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To request this information in another language or format, please contact secomo@secomo.org.
Para solicitar esta información en otro idioma o en un formato diferente, por favor contacta secomo@secomo.org.
Xav thov nug nplooj ntawv no rau lwm hom lus los yog daim ntawv, thov hu rau secomo@secomo.org.
Si aad u codsato foomkan oo qaab ama luqad kale ah, fadlan la xiriir secomo@secomo.org.
E-comotion and Happenings releases will be switching to bi-weekly for the winter season! That means we'll be sending out slightly larger emails less often, but we'll also be able to keep each email fresh with new and relevant info!
Please contact e-comotion@secomo.org if you'd like to contribute something to the newsletter, or for any questions or suggestions!
(List of all upcoming events listed on the left sidebar.)
TOMORROW!
All-Ages Learn to Skate Event
January 21st, 1-3pm
@ Van Cleve Park
SECIA will be hosting an all-ages learn-to-skate event THIS WEEKEND on Saturday January 21st at the Van Cleve Park ice-skating area.
Don't know how to skate? This is the perfect opportunity to hang out with your community and learn how. All are welcome to come enjoy skating with your neighborhood community!
There are free skates to borrow available at Van Cleve. Most loaner skates are children's sizes, but there is a limited adult-size selection available.
Free warm beverages will provided, as well as coupons for free drinks at Black Coffee and Waffle.
– Help Needed –
Good Neighbor Fund Grants
SECIA needs YOUR help to develop two Good Neighbor Fund grant-funded programs for the SE Como neighborhood community! The purpose of the GNF grants is to build community, add beauty, and generally do what we can to improve livability in our particular neighborhood.
Art in the Gardens Grant
This grant is meant to encourage people to come to our various community gardens and take a good look – and document what might inspire them about our beautiful garden neighborhood green spaces!
Art Fair in the Park Grant
The date is set for Saturday, July 15 at Van Cleve Park. There will be four major areas of the Fair. and we'll need subcommittees of 3 to 4 people for each.
For more in-depth information, read Kathy Knudson's
full article on the SECIA website!
2023 Good Neighbor Fund Community Meeting
Thursday, January 26, 6:30 to 8 pm
At Van Cleve Park Community Room
This meeting is being hosted by the University of Minnesota Government Relations team along with the Board of the Good Neighbor Fund. It is for all communities and organizations eligible to apply for a GNF grant in 2023. SECIA is one of those organizations. If you have a good idea for a SECIA grant for 2023 or just want to know more about the goals and process, you are welcome to come.
Leadership and Involvement
Opportunities in SE Como for 2023:
Consider getting involved in a leadership role within your neighborhood community in the new year! Some opportunities to get involved include:
E-Comotion Community Content
We publish this community-focused newsletter to keep people informed about important updates and events in their neighborhood and city. To best do this, we always hope to implement community-sourced content! If you have any updates, information, opinions or suggestions you'd like to share with your neighborhood community, we hope you'll reach out to us at e-comotion@secomo.org.
Tenants — Let’s Get Organized!
What’s your tenant story in SE Como? Would you like to help build a Tenant Coalition in SE Como? We’d like to help support you in doing that. Interested in learning more? Contact mya@secomo.org and get involved in recent tenant outreach activities and future zoom planning meetings!
Reimagining SECIA & Equity Work Group
While the Reimagining SECIA & Equity Work group is on temporary hiatus during this transitional period, we're seeking new community involvement to guide the work group and contribute valuable input towards our goal of re-imagining a SECIA that prioritizes equity in the neighborhood! Contact DeWayne Townsend, Board President, for more information or to get involved: dewayne@secomo.org
Help Us Plan Future Como Kids Events
We're looking for all levels of feedback and involvement to help us plan future Como Kids events! Reach out to mya@secomo.org to help plan a winter fun Como Kids Meetup at Van Cleve Park, and/or to share feedback on 2022 and ideas for next season planning!
University District Alliance (UDA)
The University District Alliance is seeking a new co-representative to replace Jessica Focht-Perlberg. To get involved, or for more information, contact the current co-representative Katie Fournier!
Produce Distributions / Food Security Community Collaborations
SECIA has the opportunity to continue collaborative work on various food security collaboration initiatives with new leadership. In the past, we've partnered with East Side Neighborhood Services, Haven International, and the Accompanying Food Insecure Neighbors of Greater Dinkytown Collaborative. Contact dewayne@secomo.org for more information or to get involved!
2nd Precinct Advisory Council (2-PAC)
The 2nd Precinct Advisory Council is seeking new and additional volunteer representatives! For more information or to get involved with 2-PAC reach out to the current community volunteer contact and 2-PAC board member Emilie Quast!
Environment Committee
Join our next meeting on Tues. January 24th
6:30-7:30pm via Zoom
The Environment Committee will be meeting on Zoom on Tuesday, January 24, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Our guest speakers will include Amanda Kohn, the University’s new Sustainability Project Manager, who is in charge of updating the UMN Climate Action Plan for the next 10 years, along with one or two of her associates. We will also be reviewing ongoing projects and starting planning for our new 2023 projects. All are welcome to join and partake in the discussion!
Land Use Committee
Join our next meeting on Weds. January 25th
6:30-7:30pm via Zoom
All are welcome to join and partake in the discussion!
Future of Tuttle Ad Hoc Committee
Latest Updates: Tuttle Community School
Future Still Uncertain
In 2021, MPS updated their process for divesting surplus property. One good thing about that is that the process requires proof of community support for proposed reuse of the property. [See]. In May 2022, MPS put Tuttle and two other properties on their Surplus Property list where they are now available for sale or lease. To see that list, along with the MPS requirements and priorities, [See].
Meanwhile, SECIA formed an Ad Hoc committee to study and interact with MPS regarding the future of Tuttle. In 2021, we surveyed the neighborhood to determine what you all wanted. We have presented that information to MPS and are ready to present it to potential developers. What we are working on now is trying to locate reputable developers with proven experience redeveloping old structurally sound buildings into livable useable structures; who have experience funding, developing, and managing affordable housing; and who are willing to listen to us about community wants and needs.
This fall MPS selected a real estate broker to handle the sale or lease of all three surplus properties. The broker is Commercial Equities Group (CEG). Their Tuttle page went live on their website shortly after Christmas at www.CEGspaces.com/properties. They expect it to be a fairly long process because a developer first needs to assess the building and properties and then develop a plan that meets MPS criteria, along with proof of adequate funding. As you will see if you study the CEG brochure, they cannot propose a school or day care facility. They also need to prove they have community support. We will continue to assess potential developers and stay in contact with CEG and MPS.
If you have questions or want to get involved with the Future of Tuttle Ad Hoc Committee, in the next stages of this project, please contact kathy@secomo.org.
MPD Second Precinct Advisory Council (2-PAC) Updates
Catching up at 2-PAC
The people who watch out for our safety and security don't rest, but this reporter ran out of time to write timely reports over the year's end. So what happened?
On Dec. 12, Lt. Nelson and P.O. Ihrke outlined the long list of social service providers who visit camps and work with people who are homeless in Minneapolis. The list includes offers of medical care, housing, cold weather gear, social services and so much more. Workers come from Hennepin County and City of Minneapolis social service agencies and several non-profit providers. All of them understand there are many reasons people can lose their homes -- no one's looking for a blame target. Everyone is looking for a way to keep people safe, sheltered, and fed. (We also learned why all those officers were surrounding the Quarry camp in that Star Tribune photo.
On 12/24, PAC held the 38th 10-hour buffet for all First Responders on duty on that family day. Why 10-hours? Because First Responders are working one of three shifts on that day, and we want to offer them all a "Thank You". All food, labor, and the venue are donated. Out of pocket costs are paid by cash donations. The result: we fed over 100 people in person and sent enough carryout containers for at least the same number of people (like 911 operators) who can't leave their stations while they're on duty. Whew!
The January topic was suggested by several people who want to know how the MPD and allies are going to keep "extreme parties" out of our residential areas. 2nd Precinct Inspector McGinty outlined plans, some new and some reworked, that will be used to keep our streets safe and hot rod racers far away. That report has been written and will be released when the presenters have OK'd it.
To get your own copy, request being added to the 2-PAC blast list, or look at the reports you'll find at https://courtwatch2pac.com. The Dec. report is there already. Also, 2-PAC invites you to attend our monthly meeting, by Zoom, 2nd Monday of the month, 6:30. Last year's topics included the above plus Transit Safety today, HEAT (Highway Enforcement for Aggressive Traffic), Restorative justice and more.
Got a question? You and your ideas are wanted at 2-PAC. Join us and ask. We'll find answers to your questions. For more info, contact e-quas@umn.edu
-Emilie Quast, Board member
MPD Second Precinct Advisory Council
1911 Central Ave. NE
Minneapolis MN 55418
SE Como Home Improvement Loan Program
Start the year with home improvements
Have you been putting off making home improvements? The start of the new year is the perfect time to stop waiting and start making them happen! And you don’t have to take on these projects alone. The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) and the City of Minneapolis can help with easy financing programs designed specifically for Minneapolis residents.
As Minnesotans, we all know that winter is far from over. The CEE and Minneapolis can help you make home improvements to stay warm on those below zero days. From insulating your attic to new windows to a fresh coat of paint, whatever your home improvement needs might be, CEE and Minneapolis can help with their variety of home improvement and energy loans.
Various home loans are available in parnership with SE Como/Minneapolis, the Center for Energy and Environment, and Equal Opportunity Housing to help you finance the home improvements you need to stay warm this season.
SECIA STAFFING UPDATES
2022 SECIA Executive Director Posting
Position: Executive Director
Hours and Compensation: Part-time at 0.6-0.8 FTE
(24-32 hours/week), $22-25/hour
The Southeast Como Improvement Association (SECIA) is seeking a part-time Executive Director to maintain the Southeast Como neighborhood office operations; coordinate work with the board, staff, and interns; support neighborhood volunteer committees; help implement community projects; and assist in strategic planning. This position is primarily in-office with work-from-home flexibility.
The Southeast Como Neighborhood is one of three Minneapolis neighborhoods that constitute the University of Minnesota District. Como is a vibrant mix of UMN students, renters, homeowners, and families. The neighborhood features Van Cleve park and six community gardens. It offers convenient access to both Twin Cities campuses, along with downtown and the Northeast Minneapolis neighborhoods.
City seeking feedback on
draft Racial Equity Framework
for Transportation
The City’s Public Works Department is seeking public comment on the draft Racial Equity Framework for Transportation. The goal is to use the framework as a catalyst to improve racial equity outcomes in Minneapolis by investing in transportation, elevating existing and forging new partnerships, and uplifting voices historically excluded from the decision-making processes.
The development of the framework was identified as a key priority in the Transportation Action Plan, the City’s vision for safer, greener and more modern streets that serve all people and all the ways we want to get around. Staff partnered with the Cultural Wellness Center to create a Community Equity Workgroup (CEW) to collaborate on the framework’s development.
Comment on the draft framework
The comment period on the draft Racial Equity Framework for Transportation runs until Jan. 20. To provide feedback leave your comments on the City’s website.
Resources for free and affordable food
In need of food? Or are you looking for ways to support hunger relief in your community? Check out the Minneapolis food security resources on the City website. You can find locations, hours, contact information, and volunteer/donation needs of local food shelves and food distributions.
To see food shelves by location, explore our map.
Find winter market schedules and locations. Nearly all accept SNAP-EBT benefits.
Consider donating to SECIA,
When you give to your neighborhood,
your neighborhood gives back to you!
Donations of any size make a huge difference in our ability to serve the neighborhood community. With City budget cuts to neighborhood organizations accross the board likely to have a large impact on our funding, individual contributions from neighbors like you are especially important!
Events and projects like these are only
possible with help from people like you:
Click here to visit our GIVE MN page if you'd like to make a donation :)
Click here Complete our Neighborhood Survey!
We need your help in our ongoing efforts to better serve the whole of our SE Como community, especially including our historically underrepresented communities. SECIA wants to learn about your experience living and/or working in SE Como! We will use this information gathered in this survey to learn how to best align SECIA’s work with the priorities of our SE Como community..
SECIA continues to monitor and follow updated CDC and MN Dept. of Health COVID safety guidance. Large SECIA meetings continue to be held virtually at this time. In-person events are primarily held outdoors, and safe distancing and sanitizing/hygiene practices will be followed.
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