Public Hearing - Off Premise Signs and Billboards on March 27

The Public Hearing regarding the approval of the Off Premise Signs and Billboard Ordinance will be heard at the Zoning and Planning Committee Meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 9:30 am.  This meeting will take place in the City Council Chambers, 350 S 5th Street, Room 317.   The amendment of this ordinance is related to off-premise signs and billboards, including but not limited to standards for billboards that utilize light emitting devises and billboards that flash, animate or change messages electronically.   This will be your opportunity to speak regarding this matter.  Your comments can be made during this meeting and/or submitted in to me.  Thank you!   Diane Hofstede Minneapolis City Council-3rd Ward 350 S. 5th St.  Rm 307 Minneapolis, MN 55415 diane.hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us 612-673-2203

Damage to Motor Vehicles in 3rd Precinct Sector Two

March 25, 2008 (Bancroft, Bryant, Central, Corcoran, Powderhorn Park and Standish)   Facts: During the nighttime hours between the dates of March 5 and March 23, there were 25 reported cases of car windows being smashed in the area between 2nd Ave. S. to Hiawatha, and E. Lake St. to E. 42nd St.   There is very little or no suspect information at this time   What you can do: ·        Keep a watchful eye out and call 911 if you see suspicious behavior. Listen for the sound of glass breaking. If you believe someone is in the process of vandalizing a car, call 911 immediately. ·        Report all incidents of vandalism and theft, even if you did not observe the crime. You can do this by calling 311. Reporting is important because it may be possible to identify patterns through accumulated reports, which will help the police and increase patrols. ·        If you have a garage, use it and lock it. ·        If you park on the street, park in well-lit areas. This increases the chance of vandals or thieves being seen. ·        If you have a security system with a video camera attached, point the camera to where your vehicle or neighbor’s vehicles are parked. ·        Light up the neighborhood. Keep outside lights on. Increase the chance that the suspect(s) will be seen by someone. ·        If you get up during the night, look out your window. Increase the “eyes of the neighborhood.”   If you have any questions, please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Notsch (612 673-2856) or karen.notsch@ci.minneapolis.mn.us   Please share this information with residents in your neighborhoods

Stevens Square Neighborhood Hosts Fifth Annual Rummage Sale April 19 and 20

A Mecca for Garage Sale Aficionados!   The Stevens Square Community Organization (SSCO) will hold its fifth annual rummage sale April 19-20 at the Van Dusen Event Center, 1900 LaSalle Avenue. The rummage sale is organized and staffed by volunteers. Items donated by area residents and local businesses include collectibles, furniture, sports gear, clothes, antiques and a multitude of household objects. Proceeds contribute to SSCO’s outreach, crime prevention, arts and greening programs.    “This sale offers something for everyone,” says Steve Gallagher, executive director of the SSCO.  “It’s an opportunity for collectors, bargain hunters and green consumers to find great deals on great stuff.”   Photos of selected merchandise are now available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlybirdpix/  Check back often for updates!   Admission to the event is $2.00 per adult on Saturday, April 19th and free on Sunday, April 20th.  Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.   ### About Stevens Square Community Organization Stevens Square Community Organization, founded in 1976, is the officially-recognized citizen participation organization for the Stevens Square-Loring Heights neighborhood of Minneapolis. For more information about SSCO and this fundraising effort, visit http://www.sscoweb.org or contact the SSCO office at 612-874-2840.   --------------------- From:  Stevens Square Community Organization, 1925 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 For more information please call: Dave Delvoye, 612-874-2840   Submitted on behalf of SSCO by: Dee Tvedt, SSARS volunteer

Neighbrohood Policing Plans for 2008: Your Feedback Requested!

We are in the planning stages for 2008 and while we have come up with some new strategies for the First Precinct, we welcome your input as public safety is always a work in progress.  Therefore we hope you can take a minute to fill out this survey and return to Luther.Krueger@ci.minneapolis.mn.us as soon as is convenient.   ------------------------------------------------------------- Please link to http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/outreach/Pct1NeighborhoodPolicingPlans.asp and click on your neighborhood.  Then take a moment to reflect on the crimes we've targeted as well as our goals for strengthening our community partnerships.  We'd very much like to hear your comments which will be taken into account as we proceed through 2008.  Just hit reply and let us know what you think.   For those who'd like a little more structure in responding, below we have inserted our survey from last year which we found generated some great ideas for 2007.  Remember, this is your plan which we will implement together.  Thanks!   --------------------------------------------------------   2008 NEIGHBORHOOD POLICING SUGGESTIONS     Your specific neighborhood crime concerns:         How should the MPD address these concerns?         How should the community (i.e. your neighborhood association, block clubs, businesses, etc.) address these concerns?    I 'm a: ____Resident ____Neighborhood Assoc. Board Member ____Business Representative ____Rental Property Owner ____Security Officer/Manager ____Manager/Owner of a Bar ____Shelter/Transitional Housing Facility Employee ____Other _________________________               (Please check all that apply)       What have you done, or are you willing to do, to pitch in toward crime prevention and reduction strategies in the First Precinct?  Here are some on-going projects which over one hundred of our listmembers are actively involved with:   __ I will fill out Community Impact Statements for offenders arrested for crimes in and near the block where I live and/or work.   __ I am a block club leader   __ I can become a block club leader and will take the training ---   __ on-line (email instruction) or  __ at the next possible scheduled training in the neighborhoods.   __ I would like to organize a building watch for my apartment/condo.   __ I can print out the crime alerts and maps for my block.   __ I can make time to help the MPD call people to get them involved in the Virtual Block Club.   __ I can attend and participate in my neighborhood association's crime prevention committee.         Additional Comments/Concerns:           Optional   Name: Address: Phone:       Luther Krueger, Crime Prevention Analyst Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct 19 N. 4th St. + Minneapolis MN 55401 612-673-2923  + luther.krueger@ci.minneapolis.mn.us   For citywide crime stats and MAPS link to: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-statistics/codefor/ For your first contact regarding crime issues in your area link to: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/outreach/docs/safe-staff-map.pdf For a broad assortment of crime prevention tips: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-prevention/ Subscribe to Crime Alerts from the MPD: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crimealert/signup.asp Find weekly MPD Highlights by bookmarking: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crimealert/highlights.asp   The First Precinct never sleeps.

Minneapolis Police Precinct 3 Block Leader Training

RSVP for Block Leader Training March 31,2008 Block Leader Training will be held at MPD 3rd Precinct, 3000 Minnehaha Avenue S. (E Lake St. and Minnehaha Ave. S.) from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008. Join other residents in developing skills for effectively working with your neighbors on crime and other issues in your community. Topics to be covered include: An Introduction to Community Crime Prevention/SAFE, How to Organize a Block/Apartment/Condo Club, Services of CCP/SAFE, How and When to Use 911 and 311, Solving Problems, and Meeting your MPD Crime Prevention Specialist. You must RSVP to attend this training. Please call 612-673-2856. CPS Sue Roethele, Sector 3, 3rd Precinct, SAFE, 612-673-2839, e-mail sue.roethele@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Minneapolis Recycle Run 5K

Minneapolis Recycle Run 5K 
Sunday, April 20, 2008 
Lake Harriet Benefits Earth Day Watershed Clean Up Burn some of that pent-up winter energy and give back to the environment in the Recycle Run around Lake Harriet on Sunday, April 20. The event features a 5K Walk/Run and a Kids’ Half-Mile Run. Presented by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) and the City of Minneapolis, proceeds from the Recycle Run will benefit future Minneapolis Earth Day Watershed Clean-Up efforts. The Kids’ Run begins at 8:45 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. Both races begin at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.  The 5K run will be chip timed.  Prizes will be awarded to the top female and male finishers in each category. Fees 5K Run/Walk

• $25 – Pre-registered
• $30 – Race Day

Kids’ Run

• $10 – Pre-registered
• $15 – Race Day

The first 500 pre-registered participants will receive a FREE ticket to a Minnesota Twins game. Additionally, pre-participants are guaranteed a Performance T-shirt and Water Bottle for helping support this important cause. Registration Information Register online through 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 14. Download a registration form or pick up one at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board headquarters. Mail or drop off forms with entry fee(s) to: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Attn: Minneapolis Recycle Run
2117 West River Rd 
Minneapolis MN 55411 Make check payable to Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Mail-in registration must be postmarked by Saturday, April 12.  Race day registration is from 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 am at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway. Earth Day Fundraising Challenge Click here for more information about how you can help support future Earth Day Watershed Clean Up efforts. For more information or to volunteer contact Mary Anderson at mary@andersonraces.com or 651-688-9143. A special thanks our sponsors for making this event possible. Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board - Minneapolis Recycle Run http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1016

14th Annual Earth Day Watershed Clean-Up

14th Annual Earth Day Watershed Clean-Up 
Saturday, April 19, 2008 
9:30 a.m. - Noon 
36 locations around Minneapolis A collaborative effort between the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the City of Minneapolis No pre-registration required. Feel free to come to any of the cleanup sites listed below and help keep Minneapolis beautiful. Locations: Armatage Park – 2500 57th St. W Beltrami Park – 1111 Summer St. NE Cedar Lake – Cedar Lake Pkwy. & 25th St. W Cedar Lake Trail – 600 Kenwood Pkwy., Parade Ice Garden parking lot Central Green Gym – 3400 4th Ave. S Columbia Park – Columbia Pkwy. & 35th Ave. NE, playground parking lot Creekview Park – 5001 Humboldt Ave. N Dairy Queen – 4719 Lyndale Ave. N East River Parkway – East River Pkwy. & Franklin Ave. Father Hennepin Bluffs Park – 100 6th Ave. SE Folwell Park – 1615 Dowling Ave. N Gluek Park – 1926 Marshall St. NE J.D. Rivers Children’s Garden picnic area – Glenwood Ave. & Washburn Ave. N Kenny Park – 1328 58th St. W Kenwood Park – 2101 Franklin Ave. W Lake Calhoun: – East Calhoun Pkwy. & 32nd St W – West Calhoun Pkwy. & 32nd St W Lake Harriet – 4135 Lake Harriet Pkwy., Bandshell parking lot Loring Park – 1382 Willow St. Lynnhurst Park – 1345 Minnehaha Pkwy. W Martin Luther King Park – 4055 Nicollet Ave. S Minnehaha Park – 4801 Minnehaha Ave. S Minnehaha Parkway – Minnehaha Pkwy. E & 12th Ave. S Nokomis Park – 2401 Minnehaha Pkwy. E North Commons Park – 1801 James Ave. N Northeast – 1615 Pierce St. NE North Mississippi Regional Park – 4900 Mississippi Ct. N Pearl Park – 414 Diamond Lake Rd. E Powderhorn Park – 3400 15th Ave. S Sibley Park – 1900 40th St. E Stewart Park – 2700 12th Ave S Theodore Wirth Park – 3200 Glenwood Ave., Wirth Beach parking lot West River Parkway: – 500 West River Pkwy. N, Mill Ruins parking lots – West River Pkwy. S & 24th St. E – West River Pkwy. S & 36th St E Webber Park – 4400 Dupont Ave. N For more information about the event or if you are interested in helping coordinate the 2008 Clean-Up, please contact Arik at 612-230-6484. This event would not be possible without the support and contributions from individual volunteers, neighborhood groups supported by the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, private businesses, non-profit agencies and community service organizations. Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board - Earth Day http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=987

Pedestrian Master Plan open house

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Presentation at 6 p.m. Minneapolis Central Library 300 Nicollet Mall Contact: Matt Laible, Communications Department, 612-673-2786 Help make Minneapolis the most walkable city around March 6, 2008 (MINNEAPOLIS) Minneapolis is already an active, walkable community, but there is more to do to make to make our city a better place to walk, whether it’s a walk to work, to play, or just to stay active. You can help the City improve walking in Minneapolis by attending an open house to hear more about the City’s Pedestrian Master Plan, and to share your thoughts and ideas on walking in Minneapolis. Participants will be invited to discuss some of the major challenges the City faces in meeting pedestrian needs. Arrive at any time and stay as long as you like. Mark up maps, record your observations and opinions, and discuss key issues with City staff, a consultant team, and other members of the public. Open House attendees can also participate in discussion groups about three major subjects: snow and other challenges, building a walking culture, and fairness in spending. The City Council directed the preparation of a citywide Pedestrian Master Plan, which will be completed by the end of 2008. The plan will include recommendations on policies, projects and procedures related to pedestrian facilities and programs. The plan is funded by a federal Non-Motorized Transportation Project grant and a grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. To learn more about Minneapolis’ Pedestrian Master Plan, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/pedestrian. The meeting site is wheelchair accessible. If you need other disability related accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter, or materials in an alternative format, please contact Shaun Murphy at (612)673-2335 or shaun.murphy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us before March 19. # # # Communications Department 301M City Hall Minneapolis, MN 55415

“Our City” exhibit helps celebrate Minneapolis 150

March 6, 2008 (MINNEAPOLIS) As part of Minneapolis’ 150th anniversary, the City is hosting Michael Birawer’s “Our City” exhibit in the City Hall rotunda at 350 S. Fifth St. The display will be available for public viewing throughout March and April. Birawer uses a combination of graffiti, cartoon, illustration and heavy textures to depict familiar Twin Cities locations in three dimensions. Birawer's art celebrates the sense of community that these buildings and vistas create. Birawer says the memories and emotions these places evoke are part of what unifies us as "Twin Citians.” Michael attended the College of Visual Arts in Saint Paul and was born, raised and currently lives in the Twin Cities. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the Municipal Building Commission and the City of Minneapolis as part of the City's sesquicentennial celebration. For more information about sesquicentennial events and activities, visit the Minneapolis 150 Web site at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/150/. # # # Communications Department 301M City Hall Minneapolis, MN 55415

Make Minneapolis a greener place by ordering a tree!

View this release online at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/newsroom --- Make Minneapolis (and your yard) a greener place by ordering a tree! 1,000 trees are available for just $25 each through the City Trees program  The City of Minneapolis is making 1,000 trees available to city residents for planting this spring. Minneapolis funds the City Trees program, which is in its third year, to provide a low-cost way for folks to help build the city's urban tree forest.  Research has proven that trees are a valuable investment and improve urban quality of life. Healthy trees increase property values, help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide, save energy, keep the city cooler, provide homes for wildlife and help manage storm water.   To make the City Trees program a reality, Minneapolis partners with Tree Trust, a local nonprofit that works to improve the community environment. Ordering a tree: The trees cost $25 each, and are approximately 6-to-10 feet tall with a 1 inch trunk. Residents can order one tree per household, and the 1,000 trees will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents can choose from five tree varieties, including Bicolor Oak, Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple, Pagoda Dogwood, Japanese Tree Lilac or Welchi Juniper.  Orders can be placed online between March 11 and April 11 by visiting Tree Trust at www.treetrust.org or by picking up an order form from your neighborhood group or local library.  Tree pick-up dates are May 10 and 11 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and May 12 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the former Franklin Middle School East parking lot at 1501 Aldrich Avenue N. Volunteers will be available to help load your new tree and complimentary bag of mulch in to your vehicle.  Information will be available online and at the tree pick-up site that will explain how to plant a tree the right way, how to care for it, and the benefits it will provide.   For more information on how to order a tree, contact Tree Trust by visiting www.treetrust.org or by calling (651) 644-5800. You can also contact Tree Trust to receive hard copies of the applications if you would like to be able to distribute them to your group. It is anticipated that the 1,000 trees will again go quickly so please encourage people to call as soon as possible.

Protect your home against spring break-ins

Secure your home while you’re away on vacation  Mar. 11, 2008 (MINNEAPOLIS) With Spring Break just around the corner, many people are busy planning their vacations and preparing to leave Minneapolis for sunnier places. Minneapolis Police want to remind vacationers that it’s important to take time to prepare their homes for vacation too. An empty home is a tempting target for a burglar, so use these tips as a checklist to help protect your home against break-ins and theft while you’re away.

• Install good locks on windows and doors and be sure to use to them.
• Avoid leaving a spare key anywhere outside your home.
• Make arrangements to suspend mail, newspaper and package deliveries or ask a neighbor to pick them up.
• Arm your home security alarm if you have one.
• Set up timers around your home to turn TVs, lamps and radios on and off at appropriate hours; install motion detectors around your home.
• Turn the ringer volume on your phone to low to avoid having someone hear it go unanswered.
• Keep blinds, shades or curtains the way they are when you are home.
• Close and lock garage doors and windows; secure storage sheds.
• Tell a few trusted neighbors to keep an eye on your home during your vacation, but generally keep travel plans to yourself—don’t announce your absence on voicemail; tell your co-workers not to give out your travel plans.
• Mark your property: record make, model and serial numbers and take pictures of electronic equipment and valuables; use the free national police program Operation ID to mark and inventory your valuables. Just call (612) 673-2749 to request an information packet. Should your property be stolen, this simple step will make it more difficult for thieves to sell it and easier for police to return it to you.

For more ideas to secure your home while you’re away or for information about how to enroll in Operation ID, contact your police precinct’s Crime Prevention Specialist by visiting http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/. Click on Precinct Finder and CCP/SAFE Team links.  Remember, most burglaries are a crime of opportunity, committed by an amateur. So your best protection is to make your home appear occupied and to make it difficult to break in to. And as always, remind your neighbors to call 911 immediately to report any suspicious activity.

Comments Due 3/17/08 on Framework for the Future of NRP

March 10, 2008 Dear neighborhood leader, This is just a reminder that the comments on the “Framework for the Future: Options for the focus, funding and governance of NRP Program and Action Plan activities after 2009” report presented to the City Council Committee of the Whole on December 20, 2007, are due by March 17. In the announcement of the informational meetings that were held in January, neighborhood groups were identified as “integral to the work of the City” and “positioned to reach the residents of Minneapolis”.  The NRP Work Group asked neighborhood groups to facilitate gathering input from their residents in February and March. With the deadline fast approaching, I encourage you to complete your gathering of input and provide your comments (individually and/as an organization) by the deadline date of March 17. You should send your comments to: Email to Community.Engagement@ci.minneapolis.mn.us Mail to: Jennifer Lastoka, Community Engagement Coordinator 350 S. 5th St. – Room 301M City Hall Minneapolis, MN 55415 Fax to (612) 673-2011 (Attention: Jennifer Lastoka) If you also want your comments to be submitted to the NRP Policy Board, please send them to: Email to Cslostad@nrp.org Mail to: Carsten Slostad, Secretary Pro Tem, NRP Policy Board, Rm 425, 105 5th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55401 Fax to (612) 673-5138 (Attention: Carsten Slostad) Thank you for your cooperation and comments. Robert D. Miller Director

Mapping Workshop Offered

Mapping Minnesota Communities Workshop: An Introduction to GIS and Community Analysis 8:30 am - 4:30 pm   Minneapolis: April 17th or 18th, 2008 (Note: These are one-day workshops. Participants choose which one of these days to attend.) To register: http://www.nur-online.com/workshops/minnesota-gis.htm If the above link does not work with your browser, please visit www.nur-online.com Audience: Beginners, anyone interested in mapping their community Participants will learn to use ArcGIS 9.2 to do the following: Creating thematic maps Participants will learn to create thematic maps of their own data, and display spatial trends in information. Address mapping (geocoding) Participants will learn to map addresses of their clients, their projects or incidents such as crime or disease. Download and map Census & American Community Survey data Participants will learn to extract and map current Census data such as poverty, race, language, population, transportation, education and workforce characteristics. Participants will also learn to: Conduct spatial queries Download free shapefiles Create well designed maps Mapping techniques transferable to all other communities. Exercises are designed for beginners. Intermediate Excel skills required. Materials • Comprehensive workbook (75 pages), which includes the presentation, exercises and reference worksheets,  • ArcGIS (ArcView 9.2) software 60-day trial CD set, • Thirty day free access to new 2005 Tiger/Line geography files (converted to shapefiles) which include streets, zip codes, school districts, voting districts, census tracts and many other useful geographies • Thirty day free access to our Analyzing Your Community: Local Demographic Analysis Online Workshop What People Are Saying Minnesota State Department of Transportation: "I would have to say this is one of the best software training classes I have attended. The instructor kept it fast paced and interesting." League of Minnesota Cities: "This workshop was very informative. It gave me great ideas for how to apply GIS at work." Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: "Great. Good info and start for me to begin working with GIS. This class was enjoyable." University of Minnesota-Boynton Health Service: "I found this workshop extremely helpful!" New Urban Research, Inc. is a national social research organization specializing in quantitative and spatial community analysis.   New Urban Research, Inc. 33232 NE 33rd Ave Portland, Oregon 97212 877.241.6576 www.nur-online.com

Happy Hour with a Preservationist

Day: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM Location: Eitel Building City Apartments -- formerly the Eitel Hospital Address: 1367 Willow Street on Loring Park Contact: Penny Petersen at (612) 338-1987 or visit www.preserveminneapolis.org Tour the newly rehabilitated Eitel Building City Apartments and learn about the building's history and the challenges faced by the project team. Afterwards, enjoy beverages and informal conversation. Hope to see you there!

Investments in Bicycling and Walking Reduce Driving

For immediate release March 7, 2008 Contact Katie Eukel 651-767-0298 x115 (days) 612-232-1795 (evenings) KatieE@tlcminnesota.org   Investments in Bicycling and Walking Reduce Driving Federal Study Demonstrates How “Greening” Minneapolis’ Transportation Habits Addresses Climate Change and Relieves the Growth of Traffic Congestion   ST. PAUL—A recent report issued by the Federal Highway Administration affirms that walking and biking for transportation reduces driving. In Minneapolis, the current share of total person trips by walking and cycling is nearly 20 percent, resulting in 89 million miles of avoided driving in one year. The report demonstrates that investing in “greener” forms of transportation to provide better alternatives to driving will pay off in reduced carbon emissions.   This initial data provides the baseline for the federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTP), which aims to reduce driving by increasing opportunities for people to ride bicycles and walk. Still in its initial stages, the program provides $25 million to four communities over four years to increase bicycling and walking. Transit for Livable Communities, a local nonprofit organization working to reform Minnesota’s transportation system, administers the NTP (known locally as Bike/Walk Twin Cities) for Minneapolis and its bordering communities.   “This data confirms the value of good pedestrian and bicycling investments.” says Joan Pasiuk, Program Director for the Bike/Walk Twin Cities initiative. “Increasing opportunities for Twin Cities residents to bike and walk gets more cars off the road, ultimately helping us address climate change and help relieve the growth of traffic congestion.”   The board of directors at Transit for Livable Communities worked closely with a diverse advisory committee to allocate $7 million in federal NTP funding to 36 miles of new bicycling and walking corridors and facilities in the Minneapolis area. Bike/Walk Twin Cities funding will also provide much-needed bicycle parking and facilitate the completion of important research and planning projects. It will also implement a bicycling and walking promotional campaign that will include an on-the-ground team of bicycling/walking Ambassadors and media outreach to provide education and information about bicycling and walking in the Twin Cities area.   The Bike/Walk Twin Cities initiative has a spring 2008 solicitation underway, awarding up to $5 million to projects that retrofit existing urban streets with pedestrian and cycling improvements.  “We will see exciting designs here,” says Steve Clark, Bicycling and Walking Program Manager for Transit for Livable Communities. A copy of this interim report can be found at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/ntpp/index.htm. A final report on the program will be published in 2011.  In the meantime, progress can be monitored on the national program website, www.smartmobility.us which also provides links to the individual websites of each pilot community.   ### Transit for Livable Communities is a regional, nonpartisan organization working to reform Minnesota’s transportation system. Through advocacy, organizing, education, and research, it promotes a balanced transportation system that encourages transit, walking, bicycling, and thoughtful development. www.tlcminnesota.org The Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program (known locally as Bike/Walk Twin Cities) was established in 2005 as part of the six-year federal transportation bill known as SAFETEA-LU. The law provides $21.5 million to four pilot communities nationwide (Columbia, MO; Marin County, CA; Minneapolis, MN; Sheboygan County, WI) to evaluate how investments in planning, infrastructure, and public education can increase rates of bicycling and walking and reduce driving. Transit for Livable Communities was designated by federal law to administer the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program for Minneapolis and its 14 adjoining communities.   Katie Eukel, Communications Manager Transit for Livable Communities 626 Selby Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104 651-767-0298 x115 (v), 651-221-9831 (f) KatieE@tlcminnesota.org www.tlcminnesota.org

Excel Energy Foundation Grants

In 2007 over $4 million was contributed to non-profit organizations across Xcel Energy's service territory. Letters of Intent will be accepted in these focus areas on these dates:

• Community Development: May 7, 2008
• Environment: August 8, 2008
• Arts & Culture: August 8, 2008

The foundation's Community Development grants address low-to-moderate-income populations and historically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups. The Environmental grants focus on environmental education and partnership projects. Grants range up to $30,000. Xcel Energy Foundation's grant-making and corporate giving are focused in four areas - Community Development, Supporting Education, Promoting Arts and Culture, and the Environment. Each area is defined by the Foundation board and is reviewed on an annual basis. Our focus area grants are limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and all applicants must complete our online application process (use link below). The budget is determined annually by a review of the previous year's contributions and by prioritizing what we hope to accomplish with our available resources. Unfortunately, the foundation receives far more requests for funding than it can satisfy. If it is necessary to decline support of a worthwhile organization, program or project, the decision is not reflective of the value of the organization/program/project, but rather on the need to be selective due to limited resources. Grants do not establish entitlement for additional or continued support or set precedent for future funding. In 2007, we contributed over $4 million to organizations across our service territory. Online Grant Application Process Xcel Energy Foundation's grant-making and corporate giving are focused in four areas - Community Development, Supporting Education, Promoting Arts and Culture, and the Environment. Each area is defined by the Foundation board and is reviewed on an annual basis. Our focus area grants are limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and all applicants must complete our online application process (use link below). The budget is determined annually by a review of the previous year's contributions and by prioritizing what we hope to accomplish with our available resources. Unfortunately, the foundation receives far more requests for funding than it can satisfy. If it is necessary to decline support of a worthwhile organization, program or project, the decision is not reflective of the value of the organization/program/project, but rather on the need to be selective due to limited resources. Grants do not establish entitlement for additional or continued support or set precedent for future funding. In 2007, we contributed over $4 million to organizations across our service territory. Online Grant Application Process The Xcel Energy Foundation provides funding in four program areas, with separate application cycles for each calendar year: Program area: Deadline for submitting letter of inquiry:

• Environment: February 14, 2008 and August 8, 2008
• Education: February 14, 2008
• Community Development: May 7, 2008
• Arts and Culture: August 8, 2008

Please note: letters of inquiry are not reviewed until after the program area deadline indicated above. Grant application process:

• Returning Applicants must search for and find their existing Organization Profile on our system from which you will submit a letter of intent online by the deadline for the specific program area for which funds are being requested.
• Letter of Intent instructions for returning applicants to Xcel Energy Foundation.
• New Applicants: You first must fill out an Organization Profile and then submit a letter of intent online.
• Letter of Intent instructions for new applicants to Xcel Energy Foundation
• Common grant forms are not accepted
• Letters of intent will be evaluated and judged on how closely they meet Xcel Energy program area selection criteria.
• Applicants may search and retrieve incomplete letters of intent and check the status of pending letters of intent. Each organization will be notified on the results of its letter of intent.
• Those invited to submit a full proposal will be instructed on how to proceed.

Notification:

• No later than 3 weeks after the deadline for submitting a letter of intent, organizations will be notified whether or not they have been selected to submit a full proposal.
• Full proposals will be due within 3 weeks of notification.
• Applicants being granted funds from the Xcel Energy Foundation will be required to return a signed tax receipt form, stating that no goods or services have been received in exchange for the grant.
• Organizations also will be required to provide a final report on the grant at the end of their fiscal year, or at the end of the funded program/project.

Exclusions:

• Xcel Energy Foundation does not make grants to individuals, political parties, national organizations, research programs, government agencies, or for the following requests:
• Endowment campaigns
• Athletic or scholarship competitions
• Religious, political, veteran or fraternal organizations except for programs these organizations sponsor for direct benefit to the community and not for themselves
• Benefits or fund-raising activities — Xcel Energy Foundation prefers to contribute directly to nonprofit organizations
• Programs of individual organizations that receive more than 50 percent of their program budget from the United Way or other federated giving drives to which Xcel Energy contributes
• Disease-specific organizations
• Sports and athletic programs
• Capital projects

Questions

• Technical questions related to the use of the online system may be directed to Bridget Doran.
• Guideline questions or questions related to deadlines, please e-mail the Xcel Energy Foundation.

Open House for Pedestrian Master Plan

On Wednesday, March 26th, the City of Minneapolis will host an open house to gather public input on the city’s Pedestrian Master Plan.  Your input is needed!  You will have an opportunity to learn about the plan, mark up maps, record your observations and opinions, and discuss key issues with City staff, the consultant team, and other members of the public. Where:  Minneapolis Central Library 300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401 When:  Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   6:00 p.m. Opening Presentation Arrive at any time and stay as long as you like. For Further Details:  Please visit http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/pedestrian/pedestrian-masterplan.asp.   Happy Walking, City of Minneapolis Pedestrian Program

3rd Ward Problem Property/Foreclosure/CARE Meeting

Problem Property/Foreclosure/CARE Meeting Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 7:00 pm to 8:30 p.m. Center For Families 3333 4th Street N The next Third Ward Problem Property/Foreclosure/CARE Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Center for Families, 3333 4th Street N from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. You will have an opportunity to meet with your friends and neighbors as well as representatives from the Minneapolis Police Department, U of M Police, Hennepin County Probation, Minneapolis City Attorneys, Regulatory Services Personnel and Council Member Diane Hofstede. Please RSVP by either calling 612-673-2203 or by e-mail to diane.hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us Diane Hofstede Minneapolis City Council-3rd Ward 350 South 5th Street Rm 307 Minneapolis, MN 55415-1383 diane.hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us 612-673-2203

Home Tour is April 26-27

The Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour, in its 21st year and the 6th year coordinated by NRP, will be held Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, 1-5 p.m. In this celebration of city living, people open their homes to share creative ideas for remodeling and expanding homes. The homes are being finalized…in early April, the 2008 lineup will be on the website, www.MSPHomeTour.com. If you would like to receive the printed Home Tour Guide by mail in early April, send an email with your address to link@nrp.org before mid-March. To volunteer as a greeter at a home tour home, contact Margo Ashmore at 612-673-5103 or link@nrp.org.

Weathering the Storm:

Stabilizing Communities in the Wake of Foreclosure May 5-9, 2008 Cincinnati, Ohio Don't miss the NeighborWorks Training Institute in Cincinnati featuring the critical symposium on the foreclosure crisis: HO907 Weathering the Storm: Stabilizing Communities in the Wake of Foreclosure. We are offering more than 80 community development courses ranging from green building and affordable housing to neighborhood revitalization and homeownership education. Register by March 24 and save $50 off the registration fee! At the training institute in Cincinnati, we are featuring:

• A complete range of foreclosure intervention-focused courses, including The Foreclosure Intervention and Default Counseling Certification, Part I course (you must pass a prerequisite test before enrollment) and a neighborhood revitalization course on protecting and restoring neighborhoods in a post-foreclosure environment
• Courses for participants at all experience levels in Community Building and Organizing, incuding the youth-focused How to Build Your Skills and Understand Your Community to Change It for the Better
• Two different "green" courses sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation
• An advanced clinic designed to hone your skills in strategy development as it relates to community and neighborhood revitalization
• The Rehab Specialist series focusing on construction; program and project design; and universal subsystems in housing production; and the Single Family New Construction series.
• The new Successful On-Site Property Management course
• Economic development courses focused on helping small businesses and implementing the "Main Street approach" to revitalization
• New courses to build your capacity in human resource recruitment and retention and growing your real estate development business

See our complete online course grid with many more community development courses to choose from or go to the online event page for the NeighborWorks Training Institute in Cincinnati for more information. Register by March 24 and save $50 off the registration fee. If this is your first time using our online registration system, you will need to create a New User Profile before registering for the event. Register online today at www.nw.org/onlinereg. If you have any questions about online registration, please call 800-438-5547.  

NeighborWorks® America Training Division

1325 G Street, NW Suite 800 · Washington, DC 20005

Phone: 800-438-5547 or 202-220-2454 · Fax: 202-376-2168 · E-mail: nti@nw.org

Rental Property Owner Workshop

DATE:        Thursday, April 10 WHEN:        5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Registration at 4:30 p.m.) PLACE:        St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church,         3450 Irving Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408 Community Crime Prevention/SAFE of the Minneapolis Police Department and Minneapolis Housing Inspections are providing this workshop. Attending the workshop provides owners and managers with valuable information, resources and opportunities to network with other property owners. Workshop topics: • The ABCs of property management • Working with the Minneapolis Police Department • Working with Housing Inspections • Tenant behavior issues • The risk of lead poisoning • Hennepin County Housing Court / mediation • Networking opportunities The training and landlord guide provided by Community Crime Prevention/SAFE is intended to foster healthy and safe neighborhoods through property owner/manager involvement to reduce drug dealing and other illegal activity in the community. The materials and training should not be regarded as legal advice or considered a replacement for the property owner/manager’s responsibility to be familiar with the law. In that regard, I release the City of Minneapolis and Community Crime Prevention/SAFE and their employees from all liability and responsibility regarding my participation in this program. No video or audio recording of presentation. If you register and do not attend, you will receive the materials and a DVD on Hennepin County Housing Court instead of a refund.     Registration Form can be found online at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/outreach/docs/RPOW.pdf Please be sure to bring your check to the workshop.  Please register by April 3 to ensure your space.   Signature   Date: Please print or type:   Name: Mailing address: City, State, Zip:   Address of rental property (if different from mailing address): Business/daytime phone number: E-mail address:   Cost: $20.00 — checks payable to City of Minneapolis (Includes cost of workshop, materials, DVD on Hennepin County Housing Court, and box meal.)   Pre-registration is required. RSVP by email to ccsafe@ci.minneapolis.mn.us or 612-673-2812, and bring the registration form with your check for $20 to the workshop. (registration limited to 100 participants)   Questions? E-mail ccpsafe@ci.minneapolis.mn.us or call the message line at 612-673-2812.

Free Household Electronics Recycling Collection on Earth Day

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 | EARTH DAY 2008 The Retrofit Companies will be holding a Free Household Electronics Recycling Collection on Earth Day 2008. For additional information visit www.retrofitcompanies.com/collections.html WHEN: Saturday, April 26th from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. WHERE: 2960 Yorkton Blvd. in Little Canada, MN. WHO:Minnesota households only. No business waste will be accepted. WHAT CAN I RECYCLE: o Monitors & CRT's o Printers o Laptops o Hard Drives o Keyboards, Mice, Speakers o Circuit Boards o E-scrap o Televisions o VCR's & DVD Players DRIVING DIRECTIONS
 From the North (Interstate 694): Follow 694 to exits for I-35E S (St Paul/I-35E) Take exit 112 for Little Canada Rd (0.3 mi) Turn right at Little Canada Rd E (131 ft) Turn right at Country Dr. (0.6 mi) Turn left at S Owasso Blvd E (0.5 mi) Turn left at Yorkton Blvd (436 ft) TRC is the first building on your left. From the South (Saint Paul area): Follow I-35E Northbound Take exit 112 for Little Canada Rd Turn left at Little Canada Rd E (0.1 mi) Turn right at Country Dr. (0.6 mi) Turn left at S Owasso Blvd E (0.5 mi) Turn left at Yorkton Blvd (436 ft) TRC is the first building on your left. From East or West: Follow Highway 36 to exits for I-35E N Take exit 112 for Little Canada Rd Turn left at Little Canada Rd E (0.1 mi) Turn right at Country Dr. (0.6 mi) Turn left at S Owasso Blvd E (0.5 mi) Turn left at Yorkton Blvd (436 ft) TRC is the first building on your left. FREE HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONICS RECYCLING COLLECTION | GreenGuardian.com http://www.greenguardian.com/events/free-household-electronics-recycling-collection

Graffiti Grants for Neighborhood Groups

The City of Minneapolis is offering grants to neighborhood groups to support anti-graffiti projects. Up to $10,000 will be made available for projects that incorporate landscaping, murals and other innovative approaches. For a grant application, click here: <http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/graffiti/GraffitiMicroGrants.asp> .   An informational meeting for those interested in learning more about the grants will take place at: Informational meeting: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 1:00 p.m. City of Lakes Building 309 2nd Ave. S., Room 203. Questions and Contact: Questions can also be submitted in writing prior to the meeting by emailing graffiti@ci.minnneapolis.mn.us or by faxing them to (612) 673-2250. The application deadline is Friday, March 14, 2008. For more information about anti-graffiti programs, visit the City of Minneapolis' website at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/graffiti/ or the Minneapolis Anti-Graffiti Initiative at http://www.anti-graffiti.org/mn.htm.