Minneapolis Community Report - from La Shella Sims

MINNEAPOLIS ACTIVITY
• For correct and current information on the Encampments in the Park, please visit this Minneapolis Park Board and Recreation Center page: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/encampments/

• Northside Residents Council report - the Cub Grocery Store on West Broadway has reopened.

• Changes starting in the Minneapolis Police Department:

The Minneapolis Police Department said it is changing its use-of-force policy to encourage officers to de-escalate intense situations, and will also hold them accountable when force or weapons are used.

Documenting how they try to de-escalate situations in every report they submit.

Reporting why they decided to use force and explain why they used a particular level of force.

Requiring officers to report whenever they draw a gun — as well as an additional report whenever they point a gun at anyone or use chemical agents.

Reporting whenever they handcuff a suspect, use pressure points, and “joint manipulation.” When police do use force against a citizen, they will be required to use the code word “force” in their report.

• The East Phillips Neighbor Institute, Inc. has filed a complaint against The City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Public Works Department. Phillips Neighborhood is demanding that the two Defendants obtain an Environmental Assessment Worksheet and have an Environmental Impact Statement completed before continuing on the Hiawatha Campus Expansion Project.

BLUE LINE COALITION

The Blue Line Coalition & Connect Blue Line Now! collaborated in writing a letter to Gov. Walz and the Chairman of the Met Council, regarding their lack of commitment in seeing that the Blue Line Extension Light Rail System is completed. Even though the City of Minneapolis is part of the Blue Line Coalition, they were not mentioned in the the letter. MICAH is quite concerned about Minneapolis’ absence and the explanation for their absence, especially since they are one of the founding members of the Blue Line Coalition. The Minneapolis mayor did not sign the letter.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ADVISORY GROUP (Mn Pollution Control Agency)
Suggested reading for the Environmental Justice (EJ) Group: ‘FROM THE INSIDE OUT’ (The Fight for environmental Justice within Government Agencies) by Jill Lindsey Harrison.

Members of the EJ Group are working with the MPCA on its 2021 Legislative Agenda. Our work on lead in housing was discussed, the Lead Bill has not yet passed by the Legislature.

MICAH is, also, working with the MPCA's Fenceline Communities Engagement Project on developing and implementing various workshops for the community, businesses, and other interested parties with the goal of better understanding and working relationships among the various groups.