January 21, 2020 Meeting Recap
David Rubedor, Director of NCR, and Casey Carl, Minneapolis City Clerk, presented on the 2020 Census and Elections. Over 20% of Minneapolis residents are at risk of not being counted in the Census, which would have huge impacts over the next decade on the distribution of billions of dollars to our community, local redistricting, and the state’s political representation. With this year’s Census being online, the City of Minneapolis, community-based organizations and neighborhoods are working hard to get a complete count of our residents.
Minnesota’s first Presidential Nominating Primary since 1992 happens on March 3. Early voting started on January 17 and voters are required to choose a party affiliation and party ballot for the primary (this will not be public information, though it will be available to each major party). Get registered to vote, learn about precinct caucuses on February 25, look up your polling place and learn more at http://vote.minneapolismn.gov
The Board also discussed the upcoming Chili Cook-off, partnering with other Minneapolis neighborhoods, the Community Connections Conference on February 1, the new Neighborhoods 2020 funding plan that will be released next week, and the Armatage Mini Grants program, which is accepting applications for the 2020 grant round through February 29. Funds were also approved for the upcoming Organics Recycling Workshop,
Chili Cook-off Tomorrow Night!
Friday, January 24
6:30-8:30pm
Armatage Park Fire & Ice Skating Party
Need an affordable dinner out tomorrow night? Come taste the 7+ delicious chilis at the Armatage Chili Cook-off for just $5/person and vote for your favorite! Tasting is open to all and our competitors will label major allergens.
We’re also excited to announce that two guest judges from neighborhood faves, Book Club and Colita, will join us tomorrow night. Look for the Chili Cook-off inside the park building and come warm up with some chili!
Fire & Ice Skating Party
Bring or borrow skates and enjoy a night of music, s’mores, and cocoa as part of Armatage Park’s Fire & Ice Skating Party tomorrow (Friday) from 6:30-8:30pm!
If you have a neighborhood project or idea you’ve always wanted to explore, apply now through February 29 for up to $1,000 from the ANA to support that dream.
Any resident or organization connected to Armatage is eligible and some funding restrictions apply. Learn more at armatage.org/mini-grants and catch us at two upcoming Info Sessions to share your project ideas and get your questions answered:
- Thursday, January 30 • 7:00pm • Book Club (5411 Penn Ave S)
- Tuesday, February 11 • 7:00pm • Armatage Park (2500 West 57th St)
Join your neighbors for an Organics Recycling CONFIDENT(ial) workshop on Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm at Armatage Park! Whether you are already recycling organics and ready to up your game or still thinking about taking the plunge and getting started, we will cover examples, tips, tricks, and ideas for home set-ups to help make organics recycling a breeze.
Free to attend. Light refreshments and FREE compostable bags provided. Questions? Email anacoordinator@armatage.org
Comprehensive District Design Listening Sessions Start Next Week
Minneapolis Public Schools is in the midst of its Comprehensive District Design process, which aims to increase equity and close student achievement gaps in MPS.
There is a ton happening with the CDD in over the next few weeks. MPS plans to release a plan with proposed school and boundary changes in the next week and community listening sessions are happening throughout the City over the next month. Community members can also submit feedback online. If passed by the school board later this spring, proposed changes would begin to take effect in Fall 2021. Learn more about the Comprehensive District Design process here.
Community Connections Conference
Saturday, February 1
8:00am-4:00pm
Minneapolis Convention Center
Free (including lunch and bus pass!)
Sign up for part or all of the City’s upcoming Community Connections Conference. This free, public event brings together residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and decision-makers to connect, learn and address community issues. A fabulous lunch from local restaurants is provided free along with free bus passes to the event.
Learn more, check out the breakout sessions, and register for the conference at minneapolismn.gov/ncr/conf/.
Lake Harriet Kite Festival
Saturday, January 25
12:00pm-4:00pm
Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors, and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet. Other fun family activities at the festival include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and a marshmallow roast. Click here to learn more.
Art Shanty Projects 2020
Saturdays and Sundays | 10am-4pm
Now – February 9
Bde Unma / Lake Harriet
Check out this year’s Art Shanty Projects at artshantyprojects.org/. Suggested donation $10-20. No one turned away.