Council President Elliott updated the community on the recent City Council activities and upcoming events. March has seen the City Council approve a flurry of actions from road resurfacing plans to liquor license renewals, leaning into a fast and almost unanimous set of votes, as reported in the city bulletin.
Efficiency was the word of the day at the quickest City Council meeting of the term where the group barreled through almost 50 items. In the mix was the approval of Timothy Sexton's nomination for Public Works Director, who will face a public hearing on March 28. Meanwhile, on the transport front, the Council is to swiftly continue rallying with Minnesota's bigwigs to push the Transportation ride-share worker protection ordinance, as there's more to this ordinance's tale to be told. "I posted my comments on the issue on my official Facebook and Twitter accounts yesterday," Elliott shared with the community.
For locals seeking more personal dialogue, upcoming community office hours provide a stage for unstructured face time with Elliott himself. More interaction is on the agenda with one-on-one meetings up for grabs at the Pillar Forum Cafe on March 26th, echoing the sentiment that the residents' voice is heard loud and clear in Ward 1.
The City Council is also pushing to make Minneapolis greener and more equal. Applications are currently open for city boards and commissions, with a clear message that diversity is the key to success. According to the city bulletin, the aim is to rope in "applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences representing the demographics of Minneapolis." On the climatic front, public comments are open until March 28, encouraging constituents to weigh in on where the $10 million from the Climate Legacy Initiative should be plunged, striking a mark on the city's future.
In yet another fight, but this time against the opioid crisis, Minneapolis has doled out its first round of settlement cash to a cohort of organizations. "The awardees represent diverse needs of the Minneapolis population. They’ll increase access to opioid treatment," as noted in the city bulletin. With $18 million expected over eighteen years, these funds promise to help heal communities battling addiction.
Looking forward, the Community Safety Office is set to amp up outreach in Lake Street and South Minneapolis, discussing on-the-street needs and wants for new community safety centers. Engagement events are already on the calendar, giving the communities a chance to shape their future security landscape. Lastly, don't miss out on a chance to enter the lottery to snag a $30 tree for your yard by March 31, because, let's be honest, who doesn't appreciate a good shade provider at bargain basement prices?
