| Council Member Cashman wearing black sweater and speaking from the dais during the City Council meeting Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance: The past few weeks I have spent a lot of time learning about the work of my Council colleagues, City staff, and community members over the course of the last several years – work that included peer city learning, expert consultation, significant interdepartmental staff policy development work, and intentional stakeholder engagement. Yesterday my colleagues and I approved this policy framework, which paves the way for the development of a manual for implementation and enforcement processes. This ordinance aims to preserve and grow the city’s affordable rental housing stock by providing opportunities for local community ownership and to prevent displacement of renters, especially renters of color, due to conversion of rental properties. It allows for some added protection for the most deeply affordable units in our city from potential purchase by large, out-of-state investment firms that often have enormous portfolios and access to capital by giving qualified organization (QOs) the rights of first offer and first refusal when certain rental housing buildings are made available for sale. This policy applies to non-homesteaded properties up to a value threshold established by HUD that varies by the number of units. For a full overview of the policy background, the property type and situational inclusions or exemptions, and implementation framework, view our City staff’s presentation. This ordinance’s targeted nature toward protecting the City’s most affordable rental units means that it likely will not have a significant impact on the housing stock in Ward 7, but I ultimately supported it for a number of reasons. In parts of my ward such as Oak Grove Street in Loring Park, I see how tenants and the surrounding community are negatively impacted when out-of-state entities control affordable rentals but hold no regard for the experiences or quality of life of those living in or near them. Our neighborhoods will benefit from rental housing that is controlled by local ownership, both for-profit and non-profit, who understand our communities and are often more responsive when issues arise. As Minneapolis continues to pursue policies and programs that will attract more residents to support our small businesses, enroll in our schools, and bolster our local economy, it is critical that we maintain existing affordable options for those here now and in the future. We will keep residents informed of subsequent milestones in the City’s work to put this policy into practice.  |
An photo of Council Member Cashman speaking at a podium with colleagues and community behind her HERC Resolution: I am proud to share that yesterday Council unanimously passed a resolution that pushes our administration toward a zero-waste future. For years, community members who resisted the building of an incinerator downtown have continued to demand that our government take bold action to reduce the amount of trash our city collectively sends to burn. Thank you showing up and speaking out. I also thank the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners for laying the groundwork for the eventual shutdown of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC), my Council co-authors, and the City staff who carry out our Solid Waste and Recycling programs. You can read the full City Council resolution here. We still have a long way to go, so I’m calling on our residents and businesses to take advantage of existing programs proven to help reduce the amount of waste in our city. Minneapolis offers recycling and organics recycling for all 1-4 unit residential buildings and recycling for all residential buildings. Hennepin County offers grant funding and one-on-one support for small businesses interested in starting organics recycling. For those just learning about this issue, check out this clip from last week's Climate & Infrastructure Committee meeting for more background and the need for action. Cannabis Regulations: Medical cannabis has been legal in Minnesota since 2014. Adult-use recreational cannabis was legalized by the Minnesota State Legislature and Governor Walz in 2023, following legislation permitting edible THC products to be made with small amounts of hemp-derived THC, also known as lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) products, in 2022. Local government units, including the City of Minneapolis, are now creating regulations dictating the "time, place, and manner" that will be in place when the State begins issuing licenses for cannabis and lower potency hemp edibles businesses, estimated to be early 2025, by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The regulations recommended by the Planning Commission and amended by Council with enormous input by City staff reflect a policy approach that emphasizes safety, equity, and accessibility for this new industry and for our neighborhoods. I spent a great deal of time talking through different scenarios with City staff, MPS School Board members, MPRB Commissioner Shaffer, and neighbors to evaluate potential impacts on Ward 7 commercial areas and schools. I compared various spacing proposals with the existing regulations placed on liquor and tobacco retailers, as I do not believe we should be more restrictive with cannabis stores than we are with liquor and tobacco stores. In conjunction with other location restrictions outlined in the ordinance, the Council approved regulations that require retailers to operate at least 300 feet from K-12 schools but with no restrictions on distancing from one another. This was done as a measure of supporting the existing, lower potency hemp retailers across our city who may eventually wish to pursue a different license to sell cannabis from being pre-empted by a new retailer opening up nearby before then. The full ordinance language and amendments adopted at yesterday’s Council meeting are available for review here. - Amending provisions for new tobacco retailer licenses: Another action that I am exploring in response to this research and the many conversations I’ve had with Loring Park neighbors in particular is to work with City staff on limiting future tobacco retailer from opening near schools and removing Downtown zoning exemptions. Near Emerson Elementary in Loring Park especially, we see a high concentration of tobacco and liquor stores because of the zoning exemption; it will require policy solutions like this to ensure we can fill our vacant commercial spaces with small businesses who can contribute to the healthy communities we all want to see. We will share updates on this work and opportunities to weigh in when they are available.
- Capital Long-range Improvement Committee (CLIC) appointments: I want to extend a big congratulations and thank you to John Maternoski and John Bernstein, who were appointed to new terms on the City’s CLIC, a volunteer advisory body which helps to guide our City’s long-term investments in infrastructure and capital projects.
- Ordinance Notices, Introductions, & Referrals: Council Members noticed the introduction of an ordinance amendment relating to Licenses and Business Regulations: Commercial Tobacco and Related Products and three ordinances relating to Safe Outdoor Spaces: housing and building ordinances, health and sanitation ordinances, and zoning ordinances. They introduced and referred to the appropriate committee one ordinance amendment relating to relating to an extension of the City’s gas franchise agreement with CenterPoint Energy to April 17, 2025.
- Honorary Resolutions: 3 honorary resolutions were brought forth celebrating National Cat Day in Minneapolis, Election Judge Appreciation Day, and the celebration of the City of Minneapolis’ recognition as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Organization.
Climate & Infrastructure Committee: Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 1:30 pm - Amending provisions related to boulevards
- Public Service Center, 250 S 4th St, Room 350
Budget Committee: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:00 am - Public hearing on proposed City Budget
- Public Service Center, 250 S 4th St, Room 350
Ward 7 Community Survey Series No survey question this week. Stay tuned for the next opportunity in our November 15th newsletter edition. Statement on MPD’s delayed arrest of John Sawchak Many community members have been expressing anger and frustration this week in response to the Minneapolis Police Department’s lack of action on the Moturi family’s repeated requests for help and protection from the constant harassment, threats of violence, and now attempted murder by their neighbor, John Sawchak. I stand with those community members and my colleagues on the Council who are demanding a transparent, thorough, and independent review of MPD’s handling of this case, including the delayed arrest of Mr. Sawchak a full 5 days after the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office issued a warrant. The victim and his family, Council Members, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, and residents have raised many questions about the situation. Concerns include: what actions MPD and other city departments took between February and October, how and why communication about a clear and specific threat did not lead to preventative or protective action, communication and lack thereof between MPD and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, the delay between the shooting and the arrest, the process of the arrest itself, compliance with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settlement Agreement, MPD's initial public statements after the shooting, and many more. Mr. Moturi is Black and Mr. Sawchak is white, raising concerns about the role of racial bias in a Department that has a pattern or practice of discriminatory policing. At yesterday’s Council Meeting, we approved a request to the City Auditor to undertake an After Action Review of the City's actions in cases involving Davis Moturi and John Sawchak. This independent evaluation will analyze these concerns, as well as the role of city policies, actions taken by MPD leadership and officers, and actions taken by other city staff. We will keep community members informed on this situation as we are able.  |
An image of red, white, and blue circular stickers with the text "I WILL VOTE" in the center Election Day is November 5th Election Day is almost here! If you still have your mail ballot at home, make a plan for dropping it off. Anyone who can vote in Minneapolis on Election Day can also vote early at the Early Vote Center at 980 E. Hennepin Ave. or any of the additional sites. The main Early Vote Center is open extended hours, including weekends, through 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 (the day before Election Day). If you still have a mail ballot, make sure it’s received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to count. You can drop it off before Election Day at Elections and Voter Services, 980 E. Hennepin; the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 Sixth St. S., skyway level; the 625 Fourth Ave. S. drive-through during voting hours; at any of the early voting sites during voting hours; or at any remaining pop-up voting events. On Election Day, ballots can only be dropped off to Minneapolis Elections at 980 E. Hennepin or the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 Sixth St. S., skyway level. An image of a 311 representative at their workspace smiling and wearing a phone headset and pink scarf Help the City improve the 311 experience The City of Minneapolis is working on replacing the system that handles requests and information about City services. We use this system when people contact 311 to report things like potholes or graffiti. You can contact 311 in many different ways, such as phone, email, a mobile app, texts and the City website. A blue, green, and white flyer with event details and a photo of empty auditorium seats and a stage First public information sessions on human rights settlement agreement Come to a public meeting Nov. 13 or 14. Hear from Effective Law Enforcement For All as the independent evaluator of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement with the City of Minneapolis. You’ll get updates from Effective Law Enforcement For All about the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department’s path to meet the requirements of the settlement agreement. Effective Law Enforcement For All will present an overview of its role in the settlement agreement, describe its requirements and how compliance is checked, and provide implementation updates related to MPD policies and training. Each session will follow the same agenda and format. South Minneapolis public information session 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St., Suite 120 North Minneapolis public information session 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 North Community High School, 1500 James Ave. Save money on your next home energy-efficient improvement The City’s Green Cost Share program continues to help Minneapolis residents reduce their home energy use. From better insulation to new heating and cooling systems, the City helped residents with more than 200 projects so far this year to improve Minneapolis homes. Need funding for your next home energy-saving project? We are offering rebates up to $14,000 for homes in a Green Zone and $5,000 for homes outside a Green Zone. Learn more about the program and apply now. Under an earlier phase of the program, the City offered 0% interest loans for energy-efficient improvements to Minneapolis residents. Watch a video on how residents Vivian Johnson and Mike Rivard used their 0% interest loan. A white and orange flyer with event details and fall imagery around the border CIDNA Holiday mART The Cedar-Isles-Dean Neighborhood Association is seeking vendors for its 2024 Holiday mART, taking place on Saturday, November 30, 2024 – also known as Small Business Saturday. If you’re an artist or maker looking for opportunities to showcase and sell your work this holiday season, send an email to info@cidna.org for more information. - Saturday, November 30th | 1-4pm
- Jones-Harrison Senior Living Residence (3700 Cedar Lake Rd)
Council Member Cashman seated in a circle with residents at Jones-Harrison Senior Living Residence Out and About in Ward 7 The Ward 7 team continues to get out in community to talk to neighbors and stakeholders where they are. Here are a few highlights from the past couple of weeks. - Enjoyed coffee and good conversation with neighbors at our October “Coffee with Katie” event at Jones-Harrison Senior Living in Cedar-Isles-Dean
- Met with residents at the Atrium Apartments in Downtown West to talk about issues they’re experiencing in the neighborhood, considerations for possible transit route changes, and City budget priorities
- Participated in a panel discussion alongside other City leaders and Downtown stakeholders about issues and opportunities related to commercial real estate, community safety, and the future of Downtown as both an economic engine and neighborhood
- Celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Bryn Mawr Meadows Park redesign with MPRB, City, and Bassett Creek Watershed representatives and Bryn Mawr neighbors
- Joined neighbors and spoke about key initiatives at the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association’s Annual Meeting
Infrastructure Updates 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: |
