Upcoming Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture Series
Join Armatage Neighborhood’s Green Team in a series on soil health and how we all can have an impact by working with, rather than against nature to help fight climate change. The series includes a virtual community screening of Kiss the Ground in March and a panel on regenerative agriculture on March 24 at 7:00pm on Zoom. Learn more and register at https://armatage.org/soilhealth/
Soil might be the last thing on your mind right now. But in a moment when the future of our planet and humankind is at stake, nothing may be more important than regenerating the ground beneath us. We’re in need of a kind of hope we’ve never felt before. All are welcome to attend whether you live in Armatage or not.
Get Involved with the Community Engagement Committee
Hi Neighbors! Did you know that Armatage has a Community Engagement Committee that plans fun events to bring the neighborhood together? Last year we worked as a team to create Spring Tea & Blooms and the Summer Food Truck Night along with the Halloween Decoration and Holiday Light Tours.
We would love for you to join us. Check out the Armatage calendar on the website and then choose to volunteer for a single event. Or you can join the Committee to help plan new events throughout the year. Come meet new friends and neighbors while making Armatage an even better place to live!
To register to volunteer or to join the Community Engagement Committee, visit https://armatage.org/get-involved/
Personal Safety & Carjacking Prevention Tips
Our Safety Equity & Outreach Committee has pulled together tips from a wide range of sources from cities across the country, local media, law enforcement, and our own committee members. We hope they help you to stay aware and stay safe.
See the full list at https://armatage.org/safety-tips/ Follow the ANA on Facebook or Instagram for posts to share with family, friends and neighbors.
Minneapolis Lifts Mask Mandate
The City of Minneapolis has lifted its mask mandate, which had been in place since January 5. Rates in Minneapolis have been dropping rapidly and steadily, with a 7-day new case rate of 135 per 100,000 individuals and positivity rates below the high-risk threshold based on the latest reported data.
Individual organizations may still institute individual mask mandates. The City of Minneapolis will continue to uphold mask mandates for City employees and City-managed buildings. Visitors and employees in City-managed buildings will still be required to wear a mask. Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks will continue to be strongly recommended in public indoor settings.
Participate in the Redistricting Process
After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 wards and six park districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard. See below for the remaining redistricting process meetings, which you can watch on the City’s website, the City’s YouTube channel, or on Comcast channels 14 or 799.
There is one more public hearing TODAY (Thursday, Feb 24) at 4:00pm (register online here to speak).
Going forward: the Minneapolis Charter Commission is expected to approve proposed ward and park district maps at 4:00pm on Wednesday, Mar 2. The City Council will vote on proposed voting precincts and polling places based on the new maps at its regular meeting at 9:30am on Thursday, Mar 10.
- Sign up to get notices for all upcoming redistricting meetings.
- See current drafts of ward maps.
- See current drafts of park district maps.
Join the ANA Board
The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) has one additional open seat on the Board of Directors! We welcome any Armatage resident that is interested in making an impact, wanting to connect with neighbors and can provide a unique perspective! This is an opportunity open to renters and homeowners alike!
The time commitment and duties are posted at https://armatage.org/open-board-seats/ If you are interested in learning more, please email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org and plan to attend the March 15 Monthly Meeting at 6:30pm on Zoom. Photo credit: Jacob Tapia.
Office of Police Conduct Review to Review No-Knock Warrant Policy
In the wake of the Feb. 2 fatal police shooting of Amir Locke, the Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR), a division of the City’s Civil Rights Department, will conduct a special review of Minneapolis Police Department’s no-knock warrant policy. The review will focus on identifying and recommending specific changes and improvements to department policy and procedures. Read more here.
Minneapolis Behavioral Crisis Response Teams Expand Hours
The City’s Behavioral Crisis Response teams are now operating 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. The teams are part of a pilot project led by the City’s Office of Performance and Innovation with Canopy Roots. Two mobile units operate throughout Minneapolis. Each has a team of two behavioral health responders and outreach supplies, such as water, socks, snacks and toiletries.
People having a behavioral crisis, or reporting one, should continue to call 911 for help. 911 dispatchers will gather information and determine if the incident is eligible for a mobile behavioral health team response. The teams will not respond to incidents involving firearms or violent behavior. The MPD will only be on the scene if dispatch determines the need to clear the scene first or the response teams request assistance to complete their work.
Learn more about the Behavioral Crisis Response teams pilot project here.
Armatage Park is Hiring!
Armatage Park is hiring! Positions available range from childcare staff to programmers, customer service and building supervisors! The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board offers flexible scheduling with hours ranging from afternoon-evening, weekdays and weekends available.
This is a great opportunity for teens, young adults, retired neighbors and anyone looking for flexible, fun work. Reach out to our Park Director Jordan at Armatage@mineapolisparks.org for more information or to apply.
COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing
Vaccines: if you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about boosters here.
Testing: you can now order four totally free COVID-19 rapid tests per residential household through https://www.covidtests.gov/ Ordering takes just a couple minutes. For more local testing options including home saliva PCR tests, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html
Mask Mandate: all patrons, employees and visitors over the age of 2 must wear a mask in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation. Learn more at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/masking-guidance/
Enjoy the eNews? Support Our Work
The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.
Big or small, EVERY donation matters! Give today at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.