Week of November 2nd
Council Member Michael Rainville
November 6th, 2026
Message from Council Member Rainville
Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I am pleased to share the good news and tremendous honor that 5th Precinct Inspector Kelly has received. One year ago, then Lt. Kelly was the first to arrive on scene at the Annunciation School shooting. With complete disregard for his own safety (no one knew where the shooter was located), Lt. Kelly immediately went to work applying tourniquets and triaging the children to facilitate transport to hospitals. Within 14 minutes from the time of the original 911 call, all victims were in ambulances and on their way to life saving care at hospitals.
For his heroism and quick life saving response, the International Chiefs of Police awarded now Inspector Kelly, police officer of the year. There are 750,000 police officers in the United States and we are so proud of the recognition for Inspector Kelly.
Last weekend, both the North Loop and the Sheridan Neighborhoods hosted candy grabs for children. I helped sponsor both by donating candy and using the opportunity to speak with parents as we passed out candy in a safe, daytime environment. A big thank you to both organizations for their kindness to our children.
North Loop Candy Grab
Sheridan Neighborhood Candy Grab
The City Council continued its work on autonomous vehicles (AV). I was given a private session by staff to understand what other cities are doing to regulate Avs. Clearly this is a state issue and as a city we will be giving state lawmakers input as they create statewide regulations this session. You can read the full report through this link: AV Report
Also, this week we were given a staff presentation with recommendations for data center zoning code amendments. Regulating data centers in order to protect our environment and cost of living is a shared responsibility between city and state government. Here is a list of what Minneapolis can regulate and what we are not allowed to regulate.
We can regulate:
- Zoning location
- Conditional use approval
- Size in square feet
- Noise
- Location of generator and mechanical equipment
- Site design
- Compatibility with adjacent uses
What we cannot regulate:
- Size based on megawatts
- Air emissions
- Cooling and backup power systems
- Building standards that exceed green energy code
- Levy impact fees or other fees that exceed the cost of producing the service
You can read the full report through this link: Data Center Presentation
A final piece of good news, with the holiday season around the corner, I spoke at a press conference announcing all the fun activities being planned along Nicollet Mall. Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, downtown will be alive with Nordic Soundscapes at Orchestra Hall, Sounds of the Season Live Music Series, a special holiday tree designed by Minneapolis artists which will be lite up every night, Interactive Holiday Art sponsored by the Downtown Council, the world famous holiday market at Dayton’s, a 10,000 Flavors Culinary Competition at the Convention Center, Jingle Bars at your favorite cocktail lounges and a holiday tree lot at Peavey Plaza. Proving once again that Downtown Minneapolis is the entertainment capital of Minnesota.
As always Mike, 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
- A new Minneapolis 311 app is here
- Family Gathering Concert Series concludes Nov. 8 at First Avenue
- Minneapolis Amplified series continues this week
- Reconnecting Nicollet: A community celebration
- Prepare and recover from emergencies with Ready Camp
- Help homeowners feel heard about the value of their property
A new Minneapolis 311 app is here
There are more ways than ever to connect with Minneapolis 311. The new Minneapolis 311 mobile app makes it easier to report issues and request City services from your phone.
With 126 service types available in the new app, you can use it to report issues and request help with services across Minneapolis, from street and sidewalk concerns to problems with signs, trees, garbage and more.
The new 311 system also includes an improved online experience, giving you more convenient ways to connect with the City.
Download the new Minneapolis 311 app:
Family Gathering Concert Series concludes Nov. 8 at First Avenue
Bring the kids for a free morning of live music, creative activities and fun.
Family Gathering Concert Series: Viva Knievel with Brass Solidarity and School of Rock 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 First Avenue, 701 N. First Ave.
The series is produced in collaboration with the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance and funded by the City of Minneapolis through Minneapolis Forward to support community and economic resilience.
Minneapolis Amplified series continues this week
Minneapolis Amplified brings local artists to unexpected neighborhood spots, from hot dog joints to flower shops, while supporting the small businesses that make our city special.
This week’s events:
Minneapolis Amplified: Chatterbox Pub abel., Rulo, Sheltron and Stereogo 7-11 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 Chatterbox Pub, 2229 E. 35th St.
Minneapolis Amplified: Midtown Global Market Onírico Dance, AfroContigo and Saath 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis Amplified: Hamburguesas El Gordo Cultural dance and live music Noon-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 Hamburguesas El Gordo, 4157 Cedar Ave. S.
More events are planned at small businesses across the city through December.
Minneapolis Amplified is led by Dance Agenda in partnership with the City’s Arts & Cultural Affairs Department and funded through Minneapolis Forward.
Find upcoming events and participating venues on the Dance Agenda website.
Reconnecting Nicollet: A community celebration
The Lyndale Neighborhood Association, Whittier Alliance and Lake Street Council are hosting a preview of the new Nicollet Avenue at a free community celebration Sunday, Nov. 8.
This event is a look at what's ahead. Nicollet Avenue will reopen to traffic on Nov. 24.
During the event, a section of the street will be open from the north for biking, strolling and dancing (no autos allowed). DJ Jake Rudh will play music spanning the nearly five decades since the road closed. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at Eat Street Crossing.
Reconnecting Nicollet community celebration 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 2819 Nicollet Ave. S. Find out more about the community celebration
A new chapter for Nicollet Avenue
The 10-acre site around Nicollet Avenue is being transformed over the coming years into a community destination with new housing, nonprofit and retail spaces, and a new park. Community members continue to help shape its future.
Learn more about Nicollet Avenue on the City website.
Prepare and recover from emergencies with Ready Camp
You’re invited to join our upcoming Ready Camp training to learn the basics and skills for preparing for emergencies. This free, in-person session covers building an emergency kit, creating a communication plan, understanding local hazards and taking steps to stay safe during disasters.
Ready Camp at the Minneapolis American Indian Center 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 Franklin Ave. E. Enroll in this training session
Ready Camp is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to learn essential emergency preparedness skills. Thank you to the Minneapolis American Indian Center for hosting this event. We hope to see you there.
Help homeowners feel heard about the value of their property
You have the chance to listen to property owners who disagree with the assessment of their property value. The Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (LBAE) is recruiting members Nov. 1-30. The board is looking for people who have experience in appraising or real estate or who are Minneapolis property owners. No prior assessment experience is required. Training is provided.
What you’ll do
- Listen to property owners and review property information
- Make fair, fact-based decisions on assessment appeals
- Meet as a board in April
- Follow Minnesota laws and focus on consistency and equity
- Receive $125 per half-day of service
Ready to help serve our city? Apply Nov. 1-30, 2026.
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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