Check out resources, public notices, and opportunities to engage in local government and public life.
Opportunities To Engage
The Center for Economic Inclusion is recruiting community members to serve on an Equity Policy Group to make the region's transportation system more equitable. You do not have to be an expert in transportation — just bring your personal and professional experiences using transportation in the region to inform the policy group work. The Equity Policy Group will meet over a period of about 18 months starting in August and participants will be provided compensation for their work. Complete and submit the Center for Economic Inclusion’s application by 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 23 here.
Important Updates
Applications regarding Frontline Worker Pay are officially open through July 22, 2022. This passed at the State Legislature to thank and support those Minnesotans who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. Learn more and apply here.
On July 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Minneapolis is going up to $13.50 at small businesses and $15 at large businesses. The City is committed to supporting an economy that includes everyone. Learn more here.
As of June 1, 2022 all restrictions on evictions were lifted in the State of Minnesota. There are no remaining protections under the State’s eviction moratorium. Help is still available through emergency rental assistance programs, financial assistance, legal assistance, online data, and renter protections.
The Minneapolis City Council has approved the final round of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the City of Minneapolis. The budget approval rounds out the total $271 million amount in federal funding awarded to the City of Minneapolis. Learn more about the plan and what it supports here.
In 2022, Public Works will be implementing quick-build safety improvements on 12 High Injury Streets across the City as part of the Vision Zero Program. This includes improvements in Powderhorn. Learn more on our blog here.
Hiawatha Avenue between I-35W and Hwy 62 needs to be resurfaced and three bridges in the project area need to be repaired. The project will be broken up into two sections, the northern half from Downtown Minneapolis to 32nd Avenue and the southern half from 32nd Avenue to Hwy 62. Work will take place starting in spring through fall 2022. Learn more about the projects and it's impact on traffic routes here.
Resources
Household hazardous waste drop-off event; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 16 and 18: South High School, 3131 19th Ave. S. (enter from 21st Avenue). Learn more about what's being collected and participating here.
The City of Minneapolis now has 20 free organics drop-off locations across Minneapolis. All you have to do is sign up for access to a location near you! If you are new to organics recycling and are unsure how to get started, we also hold free online information sessions. Learn more and sign up for a drop-off here.
HomeHelpMN is providing assistance for homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other eligible housing-related expenses due to the effects of the pandemic. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $35,000 in assistance for past-due expenses. Learn more and apply here.
Elevate Business from Hennepin County offers a variety of free services to business owners at all stages across Hennepin County, including up to 25 hours of legal services. Learn more here.
Learn about reducing food waste at the next environmental education network meeting from Hennepin County. Join them Thursday, June 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. online. Register here.
The MN State Arts Board Grants for Individuals application is open. This grant program provides support to help individual artists and culture bearers sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with their communities in a time of transition. Learn more and apply by July 15th here.
Businesses along 38th Street (from Bloomington Ave. - Niccollet Ave.) and Lake Street (from the Mississippi River to the Uptown neighborhood) can now apply for the Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through a community process, with grant awards beginning in Spring 2022. All funding will be distributed by December 31, 2024. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
Minnesota has a streamlined application for benefits such as cash, food, emergency housing, and child care assistance. Apply here.
Utility assistance is still available through the Energy Assistance Program. Learn more and apply here.
Free COVID-19 Testing is available. Walk-in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free COVID-19 Community Testing Sites, or order a test through the state’s free COVID-19 Test at Home program. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order #4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests to be shipped to your home here.
Free COVID-19 Vaccines are available. Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find vaccine providers near you (parents can also visit mn.gov/vaxforkids), check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer), or walk in to or make an appointment at one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
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