Minneapolis Connects: early voting open, fall engagement opportunities and events

Mail: Minneapolis City Newsletters · 3 weeks ago · Neighborhood & Community Relations
Minneapolis Connects: early voting open, fall engagement opportunities and events Comment on the City budget and make a plan to vote. header

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Oct. 7, 2026

Early voting is open now for Nov. 3 general election

I will vote sticker banner

Any Minneapolis voter can vote before Election Day in person or by mail. This is your city, and it’s your vote.

Voting early in person

Minneapolis has a main Early Vote Center open now at 980 E. Hennepin Ave. We’ll also have one on the North Side and one on the South Side opening Oct. 20, with the same hours as the main site.

We’re also opening 12 special one-day voting sites all across the city Oct. 19-30. These pop-up sites have the same security measures, rules and processes as the main sites.

Find the voting sites and their open times on the City website.

Voting by mail

There’s still time to request a vote-by-mail ballot. Make sure to put it back in the mail by Oct. 27 or drop it off in person. Check the City website for more details.

City Council invites you to help shape the 2027 City Budget

The Minneapolis City Council wants to hear from you as it reviews the mayor’s proposed 2027 budget. Community voices are an important part of this process, and we encourage everyone to take part.

Public hearing dates

All meetings will be in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall.

Attend a public hearing

If you’d like to speak at a public hearing, please come in person and sign up when you arrive. Your comments must be related to the budget. Spanish, Somali and Hmong interpreters will be available at all hearings.

You will have two minutes to speak unless the Committee Chair adjusts speaking time limits. Time limit changes are based on attendance and interpreting needs.

Statements you give during a public hearing become public information under Minnesota law, so only mention information that you are comfortable making public.

Learn more about how to participate in a public hearing.

Share your thoughts

If you cannot attend a meeting, you can still send in your comments online or through your City Council member.

Learn more about the City Council's budget process.

About the budget process

City Council is currently listening to presentations from City staff about how the proposed budget would impact their operations. The budget is expected to be adopted after the Dec. 15 public hearing. A final budget plan must be adopted by at least seven affirmative votes and approved by the mayor before the end of the year.

View the schedule of 2027 budget presentations.

Watch budget presentations and Council meetings on YouTube.

Get important updates at the Twin Cities immigration forum

The City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) in partnership with the City of Saint Paul Immigrant and Refugee Program hosts a biweekly immigration forum to offer immigration-related updates to the community.

The topics covered include:

Find dates on the OIRA events calendar.

Email us to get a link to the meeting series.

Learn more at minneapolismn.gov/oira.

Find detailed know-your-rights information, multilingual resources and video presentations on the City’s rights and resources page.

Honoring Welcoming Week 2026

Welcoming Week 2026 video still

Welcoming Week is an annual opportunity to come together, build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and fostering a sense of belonging for all.

During Welcoming Week, we:

See how the City honored Welcoming Week this year.

Read the City resolution.

US citizenship

U.S citizens have many legal rights, including the right to:

Minneapolis residents interested in applying for US citizenship can qualify for free legal help.

Learn more about US citizenship and how you can apply.

NCR welcomes new staff

This summer, the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department of the City of Minneapolis (NCR) welcomed two new staff to the team.

Tristan Morton portrait photo

Tristan Morton

Tristan (ze/zir/zirs) joined our department as a community specialist project lead. Tristan brings a decade of experience in education, advocacy and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ and marginalized communities.

Before joining NCR, Tristan served as an equity specialist with Saint Paul Public Schools, the associate director at the University of Michigan’s Spectrum Center and director at the University of California-Davis LGBTQIA+ Resource Center.

Ze is joining NCR to work on projects that strengthen the City’s commitment to transgender, non-binary and gender expansive communities.

Isabella Silva-Biotti portrait photo

Isabella Silva-Biotti

Isabella (she/her/hers) joined our Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) team as a new community relations specialist. She brings five years of experience leading bilingual, equity-centered communications for public agencies and mission-driven organizations across Minnesota.

She is a co-creator of Culturica, a bilingual youth storytelling magazine that gives immigrant and first-generation high school students across the Twin Cities a platform to publish their own writing. She has also served as the Minneapolis Hub Curator for the Global Shapers Community, collaborating with young leaders across 500+ cities.

As part of OIRA, Isabella will focus on informing and engaging immigrant and refugee communities in their own languages, through trusted, accessible spaces and channels.

Job opening at neighborhood organization

Armatage Neighborhood Association is hiring a part-time neighborhood coordinator. Read more and apply online on the Armatage Neighborhood Association website.

Community engagement learning labs

Staff and community members in 2017 community engagement learning lab training

City staff, neighborhood organizations, City partners and community members are invited to learn strategies for effectively engaging Minneapolis communities through the City of Minneapolis’ free learning lab series.

This season's schedule includes afternoon, in-person gatherings from 12-1:30 p.m. and evening, virtual labs from 5-6:30 p.m.

Upcoming learning labs include:

The material covered in these learning labs includes historical events and how they impact communities today. Labs also touch on effective, appropriate modes of communication relevant to each community, major gathering places, events and holidays, etc.

The City of Minneapolis Department of Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) staff, including community and neighborhood specialists, teach the learning labs.

View the schedule, learn more and register online.

Now accepting public comments on data center zoning rules

The City of Minneapolis has been working on new zoning rules for data centers. The City wants to make sure Minneapolis has strong rules for data centers so it can limit any negative effects on the community.

The City has created a new data center webpage where you can learn more. It includes the City’s research report about data centers, a summary of the preliminary recommendations and a recorded presentation.

Visit the Data Centers page on the City website to learn more.

Overlay districts no longer under consideration

Initial ideas included a potential overlay district. It would have allowed for review of smaller-scale data centers outside downtown. Based on feedback, the overlay district will not be included in the staff recommendations presented to the City Planning Commission and City Council in October and November.

Share your feedback

The City of Minneapolis Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the data center proposal at its meeting on Oct. 13. This meeting will be open to the public. Attendees will be able to sign up to make public comments. The agenda will be posted on our Legislative Information Management System (LIMS) website when it is available.

Look for the Planning Commission agenda in LIMS.

Planning Commission Meeting
4:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter, Tuesday, Oct. 13
Public Service Center, 250 S. Fourth St., Room 350 

Comments can also be submitted in writing. Share your thoughts on the proposed zoning changes for data centers by completing this form.

Share your renting experiences in Minneapolis

A smiling woman packs a cardboard box. Text: “Renters, share your insights! Help make rental housing safer, more livable and more transparent.”

The City is working to update how we categorize rental properties into tiers to create safer housing, and a more accurate, fair and simplified system. Your insights will help us refine our initial ideas for changes.

Learn more about the rental tier system.

Take or share the survey

You can get involved by taking or sharing our five-minute survey to share what matters most to you about renting, as well as challenges and opportunities by Oct. 15.

Minneapolis renters’ rights

From caps on security deposits to evictions for unpaid rent, Minneapolis renters have rights. This week, we’re highlighting two of those rights from the City and State.

Renter immigration status

When screening potential renters, rental property owners and managers cannot:

Renters may still be asked for this information under certain situations; for example, when it’s necessary to comply with state or federal law or needed to verify financial qualifications.

Renters’ right to organize

Renters have the right to form an association to address issues like maintenance repairs, the terms and conditions of renting, and housing and community development.

Retaliation can take on a lot of different forms. Retaliation against renters for organizing or seeking help for a housing issue is illegal. Reporting a current or prospective renter because of their immigration status might constitute retaliation.

Celebrate Latino Business Week

Latino Business Week 2026 video still

We’re happy to host our third annual Latino Business Week now through Sunday, Oct. 11. This takes place during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Exciting events this year include:

Find event details times and locations on the Latino Business Week website.

Watch and share the Latino Business Week video.

Prepare and recover from emergencies with Ready Camp

Ready Camp participant holding a power outage preparedness guide

Do you know what to do in an emergency? Attend a free Ready Camp training to learn how to better prepare and recover from emergencies or disasters.

The free training will help you to:

Ready Campaign is a partnership between the City of Minneapolis Emergency Management Department and Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, Sabathani Community Center and the Minneapolis American Indian Center.

Learn more about Ready Camp and sign up for an upcoming session on the City website.

Join us at the Eliminating Health Disparities Summit

The Minneapolis Health Department is hosting a new community event. Beyond the Diagnosis 2026: Eliminating Health Disparities Summit is a free event that will bring together community members, healthcare providers, public health professionals and partners to discuss health disparities and lived experiences within Minneapolis’ Black/African American communities.

Beyond the Diagnosis 2026: Eliminating Health Disparities Summit
4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16
Sanctuary Covenant Church, 2018 Aldrich Ave. N.

Attendees can expect to:

Refreshments and free childcare will be provided. Register for the event.

Free music series brings families together at Minneapolis venues

Minneapolis’ independent music venues are opening their doors for a new concert series designed to bring young people and their families together through live music, dance and creative arts.

The Family Gathering Concert Series is part of the City’s work to build community by bringing families together and supporting independent music venues. Funded through the $7 million Small Business Resiliency Fund, the series is produced in partnership with the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance. Most concerts will be held Saturday mornings with a special Sunday finale at First Avenue.

Upcoming concert dates

Find more details, including performers and concert information.

City of Minneapolis Open Streets Hennepin is Oct. 11

Text: Open Streets Hennepin Avenue Sunday Oct. 11, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Image: People singing, dancing and biking in the street.

Join City of Minneapolis Open Streets this weekend for a fun, car-free event with entertainment, culture and local vendor markets.

Hennepin Avenue between W. Franklin and 36th streets
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11
Hosted by the Uptown Association

Learn more about City of Minneapolis Open Streets on the City’s website.

Connect with elected officials at the South Minneapolis Seniors Fair

Save the date for the free South Minneapolis Seniors Fair on Oct. 21. The fair is tailored to our senior community members and caregivers and is hosted by Council Members Aurin Chowdhury, Soren Stevenson and Jamison Whiting.

The day will feature workshops, an elected officials panel, a resource fair and a free lunch. The workshops will cover the City Budget, Elections and Voter Services, public safety and crime prevention, and connecting with the community.

South Minneapolis Seniors Fair
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21
Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave. S.

George Floyd Square: What’s next

Road construction at George Floyd Square

Phase 1 construction near George Floyd Square will be substantially complete Oct. 9, nearly two months ahead of schedule. Crews have worked to upgrade water, sewer and transportation systems, and will begin paving the new roadway and installing new streetlights as construction wraps up. Once work is complete, cars can again travel through the intersection until phase 2 construction gets underway in 2027.

The City is working with community members and property owners to prepare for phase 2 and will share updates about upcoming construction and a pre-construction open house on the project webpage and in newsletters.

Support local businesses

Restaurants, shops and other businesses remain open during construction. Please plan to visit, shop and support local businesses. 

Learn more about the project on the City website.

Seeking a developer for the Peoples’ Way at George Floyd Square

The City of Minneapolis is renewing its search for a partner to redevelop the Peoples’ Way site at George Floyd Square. A new request for qualifications (RFQ) is now open to organizations with experience in real estate development. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Oct. 19.

Learn more about the Peoples’ Way on the City website.

Hennepin County bin and compostable bag grants

Hennepin County has free resources and technical assistance for small businesses and nonprofit organizations to start or improve recycling and organics recycling. Applicants may select up to $3,000 worth of containers and compostable bags from the county's product list. Grant details and application instructions.

City of Minneapolis sending letters to properties with lead in water service lines

Minneapolis residents with a lead water service line are getting letters from the City. The water service line is the pipe that runs from the water main in the street to the meter inside a property and is owned by the property owner. The letter provides information about the water service line material, steps that can be taken to minimize lead exposure in drinking water and an update on the City’s effort to replace lead water service lines.

See an interactive map of the water service line inventory on the City website.

Find more information on the City website.

Minneapolis Mobile Medical Unit celebrates one year of bringing low-barrier health care directly to the community

Mobile Medical Unit interior

The City of Minneapolis Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) celebrated one year of meeting people where they are and connecting community members with health care, substance use treatment and other critical services. The mobile clinic, funded by opioid settlement dollars, was established to address the opioid crisis and gaps in access to health care, particularly for individuals affected by the opioid crisis, experiencing homelessness and those who are uninsured or underinsured.

During its first year of service, the mobile clinic has established connections across the city with community partners, community members and healthcare providers. The clinic staff has had 4,100 interactions with community members at more than 150 events across the city, including eight emergency deployments.

As the MMU begins its second year, the City and its partners will build on the success of this first year and focus on expanding the number of opportunities to connect people with treatment and recovery services.

Learn more about the MMU and its services on the City website.

Request that the MMU comes to your event or neighborhood.

Fourth Minneapolis NARCAN® vending machine installed to broaden access to life-saving medication

A vending machine stocked with rows of boxed NARCAN nasal spray.

The City of Minneapolis has installed its fourth NARCAN® vending machine at Fire Station 12, expanding free, anonymous and 24-hour access to the life-saving medication.

Minneapolis’ four NARCAN vending machines are installed at fire stations across the city. The NARCAN is free and accessible 24 hours per day. The NARCAN vending machines are located at:

Watch our video on YouTube to learn how to use a NARCAN vending machine.

Additional resources

Upper Harbor project reaches a major milestone

The south lookout area at Upper Harbor Park, with a marked bike path, pedestrian signs and swings facing the Mississippi River

A major milestone in the transformation of Upper Harbor is here. The new 20-acre Upper Harbor Regional Park opened Sept. 19, giving the public its first opportunity to experience the riverfront as redevelopment of the former Upper Harbor Terminal site continues.

The City has been building the public infrastructure needed to support the site’s transformation, including new and reconstructed streets and utilities. Later this year, the City will complete the new segment of West River Road North on the site, creating another connection along the riverfront.

Learn more about the Upper Harbor project on the City website.

Minneapolis Connects is published by the City of Minneapolis Neighborhood and Community Relations department (NCR).

For questions, accommodations or alternative formats, please contact Neighborhood and Community Relations at 612-673-3737 or email us at ncr@minneapolismn.gov. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 agents at 612-673-3000.

Para ayuda, llame al 311 •  Rau kev pab, hu 311 • Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.

minneapolismn.gov/ncr

City of Minneapolis · Update Preferences · Unsubscribe
This email was sent to news+ward3@subdavis.com using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: City of Minneapolis · 707 17th St, Suite 4000 · Denver, CO 80202 Granicus Communications logo