Andrea Jenkins - Minneapolis Ward 8

Join us for an exciting evening to kick-off Black Business Week, featuring a panel discussion on Access to Capital, shopping with local vendors, and networking!

I’m thrilled to co-host this event, launching us into the week of events and into Black Business Month, along with Mayor Frey and Council President Payne.

I'm pleased to be able to share the latest Ward 8 Update (after resolving some ongoing FB technical issues)

Also, I hope you will join us for our Black Business Week Kickoff event, happening tonight! Read below for details.

Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:

• A message from Council Member Jenkins

• Black Business Week Kick-off Event co-hosted by Council Member Jenkins

• Minneapolis Black Business Week, July 22-28

• Minneapolis Mayor, City leaders celebrate police contract passage

• Update on community safety centers in south Minneapolis

• Share your voice about the future of George Floyd Square

• Michelle Phillips joins City of Minneapolis as Civil Rights director

• July is Disability Pride Month

• City announces new African American Heritage Work Group

• Volunteer with FRNNG Creek Restoration Project

• Apply to Serve on Xcel Energy’s Environmental Justice Accountability Board

• The Cultural Districts Arts Fund deadline extended

• Become a Cultural District Ambassador

• Minneapolis trees program creating a climate legacy

• Creating a Climate Legacy: Green Cost Share program makes weatherization more affordable

• Protecting yourself with vaccines

• Protect your family from measles

• Free Narcan available at Fire Station 21

• Household hazardous waste collection events

• Transit Assistance Program enrollment now available at Minneapolis Service Center

• Celebrate summer with the Aquatennial

• Project update – Minneapolis – Bryant, Field, Regina, Northrup & Page

• Small business shout out: JaLisa's Gorgeous Extensions

• Office hours with Council Member Jenkins

City of Minneapolis City of Minneapolis City of Minneapolis sent this bulletin at 07/20/2024 09:15 AM CDT Council Member Andrea Jenkins July 20, 2024 CM Jenkins with Matt Toburen, Executive Director of The Aliveness Project A message from Council Member Jenkins Dear neighbors, I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful sum...

I condemn the horrific acts of violence perpetrated at the Presidential campaign rally yesterday
Political violence of any type has no place in a democratic society. 🙏🏿 for all victims and their families.

Yesterday Minneapolis was dealt another body blow, several people were tragically shot, including 28 year- old MPD Officer Jamal Mitchell, who lost his life in the line of duty. My heart and condolences go out to his family, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minneapolis community writ large.
The over saturation of guns in our communities is preposterous and the senseless violence must end. No one leaves for work in the morning thinking they won't make it home that evening. Jamal should be getting his young child ready for school right now.
Public service and public safety professionals help to keep the rest of us safe, they deserve to be treated with that same level of dignity and respect.
To the Mitchell family we stand with you, to the MPD we stand with you, to all the impacted families and friends we stand with you🙏🏿 We ask for patience as the investigation continues to determine how this tradegy unfolded.

Reminder - Open house tonight, March 7: New Nicollet Redevelopment Project (former Kmart site)

The City of Minneapolis is planning to share an update with community members on new roadway and public space design concepts for the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project at an open house March 7 at the Abyssinia Cultural Center, 322 W. Lake St.

The City plans to construct Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane and will work in partnership to develop the remaining site into a high-density, mixed-use, walkable area. The City demolished the former Kmart building in November of 2023.

The project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help reshape the future of the site and contribute to an increased quality of life for people living and working in the immediate area.

Based on community input, City policies and project goals, the project team has selected recommended concepts for the New Nicollet roadway and public spaces on the site. City staff will present the selections to the community before staff take the recommendations to the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey this spring.

The next phase of the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project will focus on the development and the community engagement is expected to start in summer 2024.

New Nicollet Redevelopment Project Open House
5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 7
Abyssinia Cultural Center, 322 W. Lake St.

The open house will be a fun, family-friendly event with the opportunity to see the design concepts and talk with staff.

Learn more about the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project and how to stay up to date on the project at:

Goals and expectations The New Nicollet Redevelopment will reconnect and serve the people who live here.

Reminder - Open house tonight, March 7: New Nicollet Redevelopment Project (former Kmart site)

Goals and expectations The New Nicollet Redevelopment will reconnect and serve the people who live here.

Early Vote Center hours extended. All Minneapolis voters can vote early in presidential primary

With the presidential primary election just a couple weeks away, the Early Vote Center is extending its hours. Anyone who is eligible to vote in Minneapolis on the day of the primary can vote early at the Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave.

From now through the Thursday, Feb. 29, the Early Vote Center’s weekday hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. On Friday, March 1, the center is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The center’s last day of service is Monday, March 4, which is the day before the presidential primary election, and hours that day are March 4 are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Elections offices are open until 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, but only for mail ballot drop-off.

Also, voters at the Early Vote Center can now place their ballot directly into the tabulator without needing to complete a series of envelopes, just like the process on the day of the primary.

Request mail-in ballot soon

If planning to vote by mail, the City recommends applying for your mail ballot as soon as possible. Go to vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-by-mail to apply.

Completed ballots should be mailed no later than Tuesday, Feb. 27. After that date, the City recommends returning mail ballots in person to avoid a late delivery. Ballots can be dropped off during regular business hours at Minneapolis Election & Voter Services, 980 E. Hennepin Ave.

The Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services Division is responsible for administering elections in the City of Minneapolis. For information about registering and voting in Minneapolis, go to vote.minneapolismn.gov.

Vote by mail It’s easy to vote by mail, but don’t leave it to the last minute.

City of Minneapolis hosting open house on roadway, public space design concepts for the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project

The City of Minneapolis is planning to share an update with community members on new roadway and public space design concepts for the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project at an open house March 7 at the Abyssinia Cultural Center, 322 W. Lake St.

The City plans to construct Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane and will work in partnership to develop the remaining site into a high-density, mixed-use, walkable area. The City demolished the former Kmart building in November of 2023. The project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help reshape the future of the site and contribute to an increased quality of life for people living and working in the immediate area.

Based on community input, City policies and project goals, the project team has selected recommended concepts for the New Nicollet roadway and public spaces on the site. City staff will present the selections to the community before staff take the recommendations to the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey this spring.

The next phase of the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project will focus on the development and the community engagement is expected to start in summer 2024.

New Nicollet Redevelopment Project Open House
5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 7
Abyssinia Cultural Center, 322 W. Lake St.

The open house will be a fun, family-friendly event with the opportunity to see the design concepts and talk with staff.

Learn more about the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project and how to stay up to date on the project at:

Goals and expectations The New Nicollet Redevelopment will reconnect and serve the people who live here.

Civil Rights Department announces its 2024 History Makers at Home honorees. Join us!

This year’s nominees recognized for lifesaving, life-changing service

Community leaders and their contributions will take center stage when the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department holds it 2024 History Makers at Home awards program. The event honors African American leaders and organizations dedicated to elevating, engaging, and educating their community and improving their quality of life.

“These nine honorees truly embody the Civil Rights Department’s focus of elevation, engagement, and education. Whether it’s their art, sociopreneurship, or canvassing their communities doing violence interruption and prevention, they are individually and collectively removing barriers for the good of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and the Twin Cities,” said Minneapolis Civil Rights Director Alberder Gillespie.

This year’s honorees include:

• Nothando Zulu – a master storyteller/author who passed away in September 2023.
• Larry Cook – Senior pastor of Real Believers Faith Center, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader.
• Violence Interrupters – Community-led outreach groups working to end violence.
o Touch Outreach
o WePush4Peace
o MAD DADS of Minneapolis
o Restoration Incorporated
o Metro Youth Diversion
o Strength Group
• Dr. Josie Johnson – an iconic civil rights leader and activist.

The guests will be honored on Thursday, Feb. 22 at the Capri Theater, 2027 W. Broadway Ave., beginning at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public and is part of a series of programs for Black History Month 2024. Find more info at: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/things-to-do/events/2024-events/feb/bhm/

Today marks the first day of Black History Month. I was honored to present a Resolution at our city council meeting last week, and even more honored to have been a part of creating the City of Minneapolis’ very first recognition program twenty two years ago, when Natalie Johnson-Lee led it as the Council Member for Ward 5.

Each year, the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County partner to create an incredible series of events throughout February to uplift and honor local history and local talent, including the City’s History Makers at Home profile series. This series features emerging and mid-career leaders from the Twin Cities African American community who share our Civil Rights Department’s ideals of advancing civil rights and removing barriers to equity.

There are many other events and activities happening around the city and metro, including: the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery’s exhibits and event series happening all month long; Youth Performance Company’s Freedom Riders play, Feb. 8th – 18th; Reinvigorating a Historic Corridor of Black Culture – A Social Hour happening in Ward 8 at the Seward Co-op Friendship Store on 38th Street at 9 a.m. tomorrow, hosted by Anthony Taylor, community development leader with the Cultural Wellness Center; a Black Citizenship Panel Discussion: Minnesota Post-Civil War at the Minnesota History Center on Feb. 3rd at 1pm; plus various exhibits at local museums like Mia and Weisman. And, tonight at 6pm, there is a Westminster Town Hall featuring Michele Norris, at Westminster Church in downtown Minneapolis.

This year’s national Black History Month theme is African Americans and the Arts. Consider supporting a Black-led museum or arts organization, such as the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, Black Table Arts, ROHO Collective, The Legacy Building, and others.

I hope to catch you at one or more of these wonderful events.

Happy Black History Month!

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:

• A message from Council Member Andrea Jenkins

• Celebrate Black History Month with the City and County

• Celebrate more Black History Month events with Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery

• January is Human Trafficking and Exploitation Awareness Month

• Early Vote Center open for presidential primary

• Welcome our new Ward 8 Policy Associate Kristina Mitchell

• City seeking event organizers for 2024 Open Streets events

• Call for artists: Create traffic-calming asphalt murals

• New Minneapolis Minute

• Minneapolis air monitoring projects

• Winter preparedness for your vehicle

• Get help to quit smoking – for free

Ward 8 Update, January 27, 2024 Ward 8 Update, January 27, 2024 City of Minneapolis sent this bulletin at 01/27/2024 11:30 AM CST 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment A message from Council Member Andrea Jenkins Dear Neighbors,...

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:

• A message from Council President Andrea Jenkins

• Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelit Vigil

• Give your feedback on the City's recommended 2024 City budget

• City accepts $3.7M personal guaranty for Roof Depot site

• Mayor Frey nominates Margaret Anderson Kelliher as city operations officer

• Mayor Frey nominates Erik Hansen as director of Community Planning & Economic Development

• Minneapolis, Saint Paul highlight success of Evie Carshare Program

• New Minneapolis Minute

• Minneapolis curbside recycling turns 40

• Winter farmers markets begin

• Free Diabetes Screening at Sabathani this Saturday, November 18th

• Holiday cooking safety

• Tips to keep your water pipes from freezing this winter

Ward 8 Update, November 17, 2023 Ward 8 Update, November 17, 2023 City of Minneapolis, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 11/17/2023 11:13 AM CST 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment A message from Council President Andrea Jenkins....

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:

• Today is Election Day! V O T E

• Minneapolis to move forward with 3rd Precinct and Safety Center

• City leaders celebrate pending demolition of former Kmart building

• New framework to guide shared vision for George Floyd Square. Share your input

• Give your feedback on the City’s recommended 2024 City budget

• Post-Seniors Fair Survey

• New Minneapolis Minute

• Snow Emergency information coming to your mailbox

• How to get your COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines this year

• Transit riders invited to join public events for Metro Transit’s new strategic plan

• Help save a life: ‘Steve’s Law’ encourages people who witness overdoses to get help

• Hyundai to provide free safety upgrades in Minneapolis this weekend

Ward 8 Update: November 7, 2023 Ward 8 Update: November 7, 2023 City of Minneapolis, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 11/07/2023 11:46 AM CST 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment Today is Election Day! V O T E Now that early vot...

We are counting down to the South Minneapolis Seniors Fair, just 5 days away!

South Minneapolis Seniors Fair - Oct. 25 2023 Council President Andrea Jenkins invites you to the2023 South Minneapolis Seniors Fair w/ Trust Inc.Wednesday, October 25th 9:30am-2pmPearl Park Recreation C...

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:

• A message from Council President Andrea Jenkins

• City Council approves Climate Legacy Initiative funding to begin addressing ambitious climate goals

• Climate action: The path to a carbon-neutral Minneapolis by 2050

• Share feedback on the proposed 2024 City budget

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• Early Vote Center hours extended

• If you park on the street, watch for fall street sweeping

• Civil Rights Community Days: information and resource pop-ups

• Join us for the South Minneapolis Seniors Fair, Oct. 25

• Attend the Southside Summit on Friday, Nov. 10, hosted by PPNA

• Resources for renters

• City information on new State cannabis laws

• New Minneapolis Minute

• Register for a community engagement learning lab

• Get four free COVID-19 tests this fall

Ward 8 Update - October 20, 2023 Ward 8 Update - October 20, 2023 City of Minneapolis, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 10/20/2023 04:16 PM CDT 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment A message from Council President Andrea Jenkins....

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:
• A message from Council President Andrea Jenkins

• Minneapolis City offices closed Monday, Oct. 9, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day

• Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with events happening around the city

• Join us in art dedication event tomorrow, Oct. 7

• Voter registration

• Fall street sweeping begins Oct. 17

• People Of Color Career Fair is back on Tuesday, October 17th

• City enforcing ordinance against public assistance discrimination in housing

• City gets $8 million grant to help property owners with emerald ash borer-infested trees

• City transfer of land to Red Lake Nation

• Give us your input on new Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street

• New Minneapolis Minute

• Join Council President Jenkins and Council Member Koski for the South Minneapolis Seniors Fair, Oct. 25

• Local resources and opportunities for immigrants and refugees

• Free training for solar installation careers

Ward 8 Update - October 6, 2023 Ward 8 Update - October 6, 2023 City of Minneapolis, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 10/06/2023 04:31 PM CDT 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment A message from Council President Andrea Jenkins D...

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:

• A message from Council President Andrea Jenkins - Ward 8 City Council President

• Early voting has begun for Nov. 7 election

• Diverse applicants wanted for Minneapolis boards and commissions

• City searches for first-ever poet laureate

• City appeals recent ruling on 2040 Plan

• City Council approves purchase agreement for sale of Roof Depot site to EPNI

• Join in Green Crescent art dedication event Oct. 7

• Join Council President Jenkins and Council Member Koski for the South Minneapolis Seniors Fair, Oct. 25

• New COVID-19 vaccines approved, free test kits

• Sign up for free disaster preparedness training

• Watch a video on the City Seal installation

• Watch the New Minneapolis Minute for important information

Ward 8 Update - September 25, 2023 Ward 8 Update - September 25, 2023 City of Minneapolis, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 09/25/2023 01:35 PM CDT 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment A message from Council President Andrea Jenkin...

An African proverb says, "when an old man dies a library burns to the ground and when an old woman dies a school burns to ground" Rest in Peace Mrs. Zulu 🙏🏾

Honoring Nothando Zulu, organized by Titilayo Bediako Our beloved sister, friend, and Master storyteller Nothando Zulu became an ancestor on Septe… Titilayo Bediako needs your support for Honoring Nothando Zulu

I had an amazing time yesterday on a "Wellness Walk" with City of Minneapolis Commissioner of Health Damon Chaplin. We connected with the Cultural Wellness Center and Anthony Taylor Theba , Sabathani Community Center and Scott Redd, Seward Community Co-op The Friendship Store. We talked about Kente Circle , The Minneapolis Spokesman, had lunch at JUST TURKEY RESTAURANTS in George Floyd Square, with P.J. Hill, Tabitha Montgomery, Inspector Jose Gomez, Heidi Ritchie and members of the Health Department team. We ended our walk at , these brothers bring so much peace to the community, during the uprisings they were a safe haven for folks seeking respite.
The premise is to insure that we are creating and bringing awareness of health concerns and policy driven solutions to these communities.

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:

• Welcoming Week celebration brings together immigrants, refugees and native-born residents

• Celebrate Latino Heritage Month

• Mayor Frey Nominates Chief Judge Todd Barnette as Community Safety Commissioner

• Renters’ forum hosted by MN Attorney General Office, September 21, 5:30 p.m.

• September marks Su***de Prevention and National Recovery Month

• METRO Blue Line Extension route recommendation

• Spotlight on the City’s Green Cost Share Program

• Apply now to lower your gas bill

• Find free or discounted internet – going back to school or any time

• Residents, businesses encouraged to use water wisely as drought conditions persist

• Park Board map tool illustrates relationship between park system and water, air, land and life

• Fairgoers rank Minneapolis’ tap water best tasting in the state

• Before Chicago Avenue: a celebration of Native artists

Ward 8 Update - September 14, 2023 Ward 8 Update - September 14, 2023 City of Minneapolis, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 09/14/2023 11:40 AM CDT 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment Welcoming Week celebration brings together imm...

City hires new Community Specialist for People with Disabilities

Aug. 24, 2023 (MINNEAPOLIS) The City has hired Guthrie Byard as its first Community Specialist for People with Disabilities. In this role, Byard will work to ensure that City programs, services and projects are accessible to people with disabilities and comply with federal requirements.

The Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) department oversees compliance of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Byard will manage this work in partnership with all City departments to identify and remove barriers to ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities. Furthermore, fostering relationships with people with disabilities to ensure they are reflected in the City’s missions, values, goals and work.

Byard has been a Minneapolis resident for nearly 20 years and has spent his entire career working to advance the rights of people with disabilities, most recently serving as the ADA & Title VI administrator for the Metropolitan Council. He has a strong interest in furthering digital accessibility, expanding physical access beyond the ADA through the use of universal design principles, and is dedicated to creating a more transparent, inclusive government.

“Minneapolis is committed to ensuring all members of our community, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to opportunities and the support they need,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Through the Community Specialist for People with Disabilities position, we’re taking a significant step toward creating a more accessible and inclusive city for everyone. I’m thrilled to welcome Guthrie Byard into this important role. His vast experience and expertise will undoubtedly drive positive change within our city and make a significant difference in the lives of many.”

“I’m excited to bring my education and experience to the city I call home,” Byard said. “Working with colleagues and the community, I hope to make the city a more welcome and accessible environment for everyone.”

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:

• A Message from Council President Andrea Jenkins
• Mayor Frey delivers 2024 budget address
• City Council approves transportation rideshare worker protections ordinance
• Event honoring the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington
• City leaders approve $5.8M investment in Minneapolis Homes program
• August is National Black Business Month
• MPD announces engagement sessions on reform implementation, new implementation information webpage
• Smoke Testing of sanitary sewers begins the week of August 28, including part of Ward 8
• Attend screening of Dreamland on 38th at Parkway Theater on August 29, 6pm
• Welcome Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's new office to Sabathani Community Center in Ward 8!
• Energy Day at Sabathani Community Center, September 9
• Grants awarded to 12 artist-led community well-being projects
• Focus Group: understanding & addressing sexual harassment in our transit system

Ward 8 Update - August 21, 2023 Ward 8 Update - August 21, 2023 City of Minneapolis, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 08/21/2023 07:00 AM CDT 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment A Message from Council President Andrea Jenkins D...

Read the latest Ward 8 Update. Articles featured in this e-newsletter include:
• A Message from Council President Andrea Jenkins
• August is National Black Business Month
• City acquires 3744 Chicago Ave. (Peoples Way) at George Perry Floyd Square for community use
• New Nicollet Redevelopment - Phase II, Part 1. Survey closes at 4 p.m. tomorrow
• Stable Homes Stable Schools program expands for housing Minneapolis Public Schools students
• City's Recreational Cannabis Work
• Welcome New Policy Associate Emily Broeker
• Apply now to start a new career in Energy
• MURUA MOMs: a program for pregnant moms who want a better life

Ward 8 Update - August 3, 2023 Ward 8 Update - August 3, 2023 City of Minneapolis, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 08/03/2023 04:11 PM CDT 612.673.2208 [email protected] Office hour appointments can be scheduled on Fridays. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment A Message from Council President Andrea Jenkins My...

MSP Airport Noise Oversight Committee Quarterly Summer Listening Session will be held tomorrow. Join in-person or remotely

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) Summer Listening Session will be held at Eagan City Hall, 3830 Pilot K**b Rd, Eagan, MN 55122, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 6:00 pm. Participants can also join remotely using Microsoft Teams or by calling (612) 405-6798 and pressing 562 370 384 #.

The agenda and link for the meeting can be found below. Join this two-way dialogue about MSP airport topics, to include an explanation of the NOC and its duties as well as a brief explanation of Minnesota's summer weather impacts to flight operations and noise.

Who's Invited:
Airport Neighbors
MAC Staff
NOC Representatives
Local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Staff

MSP Quarterly Listening Sessions The MAC Community Relations Office sponsors quarterly Listening Sessions for residents to receive updates on the MSP Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) and its act...

Day 2 of Black Business Week: Join the Ward 5 Job Fair!

The Ward 5 Office has partnered with CareerForce, the City of Minneapolis, and locally-owned, Northside Black businesses to host a job fair.

This event will offer opportunities for internships, jobs, and entrepreneur mentorship to youth (ages 14+) and adult community members. Join us, and share this opportunity with a fellow Northsider. Food and beverages will be provided.

Register for this and other Black Business Week events at: www.minneapolismn.gov/blackbusiness

Take precautions to keep yourself and your pet safe during days of extreme heat

July 25, 2023 (MINNEAPOLIS) With extreme hot temperatures expected today and throughout the week, Minneapolis City officials want to remind everyone how to stay safe in the heat. Heat-related illness happens when the body isn’t able to cool itself. Older adults, small children, people with underlying medical conditions and pets are the most vulnerable to heat-related illness, but everyone should take steps to stay safe in extreme heat.

Tips for preventing heat-related illness during extreme heat

• Drinking more fluids. People shouldn’t wait until they’re thirsty to drink. They should avoid drinking liquids with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar.

• Never leaving any person or animals in a parked vehicle. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise, even if the windows are cracked.

• Wearing light colored, lightweight, loose-fitted clothing. Light-colored clothing reflects heat, and clothing that fits loosely keeps bodies cooler by allowing air to pass over.

• Checking on neighbors who may be at risk. Visiting seniors and other vulnerable neighbors at least twice a day and looking closely for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke can help protect them.

• Taking an air conditioning break. Air conditioning is the best defense against heat-related illness. If people live somewhere without air conditioning, they can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned or by using air conditioning in vehicles.

For a map of public, air-conditioned buildings for those who don’t have air conditioning in their homes, visit the Hennepin County website at: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/health-medical/cooling-options

• Limiting outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest. Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in physical activities during hot weather. If people must be outside, they should try to limit their activity to morning and evening hours, pace their activity and take frequent breaks in the shade, drink plenty of fluids, and protect themselves from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen.

o Outdoor workers can find more information on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website at: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/athletes.html

Protecting pets

The temperature inside a car can change drastically in a matter of minutes. It doesn’t have to be that hot outside for the temperature inside a vehicle to become dangerous to animals left inside – even with windows cracked. Animals left in vehicles can suffer from heatstroke and permanent organ and brain damage. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control urges pet owners to take special precautions to protect their animals when the heat index is so high.

Here are a few tips to keep pets safe and alive:

• Keep pets inside and out of the direct sun.
• Make sure pets have a continuous supply of clean, cool water.
• Never leave pets unattended in a parked car for any amount of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes – even with the windows partially open. A pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation.
• Protect pets’ paws by avoiding hot pavement when out on walks.
• Don’t overdo outdoor exercise or play.
• Take extra care with older pets and dogs with shorter noses.

Anyone who sees an animal outside or in a car showing signs of heat stress can contact Minneapolis Animal Care & Control immediately – in Minneapolis, by calling 311 (612-673-3000). If they believe the situation to be life-threatening, they can call 911.

Cooling options Find places to keep cool on hot summer days in Hennepin County.