| Council Member Cashman speaking on the dais during the City Council Meeting in a tan blazer - 2024 summer safety violence prevention funding: In May 2024, Office of Community Safety Commissioner Barnette presented an overview of strategies his office expected to pursue to combat the spike in violent crime we often see during the summer months. The presentation broadly referenced partnerships with community-based organizations without detail of what they would look like nor specification on how much funding would be allocated for these groups. Council moved to earmark over $500,000 in violence prevention strategy funding for gaps in specific services and programming identified by a number of community-based organizations doing grassroots violence prevention work across our city.
- Minneapolis Convention Center Remodel: Council approved a bid for a major capital investment in upgrades to Convention Center meeting spaces that will help Minneapolis stay competitive as a regional and national destination for major events. The Convention Center is a major driver of economic activity and revenue for our city, and it is key that we continue to maintain critical City-owned assets like this one.
- Hennepin Dunwoody Bikeway: Public Works will construct approximately 0.9 miles of bicycle-related improvements along Hennepin Ave and Dunwoody Ave. The project will include ADA compliant pedestrian ramps, curb extensions, pedestrian refuge medians, bicycle facility, green infrastructure, traffic signal improvements, and utility improvements. The project layout was approved back in August of 2023 and construction will take place throughout the rest of this year. This project positively impacts Ward 7 by connecting the Western neighborhoods of Lowry Hill and Bryn Mawr to Loring Park and downtown much more seamlessly. The bike path connects institutions like Dunwoody College, Minneapolis College, and the Basilica of St. Mary and supports biking and walking from the new Green Line Station. Community members can learn more about the project and sign up for updates.
- Cedar Lake Road Bridge: The concept layout and necessary easements were approved for the reconstruction of approximately 580’ of the Cedar Lake Road Bridge over BNSF railroad between Morgan Ave S and the Cedar Lake Road Bridge over CP Railroad and Bassett Creek. The project, slated to take place in 2027, involves the entire right-of-way and will include bridge replacement, new sidewalks, ADA compliant pedestrian ramps, bicycle accommodations, pavement, curb and gutter, and utility improvements. The project will also include lighting improvements, new signage, and new pavement markings, as needed. Check out the project page for engagement summaries, the approved concept layout, an interactive map, and more.
- Honorary Resolutions: 4 honorary resolutions were brought forth celebrating a range of efforts and individuals including 2024 Farmers Market Week.
Ward 7 Community Survey Series In each Ward 7 Newsletter, we include a question for constituents to weigh in on. Questions may be related to upcoming policy decisions, future planning, issue prioritization, community project ideas, and more. Today's question: In partnership with the Mayor, Council Member Rainville, and City staff, I am authoring a set of policy revisions that will streamline the review, and therefore reduce costs, of building conversion projects. Axios Twin Cities has an excellent overview. Though this will have a tangible impact on downtown Minneapolis real estate, there are buildings all over the city that could benefit, such as empty schools, churches, and others. Which buildings in your neighborhood or elsewhere do you think should be converted to a new use? A photo of Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Ben Johnson, Arts Commissioner Jeff Swinton, Mayor Frey, and Council Member Cashman Vibrant Storefronts Application Open Last week I joined the Mayor and the Arts and staff from our Arts and Cultural Affairs team to support the launch of the City's Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, which will match 8 currently-vacant commercial spaces right here in Loring Park with local artists and arts organizations who need an affordable place to hone their craft and collaborate. We are excited to get this program off the ground and hope to see it expand in the years ahead to the other important areas of town also struggling with commercial vacancies. Community arts do so much for our neighborhoods and our collective health and identity as a city, and this is one way we are working to invest in the long-term health of our arts community. The application period is open now through August 30, 2024 for a chance to be selected as a tenant for one of the available spaces. Artists and organizations can apply individually or as a collective. Program, location, and application details are available here.  |
A bright blue and green event graphic with CM Cashman's photo, event details, and logos for the DID and Metro Transit Uptown Safety focus at August “Coffee with Katie” Join us for this month’s “Coffee with Katie” community roundtable discussion at Walker Library (2880 Hennepin Ave) in East Isles on Wednesday, August 21st, 6-7:30pm. We know that residents, businesses, and owners in the Uptown area have been struggling through a trend of robberies, assaults, open drug use, and property crimes of all kinds this year. Many residents, workers, and visitors do not feel safe, and it further discourages investment in our commercial corridor. Hennepin Avenue needs and deserves new resources and a new approach to change the trajectory. We all know how short-staffed our police department is, and it's critical that we deploy some complementary strategies to help reverse these trends. Establishing Safety Ambassadors in Uptown is a pilot strategy that was already funded by the City Council in the 2024 budget can be done using the same model that has proven successful in Downtown Minneapolis. Contracted by the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID), Block by Block is a well-established and professional vendor that employs workers with union representation. The DID funds 55 ambassadors each year who clean the public spaces, connect community members experiencing homelessness or mental illness to services and resources, provide an extra layer of security for commercial and retail businesses, and provide hospitality, guidance and more “eyes on the street.” Their presence helps pedestrians, families, shoppers, workers, business owners and residents feel safer as they move through Downtown. The 2024 Budget approved by the Council and signed by the Mayor included $3m for 10 community safety ambassador pilots throughout the city, including $300,000 for Uptown. Since I started my term in January, I have been pushing our Office of Community Safety (Commissioner Barnette’s team) to implement the Uptown pilot program. $300,000 for Uptown Safety Ambassadors could cover over 5,000 hours of ambassador time, based on data provided by the DID. Safety Ambassadors, hired and trained by Block by Block or a similar vendor, stationed along Hennepin Avenue would support 5th Precinct police by diverting some “lower priority” calls away from 911, allowing police to respond more quickly to violent crime. This is a proven tool we can leverage now to help restore community faith in our public safety system and quell the sense of “lawlessness” that has impacted our city since the pandemic. I ask you all to support me in urging the Mayor and Commissioner Barnette to implement this pilot program in Uptown immediately. At this month’s “Coffee with Katie” I’ll be joined by two guests: Shane Zahn, the DID Safety Program lead, to share firsthand about the effectiveness of the downtown ambassadors; and Lesley Kandaras, the General Manager of Metro Transit, to overview safety efforts at the Uptown Transit Station and transit stops along Hennepin Avenue. This is an opportunity for all of us to learn, ask questions, and constructively discuss ideas for securing more community safety resources for Uptown. When: Wednesday, August 21st | 6-7:30pm Where: The Walker Library (2880 Hennepin Ave), Bde Maka Ska Room  |
A gray, green, and white flyer with event details and a photo of people seated on chairs around Commons Park A red, white, and blue flyer with event details, photos of the live entertainment that will be present, and partner logos National Night Out on August 6th This Tuesday is National Night Out, and Minneapolis leads the country in participation! This annual event is an excellent opportunity to make new connections and strengthen old ones with your neighbors. There are lots of registered block events and other gatherings happening throughout Ward 7, and all residents are welcome. People in bright green safety vests and gloves move old cans of paint on a cart Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event Hennepin County organizes collection events throughout the year to give residents more convenient local disposal options for their household hazardous wastes. The next event is on August 9 and 10, 9am to 3pm, at Jenny Lind Elementary School located at 5025 Bryant Ave N. Please note: the county will not be accepting electronics at the collection events; household hazardous waste will be accepted only. - Be prepared to show your driver’s license or other proof of county residence.
- Secure products so they don’t tip over or leak.
- Follow the signs and stay in line.
- Event will be shut down during inclement weather.
- Residents arriving via bicycles and walk-ups are welcome.
When: Friday, August 9th and Saturday, August 10th | 9am-3pm Where: Jenny Lind Elementary School (5025 Bryant Ave N, enter off Dupont Ave) A group of people crouching with sidewalk chalk over a colorful pavement art piece while others walk nearby Minneapolis Street Art Festival The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival is a free and unique downtown art experience for residents and visitors that celebrates street art in all its forms. The festival takes place annually and features chalk and spray art, murals, performance, craft, food and fun! New this year, the indie artisan fair, Jackalope Arts, will be bringing over 100 local, hand-select artisans to the festival streetways. Shoppers can expect to find trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art, photography, food, plus much more. When: Saturday, August 10th and Sunday, August 11th | 10am-6pm Where: Nicollet Mall between 6th Street and 11th Street in Downtown A dark blue and beige event graphic with photos of the Council Members, event details, and a QR code to register Save the Date for Ward 7 Budget Workshop Save the date for a workshop I am hosting for Ward 7 stakeholders on Thursday, September 26th at the Woman’s Club (410 Oak Grove St) in Loring Park! With participation by the City’s Budget Director and the Chairs of our City Council’s Budget Committee, Council Vice President Chughtai and Council Member Koski, we’ll learn the basics of how the City’s budget works and collaborate in teams to identify Ward priorities and trade-offs. This will be a great opportunity to actively participate in the City’s 2025 budgeting process. Registration is open and encouraged. To find out about what’s going on in your part of town, check out the nine neighborhood organizations working to keep folks connected and engaged in Ward 7: |
