Week of September 7th
Council Member Michael Rainville
September 11th, 2026
Message from Council Member Rainville
Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I wish to update you on the disruptive behavior and violence occurring on the east side of the Stone Arch Bridge. I will also share what steps are being taken to prevent it.
Since the 4th of July, large groups (200-300) of suburban youth have gathered on the east side of the Stone Arch Bridge to socialize. Unfortunately, night after night the socializing turns into car racing, shooting fireworks at each other, residents, cars and buildings and we know that guns are also being carried and used.
The 2nd Precinct police have done a good job trying to manage the unruly crowds but with the size of the crowds, combined with the unlawful behavior, the violence has spun out of control. Just last weekend a bullet went through the window of a resident’s home and lodged in the wall close to the bedroom. The week before a person was shot in the street. All summer the Stone Arch Bridge; Father Hennepin Park and the residents have had to bear the brunt of this negative and disruptive behavior.
Minneapolis Police have partnered with Park Police, Hennepin County Sheriff’s officers, University of Minnesota Police and even state troopers trying to bring calm back to the area. Extra patrols, no parking areas, towing illegally parked cars and traffic stops have all been instituted to mitigate the problem. My hope is that the parents and leaders in the community will become involved in helping stop this bad behavior and violence. Please know I keep in touch with the victims and will not stop trying to solve this ongoing problem.
As always 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
- Twin Cities Maker Fest
- Early Vote Center opens Sept. 18
- Family Gathering Concert Series kicks off Saturday, Sept. 12 at The Hook and Ladder
- Come see which Badge makes the best BBQ in the city
- City of Minneapolis Open Streets returns this weekend for three-event fall run
- Join us in celebrating Workforce Development Month
Twin Cities Maker Fest
Join us for our third annual Twin Cities Maker Fest, a day-long celebration of making, art, and creativity across the metro region!
This year, TCMF will be a free street fair on 31st Ave S and E 26th St in South Minneapolis, with free art and craft activities, demonstrations, food trucks, performances, and a makers’ market including 150 local artists and craftspeople. Spend the day exploring Minneapolis’ biggest block party of small makers and seasoned artists alike! Free admission, and open to all ages.
Early Vote Center opens Sept. 18
Minneapolis voters can begin casting ballots for the general election Sept. 18 at the Early Vote Center.
Election Day is Nov. 3, and absentee voting begins 46 days before each election. Voters have several options for how to cast a ballot in elections including voting by mail or in person, voting early or on Election Day.
Find out about different ways to vote and ways to get help on the City of Minneapolis website. Make your plan now.
Family Gathering Concert Series kicks off Saturday, Sept. 12 at The Hook and Ladder
Bring the kids for a free morning of live music, dance and creative arts at The Hook and Ladder in South Minneapolis. Enjoy music by Koo Koo, Heatbox and School of Rock, hosted by DJ Bryan. Food will be available and kids can enjoy a balloon artist and creative hair station.
Family Gathering Concert Series: Koo Koo, Heatbox and School of Rock 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 The Hook and Ladder, 3010 Minnehaha Ave.
The Family Gathering Concert Series is produced in collaboration with the Minnesota National Independent Venue Association and is funded by the City of Minneapolis through Minneapolis Forward to support community and economic resilience.
Get event details and see who’s performing.
Come see which Badge makes the best BBQ in the city
On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Minneapolis Police Department, Minneapolis Fire Department, Minneapolis Park Police and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will host the 9th Annual Battle of the Badges & the People's BBQ in North Commons Park.
This free event will have musical and dance performances, games and prizes. It will feature a "friendly" competition as officers, deputies and firefighters battle for the title of Best Ribs in the City. Come see the afternoon’s main event as teams of our first responders attempt to impress the judges and put their best recipes to the test.
Battles of the Badges & the People’s BBQ Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 North Commons Park, 1801 James Ave. N.
City of Minneapolis Open Streets returns this weekend for three-event fall run
he first of three city events kicks off this weekend, promising car-free corridors with entertainment, culture and local vendor markets.
Three City of Minneapolis Open Streets events are planned through the fall:
West Broadway between Logan and Lyndale avenues 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12 Hosted by West Broadway Business & Area Coalition
Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and 46th Street 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26 Hosted by the Lyndale Neighborhood Association
Hennepin Avenue between W. Franklin and 36th streets 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11 Hosted by the Uptown Association
The City’s Open Streets is part of Minneapolis Forward, a citywide effort to strengthen neighborhoods, support local businesses and drive economic recovery across Minneapolis.
Learn more about City of Minneapolis Open Streets on the City’s website.
Join us in celebrating Workforce Development Month
September is Workforce Development Month. The City of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development are hosting an open house to celebrate.
Workforce Development Month Celebration 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 CareerForce Minneapolis North, 800 W. Broadway Ave.
Come tour the CareerForce location and hear from city and state leaders.
- Meet employers and training providers
- Attend workshops
- Receive help with resumes and interviewing
- Get a digital profile picture
A light lunch and refreshments will be served.
You do not need to RSVP to attend the open house.
See the event flyer for more details.
If you have questions, call CareerForce Minneapolis North at 612-299-7200
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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