March 13, 2020 eNews

Update from the ANA on COVID-19

The ANA is monitoring the recent developments with the COVID-19 virus closely and will continue to hold meetings as planned during the week of March 16 unless the recommendations from our state and local public health agencies change. We plan to reassess as the situation develops and will share any meeting or event cancellations on armatage.org, Facebook, and Twitter.

This is a developing situation and we encourage neighbors to take precautions and to check the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 page. Please contact the ANA with questions or concerns at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

March 17, 2020 Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Park Update
  • Annual Meeting & Board Elections
    • Events/meetings during COVID-19
  • Strategy for Neighborhoods 2020
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – approved via email
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates:
    • Green Team:
      • Organics grant activities
      • Rain & Native Garden Program
    • Mini Grants:
      • Update on 2020 applicants
    • Summer Festival
    • Complete Count
  • Coordinator Update:
    • Spring Newsletter

Organics Recycling infographic

Organics Recycling Volunteers Needed

At the moment, only 47.68% of eligible Armatage neighbors are signed up for the City’s organics recycling collection program.  We think we can push that number MUCH higher and we need your help!

Can you help us by donating a few hours sometime this summer?  We’ll be delivering starter kits to residents who have just signed up and tabling at neighborhood events in teams.  All experience levels welcome – training and materials will be provided and you can sign up when it works for you.  Sign up to help here.  Image courtesy of Dakota County

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Future of Neighborhood Organizations & Funding

Due to COVID-19, Council Member Palmisano has made the difficult decision to cancel her Ward 13 forum on the future of the Minneapolis neighborhood organizations.

Neighborhood Funding to Decrease

The updated Neighborhoods 2020 Draft Guidelines were released in late February and we encourage neighbors to read the draft plan and comment by April 17. The City Council plans to vote on this plan in May.

Proposed funding levels for neighborhoods like Armatage will significantly decrease in 2021 and beyond to shift more funding toward areas of the City with greater equity needs. Base funding levels will drop to 1/3 of their current level for Armatage, which will impact our ability to serve the neighborhood. Read the draft guidelines and learn more at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/2020

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The 2020 Census is Here

Responding to the 2020 Census is a chance to shape your future. The Census guides the distribution of billions of dollars to our communities, determines political representation for the next decade, and shapes how policymakers and business leaders decide to invest public and private resources. Getting an accurate and complete count of all residents is vital. Check your mail between now and March 20 for information on how to complete the Census including your household’s 12 digit “Census ID.”

Get Help Filling out the Census:


Transportation Action Plan Open Houses

The City will be opening public comment on the draft 10-year Transportation Action Plan next week, which will guide future planning, design, and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they move around. View the plan and submit your comments at go.minneapolismn.gov/

Public comment on the draft plan runs through April 22. The City will also host in person and online open houses to give feedback:

  • Tuesday March 24th – Open house, MLK Jr Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Avenue S, 5pm-7pm
  • Wednesday April 8th – Online open house, Minneapolis Facebook page, 6pm-7pm
  • Monday April 13th – Open house, UMN Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave N, 4:30-6:30pm

Upcoming Workshops – Resilient Yards and More

Metro Blooms will host a series of low cost, do-it-yourself workshops again this spring on Resilient Yards, Turf Alternatives, and Healthy Soil. Plus, a Resilient Yards workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22 at Armatage Park and we don’t know a better way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day than that!  Learn more and sign up  at bluethumb.org/events/


Updated Plans for SW Minneapolis Neighborhood Parks

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board released updated park plans for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan.  A 45-day public comment period runs now through April 5, 2020.

Visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans online or visit any of the 13 recreation centers in the Southwest Service Area to see a paper copy and leave written comments.