
February 2025 E-News
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].
Happy Black History Month!

“Take it upon yourself where you live to make people around you joyful and full of hope.” -Nelson Mandela
Update from City Hall: A welcoming city: 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 this January 14, 2025 press conference led by Hennepin County Attorney, Mary Moriarty, and joined by many legal and community leaders, advocating against the multifaceted public safety impacts of the Laken Riley Act, which was ultimately passed and signed into federal law on January 29, 2025. In the press conference, County Attorney Moriarty highlights the key ways the city and the county continue in their protections for our immigrant neighbors, consistent with their commitment to public safety.
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
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EPNI February 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].

Please visit the EPNI web Calendar for event details & to RSVP! Also post and share our February Event Calendar flyer which is linked here and posted below. Flyer PDF
Tuesday, February 11th - Community Capacity Training: "Verbal De-Escalation and Other Practical Skills" 6:00-7:30pm • At Catholic Charities, 1007 E 14th St., Frey Center entrance • RSVP Link

Wednesday, February 12th - 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

ALL are welcome to the joint EPNI Neighborhood Vitality & Land Use Committees meeting, to bring your ideas and and connect with your neighbors. This joint committee structure creates your "one-stop shop" for Elliot Park Neighborhood involvement with new and ongoing neighborhood projects in service to our shared Elliot Park community.At the Weds. February 12th joint committees meeting:
- The Land Use & Transportation Committee will review and give input on current neighborhood development & infrastructure projects, including a return guest presentation by Erik J Fox, M.S. Ed., Assistant Parking Systems Manager with the City of Minneapolis, following up their initial December presentation and gathering feedback about final proposed changes to the Critical Parking Program areas in Elliot Park. The Land Use Committee will also gather community input for 2025 projection priorities.
- The Neighborhood Vitality Committee will gather community input on 2025 project priorities, and review updates on several current projects, including:
- Recently Board-approved EPNI partnership with City's Public Health
- Opioid Response Team and partners, in supporting its new Opioid treatment outreach pilot program;
- Updates on EPNI assistance to help connect our neighbors displaced by 8/13/24 Stadium Place apartment fire at 1501 S. 11th Ave. with Hennepin County victim advocacy assistance in the newly filed criminal arson and homicide case
- Update on continued advocacy efforts with MPRB and the city for Safe Needles Disposal Kiosk at Elliot Park;
- Review volunteer opportunities at upcoming spring events, including the early April Neighborhood Safety Forum (date TBD); and the April 22nd Earth Day Neighborhood Cleanup.
- 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, February 24th* - EPNI Board Meeting (*Please note: date change, due to 2/17 Presidents Day) 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!
*SAVE THE DATE* 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:
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!
February Community Calendar
Monday, February 3rd & Monday, February 24th - Ward 6 City Councilmember Jamal Osman Community Office Hours • 3:00-4:00pm • At Lutunji's Palate, 1400 Park. Ave S. #1010

Come have a chat with your Ward 6 Councilmember Jamal Osman - The first & last Monday of each month, 3-4pm!
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Saturday, February 8th - Community Connections Conference Event 9:00am-4:00pm • Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E • Conference Event Website

 
Flyer links Somali, English, Spanish
Connect with us at and other community, neighborhood, and local government groups at the Community Connections Conference.
Stop by the conference for:
- More than 100 exhibits from the City of Minneapolis, other public institutions and community groups.
- Workshops and community dialogues on important topics.
- Performances from local artists.
- Free lunch.
- A fun scavenger hunt side quest.
- Opportunities to connect with City leaders.
Learn more about the event on the city's website here
Saturday, February 15th - Bingo at Elliot Rec Center 1:00-3:00pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave.

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MPRB - Elliot Park & Recreation Center Event Updates
February Events
Monday, February 3rd - Paint and Sip - Tote Bags
5:30-7:00pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. (Cost is up to $5 on a sliding scale)
Friday February 21st - Community Coffee
10:00am-12:00pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave.
Tuesday February 18th - Black History in Minneapolis Tour
1:00-4:00pm • (18+, 8 spaces available)
Spend time driving through Minneapolis to various sites that played a role in Black History in Minneapolis. We will be traveling by van and will make stops at some of the sites for tours or to learn about their impact and importance. Register here or call 612-370-4793 and a staff will sign you up.
Recurring Events



See the full Elliot Park Recreational Calendar Here!
The Downtown Improvement District (DID) Community Calendar is your source downtown events & FREE fun! Check out the full Downtown Events Calendar HERE.

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EPNI Updates

Elliot Park Community Aid Fund Updates

January Updates: On January 27th, felony criminal charges were filed in Hennepin County District Court against the person suspected of intentionally starting the 8/13/24 fire at the Stadium Place apartments, for two counts of second degree murder and three counts of first degree arson. See the 1/28/25 Downtown Voices article for additional criminal case details.
EPNI staff are working on connecting our neighbors displaced by the fire to the victim advocate assigned the criminal case through the county attorney’s office. Staff are working to ensure they have the opportunity to exercise their rights, and get connected to additional resources, as victims of this serious crime. Anyone affected by the fire can contact us for more information about getting connected with county victim resources, at [email protected] or call/text us at 612-234-2280.
Additionally, upon fully expending and completing the work of the Minneapolis Foundation grant awarded last fall to expand our direct aid distributed to our neighbors displaced by the 8/13/24 fire, our grant report was submitted and approved.
December Updates: In December, we nearly completed the second and final round of Elliot Park Community Aid Fund distributions to the residents and families displaced by the August 13th fire. At the time of this publication, EPNI has distributed a total of $51,400 in direct aid funds, assisting a total of 55 our affected neighbors (32 adults and 23 children). We also completed four distribution days of donated clothing, household goods and furniture. While we continue to provide some longer-term resource connection assistance to a number of the families, we are now wrapping up the major operations of our aid and support operations, now that we have distributed the remainder of direct funds and clothing and household donations gathered to support our neighbors affected by the August 13th fire.
November Updates: On November 20th, we held a Final Donation Distribution Day for fire victims. During this event we gave out winter coats and outerwear clothing and household donations to displaced families. A special thanks to our project partners, MPRB - Elliot Park and First Congregational Church, and to community volunteers, Shawne Fitzgerald and Katie Simon-Dastych, and community partner Wayne Bugg of St. Vincent de Paul, who together gathered and contributed to winter coat and outerwear donations for distribution.
October Updates: On October 10th, we held a Community Aid Fund and donation distribution day at the Elliot Park Rec Center. During this event we were able to distribute Aid funds using the relief money that we received from the Minneapolis Foundation and raised in the community, and gave out additional clothing and household donations to displaced families. We are currently completing a winter coat and outerwear drive for the next distribution to the families. We are accepting donations of new or gently used winter coats and gear at Elliot Park & Rec Center (M-F, after 3pm) -- thank you!
September Updates: On September 5th, we held a Drop-in Resource Day for the residents and families displaced by the fire at the Elliot Park Rec Center. We gave out donations and connected families to valuable resources. These donations and services were made available thanks to our service partners: Hennepin County Resource Navigators, Mid-Minnesota Legal Services, MPRB - Elliot Park, First Covenant Church, Aeon and Trellis Housing. We have also received a $48,000 Minneapolis Foundation grant to boost our direct aid distribution to people affected by the fire, awarded to directly benefit the affected residents, in recognition of our collaborative response efforts.
Background: On August 13th, a devastating fire swept through the multi-family apartment building on 1501 11th Ave S. in our beloved Elliot Park neighborhood, claiming two lives, hospitalizing four more, and displacing 22 households. EPNI has been working with the Red Cross and several community partners to help the affected residents rebuild their lives.
EPNI will be wrapping up its Elliot Park Aid Fund project efforts by the end of the year, after distributing final Aid Funds in December, and will share a final project report in early 2025
Thank you for your generous support of our neighbors! Questions? Contact EPNI at

🎮 Get ready for nonstop arcade action at Dave & Buster’s! Until April 20, 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!
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City & Community Updates
February 5th Franklin Steele Square Public Hearing


MPRB has announced a final design for Franklin Steele Square. On Wednesday February 5th MPRB will be holding a public hearing for the final design concept. This is an opportunity for the public to see and discuss the final design for Franklin Steele Square Park with MPRB.
Want to learn more about the improvement project? check out this website for more information and sign up for email updates as well.
Updates from Ward 6 - from Council Member Jamal Osman
Rental Pre-Eviction Notification Ordinance This ordinance aimed to address one of the city’s goals of housing that prioritized equitable access to safe, stable, accessible, and affordable housing to help eliminate racial disparities in housing. It sought to increase housing security and prevent displacement from safe and affordable housing. Additionally, it aims to reduce the rate of evictions that disproportionately impacted people of color by amending the pre-eviction notification from a 14-day notice to a 30-day notice. The effective date of implementation was set for March 1, 2025. (2024-00836)
Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC)
Closure The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution urging Hennepin County to stop burning trash at the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) by 2028. The resolution committed the city to enhancing waste-reduction efforts and exploring alternative landfills for city trash if the incinerator were to be shut down.
For decades, residents had fought against HERC, which burned trash to generate energy but also created significant air pollution. Hennepin County owned the incinerator and, after a major public pressure campaign, had pledged the previous year to develop a plan to close it sometime between 2028 and 2040.
The resolution followed recent public discussions, including an August 2024 presentation by Hennepin County on plans to reinvent the county's solid waste system, as well as a public comment period in late September and early October regarding the future of HERC.
Across the country, incinerators like HERC were criticized for their role in environmental racism, contributing to higher rates of asthma, heart disease, cancer, and premature death in nearby communities. The resolution reflected the city's commitment to supporting robust funding for zero-waste goals and aligned with the long-standing, community-driven call to shut down the HERC. (2024-01078)
Read more Updates from Ward 6 here!
Ward 6 Committee Highlights
2025 Budget Amendments
Smart Salting for Downtown Residents
By: Sophia Anderson, MN GreenCorps Member, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District
Minnesotans know that de-icing salts are an effective tool to increase accessibility and safety during the wintertime. De-icing salts include a variety of salts that are meant to help clear ice that has formed on walkways and roadways. Rock salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is the most used de-icing salt in the Twin Cities. Unfortunately, de-icing salts are often used improperly which has led to a host of consequences.
Recent research has shown that improper or overuse of de-icing salts like sodium chloride negatively impacts the environment, property and our health. An estimated 403,600 tons of road salt is applied every Minnesota winter and 70% or more of that salt mixes with stormwater and ultimately ends up in various bodies of water and our groundwater. High levels of salt in freshwater bodies of water are extremely harmful to the lake ecosystem, creating toxic environments for freshwater amphibians and fish, especially walleye. Just 1 teaspoon of salt pollutes 5 gallons of freshwater forever. Additionally, applying too much salt near trees or plants can cause dehydration and death. There are also numerous consequences for property. Salt is corrosive and speeds up rusting on various surfaces, which leads to an increase in damage above normal wear and tear.
Read more
Local Warming Resources
Hi Neighbors, Here is an article with a list of resources for our neighbors in need to stay out of this cold weather. Some resources include warming spaces and meals. This includes different daytime and nighttime warming spots in both Hennepin and Ramsey county. Stay warm and take care of each other!
Nicollet Mall Transit Project
As part of a 2024 legislative decision, the City will be relocating transit routes away from Nicollet Mall. The goal of this work is to make transit as good or better than transit on Nicollet Mall today. Past community engagement included open houses, surveys, and EPNI committee meetings.
If you want to learn more about the project follow this link
North Central University February Basketball Games
February 5th
@5:30pm – Men’s Basketball vs. Northland College
@7:15pm – Women’s Basketball vs. Northland College
February 15th
@3:00pm – Men’s Basketball vs. University of Northwestern (MN)
@4:45pm – Women’s Basketball vs. University of Northwestern (MN)
February 19th
@5:30pm – Men’s Basketball vs. Martin Luther College
@7:15pm – Women’s Basketball vs. Martin Luther College
Resources for Unhoused People
Click on below graphic to enlarge


Minneapolis Green Cost Share Program

We are excited to work with the Minneapolis Green Cost Share program, a project that helps our city be greener! The Green Cost Share program provides up to $14,000 in rebates to eligible homeowners in our neighborhood. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your next project using the Minneapolis Green Cost Share program. Together, we can make Minneapolis a better place to live.
Green Cost Share Contact Info:
Minneapolis Health Department, [email protected], 612-673-2301
Minneapolis Homes: Homebuyer & Home Improvement Opportunities
Click on below graphic to enlarge

The city has resources available for home buying and home improvement. Including down payment assistance for specific homes and financing options to improve your house. For more information see the flyer above.
Updates & Neighborhood Opportunities:
Stevens Square Community Organization Snow Shoveling Team

Looking to help out your neighbors and get paid for it? Stevens Square Organization Snow Shoveling Team is looking for a team of as needed show shovelers for the Stevens Square-Loring Heights neighborhood. SSCO is going to be paying folks $16 dollars per street within the SS-LH neighborhood and all supplies will be provided.
If folks are interested, they can contact SSCO's greening coordinator Adam at [email protected].
Winter Gear Drive

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EPNI Renter's Corner

Help with heat bills
Minnesota homeowners and renters can apply for energy assistance to help keep their homes warm this winter.
By applying for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program, homeowners and renters may also qualify for Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program and receive free home improvements to help save energy and ensure a warm, healthy, safe home.
Find more information and apply on the Minnesota Commerce Department website.
Protection from heat being shut off
The Cold Weather Rule is now in effect. The Cold Weather Rule means that if you can’t pay your home heat bill, your heat can’t be shut off Oct. 1-April 30. If you get a notice about disconnecting your primary heat source, make sure to immediately contact the utility and set up a payment plan.
Find resources on the State of Minnesota website. This information is also available in Español/Spanish, Hmoob/Hmong and Soomaali/Somali.
HOMEline
HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.
Have a question for HOME Line?
Call 612-728-5767 or email an attorney
311: Did You Know . . . ?
 
Want to see a larger image or this graphic in a different language. English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong
311 is the remote access point for ALL non-emergency info & service requests
You can call 311 to:
- Report and get resolution to problems, and follow up on the status of issues
* Remember - there are power in numbers. If a number of affected neighbors call 311 about the same issue, it may speed up response time.
- Find out about City services
- Get other city-related information
It's easy and accessible! Ways to contact 311:
- Call 311 / TTY: 612-263-6850: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm
- Email: [email protected]
- Text 311 or get the 311 mobile app
If you need immediate emergency assistance, contact 911.
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Report rental issues to 311
Contact 311 to report rental housing issues or speak to a housing liaison. You can also track complaints online on the 311 property complaint dashboard.

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Ongoing Notices & Opportunities:
Want a free ride & a cleaner bus stop? Adopt-a-Stop!
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WHAT: Individuals and groups can "adopt" a Metro Transit bus stop to help keep it clean and cared for, and alert Metro Transit staff to special maintenance needs and reporting vandalism or suspicious activity.
WHY: Help everyone have a safer ride experience and and get 10 free rides each month!
HOW: Learn more and apply online for Metro Transit Adopt-A-Stop program HERE.
Want to partner through EPNI to Adopt-a-Stop? Come talk about it at the Land Use & Transportation committee meeting, or contact us at [email protected] or text/call 612-234-2280.
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Shop the Mobile Market!
The Twin Cities Mobile Market continues on Wednesdays! You can find the bus at 1515 Park Ave. All are welcome to stop by and shop. The market has beautiful and affordable produce, meat, dairy, bread, and more.
You can view the full schedule here on the Park Center Hi-Rise site. Sign up for text updates. To learn more about the Mobile Market, please visit thefoodgroupmn.org/twin-cities-mobile-market/.
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