Category Archives: Voting

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.

 

 

2020 Election

REGISTER TO VOTE

Visit bit.ly/votemn101 to register to vote or update your voter registration.

VOTE BY MAIL

Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, with no reason needed. The application takes just a few minutes to complete. Please allow plenty of time (at least two weeks) to request your absentee ballot online at bit.ly/vbmmn101 and turn it in or mail it back.

Absentee ballots cannot be turned in to your polling place, but there will be additional in-person drop-off options this year. Visit vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/bymail for exact times and locations. Visit bit.ly/trackmyvote101 to track your ballot after you return it.

DROP OFF YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT

Visit https://vote.minneapolismn.gov for distanced absentee ballot drop-offs all over the city. Most are open to Minneapolis residents only.

VOTE EARLY

Visit the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55414 to vote early in-person now through November 2. Hours are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov and please remember to wear your mask! Update: two new early voting locations are opening the week before the election a UROC in North Minneapolis and the Longfellow Recreation Center.

VOTE ON ELECTION DAY • NOV 3

Visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us to know where to vote on Election Day and see a sample ballot. Masks will be required and some polling locations have changed.

If you previously voted at the Armatage Community Center, your polling place is now at Armatage Montessori (2501 West 56th Street). If you vote at Anthony Middle School, there is no change to your polling place.

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.

June 23, 2020 eNews

Community Conversation This Thursday

Thursday, June 25
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89624700526

Join the ANA for a second Community Conversation this week on Zoom to continue our dialogue on where we go from here as a neighborhood and a broader community. The discussion will include community engagement, safety, equity and anti-racism and we’ll be joined by Ward 13 City Council Member Linea Palmisano.

Neighborhood Art Journal Submissions Due 6/30

We need art more than ever. Please share pictures of what you and your family members have done to express yourselves creatively by June 30. We will assemble your submissions into a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage.

A free pdf of the art journal will available to download at armatage.org/art and we will possibly feature your submission in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural. Check out submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/

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

Visit armatage.org/n2020 for a message you can copy and send to the Mpls City Council by July 15, 2020.

2020 Board Election Results

Thank you to everyone who voted in the 2020 Armatage Board Election!  We received 119 votes in total and it was a close election. Congratulations to the newly elected ANA Board Members:

  • Samantha Bild
  • Sean D. Burke
  • Sharla McIntosh-Ziegler
  • Kevin Ross
  • Adriana Dobrzycka (current ANA Board member elected to a new term)


Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Hennepin County has extended its emergency rental assistance program to include residents of Minneapolis. Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19 Please share widely!

Evictions Suspended Until July 13

The governor’s latest extension of the peacetime emergency means that the suspension of evictions and landlord-initiated lease terminations remains in place until July 13. This suspension will allow households to remain sheltered during the peacetime emergency. The executive order does not relieve a tenant’s obligation to pay rent.

Vote by Mail Info

With a probable wave more COVID-19 cases later this year, we encourage you to request an absentee ballot now. It only takes a couple minutes to request ballots for both the primary and the general election. Ballots will arrive with postage-paid envelopes for return. To complete this application online you must:

  • Be eligible to register and vote in Minnesota (check or update your voter registration here)
  • Provide an email address
  • Provide your identification number: MN-issued driver’s license, Minnesota ID card or last 4 digits of Social Security Number


Register for Pickle Ball Leagues at Kenny and Fuller

Need some physically distanced fun in a park this summer? The MPRB is offering Pickle Ball at both Kenny and Fuller Parks starting in July. Click on the links below to sign up:

Lifeguards Return to Select Mpls Beaches

If you’re thinking of heading to a Minneapolis beach to cool off, there will now be lifeguards at select beaches during the weekends with more lifeguard hours to come during weekdays. Click here to see hours, locations and water safety info.

Mask Up Mpls

ICYMI, cloth masks or face coverings are required at all indoor public spaces in Minneapolis. Masks can help prevent you from infecting others, especially in situations where you may spread the virus without symptoms. Even while wearing a mask, you still need to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, and practice physical distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of space between people.

Businesses are not required to provide masks to customers or employees, though employers are required to mandate the use of masks by their staff. Non-compliance should be reported through 311.  Learn more about the Minneapolis Mask Ordinance here.

Donate Face Masks for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can 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.

Help is Available

We’re still keeping our COVID-19 Resource Page updated with links to emergency rent assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our indoor mask ordinance. Check it out at https://armatage.org/covid19

June 9, 2020 eNews

Community Conversation TONIGHT at 8:00pm

Tuesday, June 9
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/502813335

Please join the ANA from 8:00-9:00pm tonight (Tuesday, June 9) for an open conversation on how Armatage can learn from recent events and where we go from here to be a more equitable and inclusive neighborhood. (Our original topic for this month’s Happy Hour was brainstorming community projects that could be funded by a Mini Grant, but there is a lot to discuss and process after the last couple weeks in our community).

Vote in the 2020 Online Board Election

Online voting for the ANA Board Election started today and will end on June 16 at 7:30pm during the virtual Armatage Annual Meeting. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives are eligible to vote once in the election. Responses will be kept confidential and only final totals will be shared. Learn more about the candidates and cast your vote at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Armatage Annual Meeting

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815019195

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting on Zoom. Connect with State Representative Jamie Long, City Council Member Linea Palmisano and County Commissioner Marion Greene who will each provide updates with time for questions, hear a short fascinating talk on why the 2020 Census matters for Minneapolis, win a gift card to a local business, and hear board election results.

Virtual Town Hall – Thursday at 6:00pm

It’s likely a special legislative session will take place on Friday. Before our state representatives head back into session, Rep. Frank Hornstein, Sen. Scott Dibble, and Rep. Jamie Long would like to share and hear your feedback at a Virtual Town Hall this Thursday, June 11 at 6:00pm on Facebook Live.

They will also be joined by a few Minneapolis Councilmembers, who will share an update on reforming the Minneapolis Police Department. You can find more details and RSVP here.

Armatage Neighborhood Art Journal

We need art more than ever. Please share pictures of what you and your family members have done to express yourselves creatively by June 30. We will assemble your submissions into a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage.

A free pdf of the art journal will available to download at armatage.org/art and we will possibly feature your submission in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural. Check out submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/

Community Safety Updates

Rebuilding Efforts

Support is needed as communities across Minneapolis rebuild – here are two links to organizations involved in rebuilding efforts:

Donations

With the loss of community amenities affecting people’s access to food, clothing, financial assistance, groceries, medical care and equipment, and medication, the City of Mpls has compiled this list of assistance, donation and volunteer resources. Follow the link for details on eligibility, volunteer needs, and donation requests. Please confirm the locations are still accepting or handing out donations before heading out.

New Stay Safe MN Guidelines Start June 10

Visit to learn more about how the guidelines are changing this Wednesday at https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/stay-safe-mn/stay-safe-mn.jsp


Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Hennepin County has extended its emergency rental assistance program to include residents of Minneapolis. Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19 Please share widely!

Vote by Mail Information

Thinking about voting by mail this year? Sign up now to get Absentee ballots for the August primary and November general election mailed directly to you. Once you register to vote or check your voter registration, it takes just a couple minutes to request ballots. Your ballots will arrive approximately six weeks before each election with postage-paid envelopes for return.

Register to vote or update your registration here
Request an Absentee Ballot here


Donate Homemade Face Masks for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10:00am-2:00pm every Monday beginning June 8 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.

Learn more about the Minneapolis Mask Ordinance here.

Help is Available

Check out our updated COVID-19 Resource Page for links to emergency rent assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our new indoor mask ordinance at https://armatage.org/covid19