Briefs Aug. 4 2022

Street Work on Nicollet Ave and 31st St.
As part of the city’s Vision Zero Plan to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, crews will be installing several cost-effective safety improvements on high injury streets and more than 160 intersections this year, including on Nicollet Ave. starting in the coming weeks. On Nicollet, from Lake St. to 46th St., they will install 18 reflective backplates on signs, 15 improved intersections, 20 delineator bump-outs, 6 delineated medians, 10 hardened centerlines and 2 hi-visibility crosswalks. On 31st St. to Cedar, they will install non-permanent safety treatments primarily using paint and bollards.

Violence Prevention Training
Adults may sign up by Aug. 19 for a no cost training by The Minneapolis Violence Prevention Community Champion Institute to learn about de-escalation, conflict resolution, and the public health approach to violence prevention. Those who complete the training can expect to receive a certificate, have access to violence prevention resources, be invited to monthly spotlight trainings to continue building your skills, and have continued support and networking opportunities in the future. The next training will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Room 105. Find more details and watch for future violence prevention training sessions to be posted on the city website.

City Government Restructuring
Mayor Frey has called for passing government restructuring amendments by the end of August. Council Member Linea Palmisano (Ward 13) has introduced the restructuring amendments that will be drafted in the weeks ahead. These will make changes to the ordinances governing the city attorney, internal auditor, city coordinator and create the new office of Public Service and Community Safety. A new chief operations officer could oversee the proposed new Office of Public Service which would include the 311/Service Center, city assessor, civil rights department, communications, community planning & economic development, finance & property services, the health department, human resources, information technology, intergovernmental relations, Minneapolis Convention Center, neighborhood & community relations, public works and regulatory services. As proposed, the community safety commissioner would oversee the new Office of Community Safety, which would include the fire and police departments, 911, the office of emergency management, and a new office of neighborhood safety that will replace, or possibly include, the office of violence prevention now housed in the health department. The council also approved adding a city auditor position to the audit department. The auditor and the city clerk would report to the council.

Southwest Consent Decree Listening Session
On July 21, at the Bryant Square Recreation Center, 3101 Bryant Ave S. roughly 60 people attended the Minnesota Justice Research Center (MNJRC) community meeting to learn more about the consent decree and share ideas about what should be included in a consent decree to addressing race-based policing in Minneapolis. The research center has been hired by Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) to gather community input to help inform the decree. The center intends to include the ideas from the community in a report to MDHR that will inform any agreement made between MDHR and the city of Minneapolis. More details can be found at the MN Justice Research Center’s website at https://www.mnjrc.org/events.

Climate Action and Equity Plan Survey
The city of Minneapolis is updating its Climate Action Plan that was approved in 2013. They started a formal community engagement phase in July around how to meet its goals of “eliminating carbon emissions and improving the daily lives of residents, particularly those most impacted by changes in our climate.” People can fill out our survey and learn more at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/climate-equity/community-engagement/, and by emailing sustainability@minneapolismn.gov. City staff will also be tabling at upcoming this summer and fall, including at Urban League Family Day Aug. 27; and Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Oct. 29.

Summer Meals and Snacks for Youth
People 18 years old and under can find free nutritious meals and snacks from Minneapolis Public Schools this summer. Young people do not need to attend Minneapolis Public Schools to participate and can pick up food at parks, libraries, other community spaces, as well as at the Minneapolis Public Schools food truck and food bus. For locations and more information, use the Free Meals for Kids mobile app at https://hungerimpactpartners.org/meals-for-kids/mobile-app/or visit https://cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/sfsp.