Minneapolis Bicycle Program Public Input Opportunities

There are several current and upcoming opportunities for public input on bicycling issues. Your feedback helps project managers and planners create a friendlier cycling environment in Minneapolis. Opportunities include: Public Meetings

• Hennepin & 1st Avenue 1-Way to 2-Way Conversion -- Next year Hennepin and 1st Avenues will become 2-way streets in downtown. A final public meeting (pdf) will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd at 4:00 pm at Central Library. Staff recommended layouts will be presented for public input, before the staff recommendation goes to the City Council in early 2009.
• West River Parkway Trail Reconstruction -- Also in 2009, the West River Parkway trail will be reconstructed between Franklin Avenue and Godfrey Parkway. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is hosting a public open house on Wednesday, December 10th at 6:30 pm at Brackett Park Recreation Center. Park Board plans will be available for public comment. The design of the project is scheduled to be complete by spring.
• 18th Avenue NE Bike Trail -- In 2010, construction of the 18th Avenue NE Bike Trail will begin. The City of Minneapolis is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, December 10th at 6:30 pm at East Side Neighborhood Services. An update on the project status will be given, and general feedback will be collected on the upcoming design.

Online Survey

• Minneapolis Parks Bike, Walk, & Roll Plan -- The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is seeking public input for the Bike, Walk, and Roll Plan. The plan will set the programming and infrastructure guidelines for bicycling on park property. Resulting recommendations will become part of a new Capital Improvement Program for Minneapolis Parks. Fill out the Bike, Walk, and Roll survey by November 28th.

Zoning Changes

• Bicycle Parking Requirements -- Community Planning & Economic Development staff at the City of Minneapolis are currently proposing a new set of bicycle parking requirements, to become part of the zoning code. A staff report on the changes (pdf) can be reviewed (see page 4 for bike-related language). Proposed parking requirements can also be reviewed (see pages 29-37 for bike-related language). Visit the main Revisions to Off-Street Parking Standards website in order to provide comment to the staff contact.

The City of Minneapolis is also looking for an Events and Volunteer Coordinator for the Bike Walk Ambassador Program. The job opening expires on Friday, December 5th. A complete job description as well as instructions for applying can be found on the Bike Walk Ambassador Job Opening website. Happy Riding, City of Minneapolis Bicycle Program

Minneapolis Pedestrian Program Public Input Opportunities

There are several current and upcoming opportunities for public input on walking issues. Your feedback helps project managers and planners create a friendlier walking environment in Minneapolis. Opportunities include: Public Display

• Marquette/2nd Avenue Preliminary Streetscape -- Next year Marquette and 2nd Avenues will be reconstructed in downtown Minneapolis. Preliminary streetscape concepts will be displayed at several locations (pdf) in the coming weeks. Visit the main project website for a 3D animation of the proposed pedestrian environment, as well as for an opportunity to give online feedback to the project manager. Detailed visuals of streetscape elements are also available for review. Online Survey
• Minneapolis Parks Bike, Walk, & Roll Plan -- The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is seeking public input for the Bike, Walk, and Roll Plan. The plan will set the programming and infrastructure guidelines for walking on park property. Resulting recommendations will become part of a new Capital Improvement Program for Minneapolis Parks. Fill out the Bike, Walk, and Roll survey by this Friday, November 28th.

Public Meetings

• Hennepin & 1st Avenue 1-Way to 2-Way Conversion -- Next year Hennepin and 1st Avenues will become 2-way streets in downtown. A final public meeting (pdf) will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd at 4:00 pm at Central Library. Staff recommended layouts will be presented for public input, before the staff recommendation goes to the City Council in early 2009.
• West River Parkway Trail Reconstruction -- Also in 2009, the West River Parkway pedestrian trail will be reconstructed between Franklin Avenue and Godfrey Parkway. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is hosting a public open house on Wednesday, December 10th at 6:30 pm at Brackett Park Recreation Center. Park Board plans will be available for public comment. The design of the project is scheduled to be complete by spring.

The City of Minneapolis is also looking for an Events and Volunteer Coordinator for the Bike Walk Ambassador Program. The job opening expires on Friday, December 5th. A complete job description as well as instructions for applying can be found on the Bike Walk Ambassador Job Opening website. Happy Walking, City of Minneapolis Pedestrian Program

Neighborhood meeting for input on Lyn-Lake area planning on December 18

Date: December 18, 2008 Time: 7:00-9:00p.m. Location: Intermedia Arts Address: 2822 Lyndale Ave S url: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/news.asp The City of Minneapolis, along with Lyn-Lake area neighborhoods and businesses, is continuing work on a small area plan to guide future development in the Lyn-Lake area. The public is invited to attend the third in a series of community meetings that will help shape the plan of the Lyn-Lake area. There will be opportunities, at this meeting, to review computer modeling of existing buildings and what’s allowed under current zoning and to view and discuss sketches of what future development in the Lyn-Lake area might look like. A small area plan is a document that is developed for a clearly defined geographic area that outlines a long-range vision for land use and development. A small area plan shares the goals, policies and implementation steps in the City’s comprehensive plan while providing a finer level of detail. The plan examines the current conditions of the area, develops a future vision of what residents, business owners, and other stakeholders want an area to become and then formulates specific goals, objectives, and policies that will help implement that vision. The Lyn-Lake Small Area Plan will be based on input received through a series of public meetings. All meeting notices and summaries will be posted on the site below along with all study documents. Additional information can be found at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/Lyn-Lake.asp. The meeting site is wheelchair accessible; if you need other disability related accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter or materials in alternative format, please contact Krista Bergert at 612 673 5015.

Minneapolis’ new electric cars take to the streets quietly, cleanly

url: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/20081124ElecCarFleet.asp The City of Minneapolis has taken the expansion of its green vehicle fleet to a new level, by adding two new 100-percent electric cars. The cars are charged by plugging them into an outlet, and they require no additional fuel. The electric cars will be used by Regulatory Services inspectors in their work around town, and will travel up to 25 miles per hour on city streets. They are the latest additions to the existing Minneapolis Green Fleet, which includes one converted plug-in hybrid, 50 hybrids, 238 E-85 vehicles and 10 clean diesel vehicles. One of the new electric vehicles is an e-ride EXV4 manufactured in Princeton, MN. The other is a ZENN (zero emissions no noise), made in France and retrofitted with an electric motor and batteries in Canada. The estimated five-year cost for a ZENN and fuel is $19,000. For comparison, a Ford Taurus costs $33,515 and a Chevy Cobalt costs $25,290 for five years (assuming 10,000 miles per year at $3.50 per gallon for fuel). The vehicles have a range of 20 to 35 miles on a full charge. A full charge takes an estimated 7 kWh of electricity, which costs just $0.56. The electric engine uses alternating current (AC). Electric motors require very little maintenance – no oil changes, no filters to replace, no radiator to fix and no tune-ups. Electricity is more efficiently produced than burning gasoline, has fewer pollution emissions and can come from a variety of low- or no-emissions sources (wind, nuclear, solar). The CO2 release per mile for an electric car is less than half that of a gas car that gets 25 mpg. In June 2008, the City of Minneapolis approved new limits on vehicle idling that aim to reduce air pollution in the city. The new ordinance limits most vehicle idling to three minutes, except in traffic. Reducing vehicle idling in Minneapolis translates into less air pollution, protecting the public health and the environment and saving money in fuel. Vehicle motors release particulate matter, dirt, nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide into the air.

Weigh in on proposed changes to Hennepin and 1st avenues in Downtown December 3

What: Hennepin and 1st avenues public meeting Day: Wednesday, Dec 3 Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 Location: Doty board room, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall url: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/20081121HennAveDec4meeting.asp Minneapolis residents and commuters alike will get another opportunity to weigh in on the proposed changes to Hennepin Avenue and 1st Avenue North in Downtown on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The City of Minneapolis will host a third public meeting to present the staff recommendations which include the switch from one-way to two-way traffic by the end of 2009. These changes will affect the location of the bike lane on Hennepin Avenue, traffic operations on both Hennepin Ave and 1st Avenue North, and parking on 1st Avenue. The schedule for design and construction will be described at the meeting. There will be opportunity for public comment on the staff recommendations. Changing from one-way to two-way operation on these streets was a recommendation in the Downtown Ten-Year Transportation Plan, which was adopted by City Council in June 2007. If you need a translator or a disability related accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessible meeting site or materials in alternative format, please contact Charleen Zimmer at 612-673-3166 or at Charleen.Zimmer@ci.minneapolis.mn.us. For more information, contact Jenifer Loritz, the project manager, at 612-673-3625 or by e-mail at jenifer.loritz@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

Home Security (and burglar prevention) Workshop December 4

Day: Thursday, Dec 4 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 Location: Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave. S. url: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/20081121BurglaryPreventionWkshp.asp Workshop helps residents deter burglars, make homes more secure Taking some simple steps can go a long way toward making your home more secure and prevent theft. Come learn some tips that can thwart home break-ins at a free Minneapolis Police residential burglary prevention workshop on Thursday, Dec. 4. The workshop is free and there is no need to pre-register. Topics covered include physical safety, crime prevention through environmental design, and the importance of block clubs and neighborhood associations. There will also be a video presentation of an interview with a career burglar who explains his motivations for choosing a particular house or another to burglarize. The workshop is being presented by the Crime Prevention Specialists of the Minneapolis Police Department’s Fifth Precinct.

Once again, Minneapolis wins National Night Out’s top award

url: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/20081118NNO_TopAward.asp Minneapolis continues to be a role model for how National Night Out events are planned and executed. For the sixth time in the past eight years, Minneapolis has won 2008 National Night Out’s top Award for cities with populations greater than 300,000. Minneapolis finished ahead of San Antonio, the Washington, D.C. area, and Houston. National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. More than 60,000 Minneapolis residents gathered at 1,111 events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Night Out’s annual event. Activities ranged from neighbors gathering in homes, to more elaborate events in parks and on streets where families from several square blocks gathered. National Night Out activities help build and maintain Minneapolis’ extensive network of neighborhood watch block clubs by giving people an opportunity to get together with neighbors, build relationships, meet new people, discuss issues and plan for the future. Minneapolis’ effort was coordinated by the Minneapolis Police Department’s Community Crime Prevention/SAFE Unit. Many City departments, including 311, Business Information Services, Communications Department, Public Works, among others play a prominent role along with Minneapolis Police and Fire departments in helping organize and promote National Night Out. In addition, several neighborhood organizations also actively participated in National Night Out by working closely with blocks clubs and other groups to make their NNO events a success. The 2008 Minneapolis NNO was sponsored in part by Target Corporation, AAA, Litin Everything Party ‘n’ Paper, Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, Minnesota Twins, Nickelodeon Universe MOA, Qwest, KFAI Radio and Minneapolis Telecommunications Network (MTN). The National Association of Town Watch bases its ranking on a community’s overall National Night Out effort, including the quality and size of the overall campaign, law enforcement involvement, neighborhood participation and special events. For more information on the National Association of Town Watch or specifics on the awards, go to www.natw.org. (See “Stars of the Night Light up the Nation” You Tube Video of Minneapolis National Night Out activities)

November 24 NRP Policy Board Agenda available online

The agenda and meeting materials for the Monday, November 24th NRP Policy Board Meeting are now available on the NRP website. A handy link to the page is below for you convenience. http://www.nrp.org/R2/AboutNRP/PB/PBAgenda2008/PBA20081124.html

CURA seeks participants for Focus Groups

The Center of Urban and Regional Affairs at the University of Minnesota has sponsored several home purchasing related focus groups that are currently seeking participants. Participants will receive a $10 gift card for their time. To see if you qualify, please go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=esgoJE57NgcpAr3GY00ukw_3d_3d These focus groups are extremely important to a neighborhood revitalization effort. We greatly appreciate your time and help with spreading the word about these groups. Please contact Kristen Denzer at denz0018@umn.edu for more information or questions. Thank you for your help!

City Offers New Finance Tool for Minneapolis Business Owners

November 17, 2008 (Minneapolis MN) -- The City of Minneapolis offers a new finance tool, the Working Capital Guaranty Program, designed to help assist Minneapolis businesses secure financing through private banking institutions. The City provides extra assurance and support for Minneapolis business owners by providing a guaranty on financing. As the changing and challenging economic situation continues, the new loan program is being rolled out as the holiday season begins, a time when companies, for example, are in need of cash on hand for payroll or holiday inventory. It is also common for small business owners to use home equity lines of credit to finance some, or all, of their business operations. With the drop in housing values and lenders freezing equity lines this program is another option for companies. How the program works A private lender funds the loan, and the City of Minneapolis guarantees a portion of the financing, up to 80% of the first $50,000 and up to 50% of the remainder. Although there is no limit to the amount of financing provided by the bank, the City’s maximum guarantee is $75,000. A business must be in operation for 12 months; technical assistance is available through the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) and may be required; the borrower must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan and be an acceptable credit risk; be in compliance with all city code/licensing and have no building or health code violations. Loans can be used for general business operations, working capital, production contracts, inventory or receivables. Guaranty terms and conditions also apply. Contact Information The program is administered by the City’s Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, finance division. For more information, contact Jessica Green at 612 673 5232 or Becky Shaw at 612 673 5066. Information can also be found on the Web at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/working_cap_fact.asp.

Midtown Farmers' Market - Special Thanksgiving Market on November 26

Day: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Time: 3:00 - 5:30 PM Location: Lake Street and 22nd Ave S Contact: Corcoran Neighborhood Organization at (612) 724-7457 or at (612) 578-1453 during market hours The Midtown Farmers' Market wanta to make it easy for you to make local foods part of your Thanksgiving celebration. Toward that end, they are hosting a special market.

At the Thanksgiving Market you'll find:

Fresh, local, pastured, organic turkeys* Frozen, local, pastured, organic turkeys* Organic Frozen Vegetables* Artisan Bread* Pumpkins Apples Honey Squash Onions Root Vegetables Roasted Almonds Home-Canned Goods Organic Eggs Wild Rice Holiday Candles Arts and Crafts

* Starred items must be ordered in advance. Visit the Market website at www.midtownfarmersmarket.org for details. Happy Thanksgiving!

Kingfield Farmer's Market: Holiday Market on November 23

Day: Sunday, Nov 23 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Location: 4244 Nicollet Ave. S.  (Inside Rau + Barber Photography) A Harvest of Local Foods. Breads. Pies. Meats. Gift Baskets. Arts.  Handmade Crafts.  With music by The Roe Family Singers.

Bancroft Neighborhood Association seeks Neighborhood / Community Organizer

Salary: DOQ/DOE Type: Part Time / 12 hours Deadline: Open until filled Bancroft Neighborhood is located just minutes south of downtown Minneapolis, bordered by 38th Street to the north, Chicago Avenue to the west, 42nd Street to the south and Cedar Avenue to the east. Bancroft is a small but vibrant residential community consisting mostly of single family dwellings built before 1940 that are owner-occupied. The neighborhood includes some commercial property along Bloomington Avenue and along 38th street. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Organizing
   • Investigating community concerns and organizing neighborhood residents,organizations, and businesses around those issues
   • Organizing residents, businesses, and organizations around issues identified by board
   • Cooperating with other neighborhood associations and other organizations to meet shared goals
   • Organizing residents as volunteers
   • Engaging neighborhood through communications tools including the quarterly newsletter, e-newsletters and other email updates, neighborhood website and events
2. Administrative
   • Supporting board committees as needed
   • Executing NRP contracts
   • Attending and helping to plan monthly board meetings
   • Preparing funding requests and investigating funding opportunities
   • Managing office filing and database systems

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus three to five years of experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability and willingness to network with community leaders, volunteers, and city/neighborhood organization staff to gather information, and learn necessary skills
• Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers and community leaders
• Willingness to attend evening BNA and community meetings, work occasional evenings/weekends from time to time as necessary

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with event planning and/or community organizing
• Experience with basic accounting and/or budgeting practices
• Prior experience in fundraising that includes donor relations, and/or grant-funded project development and oversight
• Ability to speak Spanish
• Bancroft Neighborhood Resident

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Bancroft Neighborhood is an equal opportunity employer. HOW TO APPLY: Email, or mail cover letter, resume, and three references to: Bancroft Neighborhood Association 4120 17th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55407 info@bancroftneighborhood.org Email preferred.

Fulton Neighborhood Association seeks Neighborhood Coordinator

The FNA Board is looking for a new Fulton coordinator to work 10-15 hours per week. The coordinator should be knowledgeable of grant application procedures and technologically savvy. For a full job description, please contact info@fultonneighborhood.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Redevelopment of Foreclosed Properties: The MHFA NSP Draft Plan & Public Comment Period ends November 24

Dear Friend, As some of you already know, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) will be allocating close to $39 million through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) for the redevelopment of foreclosed properties. The money can be used to purchase, rehabilitate, landbank, finance and demolish foreclosed or abandoned properties. What You Can Do MHFA is required to submit the NSP Draft Plan* for public review.  The plan can be accessed here.  We encourage affordable housing & homeless advocates to participate in the following public review processes:

• ATTEND the public hearing this Thursday, November 13, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency first floor conference room.  Click here for more details.
• PROVIDE written comments to the agency before 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24.  You can provide written comments by fax to 651-296-8292, by email to ruth.simmons@state.mn.gov or by mail: click here for the address.

*The NSP Draft Plan is included as an amendment to MHFA's 2008 Action Plan, which is part of the 2007 - 2011 Consolidated Plan. Thank You! Please email Julie Johnson at jjohnson@mhponline.org with any questions or comments.

Participate in Focus Groups for Center for Urban and Regional Affairs in November

The Center for Urban and Regional Affairs at the University of Minnesota is sponsoring several housing-related focus groups that are seeking participants for sessions in mid- to late-November. Community folks are asked to encourage potential homebuyers to participate. Participants will receive $10 compensation for a 2-hour session, and parking will be free. To see if you qualify, please go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=esgoJE57ngcpAR3gY00ukw_3d_3d

STEP-UP program seeks Minneapolis youth for 2009 summer jobs

Minneapolis youth, ages 14 -21, who would like to participate in the 2009 STEP-UP summer jobs program should submit an application now through Jan. 30, 2009. STEP-UP is a paid, summer jobs program that teaches students age 14-16 good work habits and provides them their first job experience with wages and an opportunity to contribute to a local community based organization. STEP-UP for 16- to 21-year-olds is operated by AchieveMpls and provides youth with paid positions with local employers, government, and educational institutions and teaches them the skills they need to succeed on the job. Youth interested in the STEP-UP program will need to complete a competitive application process and attend a work readiness training session to be considered for a summer position. More information and applications are available on the Web at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/stepup.asp or by calling (612) 673-5041.

Minneapolis Police seek qualified students to serve as community service officers

Minneapolis Police are recruiting students currently enrolled in an approved two-year law enforcement program to become Community Service Officers (CSO). This is a paid position and candidates selected work approximately 20 hours a week while they complete their law enforcement program. Qualified students must be 18 years of age at the time of hire, have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license. CSOs assist patrol officers in non-enforcement activities, traffic control, and serve as liaisons to the public among other duties assigned. A complete description is available at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/recruiting/cso.asp. Minneapolis often seeks future recruits for the Minneapolis Police force from the pool of interested and dedicated Community Service Officers. Questions about the program can be directed to Sgt. Holly Keegel at (612) 673-3369. Applications are being accepted now through Friday, Nov. 14, 2008. Apply on-line at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/jobs or request application materials by calling (612) 673-2282.   For more information contact Irene Ghatt, Human Resources at (612) 673-3427 or email irene.ghatt@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Powderhorn Empty Bowls Dinner on November 7

Day: Friday, November 11th, 2008 Time: 11 AM - 9 PM Location: Powderhorn Park Building Address: 3400 15th Avenue South Contact: Monica at kasey@powderhornemptybowls.org url: http://powderhornemptybowls.org Bringing art to your table and food to the Community. Come together with your friends and neighbors to end hunger in our neighborhood! Pick out a handmade bowl, make a free-will donation, enjoy homemade soup and leave with your bowl -- now empty -- a reminder that there are bowls that need filling in our neighborhoodÉ and that you've done something to help fill them! The proceeds will benefit the food shelf at the Division of Indian Work, our neighbor at 10th Ave. and Lake St. and the Kidz Cafe at the Park Building, sponsored by the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association. For more information, to make a donation, or to volunteer, please visit http://powderhornemptybowls.org.

Mini Grants Available for Water Quality Projects - Deadline December 22

Letters of Interest Due: December 22, 2008 Contact: Nancy Dilts at ndilts@mwmo.org, or call (651) 287-0948, ext. 208. url: www.mwmo.org/stewardshipfund.html Stewardship Fund Program Mississippi Watershed Management Organization The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is now accepting applications for Stewardship Fund Mini Grants up to $2,000 each. $20,000 is available this quarter to fund projects that address the following goals:

1. To improve water quality and natural resources, and
2. To build community understanding and action related to water and natural resource issues.

Letters of Interest are due Monday, December 22, 2008, by 3 pm. For full information about the application process and eligibility, download the attached documents and visit the MWMO website at www.mwmo.org/stewardshipfund.html. Questions? Contact Nancy Dilts, Grants Specialist, at ndilts@mwmo.org, or call (651) 287-0948, ext. 208. Nancy Dilts Grants Specialist Mississippi Watershed Management Organization 2520 Larpenteur Avenue West Lauderdale, MN 55113 Office Hours: M and W 8:30 am - 5 pm, F 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (651) 287-0948 ext. 208 Fax: (651) 287-1308 www.mwmo.org