EPNI Calendar 

For the foreseeable future we are holding meetings via Zoom (with access by computer, smart phone, or dial in).  Please let us know if you need any assistance connecting to these virtual meetings.  Hope to "see" you at a meeting soon!

Friday, August 7th - EPNI Board Candidate Info Session, 12-1pm: Join EPNI Executive Director for information on serving on the EPNI Board of Directors and how to apply.  Learn more at https://www.elliotpark.org/board

Tuesday, August 11th - Ward 6 Election, A special election has been called to fill a vacancy in the Council – Ward 6 seat, which includes parts of the Stevens Square, Ventura Village, Philips West, Elliot Park, Seward, and Cedar Riverside neighborhoods.  If you are voting in person, check your voting location as it has changed for our neighborhood.

Wednesday, August 12th - EPNI Board Candidate Info Session, 6-7pm: Join EPNI Executive Director for information on serving on the EPNI Board of Directors and how to apply.  Learn more at https://www.elliotpark.org/board

EPNI Board of Directors elections are typically held in May at our annual meeting.  Due to COVID-19, EPNI postponed our annual meeting to September 14th.  This year, there are 7 seats open for election.  Five of the seats have a term of 2020-2023 and two of the seats have a term of 2020-2022 (filling a vacancy).  To enhance accessibility, EPNI is mailing a voter guide to residents and offering an extended online and mailed voting period. 

If you are interested in the EPNI Board of Directors, please review the information available at www.elliotpark.org/board, consider attending a board information session (see info above in calendar), and submit your application by August 17th.

Building, Land Use, and Housing (BLUH) Update

Missed this month's Building, Land Use & Housing meeting? You can find a summary on our website! Be sure to check out the survey regarding the proposed temporary shelter at House of Charity Food Centre. 

https://www.elliotpark.org/071620_bluh

Proposed Minneapolis Charter Amendment

On June 26, the City Council gave preliminary approval of a proposed charter amendment to be referred as a ballot question to voters at the general election in November 2020 which, if approved, would eliminate the police department as a charter department and add the creation of a new charter department for community safety and violence prevention to have responsibility for public safety services prioritizing a holistic, public health-oriented approach.

On July 20, the Charter Commission accepted a proposed charter amendment that would eliminate the minimum required staffing levels in the Minneapolis Police Department by deleting existing Section 7.3(c).

To be referred to voters as a ballot question at the general election on November 3, 2020, either or both of these proposals must be submitted—in final form—no later than Friday, August 21, 2020.

Next week, on August 5th, the Charter Commission will vote to either accept, reject or amend a City Council-led ballot proposal.  The Charter Commission needs to act by August 5 in order to meet the statutory deadline for submitting ballot questions (Aug. 21). If the Charter Commission completes its work by its August 5th meeting, that leaves the City Council a single, two-week cycle to complete all its work within the statutory timeline. In both cases, the Mayor also approve the act(s); the official act(s) must be published to become legally effective; and then the ballot questions must be transmitted to the Hennepin County Auditor by the deadline.

Learn more about the proposed Minneapolis Charter Amendment here: 
http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/charter/public-safety-faq
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/07/29/mpls-charter-commission-rejects-minimum-funding-change-for-mpd

Ward 6 Special Election

A special election has been called to fill a vacancy in the Council – Ward 6 seat, which includes parts of the Stevens Square, Ventura Village, Philips West, Elliot Park, Seward, and Cedar Riverside neighborhoods. The special election will be conducted Tuesday, August 11, in conjunction with the State Primary. 

For more information go to: http://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/specialward6 
Find your UPDATED polling location here: https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

Missed our July 27th Candidate Forum?  You can view the recording on YouTube.

Let's Get Uncomfortable!

In partnership with the Theater of Public Policy, EPNI recently hosted two "Let's Get Uncomfortable" conversations.  These conversations provided an open space to discuss racism, its consequences on our community and what steps we can take right now, today to be not simply uncomfortable with racism, but anti-racist.  Thank you to those who attended!  I

Thank you to our sponsors!