Week of July 27th
Published: yesterday | Author: Council Member Michael Rainville
Council Member Michael Rainville
August 1st, 2026
Message from Council Member Rainville
Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week was what I call a "learning week." A big part of any elected official's job is to learn as much as possible prior to making decisions. Here are the sessions I attended this week to better understand key issues:
- A presentation from the Convention Associations of Denver, Indianapolis, and Albuquerque on how they increased tourism from their region.
- A meeting with the owner of Saturday Dumpling who has purchased the former Izzy's Ice Cream building next to Gold Medal Park in order to open a new restaurant.
- Listened to the issues the Sheridan Neighborhood discussed at their community meeting. I was impressed at how many volunteers help with the monthly neighborhood cleanups.
- Spoke to the Kiwanis Club about property taxes and did a Q & A.
- Attended a public safety presentation by a Nashville organization that has improved the trust between the police and citizens.
- Attended the North Loop neighborhood board meeting to discuss late night livability issues.
- Participated in two strategic planning sessions with the full Council and Mayor focusing on listening and politeness skills when working with others whose ideas are different from yours.
- Helping a couple who have been living in a car for a long time.
- Meeting with Nicollet Island residents whose low-income housing is being sold.
- Addressing a problem property operating an illegal car repair shop.
With the pending sale of the old StarTribune printing facility to a developer that is planning a mixed use project including a data center, I am and will be learning more about their exact plans. I provide updates as soon as I can.
As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.
Your neighbor,
Michael
Message from Julianna
Hello Ward 3,
This week I spent time tapping into the law side of politics. For those who aren’t aware I’m currently studying Political Science on a Pre-Law track with goals to become either an immigration lawyer or family court lawyer before making my way into politics. With these ambitions of mine I’m very fortunate to have a great support system with the Ward 3 council office who do their best to connect and direct me to the path necessary to achieve this. I recently got the opportunity to meet with one of the city attorneys and was able to gather a lot about what it takes to get to that position.
Some of my main takeaways were one as cliche as it is: it's vital to stand out when going through the applications of law school. As everybody is coming in looking for a foundation of law, they are more than likely to carry a heavy resume of law related activities. Although it’s vital to partake in those activities, it’s good to enrich yourself in a variety of activities, talents, and points of knowledge to separate yourself from the crowd and showcase how you can be a unique addition to the school.
Some activities he recommended were ones that included a variety of social presentations as half of law is how you present yourself to a crowd so activities like debate, speech, theater, mock trial, etc. He also mentioned the vitality in writing so having some experience with journalism always catches an eye. These pointers were a shock to me as it’s easy to get caught up in trying to have all the knowledge in law when in reality the power of being a good lawyer comes from the versatility you hold in each component and the overall presentation.
He also mentioned how it’s important to not let go of your personality while heading into law work especially in regards to working with clients. More often than not people confuse professionalism with seriousness and unbiased composure but being someone’s lawyer means you must be aware, empathic, communicative, and able to gain a client's trust. To do so you must show that you’re also human and know how to support their needs in and out of the courtroom. Which to me is something that seems obvious but completely passed through my thoughts when thinking of what a lawyer is as in business seriousness is projected more than anything.
Overall all these words of advice made me more infatuated by the concept of being a lawyer and helped me feel more prepared as I continue the steps forward to achieving that goal.
- More music is coming to Minneapolis this summer and fall
- As drought conditions intensify, keep using water wisely
- Pet adoption fees waived Aug. 7
- Celebrate community at “Southside, We Outside”
- Minneapolis Fire Department hosts Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
More music is coming to Minneapolis this summer and fall
The City is investing $500,000 from the Small Business Resiliency Fund to bring more music and performances to Minneapolis this summer and fall. The funding will support fee-free events and music and venue activations in commercial districts, helping bring more people to local businesses and support musicians, live venues and independent promoters.
Two upcoming events include Mile of Music, Aug. 19, 4-8 p.m., and Family Night Out (dates announced in August). Both will bring live music and entertainment to commercial districts across Minneapolis.
The investment comes as a new report finds that Minneapolis’ arts and events venues generate $2.2 billion in local economic impact, underscoring the important role live music and events play in our community and economy.
Find out more on the Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs website.
As drought conditions intensify, keep using water wisely
Minneapolis residents pride themselves on being devoted water stewards; please keep up the good work using water wisely this dry summer. While the Mississippi River remains a reliable source of tap water for the city, the headwaters of the Mississippi are in a drought. Practicing wise water use helps conserve water, alleviating demand on the water supply and helping us avoid watering restrictions.
In coordination with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the City closely monitors river flows and watershed conditions affecting our water supply. The DNR updates a statewide drought conditions map every week; today the map shows our water source to be in moderate to severe drought. If the drought gets worse and flows in the river reach the drought warning stage, the City will implement measures to reduce water consumption, including watering restrictions.
Tips to help conserve water
- Water during the coolest part of the day to avoid evaporation.
- Water grass only when it needs it. Most lawns only need an inch of water a week.
- Check hoses and sprinklers for leaks.
- Turn off sprinkler systems and water plants and lawn by hand.
Everyday household tips to use water efficiently
While formal watering restrictions are not in place, we encourage residents and businesses to always use water wisely.
- Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
- Take shorter showers instead of baths.
- Turn the faucet off while you shave or brush your teeth.
- Load dishes into the dishwasher without rinsing them.
- Run the dishwasher only when it's fully loaded.
- Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand instead of letting the water run.
- Use a large pan to clean vegetables rather than letting the water run.
- Only wash full loads of laundry.
- Fix leaking toilets.
Pet adoption fees waived Aug. 7
The City’s animal shelter has plenty of four-legged friends available for adoption, and there are no adoption or licensing fees Aug. 7.
Normally, Minneapolis residents pay no adoption fees for cats or adult dogs but $250 for dogs 6 months and younger. Non-residents normally pay an adoption fee up to $250 for dogs and $25 for cats plus tax for any of the pets. Licensing fees also typically apply.
The City provides daily care, shelter and adoption services for animals in Minneapolis. We have about 75 animals in our care right now. Every adoption creates space for another animal in need. We’re open six days a week for adoptions and have a constantly changing selection of pets rescued in your community, cared for by your City.
Adoptable cats and dogs are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. MACC Pack, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control’s nonprofit partner, will be covering all adoption and licensing fees.
No adoption fee event Take the time to meet and fall in love with the pet that’s right for you. Noon-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7
Find adoptable pets on the City website.
Celebrate community at “Southside, We Outside”
Join neighbors from across the city at the “Southside, We Outside” community cookout, a free, family-friendly public event at Washburn High School in Ward 11. Celebrate summer on the Southside, connect with elected officials and community resources, and enjoy food, games, a bouncy house and other festivities.
Southside, We Outside Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 Washburn High School Field
This event is free and open to the public, with tabling opportunities available for community groups. For details and to RSVP, please email ward11@minneapolismn.gov. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated.
Minneapolis Fire Department hosts Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
The Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) is proud to join first responder agencies from across the Twin Cities in this summer's Battle of the Badges Blood Drive — a friendly competition with a life-saving purpose.
MFD will host the community blood drive when the Bloodmobile comes to our city. Join us on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Minneapolis Emergency Operations and Training Center (EOTF) at 25 37th Ave. NE.
Throughout the summer, participating departments are hosting blood drives in their communities, rallying everyone to donate. Raising awareness saves lives, and this friendly competition between Twin Cities first responder agencies will help ensure blood is available for patients who need it most. Every donation will help MFD climb the Battle of the Badges leaderboard. Join MFD, roll up your sleeve and make a lasting impact in your community. This friendly competition can be life-saving — and you can get a limited-edition T-shirt while supplies last.
Register online and enter sponsor code 5313 to sign up.
Contact Ward 3
Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward3
Email: michael.rainville@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2203
City Hall
350 S. Fifth St., Room 370
Minneapolis, MN 55415
For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. Para ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.
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