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Thursday, September 21
, 2017
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Event recaps: Minneapolis mayoral and City Council candidate forums 
On September 14, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a mayoral forum where the six candidates were invited to answer questions about a variety of issues. Mayor Betsy Hodges, Rep. Raymond Dehn, City Council member Jacob Frey, Tom Hoch, Nekima Levy-Pounds and Aswar Rahman covered topics that included affordable housing, the city's $15 minimum wage, pursuing Amazon's HQ2 and public safety. Moderator Tom Hauser, of KSTP, provided thoughtful questions and ensured candidates stayed on topic. Election Day is November 7 but early voting begins tomorrow, September 22.
City Council Candidate forums for Ward 3 and 7 took place on September 6. Candidates in both forums responded to questions about public safety and affordable housing, each offering a myriad of ideas on solving complex issues on a more local level. Tane Danger, of Danger Boat productions, moderated with humor and insight, prompting candidates to think outside the box. Voters will choose between Steve Fletcher, Ginger Jentzen, Samantha Pree-Stinson and Tom Bildsoe in Ward 3. Janne Flisrand, Teqen Zea-Aida, Joe Kovacs and incumbent Lisa Goodman are on the ballot for Ward 7.
This event was one of many scheduled for City Council candidates. A Ward 1 forum will take place on
September 28 and Ward 5 on
October 4.
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Appeals court upholds Minneapolis' citywide sick-leave ordinance
Minneapolis employers still have to provide their workers with paid sick time, a Minnesota Court of Appeals judge ruled Monday in a setback for businesses that oppose the policy.The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed a January Hennepin County District Court ruling in an unpublished opinion that said the city can proceed with the ordinance, which took effect July 1, but for now can apply it only to Minneapolis-based employers.
Read the full story from the Star Tribune
here.
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Minnesota makes economic gains, but racial disparities persist:
5 census survey takeaways
Minnesota's median income has increased in the past five years, but some racial groups are left staggering behind. Those are just two takeaways from the American Community Survey, the U.S. Census Bureau's ongoing and largest survey. The whole survey is set for release on Thursday - the APM Research Lab examined the findings to see how the economic landscape has changed in Minnesota between 2011 and 2016. While many of the trends are positive on the surface, they mask persistent racial disparities. To read the full article on MPR,
click here.
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Council member:
Audit shows body camera use by Minneapolis officers spotty
Minneapolis police officers frequently fail to turn on their body-worn cameras, a City Council member said Monday, a day before the release of an audit detailing their use.
That was among findings of a two-month examination of the department's body camera program, said Council Member Linea Palmisano, who reviewed the report over the weekend. It shows that most of the problems stem from a lack of accountability for officers who don't activate their cameras when responding to calls or turn them off without explanation, she said.
To read the full Star Tribune article click here.
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Bloomington approves purchase of Kelley farm for possible World Fair site
The last working farm in Bloomington could become the site of the 2023 World's Fair.The Minnesota World's Fair Bid Committee announced Wednesday that if the state wins Expo 2023, it will be held on a 59-acre property nestled between the Mall of America and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge that has been owned by the same family since 1932.
Read the full Star Tribune article
here
.
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Homeless vets move into new apartments built just for them
The $14.3 million project near Fort Snelling was dedicated Wednesday after almost a decade of planning. "There are steps we can take to ensure that no veteran in this state goes without a roof over their heads, and this is one of them," said Elizabeth Flannery, chief executive of the Community Housing Development Corp. (CHDC). The homes were named in honor of CHDC founder Brustad, who died in January. CHDC developed the project with funding from UnitedHealth Group, which invested $5.2 million, and Minnesota Housing, which contributed $7.7 million in deferred loans.
Read the full Star Tribune article
here
.
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Green To Go
Green To Go requires the use of reuseable, recyclable or compostable containers for food for immediate consumption and to-go. Polystyrene (Styrofoamâ„¢ and #6 plastic) containers may not be used. Currently, polyethylene (PE) plastic lined paper hot and cold cups and containers, and the #6 plastic lids for those cups and containers, are exempted from the Green To Go ordinance. This exemption will end on April 22, 2018, unless the exemption is extended for another year.
All interested parties are invited to provide comment to the Minneapolis Health Department regarding the exemption of PE plastic lined paper hot and cold cups and containers and the #6 plastic lids for those containers.
You are invited to join the conversation and provide formal comment at a public meeting:
Monday, September 25, 2017
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Eastside Neighborhood Services Dining Room
1700 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Bloomington Chamber endorses Strong Schools Strong Community referendum
The Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to support the upcoming Strong Schools Strong Community Referendum proposed by the Bloomington Public Schools District. The referendum calls for the approval of a replacement operating referendum for the state-allowed maximum in funding and duration. If approved, the referendum will generate an additional $465 per student. The Board supports this referendum because it will allow Bloomington to remain a competitive and successful district with primary education as one of its main focuses. Click here to read more.
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Minnesota set to revamp how public schools are graded
After years of intense pressure on school test scores, the state's education department on Monday submitted a final plan to the federal government that broadens its previous reach - promising to evaluate more schools than before, and in a well-rounded fashion. With the federal No Child Left Behind education law being replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) nationwide, Minnesota will focus on the lowest-performing schools that get federal money for low-income students
For the full article via the Star Tribune click here.
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Public Affairs Forum: City Council Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 10 | Bloomington Civic Plaza Rehearsal Hall |
Register
 Many important decisions lie in the hands of elected officials. With numerous critical issues on the table that could impact businesses, the elections this fall will be more important than ever. Hear the candidates for Bloomington City Council discuss their perspectives on positioning Bloomington as a top city in which to do business.
The candidates had an opportunity to answer a questionnaire to inform the public about their respective views and policies. Six of the 8 candidates responded. Click the names below to see the candidates' responses.
Invited:
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Candidates for At Large:
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Candidates for District II:
Shawn Nelson
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Candidates for District III:
Larry Frost
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Candidates for District IV:
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 Enroll now in Minnesota Keystone
Does your business contribute products, funds and volunteer time to local organizations? You might qualify to join 200 area businesses in the Minnesota Keystone Program. Please click here to calculate your level of giving.
Since 1976, the Minnesota Keystone Program has promoted, supported, and recognized organizations that give at least 2% of their pre-tax earnings back to the community in the form of cash, in-kind donations and volunteer hours.
There is no cost to participate in the Minnesota Keystone Program. Visit www.minnesotakeystone.org to learn more.
Questions? Contact Cheri Gengler at 612.370.9160 or cgengler@minneapolischamber.org.
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