredited through the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards and the ANAB Accreditation Requirements for Forensic Testing and Calibration (AR) 3125:2023. Accreditation is required by MN Statute and requires all MPD Forensic Services Division employees to possess the technical skills needed to perform work that meets the highest international standards in forensic science. 

Units in our Division

The Forensic Services Division conducts casework in the following disciplines (the Units in the lab are in bold and listed after the forensic disciplines):

Digital and Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis (Computer Forensics Unit and Video Forensics Unit)

  - Examiners assigned to the Computer Forensics unit perform forensic examinations on items, such as computers, thumb drives, and cellular phones.

  - Forensic Scientists in the Video Forensics unit analyze video for evidentiary content, isolate and enhance still video images, perform audio analysis, recover video from DVRs, perform comparative analysis and prepare timelines.

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Firearms and Toolmarks (Firearms Unit)

  - The Forensic Scientists/Technicians in the Firearms Unit perform examinations on firearm evidence (firearms, bullets and discharged cartridge casings) as well as manage the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) program for MPD.

Headstamp sample. A headstamp includes numerals, letters and symbols (or combination thereof) stamped into the head of a cartridge case or shotshell to identify the manufacturer, caliber, gauge or give additional information.

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Friction Ridge Impressions (Field Operations Unit)

  - Forensic Scientists examine friction ridge impressions (fingerprints) for sufficiency, enter them into AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System), and make comparisons to known impressions.

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Scene Investigation (Field Operations Unit and Forensic Garage)

  - The Field Operations unit examines, documents, processes, and collects evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory.

  - Vehicles and other large items that are related to a crime are typically examined at the Forensic Garage.

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Staffing

38 staff are assigned to the Forensic Services Division, with this breakdown:

  - Computer forensics – 2

  - Video forensics – 2

  - Firearms – 5

  - Field Operations and Forensic Garage – 24

  - Administration and Quality Assurance – 5

Statistics for 2023

Computer Forensics

  - Processed approximately 430 cell phones 

  - Processed approximately 30 computers

Video Forensics

  - Completed approximately 300 onsite video recoveries

  - Isolated approximately 1,260 still images from videos 

 -  Examined approximately 640 removable media devices

Field Operations and Forensic Garage

  - Processed approximately 1,000 crime scenes

  - Processed approximately 300 vehicles

  - Processed approximately 950 firearms

  - Collected approximately 5,700 DNA swabs 

  - Collected approximately 2,700 friction ridge impression lifts

Firearms

  - Examined approximately 950 firearms

  - Examined approximately 7,700 discharged cartridge casings

  - Conducted approximately 2,330 NIBIN entries resulting in approximately 1,000 NIBIN leads 

  - Conducted approximately 1,230 firearm E-traces 

Forensics lab

Maintenance on 5 Bridges Along I-94 Begins This Fall

Beginning in fall 2024 through fall 2025, MnDOT crews will conduct bridge preservation and maintenance work on five bridges along I-94 in Minneapolis. These bridges include:

• I-94 bridge (Dartmouth Bridge) that spans the Mississippi River
• Riverside Ave. bridge over I-94
• I-94 over Cedar Ave.
• I-94 over the Light Rail Transit (Blue Line)
• I-94 over Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave.

Summary of work

• Construct temporary crossovers
• Repair bridge decks
• Resurface bridge pavement
• Remove and replace bridge joints
• Update guardrails
• Upgrade drainage
• Repaint bridge steel

Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be posted as details become available. Motorists can expect overnight lane closures on I-94 between downtown Minneapolis and the Franklin Avenue Bridge over I-94 in fall 2024. During construction in 2025, motorists can expect I-94 to be reduced to two lanes in each direction between Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave. and the Franklin Avenue Bridge over I-94.

Sign up to receive project email updates at mndot.gov/metro/projects/i94minneapolis. 

Mia Announces Latest Exhibition, O’ Powa O’ Meng: The Art and Legacy of Jody Folwell

Opening September 14, Mia's latest exhibition focuses on Jody Follwell's influential Native American art, which intersects with Contemporary and American art.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), in partnership with The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia, welcomes O’ Powa O’ Meng: The Art and Legacy of Jody Folwell as the museum’s latest exhibition, available for viewing from September 14, 2024 – January 26, 2025 in the Cargill Gallery. 

Jody Folwell is a contemporary potter from Kha’p’o Owingeh (Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico) who is widely considered among the most significant and influential clay artists of her generation. Folwell has revolutionized contemporary Pueblo pottery – and Native art more broadly – by pushing the boundaries of form, content and design. She is the first Pueblo artist to employ writing and designs as personal, political and social narratives on her pottery.

The iconic works showcased within “O’ Powa O’ Meng” (“I came here, I got here, I’m still going” in the artist’s Tewa language) span the breadth of Folwell’s groundbreaking career and demonstrate the arc of her artistic development. The exhibition centers Folwell’s practice and situates her within the intersecting artistic contexts of Kha’p’o Owingeh, Native American art, and Contemporary and American art more broadly. 

“Over the past five decades, Jody Folwell’s avant-garde innovations have inspired other artists and the public,” said Katie Luber, Nivin & Duncan MacMillan Director & President at Mia. “We are so excited to celebrate her career with the Twin Cities community through the opening of this latest exhibition.”

Water Works Park - Intersection of Yogis and Racers

Thank you to Doug Verdier for sharing these photos from Sunday, September 8th at Water Works Park, where a group was practicing yoga as runners participating in the Finish the Run race passed by. Planners did a fantastic job laying out this park - it's versatile, heavily used, beautiful and educational (have you taken some time to read all the signage explaining the native plants?)...love it!

Planting Volunteers Needed for September 10 Father Hennepin Bluff Lower Trail Installment of 75 Shrubs!

Tuesday, September 10, 5:30p-7:30p, is the Kick-off event for the new Natural Resource Management Plan for the next 10 years, with funding from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA) Friends of the Mississippi River and Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design were partners on this planning project, and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff advised the team and MHNA volunteers.

Two hours, and 75 shrubs to plant! Hazelnut, nannyberry, plum, serviceberry, and red osier dogwood. Please sign up and encourage your friends to join, too!

Information and registration

Get to Know Anne Hoyt Taff, New Executive Director Minneapolis Parks Foundation

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Anne Hoyt TaffAnne Hoyt Taff took over the reins at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation as Executive Director in early July. We talked to her about her immediate and longer-term plans for supporting Minneapolis’ parks. The Trust for Public Land announced in May that Minneapolis climbed to second place on the annual ParkScore index – keep reading to learn Taff’s plans for keeping our parks well-funded and aligned with community vision.

Q:  What are your top priorities for the first 100 days in your role?

A:  I work through relationships and my approach is to pursue opportunities in partnership with others – so the priorities for my first 100 (and 1,000…) days at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation will stem from what I learn and observe through conversation and connection with people who are enjoying, supporting, and promoting Minneapolis parks. I know already from my initial conversations that our commitment to the Transforming North Commons Park Campaign is a top priority. We are committed to raising $20M in philanthropic funding towards this transformative investment in one of Minneapolis’s oldest and most iconic neighborhood parks, which will include a new fieldhouse, an updated rec center and new water park.

Q:  Your prior non-profit positions, most recently as the Vice President of Partnerships at the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation, required excellent partnership and collaboration skills. How do you envision that background will come into play at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation?

A:  My skills are, of course, a compilation of the support and mentorship I have received throughout my career. As I think about this question, the first thing that stands out is a piece of advice I received over a decade ago from a friend: Don’t wait to learn everything and know everyone before you dig into the work – pick up the phone and start connecting. I have applied this advice at the start of every new job and project and will do so now at the Parks Foundation. By not waiting, my on-the-job learning can be done through relationships and in partnership with my new colleagues, our partners at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, parks supporters and Minneapolis residents. In my experience, these relationships will strengthen my ability to serve as a facilitator for the Parks Foundation and the Minneapolis Park system. Within this system, I hope to be someone who can make connections and engage a diverse range of stakeholders in solving problems, whether it be raising public and private funds for critical infrastructure or fostering more inclusive programming.

North Commons Park aerial rendering

North Commons Park

Youth Council Meeting at North Commons Park

Q:  Do you think that park foundations can broaden community engagement? If yes, what would that look like in Minneapolis?

A:  Yes! This answer to this question should always be yes – from anyone, doing anything! For the Minneapolis Parks Foundation this looks like consciously expanding the net of resources and voices involved in planning, funding, and enjoying Minneapolis parks and public spaces. We can do this by creating spaces for affinity groups to come together and inform this shared work, such as the Youth Council that is gathering around the North Commons Park redevelopment project. As a Minneapolis resident with two small children, I’m thinking about how we might meet parents (active users of parks!) where they’re at – likely a neighborhood park. I’m also thinking about our vast network of corporate and business partners who rely on the strength of Minneapolis parks to attract and retain workers.

Q:  How have parks been a part of your life, and why are they important to you? 

A:  I grew up in Falcon Heights, the daughter of two urban and regional planners, so I have a deep appreciation for civic spaces and their essential role in our communities and public life. I got my start playing mini-soccer when I was three at a community park, and I worked for Roseville Parks and Recreation throughout high school. For me, parks are also a connection to nature. Growing up, we visited nature centers, hiked and camped regularly and after college I worked year-round at an environmental education center in northern Minnesota. I met my partner while working in the Boundary Waters. So now, I love the chance to reconnect with nature in our parks, to step inside a stand of beautiful trees and feel a small bit of wilderness in the city. 

Q:  Let’s ask a specific (and selfish) question: Will you fund additional pickleball courts? 

A:  Ha. Is there a community need for pickleball courts? I’m sure that’s a complicated question and one that I will hear a lot about from folks in the next year! As with any park asset, it’s essential to have courts that are high-quality, safe and accessible. But where and when depends on what is needed in community at this moment. I appreciate that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is specifically managing both its financial resources and planning capacity to address racial and economic equity across our city. We need to have a critical eye on how disparities in funding and energy for parks projects might perpetuate the broader racial and economic gaps we are facing in our city.

With that in mind, pickleball courts and play are an important part of our parks system today and one we have supported. In 2023, a People for Parks Fund grant helped provide free pickle ball equipment and instruction to new players at Folwell Park.

Q:  We wish you much success! How may we follow your news?

A:  You can sign up for our monthly E-Newsletter at mplsparksfundation.org, where we highlight upcoming events and programs, news and updates on current park projects (including North Commons Park), and stories from park-users and supporters.

You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram, LinkedIn and X @mplsparksfndtn. 

Shopping Basket from the September 7 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the September 7 Mill City Farmers Market: 

White peaches (!) from Mary Dirty Face Farm, cod from Wild Run Salmon, juice from Pure Ginger for You, quark and blue cheese from Cosmic Wheel Creamery, eggs from Sunshine Harvest Farm, tomato salsa from Atacama, strawberries from Twin Cities Berry Company, Delicata and Honeynut squash from Clover Bee Farm. Skyr from Shepherd's Way, carrots from Mhonpaj’s Garden, garlic shallot oil from TonzKitchen, sweet onion from Burning River Farm.

As always, we are very appreciative to all the growers and makers who bring their best to the MCFM every week!

Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts Invites Mill District Neighbors to Opening Reception for Water Elements, September 12

Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts announces 27th art exhibit, Water Elements

Thursday, September 12, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Bridgewater Community Room, 215 10th Avenue S

Mill District neighbors are welcome to attend! Wine and appetizers by Klassic Kitchen + Cocktails. RSVP to bnfacommittee@gmail.com. 

The Artists:

Megan Bell | Steve Brumbaugh | Lora Fandrey | Tracy Frizzell | Annie Hejny | Jeanne Lukas | Marla Mullaney | Katy Noun | Dan Petrov | Kimberly Tschida Petters | Lisa Roy

Take a virtual tour of the entire exhibit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utWo7Mc9nsk.

Voting for 2024 DID Greening and Public Realm Awards Opens Today, September 5

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) has announced public voting for the 2024 Greening and Public Realm Awards is officially open!

The Greening and Public Realm Awards, a DID initiative since 2010, celebrates outstanding examples of greening and placemaking that improve public spaces in downtown Minneapolis. Winners will be selected by public vote. The public vote will be open September 5 through September 20.

Finalists were divided into eight categories based on project size and other characteristics. Among the finalists selected were 20 new nominees – a sign of continued growth in downtown greening efforts – as well as several past winners.

“Efforts to enhance our public greening are invaluable, as they elevate our urban spaces and improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and plays in downtown ,” said Adam Duininck, Mpls Downtown Improvement District President & CEO. “Our downtown community is grateful to all the finalists and their efforts to improve vibrancy and greening in the city’s core.”

Winners will receive a commemorative Greening and Public Realm Award created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods and creates high-quality wood products. Each award will display the year the award was issued.

The Greening and Public Realm Awards were created to celebrate the outstanding examples of private and public greening and placemaking happening in downtown Minneapolis and are intended to inspire all to work towards making downtown a greener and more vibrant place.

The public is encouraged to vote by visiting mplsdid.com/greeningawards and using the interactive vote link. Each category will showcase the finalists along with a photo of each location for easy viewing and identification. This year’s eight categories include the following finalists  

• Activated Space: The Commons, North Loop Green, Peavey Plaza, Government Center South Plaza
• Façade: Café Bar & Lurcat, Gluek’s Bar and Restaurant, Strive Bookstore, Lenox Brownstones
• Large Green Space: Loring Greenway, Mpls Convention Center Plaza, Gold Medal Park, Water Works Park
• Small Green Space: Minneapolis College, Federal Reserve, Triangle Park, WCCO Plaza
• Best Adopt a Rain Garden: 4th Street Oasis, St. Olaf Boulevard Gardens, Skip & Michelle’s Rain Garden, 8th St. & Portland Community Garden
• Sustainable Greening: 8th St. Stormwater Planters, 4th St. Rain Gardens, Mpls Convention Center Plaza, Westminster Presbyterian 
• Public Realm Improvement: North Loop Green, Renovated 3rd Avenue Bridge, Reopened Cedar Lake Light Rail Trail, Elliot Park Tree Canopy Project, 2nd Street Protected Bikeway
• Outdoor Café/Patio: The Local, EaTo, Red Cow, The Monte Carlo 

The public is not only encouraged to vote for a winner in each category, but also to celebrate downtown greening year-long. Send your greening photos to @MplsDID on Facebook and/or Instagram using the hashtag #GreenAwardsMpls.