🌳April E-News 2025 🌳

To request this information in another language or format, please contact [email protected]. Si aad u codsato foomkan oo qaab ama luqad kale ah, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]. Para solicitar esta información en otro idioma o formato, póngase en contacto con [email protected].

Shape Our Neighborhood’s Future – Run for the Board!

Our community thrives when passionate, dedicated neighbors like you step up to lead! This is your chance to help shape the future of Elliot Park by running for the Neighborhood Board.

Elections begin at our May 19th Annual Meeting—join us at the Hennepin Healthcare Clinic & Specialty Room, Level 1 (715 S 8th St), where in-person voting will open. Can’t make it? Remote voting continues online through Sunday, May 25th. We need voices like yours to keep Elliot Park vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Whether you care about parks, safety, events, or local improvements—your perspective matters!

Why Run?
✅ Represent your neighbors’ interests
✅ Influence key decisions on local projects
✅ Help build a stronger, more connected community

No prior experience is needed—just a desire to make a difference. The candidacy deadline is coming soon, so don’t wait!

Ready to run or learn more?
📝 Apply online [Online Form Link]
📄 Print & return the [PDF Application] (mail to 910 Elliot Ave or drop off at 1400 Chicago Ave)
📞 Contact us: [email protected] or 612-234-2280

Not running? Make sure your voice is heard by submitting your [Voter Registration Form].

Together, let’s make Elliot Park a place we’re all proud to call home.

P.S. Know someone who’d be a great fit? Share this message and encourage them to run too! 🏡💙

🌟Community Member Spotlight!🌟

Thomas standing next to his most recently completed puzzle

Thomas Glaser: The “Mayor of Elliot Park”

By Colton Baldus

Thomas Glaser has been a presence in Elliot Park for over 30 years, so much so that friends and community members describe him as the “Mayor of Elliot Park”. A retired volunteer at Youthworks, a Christian ministry organization. Now, as a retiree he volunteers his time at the Elliot Park Rec Center and currently is working on moving into the neighborhood.

When not volunteering at the Rec Center, Thomas can be found strolling through the community, engaging residents in conversation. These interactions fuel his appreciation for the people of the neighborhood. Yet his civic pride comes with thoughtful concerns. Asked what he’d improve in Elliot Park, he responded without pause: "No drug dealers in the neighborhood—and a safer community." He also disapproves of neighbors who mock disabled people, emphasizing the importance of respect and kindness.

An avid hobbyist, Thomas enjoys board and card games like Chess and Kings Corner, and he’s a dedicated puzzle solver—currently working on several at the Elliot Park Recreation Center. When he’s not gaming or solving puzzles, he listens to 80s rock from bands like Steelheart, Stryper, and REO Speedwagon. He also loves taking walks through the neighborhood, a habit that’s made him a familiar face.

Whether he's volunteering, studying a chessboard, or advocating for a safer neighborhood, his presence embodies what he loves most about the community—its people. If you spot him strolling through the neighborhood, don’t hesitate to wave hello—you might just get a story from the 'Mayor of Elliot Park' himself.

EPNI April Calendar

To request interpreting services or accommodations for these events, please contact [email protected]. Si aad u codsato turjubaan ama waafajin, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]. Para solicitar servicios de interpretación o adaptaciones para estos actos, póngase en contacto con [email protected].as

Please visit the EPNI web Calendar for event details & to RSVP! Also post and share our April Event Calendar flyer which is linked here and posted above. Flyer PDF

Wednesday, April 9th - Neighborhood Vitality & Land Use Joint Committees Meeting
6:30-8:00pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave., or participate via Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84231574529

Draft Agenda: [Draft Agenda Link]

ALL are welcome to the joint EPNI Neighborhood Vitality & Land Use Committees meeting—bring your ideas and connect with your neighbors! This joint committee structure is your "one-stop shop" for involvement in new and ongoing projects serving our shared Elliot Park community. At the Weds. April 9th joint committees meeting:

- The Land Use & Transportation Committee will review and give input on current neighborhood development & infrastructure projects including:

-Guest presentations from:

Karen Linner, First Congregational Church on the Agate Couples Shelter (Conditional Use Permit)

Gustave Steward, Transportation Planner from Minneapolis Public Works on Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Projects

City of Minneapolis, Public Works - Transportation & Planning: 9th & 10th Street Corridor Improvement Project Update (15 minutes)

- The Neighborhood Vitality Committee will review updates on several current projects, including:

- Opioid Response Team and partners, in supporting its new Opioid treatment outreach pilot program;

- Update on continued advocacy efforts with MPRB and the city for Safe Needles Disposal Kiosk at Elliot Park;

-Collaborative outreach with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid & MN Immigrant Movement

-Upcoming Neighborhood Safety Forum (early April) featuring law enforcement & community partners

- Bring your voice -- ALL are welcome! Questions or want to learn more? Contact [email protected] or call/text (612) 234-2280. See you there!

Monday, April 21st - EPNI Board Meeting 6:00-7:30pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave.

Your voice matters, and your insights are invaluable. Join the EPNI monthly Board meeting to stay informed, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our community. Together, we can make our neighborhood an even better place to live. ALL are welcome -- see you there!

April 22nd Earth Day Neighborhood Cleanup!

Spring into Action: Join Us for a Neighborhood Cleanup & Planter Care Event! Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to our community! We’re teaming up with EPNI, the Downtown Improvement District, MPRB - Elliot Park, Kraus-Anderson, and local businesses for a day of neighborhood cleanup and native planter care. Whether you’re sprucing up the streets or tending to planters, your efforts will make a big impact!

When: Tuesday, April 22nd (Earth Day!)
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Choose one or both shifts:

• Shift 1: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

• Shift 2: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Where: Elliot Park & Rec Center (1000 E. 14th Street)

Meet here to kick off the event, grab supplies, and join your team. Refreshments will be provided! Let’s come together to care for our neighborhood and welcome spring in style. Sign up today and make a difference with your neighbors! 🌱✨

Do you have a suggestion or question for Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc.? Email [email protected] or text / call (612) 234-2280 and we will get back to you soon!

April Community Calendar

MPRB - Elliot Park & Recreation Center Events

Wednesday April 16th - Create your own Terrarium (Seniors 55+) • 2:00am-3:30pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave.

Friday April 18th - Community Coffee • 10:00am-12:00pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave.

Recurring Events

*Save the Date* May 10th Neighborhood Day

Celebrate Community at Elliot Park Neighborhood Day!
📅 When: Friday, May 10th | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
📍 Where: Elliot Park Rec Center

What's Happening:
🌿 Community Tree Care: Help water our neighborhood trees - no experience needed! Training and tools provided.
🚲 Bicycle Giveaway: Score a free bike! (While supplies last)
🍔 Free Food & Refreshments
💡 Learn About EPNI: Discover how your neighborhood organization serves Elliot Park and find ways to get involved

This is your perfect chance to meet neighbors, give back to our green spaces, and learn how you can help shape Elliot Park's future. The whole family is welcome!

No RSVP needed - just show up ready to connect and celebrate our community. See you there!

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 612-234-2280

 Elliot Park Neighborhood Dave & Buster's Fundraiser

🎮 Get ready for nonstop arcade action at Dave & Buster’s! 50% of every Power Card purchased through our fundraising page will be donated to Elliot Park Neighborhood! Redeem anytime at any participating Dave & Buster’s location for endless gaming fun with family and friends. Level up your next outing and support a great cause: grouprai.se/davebusters54215s

2024 Elliot Park Quick Resident Survey: 5 Questions, 10 Minutes --  Let YOUR Voice Be Heard - Survey HERE!

"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley

Your voice matters! We appreciate you taking a few minutes to let us know what's most important to you in the neighborhood, and ways you want to get connected and involved in Elliot Park! Click HERE to take the quick EPNI survey • af-Soomaliga. Thank you!

City & Community Updates

Don't Miss out on the Child and Working Family Credits!

Even if you are not required to file Minnesota income tax returns, you can still file to claim valuable Minnesota tax
benefits. The Working Family Credit and Child Tax Credits deliver tax relief to individuals whose income is below a
certain level. Both credits are refundable, meaning you can receive a refund even if you do not owe tax.

Advance Payments of the Child Tax Credit
Beginning with tax year 2024, you can choose to receive part of your Child Tax Credit for the next year in three
advance payments before you file your next income tax return. For details, go www.revenue.state.mn.us and enter
Advance Payments into the Search box.

What is the Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit is available to Minnesotans who have children under age 18. By filing a Minnesota tax return,
you may qualify for $1,750 per child with no limit on the number of children.

What is the Working Family Credit?
The Working Family Credit is available to Minnesotans who earned income during the year. The maximum Working
Family Credit is $350 if your earned income is $8,750 or more, and it can increase by:
• $350 for no qualifying child
• $1,275 for one qualifying child age 18 or older
• $2,450 for two qualifying children age 18 or older
• $2,850 for three or more qualifying children age 18 or older
Both the Child and Working Family Credits are phased out if your income is over $36,880 for Married Filing Jointly
or over $31,090 for other filers. The credit is reduced by 12% of earned income or adjusted gross income, whichever
is greater.

How do I claim these credits?
For tax years 2022 and earlier, claim the Working Family Credit using Schedule M1WFC, Working Family Credit.
The Child Tax Credit is not available until tax year 2023.

For tax years 2023 and later, claim both the Child and Working Family Tax Credits using Schedule M1CWFC,
Minnesota Child and Working Family Credits, available in the next filing season.

Free Tax Preparation
You may also qualify for free tax return preparation! Go to www.revenue.state.mn.us and enter free tax preparation
into the Search box to find free tax preparation services near you.

Who’s Running for Minneapolis Mayor?

I-94 Minneapolis construction project

NCU Upcoming Sporting Events

April 5: Outdoor Track at Klas Field – TBD

April 12: Outdoor Track at Royal Stadium - TBD

April 23: Outdoor Track at U of M Track and Field Stadium - TBD

April 26: Outdoor Track at Macalester Stadium - TBD

April 30: Baseball vs Augsburg University at Parade Stadium - 3p & 6p

Updates & Neighborhood Opportunities:

Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration

DID is proud to partner with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) to plant, water, and care for trees in Elliot Park. Now, we are supporting MPRB at their Arbor Day Celebration at Kenny Park in South Minneapolis. Join us to plant and water trees at the event on April 25! Consider making the journey to South Minneapolis not only to support MPRB efforts but also to refresh your tree care knowledge and maybe even learn some new skills to bring back to your neighborhood.

&

Save the Date: Downtown Tree Stewards Training on Saturday, June 14

Introducing the Downtown Tree Stewards! Join us on Saturday, June 14 to learn all about tree health, monitoring, and maintenance from University of Minnesota educators, for free! After completing the Tree Stewards training, volunteers will have opportunities to put their knowledge to use throughout the year, including monitoring tree health, attending and even helping to plan tree watering parties, and participating in pruning workshops in fall and winter. This opportunity is a great way to meet new people, learn more about trees and how to care for them, and make a positive impact on our environment. All are welcome — no tree care experience necessary to join, and all supplies will be provided. Stay tuned for location and registration information.

Join a Blue Thumb Planting for Clean Water
Workshop This Spring!

Join a Blue Thumb Planting for Clean Water Workshop This Spring!

Learn the steps to create beautiful habitat for pollinators, support clean water, and restore the ecology of your outdoor space with native plants. Blue Thumb’s virtual and in-person workshops in the Twin Cities area this year.

For more information and to register, visit bluethumb.org/events/.
For questions, call (612) 263-8520 or email [email protected].

Celebrate Minneapolis Neighborhood Day at Loring Park!

Minnesota Cup Business Opportunity

Are you an entrepreneur, inventor, researcher, or small business owner in Minnesota? Here’s a fantastic opportunity you won’t want to miss!

The MN Cup, hosted by the University of Minnesota, is a premier competition designed to support Minnesota-based startups and small businesses with under $1 million in annual revenue. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow, MN Cup offers free education, mentorship, promotional opportunities, and seed funding for top contenders—all at no cost to enter!

This could be your chance to take your business to the next level. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 11, 2025, so don’t wait!

Click here to start your application

Click here to learn more about MN Cup and their resources

Spread the word—let’s help our local innovators thrive!

Community Solar Garden Opportunity

Immigrant Resources

Resources for immigrants and community members

Minneapolis is a welcoming city, one that fosters inclusivity, respect and safety for all, regardless of immigration status. We work to connect our neighbors and residents with services and opportunities so that everyone – including those born outside of the United States – feels a sense of belonging and can achieve their highest potential. This is and will remain our goal and commitment.

The City does not participate in immigration enforcement. There are many important distinctions between local and federal government. The City stands with and supports all residents, including those born outside the U.S.

The City of Minneapolis has an ordinance that states it will not operate programs for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws.

Below are links for residents to be aware of their rights and responsibilities:

• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Know Your Rights page: This page includes fact sheets and multilingual videos.
• Volunteer Lawyers Network Family and Immigration Preparedness Resources: This page contains a compilation of resources and guides. It also includes forms such as Delegation of Parental Authority.
• Creating safe and supportive schools for immigrant and English learner students: This resource, created by the Minnesota Education Equity partnership, is described as a toolkit for upholding the human and educational rights of Minnesota students.
• Welcoming America Preparation and Rapid Response Resource Collection: This collection of resources, compiled by Welcoming America, is a living document containing multilingual resources and will continue to be updated.

In the City of Minneapolis, we know that many are impacted by immigration developments and many are committed to welcoming and fostering a sense of belonging for residents born outside of the United States. Working together has never been more important than now.

Please visit the City’s Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs webpage to learn more.

Additional rights from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Immigrant and Refugee Affairs calendar

The City hosts various meetings related to immigration and refugees. To view this information follow this link.

EPNI Renter's Corner

New rights for Minneapolis renters

Minneapolis renters, you have housing rights that protect you. Two new renter rights went into effect March 1.

Changes to the pre-eviction filing notice for unpaid rent

Renters at risk of being evicted for not paying their rent will now have a longer notice.

Before property owners start the eviction process, they must now give renters 30 days’ notice. Before, the notice period was 14 days. The period begins once the notice is mailed or the day it’s hand-delivered to the renter.

Mandatory information from property owners

In 2024, the City passed an ordinance that set a new standard for transparency in renting. The ordinance helps new renters learn more about the places they call home and their protections and resources. Property owners must share some information before new renters sign a lease, and other information within 90 days after the lease starts.

Make sure to visit the City website to see the full explanation of what property owners must share and when.

311: Did You Know . . . ?

Ongoing Notices & Opportunities:

Resources for Unhoused People

To access more resources visit: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/waypoint