City of Minneapolis News Update: Sept. 24
Sept. 24, 2026
This newsletter provides updates on important news and information from the City of Minneapolis and partners. Find updates at minneapolismn.gov/news.
Seeking a developer for the Peoples’ Way at George Floyd Square
We're renewing our 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 our website.
The City of Minneapolis bought the property at 3744 Chicago Ave. in 2023. Staff members have spent several years working with community members to imagine its future. A previous search for a developer took place in 2024-2026, but the City Council chose not to move forward with the recommended partner.
This new RFQ includes additional requirements. Applicants must show that they have real estate development experience, and the ability to move quickly.
City staff will review proposals and recommend a finalist to the City Council and Mayor. If approved, the selected group will engage the community and work with the City to create a plan for developing and operating the site with a community‑focused mission.
The Peoples’ Way effort builds on years of conversations about the future of George Floyd Square and the surrounding streets. This RFQ comes at a time when the first phase of street reconstruction at the intersection of 38th & Chicago reaches completion.
Minneapolis 311 staff training may cause longer hold times next week
The Minneapolis 311 team will be participating in agent training next week, which means callers may experience longer than usual hold times.
The training will take place 12:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
City of Minneapolis sending letters to properties with lead in water service lines
During the week of Sept. 28, Minneapolis residents with a lead water service line will be getting a letter 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 our website.
How we know our tap water is safe
Minneapolis takes steps to make sure our tap water is lead-free and safe to drink. The water is tested hundreds of times a day and is treated in a way that prevents lead from pipes from getting into the water.
This is our third year of using state and federal grant funds to proactively replace lead service lines at no cost to property owners. This year, we will replace nearly 2,000 lead service lines using state and federal grant funds. This effort will continue until we have replaced or attempted to replace every lead service line in the city (replacement requires the property owner’s consent).
Project locations are selected based upon priorities established in State law; we don't replace lines upon individual property owner request. State law requires us to prioritize replacement by:
- Replacing service lines at daycares and schools
- Focusing on areas with lower-income residents and other disadvantaged communities
- Coordinating the replacement of lead service lines with other capital improvement projects to maximize available grant funding
If you wish to replace your lead service line before your property is in one of the City’s designated project areas, you may do so at your own expense by contracting directly with a licensed plumbing contractor. Alternatively, you may authorize the City to hire a licensed plumbing contractor to replace the lead service line. In doing so, you agree either to reimburse the City directly for the replacement costs or to have any unpaid portion assessed as a special tax on the property payable over five years.
Find more information on our website.
Upper Harbor reaches a major milestone
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 opening marks significant progress on a project designed to reconnect North Minneapolis to the Mississippi River and create new opportunities for housing, jobs, arts, recreation and community gathering.
We have been building the public infrastructure needed to support the site’s transformation, including new and reconstructed streets and utilities. Later this year, we will complete the new segment of West River Road North on the site, creating another connection along the riverfront.
The site is also home to the future 8,000-seat Community Performing Arts Center. Construction is underway, with the foundations and steel now taking shape. The amphitheater will open in 2027 and will be a major new venue for outdoor performances.
Future development at Upper Harbor is expected to include 520 housing units, 180,000 square feet of industrial space, commercial and cultural space, and a health and wellness hub.
Together, this work is transforming a former industrial site into a place where people can live, work, gather and connect with the Mississippi River.
Learn more about the Upper Harbor project on our website.
City of Minneapolis Open Streets event takes place along Nicollet Avenue this weekend
The City’s Open Streets events transform city streets into car-free spaces for a day, giving people a chance to walk, bike, roll and enjoy local businesses, events and activities.
This weekend’s event features entertainment, local vendors and activities along the corridor:
Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and 46th Street
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Hosted by the Lyndale Neighborhood Association
Learn more about Nicollet Open Streets.
Family Gathering Concert Series continues Sept. 26 at the Quinlan Room by Dakota
Bring the kids for a free afternoon of live music, creative activities and fun.
Family Gathering Concert Series: The Bazillions & MacPhail Ensembles
2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
The Quinlan Room by Dakota, 901 Nicollet Mall
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.
Get event details and see who's performing.
Call for artists: Graco Park tunnel
We invite artists to apply to design and create artwork for the interior of the Graco Park tunnel. This bike and pedestrian tunnel connects Hall’s and Boom islands under the Plymouth Avenue bridge. Graco Park and the connecting trails opened in 2025.
Dates and deadlines
- Monday, Sept. 21: Call for Artists posted
- Monday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m.: Virtual informational meeting
- Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.: Deadline to email your questions
- Friday, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.: Review the posted questions and answers document
- Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.: Upload and submit a completed application
Contact Witt Siasoco at witt.siasoco@minneapolismn.gov for more information.
Learn more and apply for this public art project on our website.
Minneapolis Police Department welcomes new officers
We're excited to welcome 29 new Minneapolis Police Officers and one Park Police Officer who graduated from the Minneapolis Police Academy this week. The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) graduates will begin field training at the five precincts, and Park Police will train its officer.
More and more, those searching for a career in law enforcement are choosing Minneapolis. In fact, MPD now has 643 sworn officers.
We're always looking for people committed to public service who want to serve the city. Learn more and apply today.
Register to vote before Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Anyone getting ready to vote in this year’s general election will want to make sure they’re registered.
You can register to vote online. You can use this same registration link to update your current name or address on your registration.
Unsure if you are registered at your current address? You can use the online lookup tool to check your registration.
The pre-registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 13. Registering beforehand will make for a smooth check-in when you vote. You can also register in person when you vote early or vote on Election Day.
You will need to show proof of residence. You can prove where you live in many ways; be sure to read all your options and come prepared.
The Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services Division is responsible for administering elections in the city of Minneapolis. For information about registering and voting in Minneapolis, go to our website.
An inside look at the Minneapolis Police Department’s forensic science team
During National Forensic Science Week, we're highlighting the work of one of the Minneapolis Police Department's (MPD) specialty units.
MPD's experts play a critical role in investigations, helping to uncover answers to complex questions. The Forensic Services Division laboratory conducts casework in:
- Computer forensics: Perform forensic examinations on items such as cell phones and computers
- Field operations (crime scene and fingerprint analysis): Examine, document, process and collect evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory; process vehicles; and analyze and compare friction ridge impressions
- Firearms and toolmarks: Perform examinations on firearms, fired bullets and discharged cartridge casings
- Video forensics: Recover video from video systems, isolate and enhance still images, perform comparative analysis and prepare timelines
Partnering with food businesses during Food Waste Prevention Week
We're s a proud partner of the national Food Waste Prevention Week, taking place Sept. 26-Oct. 4, and the local Save Food, Spend Less Challenge, taking place Oct. 1-31.
Alongside several other metro area cities, our Homegrown Minneapolis initiative is hosting a series of engaging promotions and events on food waste prevention to celebrate local food and share easy, practical ways to reduce waste in our kitchens.
Learn more about Food Waste Prevention Week.
Learn more about the Save Food, Spend Less Challenge.
Wasted food prevention business showcase
Homegrown Minneapolis is teaming up with Waste Wise, Hennepin County and food businesses across the metro to highlight creative, delicious ways to cut down on food waste. During Food Waste Prevention Week, food businesses will inspire residents to feel confident using every part of their meals by showcasing:
- “Remix” dishes
- Staff-selected leftover tips
- Repurposed specials that celebrate whole-ingredient cooking
Participating food businesses include:
- Chowgirls Catering
- Crave Catering
- Hamburguesas el Gordo #1
- Ichigo Crepes
- Indígena by Owamni
- Lito’s Burritos
- Nice Time Market
- Queermunity
- The Sota Fountain
- Wise Acre Eatery
Learn how to reduce food waste with a cooking demonstration
Several Minneapolis farmers markets are partnering with local chefs to showcase simple, delicious ways to reduce food waste at home. These quick demos focus on using extra or peak season harvests, underused parts of produce and ingredients that often get overlooked. Visitors will walk away with practical tips, recipes and fresh inspiration for cooking with whole produce.
Farmers market cooking demonstrations
Quick pickling demonstration with market staff
9:30-11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
Kingfield Farmers Market, 4055 Nicollet Ave.
Cooking demonstration with Lizzie Streit of It’s a Veg World After All
5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30
Nokomis Farmers Market, 5167 Chicago Ave.
Cooking demonstration with Nettie Colón, market chef
10-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S. Second St.
Cooking demonstration with Dee Notowich, culinary coordinator at NATIFS
10-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Northeast Farmers Market, 629 NE Second St.
Learn more about farmers market locations and hours.
For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact City Communications.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850.
Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.
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