National Night Out is August 3

National Night is just around the corner!  This year’s block events will likely look a little different due to COVID-19, but there are lots of ways to safely gather with your neighbors. Think about a BYO picnic dinner instead of a potluck, discuss safety guidelines (especially for neighbors who are not yet eligible to get vaccinated like children under 12), and offer activities that allow you to distance.

Apply here for your City of Minneapolis street closure permit by July 20. If your street isn’t eligible for closure, you can also host a neighborhood gathering in neighbors’ yards. Not sure if your block has a block leader? Contact our Crime Prevention Specialist, Jennifer Waisanen, at jennifer.waisanen@minneapolismn.gov and consider volunteering as a block leader. Learn more about block clubs at bit.ly/blockclubs

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Block Leader Contact Info

We’re putting out another call for block leader contact information and need your help!  If you are an Armatage block leader and haven’t already done so, please send your name, address, email address, phone, and the block(s) that you represent to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org

Currently, city block leader info can’t be shared or accessed by neighborhood organizations so we’re working to build our own list. Thanks to the MANY of you who have already sent in your info! Interested in learning more about block and apartment clubs and how they work? Visit bit.ly/blockclubs

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All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage. The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your donation goes toward supporting the ANA’s work in our community. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find us at an upcoming in-person sale date at Armatage Park (weather permitting) – neighbors are encouraged to join meetings:

• Saturday, July 10 from 10:00-11:00am at our Safety Equity & Outreach meeting
• Tuesday, July 20 from 6:00-8:00pm at our Monthly Meeting

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City Council Adopts American Rescue Plan Spending

The Minneapolis City Council voted July 2 to approve the first round of American Rescue Plan funding for the City of Minneapolis. The approved $102 million in funding features a strong emphasis on economic recovery, affordable housing, and community safety measures while piloting new programming like a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot.

The majority of the $102 million will be distributed beginning in August 2021. Mayor Frey will put forward his proposal for allocating the remaining approximately $169 million later this year.

View the final approved funding plan.

See details of the impacted programs.

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Fall Park Registration is Open

Registration is now open for fall activities, programs, and sports through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board!  Check out youth programs and activities here.

There are also tons of adult sports league options to check out. Don’t have a team? Sign up as a Free Agent. Looking to make some extra cash? Consider becoming an adult sports official!

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Windom Alternative Turf Garden Tour: July 17

Our friends at the Windom Community Council will host a tour of turf alternative gardens in Windom on Saturday, July 17 from 9:00am-12:00pm! Come view tour front yards and chat with experts including Master Gardeners, a native plant expert from Wild Ones, staff from Metro Blooms, and a Naturalist.

The garden tour is self-guided. Social distancing is encouraged. The final location list will be coming soon at www.windommpls.org/2021-turf-to-alternative-garden-tour

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Home Energy Squad & 0% Loan Programs

The Home Energy Squad helps homeowners increase energy savings and comfort throughout the year.  During a two hour visit, a crew of two energy experts will visit your home to conduct an assessment to reveal opportunities for energy savings and the installation of energy saving products such as LED bulbs, door weather-stripping, water savers and a programmable thermostat, at no extra cost. There is also the option of a no-cost virtual consultation.

To increase energy savings this summer, for a limited time Xcel Energy is offering FREE smart thermostats for customers that have central air and sign up for the AC Rewards program. To help with financing energy efficiency upgrades Minneapolis residents can also take advantage of a 0% loan program. Recently the loan term increased to 10 years and the maximum increased to $20,000. To schedule an appointment with the Home Energy Squad, call 651-328-6220 or visit
mncee.org/hes

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Take the Hennepin County Natural Resources Survey

We all play a role in protecting our natural resources, and Hennepin County needs to hear from you as they update the Natural Resources Strategic Plan. The updated plan will seek to better align with new county initiatives, shifting demographics, and changing landscapes. This is the first opportunity to incorporate the county’s climate and racial equity priorities into the foundation of the plan, and they will be seeking input from the community throughout the year-long plan development process to ensure your values and priorities are reflected.

Take the survey

Take Hennepin County’s survey here by August 1, 2021, to help shape priorities and let them know how you would like to be engaged in the update of the plan.