Category Archives: Park

January 7, 2021 eNews

Join the Armatage Neighborhood Association Board

Love our neighborhood and want to get more involved? The ANA is holding one more special election for an open board seat at the January 19 meeting at 6:30pm on Zoom. To learn more about the duties, time commitment and to register to run in the Special Election by Sunday, January 17 at 11:59pm, visit https://armatage.org/january-2021-special-election/

Look for a candidate guide at armatage.org on January 18. The vote will be conducted live at the Tuesday, January 19 meeting on Zoom at 6:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated representatives of a neighborhood business or institution are eligible to vote. Register here for this month’s meeting link.

Free Events to Learn More AND Limit Your Use of Plastic

The Armatage Green Team is hosting a series of great events to help you learn about the problems with plastic, why recycling alone isn’t the answer, and practical strategies to rethink your purchasing and drastically limit your use of plastic. Register at https://armatage.org/plastics/ for any or all of the series, which is open to all even if you don’t live in Armatage:

  • Jan 17-21: Register to screen The Story of Plastic whenever works for you!
  • Jan 21 at 8pm: Join the Armatage conversation on The Story of Plastic on Zoom.
  • Jan 28 at 7:30pm: Attend our free virtual workshop on The Problem with Plastic & Practical Alternatives with the City of Minneapolis & Tare Market!

Armatage Business Directory

Do you work for a neighborhood business?  Or do you live in Armatage and have your own small business? We’d like to help promote you!

The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) is updating our website’s Business Directory this winter. If you’d like to be included or update your listing, please send information about your business and your website to our Coordinator, Lauren, at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Share Your Thoughts on the Parks For All Plan

There are less than two weeks left to give feedback on a draft of Parks for All, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) 2021 Comprehensive Plan!  Parks for All will set MPRB priorities and policy direction for the next decade. Visit minneapolisparks.org/parksforalldraft to check out the draft plan and share your thoughts.

There are also two virtual Community Open Houses where you can discuss any aspect of the plan with MPRB staff. Use the links below to participate:

Please Shovel Your Sidewalks

Sidewalks are a critical part of our transportation system and clearing snow and ice helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. Here’s a refresher on the City’s rules: Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of houses and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours.

City inspectors are out actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled in addition to responding to complaints reported through 311. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill from the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. An average bill is approximately $239. Call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks. Find more information about snow clearing on the City’s website.

Minneapolis Ice Skating Rinks

The MPRB is continuing to open ice skating rinks around the city.  Please follow COVID-19 guidelines to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other skaters and wear a face mask or face covering. Unfortunately the parks are not able to lend out skates this year.

Public Hearing Notice

The City Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. to Amend Title 20 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances related to Chapter 537 on Accessory Uses and Structures. The purpose of the amendment is to eliminate the owner-occupancy requirement for certain accessory dwelling units.  View the public hearing on Comcast Channel 14 or 799 or live on www.minneapolismn.gov/tv/citycounciltv. Submit comments or participate by phone in the meeting by using the following website: www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/index.htm.

If you have questions about the project, please contact Andrew Frenz, Senior City Planner, 612-673-3790, andrew.frenz@minneapolismn.gov

Pedestrian Safety Survey

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking volunteers to participate in a short survey about pedestrian safety in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.  This survey is expected to take approximately 5 minutes to complete.  This is a voluntary study and there is no payment available for participation.  This research is being conducted by Dr. Nichole Morris from the HumanFIRST Laboratory at the University of Minnesota.  If you have any questions or concerns about this survey, email Nichole Morris at nlmorris@umn.edu.  Follow this link to the Survey: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVzUc3nOTvvEJvL

December 11, 2020 eNews

December 15 Meeting Agenda

  • 6:30pm: Welcome and Introductions
  • 6:35pm: Approval of November Minutes & Financials
  • 6:40pm: ANA Visioning and Board/Committee Expectations Part 2
  • 7:20pm: Coordinator Update:
    • Holiday Light Tour
    • Remaining ANA Funds
  • 7:30pm: January 2021 Newsletter
  • 7:45pm City Update and Q & A with Council Member Linea Palmisano

Register to attend the Armatage Monthly Neighborhood Meeting and get this month’s Zoom link here.

Armatage Holiday Light Tour

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of our neighborhood this holiday season with our first-ever Armatage Holiday Light Tour, which starts tonight and runs each night from 5:00-8:00pm through Sunday, December 20. The tour is self-guided and free. You can download this year’s tour map at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

After you’ve visited every stop on the tour, head back to vote for your favorite holiday displays. In the spirit of fairness, please hold off on voting until you’ve visited each and every stop. The three addresses with the most votes will get a $50 gift card to an Armatage business!

We need light and holiday cheer this year more than ever – please help us spread the word to friends and neighbors in the area!

Free COVID-19 Testing

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. For more info on what to expect, how to quarantine while you wait for results, when to expect results, and links to more testing sites visit http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing

Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St.
Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 19

Columbia Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 13, Dec. 14, Dec. 20, Dec. 21

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E
Noon-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends starting Nov. 9
Make an appointment here.
Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave.
2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St.
2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays
Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment.
Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers. Otherwise, expect to get your test results in about two-three business days.

Transforming Community Safety Survey Extended Through Dec 18

Provide your input on what community safety looks like and share your ideas about a new model of community safety for the City of Minneapolis. Here are links to the survey, which now closes Dec 18:

Your input will help inform efforts to expand and improve the public safety system, with the goal of ensuring that every single person in Minneapolis can trust they’ll be kept safe. Learn more and stay up to date on this process at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/community-safety/


Apply for an Armatage Safety Rebate

There are just a few weeks left to apply for a 2020 Safety Rebate!  If you’ve been thinking about upgrading motion lighting, installing new deadbolt locks, or adding outdoor security cameras, check our list of eligible expenses and apply for a up to $100 Safety Rebate before December 31 to take advantage of the 2020 program. If you’ve already gotten a rebate this year, you’ll have the opportunity to apply again in January 2021.

Whether you rent, own a home or operate a business in Armatage, there’s a Safety Rebate program for you! Click below to learn more:


Free Pet Adoptions at MACC in December

To help pets find their forever homes for the holidays, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is waiving adoption fees for all adoptable animals during the month of December! Let’s clear the shelter –  read more here.

Adoption details:

  • Browse adoptable animals at www2.minneapolismn.gov/animals/adopt.
  • Call 311 or 612-673-6222 to request an adoption appointment. All adoptions are being done by appointment to limit the spread of COVID-19.
  • Adopters must meet and spend time with the animal they want to adopt before completing adoption paperwork.
  • Minneapolis residents must purchase a City pet license.


Winter Park Programs

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board anticipates adult sports leagues returning to action this winter with an emphasis on health and safety. At this point the MPRB is planning on hosting in-person adult sports leagues with modifications in place to help protect all league participants while offering opportunities to compete, have fun and be healthy in the parks this winter.  There are also great virtual youth programs.

Minneapolis residents who cannot afford participation fees because of economic need may apply for fee assistance through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Fee Assistance Program.

Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling Survey

Got a few minutes? Take Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling’s survey on how your waste generation and purchasing behaviors have changed since March. The responses are anonymous and will serve as a guide for developing community outreach and educational messaging for 2021. The survey will close December 20 at 11:59 p.m. but don’t wait, fill it out today. Take the survey here.

Reduce Waste this Holiday Season

Click here for Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling’s tips to reduce food waste, buy used, safely recycle items like broken strings of lights, opt for low-waste decor and more!

August 21, 2020 eNews

August 18, 2020 Meeting Recap

The ANA discussed this Sunday’s Sweet Treats event, possibilities for a distanced Halloween event at Armatage Park, and a new Halloween Decoration Tour during the last week in October.  Additional upcoming events include a distanced Neighborhood Clean-up on October 3 (sign up here) and an anti-racism training on Zoom on October 6 led by facilitators from the Theater of Public Policy (sign-up info coming soon). The Board voted to sign onto a neighborhood funding letter drafted by colleagues from around the city and Accountant, Rachel, held an informative training on city funding and neighborhood financials. Next month’s meeting will be September 22 at 6:30pm on Zoom!

Sweet Treats in the Park This Sunday

Sunday, August 23
5:30-7:30pm
Armatage Parking Lot

Grab your mask and come to Armatage Park for our safe and distanced event of the summer – Sweet Treats in the Park!  Food trucks Sonny’s Ice Cream and Thumbs Cookies will take orders in the parking lot while practicing new safety guidelines and distanced ordering:

  • Pre-order cookies from Thumbs for easy pick-up at https://www.exploretock.com/thumbscookies/
  • Sonny’s prefers prefers cash at the event (don’t worry – transactions will be totally separate from scooping).
  • Dairy-free or gluten-free? Both vendors will have options for you.

Thanks in advance for following our safety guidelines to wear a mask during the event, maintain *at least* 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, follow signs and use the pre-marked spaces to wait in line, and eat away from others in the park or bring your treats home! More on the event at armatage.org. The weather looks perfect but in case of inclement weather, we’ll post cancellations on Facebook, Nextdoor and Twitter

NEW: Native Plant Rebates!

The ANA and Green Team are so excited to launch our first-ever Native Plant Rebate program to increase pollinator habitat throughout the neighborhood! Now through September 30, you can purchase native plants locally and apply for a 50% rebate from the ANA up to $20/household.

See lists of native plants available at our local garden centers and learn more about the new program here.

Get Ready to Vote in the 2020 Election

Minneapolis had its higher primary voter turnout in 50 years! Of the 130,888 ballots, 65% of them were cast early through vote by mail or early voting. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and exercise your right to vote this fall:

  • Register to vote or update your voter registration at bit.ly/votemn101
  • Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online but allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101
  • Track your ballot after you mail it at bit.ly/trackmyvote101
  • Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours will be posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!
  • Election judges needed: Eligible voters who can read, write, and speak English, especially if you are multilingual. High school students ages 16 and older can become student election judges. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/elections/become-an-election-judge


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

Sign up to adopt a new storm drain in the neighborhood, commit to keeping it clean and free of debris that could pollute our waterways, and enter to win a $25 gift card from the ANA! All the details you need to get started are at armatage.org/adoptadrain The challenge ends September 30.

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association. We Need Your Help.

Funding for neighborhood organizations like the ANA expires in December. The City is considering a new funding plan that would add equity goals for neighborhoods’ work and increase funding for areas of the city that need it most. But it would also drastically reduce the annual base funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods to such a degree that core services will be in jeopardy.

If you value the ANA and our continued work in the neighborhood, please take a few minutes to comment before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm. Mail in the postcard we included in your latest edition of the Armatage News, email a comment, or write your own.  All the info you need to quickly comment is at armatage.org/n2020.

Comment on Parks for All

Visit bit.ly/MPRBCompPlan (or click on the image above) to learn more and weigh in on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Comprehensive Plan.


Take the Southwest Business Assocation’s Safety Survey

The Southwest Business Association would like to hear from community members around safety. Fill out their quick survey at https://forms.gle/dbqHbP8zfvZwURHDA

Loans Available for Those Affected by Civil Unrest

Minneapolis individuals, property owners, businesses and nonprofits can now apply for low-interest disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for areas in Minnesota affected by the recent civil unrest.

Apply online for one of three types of SBA disaster loans:

  • Home disaster loans for homeowners or renters for disaster-damaged real estate and personal property including automobiles.
  • Physical disaster loans for disaster-damaged property owned by businesses and nonprofits including real estate, inventory and equipment. Businesses and nonprofits of any size are eligible. Applications due October 2, 2020.
  • Economic injury disaster loans for working capital to help small businesses and nonprofits meet their financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. Applications due May 3, 2021.

For help preparing financial documentation, Minneapolis businesses can consult with an advisor through the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program or contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team at 612-673-2487 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov. See the Small Business Administration news release and fact sheet for more information.


Census Takers Started Door-to-door Outreach on August 11

On August 11, enumerators (also known as census takers) began going to households to help those who have not yet completed the census. If you do not want someone to come to your door, you can still complete the census:

Census takers will only visit households until September 30. Let’s make sure our community is seen and heard. Be counted now, so we have the resources we need for education, healthcare, housing and other vital services for the next 10 years.


Travel Needs Survey

You are invited to participate in a short University of Minnesota survey on people’s travel needs in the Twin Cities region and how shared automated vehicles may help meet these needs. This survey is part of a larger study titled SCC: Leveraging Autonomous Shared Vehicles for Greater Community Health, Equity, Livability, and Prosperity (HELP), which is funded by the National Science Foundation.

The survey is completely online, is available in English and Spanish, lasts no more than 15 minutes, and is voluntary. After completion, all survey participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of forty $50 VISA gift cards!

Link to survey: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8tRKSNEtnt5HLaB


Emergency Rent Assistance

Evictions are suspended now through September 11. Hennepin County offers emergency rental assistance for residents with low incomes who have been financially harmed by COVID-19. Residents can learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/rent-help and find more information here:


Hennepin County Deconstruction Grants

To help divert waste from landfills, Hennepin County has grants available for homeowners and developers to deconstruct buildings to salvage building materials rather than demolish them. Homeowners and developers of residential properties can receive up to $5,000 to help offset the additional costs associated with deconstruction.

Grants are available for demolition or renovation projects that are 250 square feet or larger on structures built prior to 1950 (please note we had this year listed incorrectly in our last edition – our apologies!). Learn more about the grants including eligibility and requirements at hennepin.us/deconstruction.

September 11, 2020 eNews


Share Your Comments on the New Armatage Play Area Designs

Check out the plans for new play areas at Armatage Park— and share your comments!  The comment period is open through September 18, 2020.

Here’s how to weigh in:

  1. Review the plan: Concept for Armatage Park play areas
  2. Share your comments: Take an online survey or send an email

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association. We Need Your Help.

Funding for neighborhood organizations like the ANA expires this December. The City is considering a new funding plan that would add equity goals and increase funding for areas of the city that need it most. But it would also drastically reduce the annual base funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods to such a degree that core services will be in jeopardy. It’s hard to do much-needed equity work on a fraction of the funding.

If you value the ANA and our continued work in the neighborhood, please take a few minutes to comment before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm. Mail in the postcard we included in your latest edition of the Armatage News, email a comment, or write your own.  All the info you need to quickly comment is at armatage.org/n2020.

Happy Rescheduled National Night Out

To all celebrating their neighbors and block this Tuesday, September 15 as part of our rescheduled National Night Out in Minneapolis, we hope you have a safe and wonderful gathering!

Due to National Night Out, the ANA will hold its Monthly Neighborhood Meeting on September 22 instead.

Armatage Native Plant Rebates

The ANA and Green Team have launched our first-ever Native Plant Rebate program to increase pollinator habitat throughout the neighborhood! Now through September 30, you can purchase native plants locally and apply for a 50% rebate from the ANA up to $20/household.

See lists of native plants available at our local garden centers and learn more about the new program here.


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

Sign up to adopt a new storm drain in the neighborhood, commit to keeping it clean and free of debris that could pollute our waterways, and enter to win a $25 gift card from the ANA! All the details you need to get started are at armatage.org/adoptadrain The challenge ends September 30.


Sign up for the Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Join the Armatage Green Team for a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! This is a great, meaningful opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show our neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling from ending up in our waterways. We provide the supplies and a $5 gift card per household as a thank you. Learn more and sign up here.


Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In this conversation series, Let’s Get Uncomfortable, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.

Join Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge

Did you know that about 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain? That’s like stepping out of a grocery store with five bags of food and dropping two in the parking lot. You may not think you waste that much food at home, but the little bits here and there add up.

Most of us don’t want to waste food, but in the dash to make dinner, food waste might not be the first thing on our minds. For those of us who want to break the shop-cook-waste cycle, the good news is that with practice, wasting less food can become an effortless cooking habit. Get started by joining the Stop Food Waste Challenge at http://hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org

Get Ready to Vote in the 2020 Election

Minneapolis had its higher primary voter turnout in 50 years! Of the 130,888 ballots, 65% of them were cast early through vote by mail or early voting. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and exercise your right to vote this fall:

  • Register to vote or update your voter registration at bit.ly/votemn101
  • Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online but allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101
  • Track your ballot after you mail it at bit.ly/trackmyvote101
  • Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours will be posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Comment on Parks for All

Visit bit.ly/MPRBCompPlan (or click on the image above) to learn more and weigh in on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Comprehensive Plan.

Free Classes through Literacy Minnesota

If you need to learn English, get your GED or Adult Diploma, gain citizenship, prepare for college or brush up on math and reading, improve your computer skills (internet and email basics, Word, Excel, and more), or train for a new career*, then the Adult Literacy Hotline can help!  They provide referral services in English, Spanish, and have interpreter service to communicate class information in 200+ languages such as Somali, Karen, Vietnamese, French and more.

Call: 1-800-222-1990
Text: 612-424-1211
Email: krynda@literacymn.org
Search online: https://www.literacymn.org/classesforadults

September 17, 2020 eNews

September 22 Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Potential New Neighborhood Wine/Liquor Store
  • Fall Food Truck Night
  • Halloween Decoration Tour & Trick or Treating Safety Info
  • Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop
  • ANA Response to Neighborhoods 2020
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – Approved Via Email
  • Treasurer Report – Financials Emailed
  • Committee Updates:
    • Welcome Bags: Volunteer(s) Needed to Adopt the Program
    • Green Team:
      • Native Plant Rebate Program
      • Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge
      • Neighborhood Clean-up (Litter Be Gone)
    • Mini Grants
  • Coordinator Update: Upcoming Supply & Technology Needs


Armatage Play Area Survey Closes Friday!

Check out the plans for new play areas at Armatage Park— and share your comments!  The comment period is open through tomorrow (Friday, September 18).

Here’s how to weigh in:

  1. Review the plan: Concept for Armatage Park play areas
  2. Share your comments: Take an online survey or send an email

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association. We Need Your Help.

We know this is a tough time for funding in Minneapolis. But it is an even tougher time to lose our network of community-building neighborhood nonprofits.

Many neighborhoods across the city (including Armatage) are facing such steep cuts in funding that it will be a struggle to keep doors open. Can you take just two minutes to send a comment to the City of Minneapolis before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm? All the info you need to comment is at https://armatage.org/n2020.

Armatage Native Plant Rebates

The ANA and Green Team have launched our first-ever Native Plant Rebate program to increase pollinator habitat throughout the neighborhood! Now through September 30, you can purchase native plants locally and apply for a 50% rebate from the ANA up to $20/household.

See lists of native plants available at our local garden centers and learn more about the new program here.

Take the Census by September 30

Hundreds of households in Minneapolis remain uncounted. This undercount could leave communities without resources and fair political representation for the next 10 years.

What can you do to help?

  1. Complete the census for everyone in your household. If your household misses the opportunity to complete the census this year, the next opportunity to be included won’t occur until 2030
  2. Already completed the census? Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.
  3. Share census information on social media. Post the link: my2020census.gov and tell your networks about the importance of getting counted.

The data obtained by the census allows the federal government to determine where to allocate resources for things like schools, parks, roads and much more. Our communities deserve the proper funding for resources we rely on including programs and services like SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and Head Start. Visit My2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020 and get counted before the Sept. 30 deadline.


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

Sign up to adopt a new storm drain in the neighborhood, commit to keeping it clean and free of debris that could pollute our waterways, and enter to win a $25 gift card from the ANA! All the details you need to get started are at armatage.org/adoptadrain The challenge ends September 30.


Sign up for the Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Join the Armatage Green Team for a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! This is a great, meaningful opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show our neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling from ending up in our waterways. We provide the supplies and a $5 gift card per household as a thank you. Learn more and sign up here.


Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In this conversation series, Let’s Get Uncomfortable, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage

City Begins Public Review of Draft Built Form Regulations

The City has launched the 45-day comment period for the public to review draft built form regulations that will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions to implement the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide regulations on  building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, and more.

Upcoming online open houses on proposed regulations:

Read more about how to comment on the draft regulations.


Free Meals Available at School Sites

Free meal boxes are now available at 29 school sites. All families are invited to participate in this free program and do not have to have a student in Minneapolis Public Schools. Families can pick up one box per child per week.

Most sites will be open from 11:00am – 3:00pm with some sites open 11:00am-5:00pm. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools website for locations, menus and special diet information.

Early Voting Starts Friday

Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414 starting tomorrow, Friday, September 18 at 8:00am. Hours are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online. Allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101

Blue Thumb Lawns to Legumes Resilient Yards Workshops for Fall

Many of us are spending more time in our yards, grateful to have this natural place of solace in these uncertain times. More and more, though, Minnesota and its inhabitants are feeling the impacts of a changing climate on our landscapes, including unseasonable heat and torrential rainfalls. Take control of the situation.

Attend a Blue Thumb Lawns to Legumes webinar to learn strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change in your outdoors, and to help protect pollinators, clean water and the local ecosystem.Webinars cost $15 unless otherwise noted and scholarships are available. These workshops are offered with the support of the City of Minneapolis. More information: https://bluethumb.org/events/, or call 651-699-2426.


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.

Join Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge

Did you know that about 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain? That’s like stepping out of a grocery store with five bags of food and dropping two in the parking lot. You may not think you waste that much food at home, but the little bits here and there add up.

Most of us don’t want to waste food, but in the dash to make dinner, food waste might not be the first thing on our minds. For those of us who want to break the shop-cook-waste cycle, the good news is that with practice, wasting less food can become an effortless cooking habit. Get started by joining the Stop Food Waste Challenge at http://hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org

Free Classes through Literacy Minnesota

If you need to learn English, get your GED or Adult Diploma, gain citizenship, prepare for college or brush up on math and reading, improve your computer skills (internet and email basics, Word, Excel, and more), or train for a new career*, then the Adult Literacy Hotline can help!  They provide referral services in English, Spanish, and have interpreter service to communicate class information in 200+ languages such as Somali, Karen, Vietnamese, French and more.

Call: 1-800-222-1990
Text: 612-424-1211
Email: krynda@literacymn.org
Search online: https://www.literacymn.org/classesforadults

October 2, 2020 eNews


Last Chance to Sign up for the Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop!

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In a Let’s Get Uncomfortable workshop, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage


Free COVID-19 Testing in Minneapolis

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 testing events during the month of October. You do not need insurance to participate and all are welcome. See the full list of upcoming testing events here.

Upcoming LWVMpls Voter Forums

The League of Women Voters Minneapolis is hosting two upcoming forums to help you get ready to vote in the 2020 Election:

  1. Civic Buzz on Tuesday, October 6 from 6:00-7:30pm on the LWVMpls’ Facebook event page. with Michael Wall, Voter Outreach Specialist from Secretary of State Steve Simon’s office; Katie Lauer, the Communication and Outreach Coordinator for Minneapolis Elections and Voter Services; and LWVMpls Voter Services Chair, Marilyn Cantisano.
  2. Minneapolis School Board Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 8 from 7:00-8:30pm on MCN Channel 6 and available for live streaming on the LWVMpls Facebook page. The Forum will also be recorded and a link posted for viewing at www.lwvmpls.org. Email your question(s) as soon as possible to vote@lwvmpls.org. LWVMpls will start sorting questions by subject matter as soon as they are received and make a selection to present to candidates during the Forum.  You may also submit questions during the Forum via the LWVMpls Facebook page.

Low-cost Shredding Event

Join the Minnesota Hoarding Task force for fundraiser shredding event tomorrow, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am in Eden Prairie just off 169 and Valley View Road. The cost to participate is $10.00 for 2 grocery bags with no limit. This is a good time to take advantage of securely disposing of any sensitive documentation you may have piling up. You can purchase tickets on the MN Hoarding Task Force website, mnhtf.org, or at the event itself.


Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

The Armatage Green Team is hosting a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! If you see volunteers out tomorrow, be sure to tell them thank you!

Thanks to Litter Be Gone and the City of Minneapolis for providing supplies!

Fall Food Truck Night

Sunday, October 18 • 4:30-6:00 PM

Grab your mask and come to Armatage Park for one more safe and distanced neighborhood Food Truck Night! Gerhard’s Brats, Fair Faves and Thumbs Cookies will take orders at a distance while practicing extra safety precautions.

Thank you for following our safety guidelines to wear a mask during the entire event (unless you’re eating), keep *at least* 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, use pre-marked spaces to wait in line, and eat away from others or bring your treats home!

Get Ready for the First-ever Armatage Halloween Tour

Sunday, October 25 – Saturday, October 31

Enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage for our first-ever Halloween Tour! The self-guided tour is geared for all ages and runs from dusk until 8:00pm on Sunday, October 25 through Saturday, October 31. The tour map will be available on armatage.org starting Friday, October 23 so you can plan your route. Please be courteous and respect your neighbors during your adventure.

After you’ve checked out every stop on the tour, visit our website to vote for your favorites in the following categories: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest, and Neighborhood Favorite.  The winning displays will each get a $50 gift card to an Armatage business.

Sign up to be a Tour Stop by October 22

Love to decorate for Halloween? Sign up for the Halloween Tour and be a bright spot in the neighborhood this season! Complete the sign-up form at armatage.org by October 22 and we’ll add your address to the tour map. By signing up, you agree to have your decorations up each day of the tour from ~6:00pm through 8:00pm.

Public Review of City Draft Built Form Regulations

The City of Minneapolis has launched the 45-day comment period for the public to review draft built form regulations that will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions to implement the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide regulations on  building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, and more.

One last online open house is scheduled on the Wedneday, Oct 7 from 3:00-4:00pm (focused on downtown). Read more about how to comment on the draft regulations here.


Southwest Parks Plan Public Hearing: October 7

The MPRB will hold a public hearing on the Southwest Parks Plan on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:45pm during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting. The plan sets a vision for the improvement, operation and management of all neighborhood parks in Southwest Minneapolis over the next 20-30 years and was created after nearly two years of community-based engagement, planning and design with individuals, neighborhood groups and community organizations.

View the meeting from home and email comments to the Secretary to the Board at jringold@minneapolisparks.org before 3:30 pm on October 7. Comments should be limited to approximately 300 words, which is similar to three minutes when read out loud by the Secretary at the Board meeting. Check out the proposed Southwest Parks Plan at minneapolisparks.org/sw later today. After the hearing, the Planning Committee will consider approval of the Southwest Parks Plan. The full board could consider final approval at either its October 21 or November 4 meeting.


Free Meals Available at School Sites

Free meal boxes are now available at 29 school sites. All families are invited to participate in this free program and do not have to have a student in Minneapolis Public Schools. Families can pick up one box per child per week.

Most sites will be open from 11:00am – 3:00pm with some sites open 11:00am-5:00pm. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools website for locations, menus and special diet information.

Early Voting & Absentee Ballots

Early voting has started at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online. Allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101

Absentee ballots cannot be brought to your polling place but you can drop them off at the Early Vote Center (address above) or the Hennepin County Elections office (skyway level of Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street).


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.

October 15, 2020 eNews

October 20 Meeting Agenda

6:30-8:30pm | Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/94646891472 
All meetings are open to community members. Please allow time to sign in at the link above.

  • Welcome & introductions
  • Update from Ward 13 Council Member Linea Palmisano
  • Neighborhood Funding Update (NCR Staff) & ANA 2021 Budget
  • Armatage Halloween Decoration Tour
  • Holiday Lighting at the Park
  • Fall Event Wrap-up & Recommendations
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – Approved Via Email
  • Treasurer Report – Financials Emailed
  • Committee Updates
    • Green Team: Ideas for Future Equity-Focused Engagement – Tara Carson
    • Mini Grant: Update on 2020 Grant Projects
  • Coordinator Update

Fall Food Truck Night This Sunday!

Sunday, October 18 • 4:30-6:00 PM

Whether you’re in town for MEA or need a quick dinner after your weekend adventure, grab your mask and come to Armatage Park this Sunday for one more safe and distanced neighborhood Food Truck Night! Gerhard’s Brats, Fair Faves and Thumbs Cookies will take orders at a distance while practicing extra safety precautions.

Thank you in advance for following our safety guidelines to wear a mask during the entire event (unless you’re eating), keep *at least* 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, use pre-marked spaces to wait in line, and eat away from others or bring your treats home! In case of inclement weather, we will post cancellations on Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor.

Get Ready for the First-ever Armatage Halloween Tour

Sunday, October 25 – Saturday, October 31
Dusk – 8:00pm

Enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage for our first-ever Halloween Tour! The self-guided tour is geared for all ages. The tour map will be available on armatage.org starting Friday, October 23 so you can plan your route. After you’ve checked out every stop on the tour, visit our website to vote for your favorites in the following categories: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest, and Neighborhood Favorite. The winning displays in each category will get a $50 gift card to an Armatage business. Open to all, even if you don’t live in Armatage.

Sign up to be a Tour Stop by October 22

Love to decorate for Halloween? Sign up for the Halloween Tour and be a bright spot in the neighborhood this season! Complete the sign-up form linked at https://armatage.org/halloweentour/ by October 22 and we’ll add your address to the tour map. By signing up, you agree to have your decorations up each day of the tour from ~6:00pm through 8:00pm.

The 2020 Census Deadline is TODAY

After a recent Supreme Court ruling, today is the last day to ensure that we are counted! After tonight’s deadline, we won’t be able to count ourselves again for another decade!

If you’re planning on mailing your census form-it must be postmarked today. If you still need to self-respond online, you have until 4:59am to visit my2020census.gov and complete the form. You may also call 1-844-330-2020 before 9pm to complete the form online #2020census

Sign up for Rec Plus at Armatage Park

Rec Plus provides school-age childcare for children in grades K-6 at Armatage Park from 2pm-6pm. Rec Plus operates after school, on school release days and during the summer.

Program components have been modified to meet CDC and MDH guidelines, including mask requirements for staff and children in accordance with Executive Order 20-81. Activities have been modified for social distancing and include games, sports, arts and crafts, and nutritious snacks. For more information please see the MPRB’s website or email Kasey at kcollver@minneapolisparks.org with any questions!

Safe Trick or Treating

Looking to celebrate Halloween in a safe, socially distant way? We know this is an important for many in the neighborhood and pulled together the following tips to get ready:

  • Stay home and don’t hand out treats if you or anyone in your household feels sick,
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
  • Keep 6+ feet of distance from other trick-or-treaters and neighbors.
  • Instead of a grab bowl or answering your door, have treats spaced out on a table in your yard or create a candy chute to send treats at a distance.
  • Visit www.halloween2020.org for more ideas from the Harvard Global Health Institute and stay safe!


Street Sweeping Starts October 20

Watch the progress. Sign up for notifications. Learn the answers to all your street sweeping questions here.

Thank You, Volunteers!

Thank you to our amazing Fall Clean-up volunteers! At our safe and distanced clean-up earlier this month, volunteers collected a total of 18 bags of trash and 10 bags of recycling from our parks, streets and sidewalks. Thanks to Litter Be Gone and the City of Minneapolis for providing supplies. We are so grateful for our strong community!


Free COVID-19 Testing in Minneapolis

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 testing events during the month of October. You do not need insurance to participate and all are welcome. See the full list of testing events here.

Public Review of City Draft Built Form Regulations

The City of Minneapolis has launched the 45-day comment period for the public to review draft built form regulations that will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions to implement the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide regulations on  building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, and more.

Read more about the draft regulations and send a comment by October 19 for the Planning Commission’s Public Hearing here.

Vote Early or Drop off Your Absentee Ballot

Early voting has started at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Find a drop-off location for your absentee ballot: Many new outdoor ballot drop-offs are opening around Minneapolis. Check out an interactive map and find a convenient location at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/ballot-drop-off/

Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online at bit.ly/vbmmn101. If you’re thinking of voting by mail, request your ballot as soon as possible and make a plan for dropping it off or mailing it back.

 

 

July 24, 2020 eNews

July 21, 2020 Meeting Recap

Officer Elections for two open positions were held. Kevin Ross was elected as Vice President and Patty Grabski was elected as Secretary. After this summer’s community conversations, the ANA voted to partner with the Theater of Public Policy to hold small group facilitated workshops on talking about race and being anti-racist (more details to come). The board approved funds for these workshops and to plan a safe and distanced neighborhood Food Truck Night in August pending permit approval. The ANA will continue working with the park on getting an event permit approved as the City of Mpls isn’t issuing residential food truck permits at this time. The Green Team presented plans for a few programs and events this summer and early fall including a new Native Plant Rebate program, an Adopt a Storm Drain campaign, and the annual Neighborhood Litter Be Gone Clean-up. The Board voted to approve funds for each initiative and to hold a regular monthly meeting on August 18.


Comments Sought on a Second Proposed City Charter Amendment

The Minneapolis Charter Commission has proposed another possible change to the City Charter, our City’s constitution, and is seeking public input on this proposal. This new proposal removes minimum funding requirements for the Police Department without eliminating Police as a required department.  Read this second proposed Charter amendment here. The public hearing for the second proposed Charter amendment is scheduled for Monday, July 27 at 5:00pm (access meeting info here).

This is the second of two proposed Charter amendments. The City Council submitted the first proposed amendment, which if passed would eliminate Police as a required department in the City Charter and instead require the creation of a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention, which may include a police division. See answers to frequently asked questions about the City Council’s proposed Charter amendment here. If both proposals are approved by the deadline of August 21, then they could both appear as ballot questions this November.

How to comment:


Statewide Mask Order Starts Saturday

Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order requiring Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings starting tomorrow, July 25. Minneapolis has had an indoor mask order in place since late May and researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For information and resources on the mask mandate, including frequently asked questions, visit mn.gov/COVID19.

Individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that makes it unreasonable for the individual to maintain a face covering are exempt from the order. Children ages 5 and younger are also exempt. Children under 2 should never wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation.


Armatage Summer Festival – Until Next Year

Under usual circumstances, we’d be hard at work preparing for our annual Summer Festival and looking forward to spending our favorite day of the whole year with the neighborhood. While we can’t safely hold any neighborhood events this year, we’re grateful to see so many of you on Zoom and look forward to when we can gather as a community again. Until then, check out our calendar for upcoming virtual meetings and events at armatage.org/events (Image of Sheridan Ave next to Armatage Montessori)

Guidelines Passed for Park Encampments

Last week Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution that will reduce the number of parks with temporary encampments for people experiencing homelessness to 20, limit the number of tents per encampment to 25, and establish a new encampment permit requirement. The MPRB is not pre-selecting the 20 sites and is instead allowing those applying for a temporary encampment permit to request the park they wish to stay in. If a permit is approved, the MPRB will provide restrooms or portable toilets, hand washing stations (as vendor supplies allow), and trash/recycling containers to the encampment within 48 hours of issuing a permit.

Encampment permit applications are available by contacting the MPRB at encampmentpermit@minneapolisparks.org.  Once an encampment permit is issued, the MPRB will communicate with the neighborhood association where the park is located and list the park at www.minneapolisparks.org/encampments


Low-cost Pet Vaccinations Available

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is now offering low-cost pet vaccinations by appointment only to follow safe COVID-19 guidelines and ensure there aren’t too many people in the shelter at one time. Getting animals vaccinated is an important public health and safety service and helps pets live happy, healthy lives.

Services: Rabies vaccination: $10; DA2PP (distemper combination for dogs) vaccination: $10; PRC (distemper combination for cats) vaccination: $10; and microchip: $10.

This service is only open to Minneapolis residents who have or buy a current pet license. Residents can sign up for an appointment using this form or by calling 311 or MACC at 612-673-6222. Appointments are available 1:00-4:00pm on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Polling Place Changes

50 polling locations throughout Minneapolis are changing for both the 2020 Primary and General Election. Of the 50 relocated polling places, 16 were in senior homes, high-rises and other residential sites and another 32 had insufficient space for people to keep at least 6 feet apart. Double check your polling place today at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us

Vote by Mail

All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. This year in particular, we encourage you to stay safe and minimize direct contact with others while exercising your civic duty. It only takes a couple minutes to request absentee ballots, which will arrive with postage-paid envelopes for return. Complete the vote by mail application online here.   You can even track the status of your ballot and confirm that it was received and accepted without problem.

Vote Early In-person

Visit the Minneapolis Early Vote Center (980 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55414) Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm (Saturday hours start in August) to vote early in-person for the August 11 Primary.  Hours and details are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events/ and please don’t forget your mask!


Emergency Rent Assistance & Evictions Suspended Through Aug 12

Hennepin County is still accepting applications for its emergency rent assistance program. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19

With the extension of MN’s peacetime emergency through August 12, evictions are suspended but rent is still due so please continue to share this resource widely.

Last Chance to Comment on Park Master Plans

You have one last chance to comment on two Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Master Plans that impact our Armatage. Click on each link below to learn more about the project, view the final plans, and submit your comments:


Be Counted in the Census

Here’s our last plug in July to complete the 2020 Census if you haven’t yet! Census data determines how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated and impacts representation at the local, state, and national level.

Minnesota is currently leading the nation with a 71.5 percent response rate! You can help maintain our lead by responding online here, by phone, or by mail.

July 16, 2020 eNews

July 21, 2020 Agenda

6:30-8:30pm | Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/94646891472

All meetings are open to community members. Please allow time to sign in at the link above.

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Officer Elections for Vice President & Secretary
  • Community Conversation Next Steps
    • Recap of June 9 and June 25 Conversations
    • Community Safety Survey
    • Where We Go Next
  • August Community Outreach:
    • Food Truck Night
    • Bike Parade?
    • Budget, Communications & Outreach Plan
  • Summer 2020 Print Newsletter
    • Content
    • Articles Due July 31
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – Approved Via Email
  • Treasurer Report – Financials Emailed
  • Committee Updates
    • Green Team:
      • Native Plant Rebate Program
      • Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge
      • Litter Be Gone Clean-up
    • Complete Count:
      • Census Social Media Campaign wrap-up
    • Mini Grants:
      • Happy Hour 2 Min Recap
  • Coordinator Update:
    • Neighborhoods 2020
    • Board Member Info on Website
    • August ANA Meeting

Final Ward 13 Public Safety Conversation Tonight

Council Member Linea Palmisano is hosting the last in a series of virtual community dialogues on the future of public safety in our city tonight from 6:00-7:00pm. If you are able to participate, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040449A9A628ABFC1-palmisano


Proposed City Charter Amendment

Learn more about the City Council’s proposed charter amendment at http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/charter/WCMSP-225116 If passed, it would create a new Community Safety & Violence Prevention Department and remove the Police Department from the Charter. The Charter Commission has one more public hearing on the amendment scheduled for next Tuesday, July 21 at 6:00pm.

Ways to comment:


Final Revised City Budget Public Hearing

The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold its final public hearing on proposed revisions to the City’s 2020 budget. Minneapolis faces a significant revenue shortfall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to make cuts to the City’s roughly $1.5 billion budget. Community members can engage and share their voices in this process during the second and last online public hearing this Wednesday, July 22 at 10:00am.

You can watch or participate in the online meetings. The City Council is scheduled to vote July 24 on a revised 2020 budget. For more information about the budget, visit the City’s website.

Mental Health Crisis and Non-Emergency Crime Surveys

The City of Minneapolis wants to hear from residents who have experienced and reported mental health emergencies and non-emergency crimes.  A team of residents and staff are redesigning the way calls are handled and hope to hear your perspectives on who responded, how you were treated, and if your needs were met to make real change in our communities. Surveys are open to all and responses are anonymous. Both close this Friday, July 17 at 11:59pm.

Click here for the mental health survey.
Click here for the non-emergency crime survey.

If you have questions, please email the Office of Performance & Innovation at innovate@minneapolismn.gov

Polling Location Changes

To keep voters safe, 50 polling locations throughout Minneapolis are changing for both the 2020 Primary and General Election. Of the 50 relocated polling places, 16 were in senior homes, high-rises and other residential sites and another 32 had insufficient space for people to keep at least 6 feet apart. Registered voters will receive a postcard in the mail with their new polling locations. You can also check the Minnesota Secretary of State’s polling place finder to see if your polling place has changed.

Vote by Mail

All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote by mail. This year in particular, we encourage you to stay safe and minimize direct contact with others while exercising your civic duty. It only takes a couple minutes to request ballots for both the August 11 primary and the general election. Ballots will arrive with postage-paid envelopes for return. Complete the vote by mail application online here.   You can track the status of your ballot or confirm that it was received back and accepted without problem.

Vote Early In-person

Visit the Minneapolis Early Vote Center (980 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55414) Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm (Saturday hours start in August) to vote early in-person for the August 11 Primary.  Hours and details are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events/ and please don’t forget your mask!


Free Activities and Programs in the Parks

Find activities you can enjoy solo, with others from your household, or while social distancing. From Family Recreation Saturdays from 2:00-4:00pm each week at Linden Hills Park, Fun on the Run youth activities each Wednesday from 1:00-4:00pm at Kenny Park, or Old Fashioned Outside Yard Games for all ages on Sundays from 4:00-5:00pm at Lyndale Farmstead, there are TONS of great distanced outdoor programs for kids and adults happening through the end of August.

For up-to-date listings, including virtual programs, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/summer2020


Emergency Rent Assistance & Evictions Suspended Through Aug 12

Hennepin County is still accepting applications for its emergency rent assistance program. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19

With the extension of MN’s peacetime emergency through August 12, evictions are suspended but rent is still due so please continue to share this resource widely.

Last Chance to Comment on Park Master Plans

You have one last chance to comment on two Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Master Plans that impact our area.  Click on each link below to learn more about the project, view the final plans, and submit your comments:


Be Counted in the Census

If you haven’t completed the 2020 Census yet, please take a few minutes to respond and remind your friends and family to do the same. Census data determines how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated and impacts representation at the local, state, and national level.

Minnesota is currently leading the nation with a 71.5 percent response rate! You can help maintain our lead by responding online here, by phone, or by mail.

Upcoming Trainings on Resilience, Peace and Healing Racial Trauma

When terrible things happen, like racism, police brutality, and COVID-19, our peace has been stolen from us. Intro to STAR (Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience) for Cultural Competence trainings teach how to build culturally competent peace back into our lives and communities with justice for all.

2-hour online trainings are led by the Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute and are partially funded by the City of Minneapolis’ Office of Violence Prevention to promote racial trauma healing, resilience, and restorative justice for all who live, work, and/or play in Minneapolis. Pay-what-you-can up to $30. Minnesota social workers, teachers, and nurses can earn 2 hours of continuing education for $45.

Click the date/time link to register:
Friday, July 17, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST
Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 2pm – 4pm CST
Thursday, July 23, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST
Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 2pm – 4pm CST
Friday, July 31, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST


Pick up a Free 20 is Plenty Yard Sign

Did you know that both Minneapolis and Saint Paul are in the process of implementing new, lower speed limits to support safer streets? Starting this fall, the new speed limit will be 20 mph in both cities unless otherwise signed. Many busier streets already have new 25 mph speed limit signs installed. Learn more about new speed limits here.

To help get out the word out, you can pick up a free “20 is Plenty” yard sign at any Minneapolis Fire Station, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from July 6 to July 24 while supplies last. Due to COVID-19, signs will be available outside the stations for no-contact pickup. Signs come with metal stands. Find your nearest fire station here.

National Night Out Postponed to Sept 15

ICYMI, National Night Out has been postponed until September 15 this year. Block leaders can register their event and request to close their street here for this annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, hold block parties and get to know their neighbors.

July 8, 2020 eNews

Public Safety Conversations & Proposed Charter Amendment

Council Member Linea Palmisano is hosting several community dialogues virtually over the next week on the future of public safety in our city. Hour long calls are offered at different times to fit into your schedule and each has a limited capacity of participants. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040449A9A628ABFC1-palmisano

Learn more about the City Council’s proposed charter amendment at http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/charter/WCMSP-225116 If passed, it would create a new Community Safety & Violence Prevention Department and remove the Police Department from the Charter. Submit comments and feedback directly to the Commission by emailing councilcomment@minneapolismn.gov or at the link above.

Next Armatage Virtual Happy Hour: July 14

Tuesday, July 14 | 8:00-9:00pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/502813335

Grab a snack or drink and join Armatage neighbors for our next Virtual Happy Hour on Zoom! This month is hosted by our Mini Grant Committee and the topic is what neighborhood project would you do with $1,000? Teens and older kids are encouraged to join and share their ideas. Anyone with a connection to Armatage can apply for a Mini Grant during our next funding round. Learn more about Virtual Happy Hours here.

Stay at Home & Vote by Mail

All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote by mail This year in particular, we encourage you to stay safe and minimize direct contact with others while exercising your civic duty. It only takes a couple minutes to request ballots for both the August 11 primary and the general election. Ballots will arrive with postage-paid envelopes for return. Complete the vote by mail application online here.

Vote early in-person

Early voting has also started for the August 11 State Primary. Visit the Minneapolis Early Vote Center (980 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55414) Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm (Saturday hours start in August) if you prefer to vote early in-person. Schedules are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events/ and don’t forget your mask!

Track my mail ballot

You can track the status of your ballot or confirm that it was received back and accepted without problem.


Pick up a Free 20 is Plenty Yard Sign

Did you know that both Minneapolis and Saint Paul are in the process of implementing new, lower speed limits to support safer streets? Starting this fall, the new speed limit will be 20 mph in both cities unless otherwise signed. Many busier streets already have new 25 mph speed limit signs installed. Learn more about new speed limits here.

To help get out the word out, you can pick up a free “20 is Plenty” yard sign at any Minneapolis Fire Station, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from July 6 to July 24 while supplies last. Due to COVID-19, signs will be available outside the stations for no-contact pickup. Signs come with metal stands. Find your nearest fire station here.

Armatage Safety Rebate Program Turns Two!

Cheers to two years of the Armatage Safety Rebate program! Since starting in July 2018, we’ve given out 180 residential rebates and 3 business rebates and counting.

How it works: to increase neighborhood safety, the ANA provides a rebate for the first $100 in expenses for eligible home safety improvements per address per calendar year (no lifetime cap). The residential program is open to both renters and homeowners.  For businesses, the rebate is up to $1,000/ year for businesses ($2,000 lifetime cap). Learn more about eligible expenses and apply for a rebate at  https://armatage.org/programs/safety-rebate-program

Upcoming Trainings on Resilience, Peace and Healing Racial Trauma

When terrible things happen, like racism, police brutality, and COVID-19, our peace has been stolen from us. Intro to STAR (Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience) for Cultural Competence trainings teach how to build culturally competent peace back into our lives and communities with justice for all.

2-hour online trainings are led by the Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute and are partially funded by the City of Minneapolis’ Office of Violence Prevention to promote racial trauma healing, resilience, and restorative justice for all who live, work, and/or play in Minneapolis. Pay-what-you-can up to $30. Minnesota social workers, teachers, and nurses can earn 2 hours of continuing education for $45.

Click the date/time link to register:
Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 2pm – 4pm CST
Friday, July 17, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST
Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 2pm – 4pm CST
Thursday, July 23, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST
Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 2pm – 4pm CST
Friday, July 31, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST


Revised City Budget Public Hearings

The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold two public hearings in July on proposed revisions to the City’s 2020 budget. Minneapolis faces a significant revenue shortfall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to make cuts to the City’s roughly $1.5 billion budget. Community members can engage and share their voices in this process during two online public hearings:

  • 6:05 pm Tuesday, July 14
  • 10:00 am Wednesday, July 22

You can watch or participate in the online meetings. The City Council is scheduled to vote July 24 on a revised 2020 budget. For more information about the City’s budget, visit the City’s website.

Minneapolis Minimum Wage Increases

The minimum wage in Minneapolis is now $11.75 for small employers (100 or fewer employees) and $13.25 for large employers (more than 100 employees).

For technical information or risk-free consultation, visit minimumwage.minneapolismn.gov or email minwage@minneapolismn.gov. For more in-depth advice for businesses, including expanded Business Technical Assistance Program legal services, email smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov.


Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Hennepin County is still accepting applications for its emergency rental assistance program. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19 While evictions are suspended until July 13, rent is still due so please share this resource widely.


Select Minneapolis Wading Pools Now Open

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board has opened 18 wading pools across the city. Our closest options are MLK Park (41st & Nicollet) and Bryant Square Park (31st & Bryant). Click here to learn more about locations and hours, social distancing guidelines, and restroom info. 

National Night Out Postponed to Sept 15

Due to COVID-19, National Night Out has been postponed until September 15 this year. Block leaders can register their event and request to close their street here for this annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, hold block parties and get to know their neighbors.

Donate Face Masks for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can still deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10:00am-2:00pm every Monday for Mask Drive Mondays.  Our closest fire stations are at 2810 W 50th St and 5410 Nicollet Ave S.

Please plan to stay 6 feet away from others when dropping off your donation. The City of Mpls will distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need.

Proposed Armatage Neighborhood Funding Cuts

The City of Minneapolis is considering a plan that would drastically reduce the annual funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods. The last few months have reinforced how critical strong, local communities are and we believe there can be a better balance that will increase funding for equity while allowing small neighborhoods like Armatage to keep doors open.

We Need Your Help

The comment period deadline has been extended to September 30. Visit armatage.org/n2020 for a message you can copy and send to the Mpls City Council.