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Updates from Andrew
Season’s Greetings!
A big warm welcome to Asa’s Bakery, which is moving to downtown Nokomis East at 5011 34th Ave S. I’ve heard great things about their bagels and look forward to their doors opening in January. Thank you to the Sassy Spoon for providing excellent food to our community during your time in Nokomis East.
Since the last newsletter, I have been focused on the 2022 budget, wrapping up the current term, and preparing for the next.
The 2022 budget passed with a notable increase of $3.5 million in funding for the Office of Violence Prevention. You can read other budget highlights here. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback during this process.
We have officially wrapped up Council business for the term, taking up several final items including land use applications and business licenses. I also had a chance to say goodbye to a majority of my colleagues, two who were not seeking re-election and five who lost their bids for re-election. There’s a saying for elected officials at City Hall that “only 14 people understand what you’re going through”, and I think that’s very true. This job has always been challenging, but particularly so in the past couple of years. We have had the awesome responsibility to lead during what is likely the most difficult time in the modern history of our city. Regardless of how one feels about any individual, decision, or moment, each of these elected officials has given a part of themselves in this work, more than the public will likely ever know. Over the past four years, each has found ways to contribute to making our city a better place, and I thank them for their work and wish them the best ahead.
I feel fortunate to be able to continue serving the people of Ward 12 and am humbled by the tremendous support despite it being such a divisive election year—Thank You! In less than two weeks I will be sworn-in with a cohort that includes a majority of new council members. Since election day I have spent time with each, getting a chance to know them as they get to know me. I am impressed by the different skills and experiences they bring to the table, as well as their passion and energy. With a new term comes an opportunity to reset. There is a broad commitment to improve trust in our city government through the spirit of collaboration and compromise as we work to address critical issues, from public safety and affordable housing to climate change and economic recovery.
Last week, our citywide mental health responders program launched. It is a nation-leading pilot project that comes after years of effort. I am proud to have played a role in this by leading formation of the 911 Workgroup, which developed recommendations for alternative responses, including this one. Also last week, interim Police Chief Amelia Huffman and Mayor Frey discussed what they are doing to address crime, which you can watch here.
Finally, being a council member does not come with any formal amount of vacation time like I had when I worked in the private sector. Instead, it’s up to us to decide when to take time off. So, after more than two years without any real breaks and often working 80+ hour weeks, I will be taking time off until swearing-in for the new term on January 3rd. It will probably be difficult for me to disconnect from the office, but I look forward to “recharging” for all the work ahead in the new term.
I hope you and yours can take some time to enjoy the holiday season.
All the best, 
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Mayor Frey convening work groups for government structure, economic recovery and community safety
 Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has formed three external work groups focused on developing recommendations responsive to his administration’s transition priorities. The three groups will be dedicated to the new government structure, inclusive economic recovery, and community safety strategies and reform. During the transition period to Mayor Frey’s second term, the work groups will meet regularly and deliver a series of recommendations.
Government structure work group
The government structure work group will provide recommendations for establishing a more effective, accountable and accessible government under the new structure. The government structure work group will deliver its recommendations to Mayor Frey in early 2022. Find more details about the government structure work group including a list of members on the City website.
Economic recovery work group
The economic recovery advisory work group will deliver its recommendations to Mayor Frey early in 2022. Find more details about the economic recovery work group including a list of members on the City website.
Community safety work group
The community safety work group will focus on developing public safety and accountability recommendations and features participants with a sweeping range of perspectives, expertise and lived experience. It began meeting the week of Dec. 13. Find more details about the community safety work group on the City website.
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Holiday information from Solid Waste & Recycling
 Find details below about your Solid Waste & Recycling collection schedule the rest of this year, what to do if you have more recycling than usual, and keeping snow cleared around your carts.
- Schedules: Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling schedules will not be affected by the Christmas or New Year's holidays this year. Put your carts out by 6 a.m. on your regularly scheduled pickup day. Find your pickup day.
- Extra recycling: Waste increases by more than 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. If you have extra recycling that won't fit in your blue cart, you can set it next to your cart in paper bags or cardboard boxes. Contact Solid Waste & Recycling to request another cart for no extra charge.
- Snow: Remember to shovel out your carts. If the crew can't easily wheel them to the truck, they may not be emptied.
If you have questions about how to get rid of an item:
Sign up for reminders
Sign up for recycling reminder emails for more seasonal information, tips for reducing your waste and reminders of your recycling day.
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Saray Garnett-Hochuli named new Regulatory Services director
 The Minneapolis City Council approved the appointment of Regulatory Services Department interim director Saray Garnett-Hochuli as the department’s new director.
Before serving as interim director since July, Garnett-Hochuli served as the department’s deputy director. She is core to Regulatory Service’s work to create an anti-racist culture for staff and is the executive sponsor of the department’s equity and inclusion team. Her work in City government began in the City Assessor’s Office, where she was a residential appraisal manager. Garnett-Hochuli is an advocate for change and known for her passion, frankness, confidence and commitment to growth.
Garnett-Hochuli has more than 25 years of executive-level, regional and national real estate management experience. She received a degree in housing studies with a focus on community development and policy from the University of Minnesota. She’s on the executive board of Neighborhood House and sits on the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library’s Perrie Jones Advisory Committee. She’s also the co-chair of the Youth Board and a former co-chair of the Minneapolis Black Employee network.
The Minneapolis Department of Regulatory Services protects the health, safety and welfare of Minneapolis residents by regulating, inspecting and enforcing laws and ordinances. Its core divisions are Animal Care & Control, Inspections Services, Operations & Engagement, and Traffic Control.
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Learn about charter changes to government structure
 On Dec. 3, Minneapolis City government was restructured to reflect the charter amendment passed by voters Nov. 2. The mayor is now the City's chief executive officer and the City Council is the legislative body.
Find more information on the City website about the new government structure, including:
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Redistricting: Making sure everyone is fairly represented in Minneapolis
 After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard.
The 2021 municipal election is based on the 2010 census maps, but City Council members elected in November will serve a term of two years rather than four. Another City Council election in 2023 will be based on the new maps from the 2020 census.
Participate in the redistricting project
• Explore the redistricting webpages.
• Draw and submit draft maps.
• Register for redistricting meetings presenting draft maps for public discussion.
o 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.
o 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
o Sign up to get notices for all redistricting meetings.
• Email comments or questions.
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Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board reducing parkway speed limits to 20 mph
 The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners has lowered the speed limit on parkways to 20 miles per hour. The reduced speed limit on parkways will match the speed limit for local streets in Minneapolis, which was changed to 20 mph in 2020.
Over the coming months, the Park Board and the City of Minneapolis, which manages signs along the parkway system, will change existing signs from 25 mph to 20 mph.
Drivers should follow the posted speed limit on parkways while signs are updated.
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City of Minneapolis launches behavioral crisis response pilot
 The City is launching a behavioral crisis response teams pilot project as an alternative to police responders. Canopy Roots teams will provide crisis intervention, counseling and connection to support services to people in crisis. Two mobile units will operate throughout Minneapolis 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and eventually ramp up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The teams will not respond to incidents involving firearms or violent behavior.
Each vehicle will have a team of two behavioral health responders and outreach supplies, such as water, socks, snacks and toiletries. Minneapolis 911 will dispatch the responders, so people reporting a behavioral crisis should continue to call 911 for help. Dispatchers at 911 will gather information and determine if the incident is eligible for a mobile behavioral health team response.
The response teams launched through the City’s Office of Performance & Innovation are an alternative to police response. The Minneapolis Police Department will only be on scene if dispatch determines the need to clear the scene first or the response teams request assistance to complete their work.
The launch of the pilot project follows more than two years of research and engagement with community members and stakeholders.
Watch the press conference about the pilot project.
Learn more about the behavioral crisis response teams.
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Minneapolis Public Works is training and hiring
 Join the teams that keep Minneapolis running, and help spread the word about these opportunities with friends, family and community. Minneapolis Public Works is hiring and training for several job openings:
- Public Works service worker 1 trainee: performs manual labor, learns to drive and operate equipment. Supports the department’s construction and maintenance activities. You will be supported in obtaining your CDL Class B license.
- Public Works service worker 1: performs manual labor and drives and operates equipment to support construction and maintenance work.
- Public Works service worker 2: performs manual labor, drives and operates heavy specialty equipment to support construction and maintenance work.
- Water distribution operator 1: performs manual labor and semi-skilled work to maintain the City’s water distribution system.
- Water distribution operator 1 trainee: performs manual labor to maintain the City’s water distribution system.
Applications are accepted Dec. 6-Jan. 16, 2022.
Read more information online and attend one of several upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions throughout the application period.
Applicants can apply online on the City website.
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The Post Office is hiring carriers
 The United States Post Office is hiring in Minneapolis and other nearby areas for the position of City Carrier Assistant. This position pays $17.29 per hour. Hiring is ongoing. The job listing can be found by going to the Post Office career website, users can search "Minnesota" and type "City Carrier Assistant". Jobs are posted for a week at a time and then reposted the next day with a new link.
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Sign Up for Email or Text Updates From the City
 You can subscribe to get City updates by email or text. Choose from traffic alerts, policies and programs you’re following, City Council and committee meetings, and more.
Sign up with your email address or mobile number here and select your update topics.
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