April 11th, 2025

Message from Council Member Rainville

Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,

This was a very productive week for our ward.  The red light/speed camera pilot project is ready to begin.  City staff is finalizing the locations based on data and will start implementation with the most dangerous areas first.  They will also be starting with city streets and will then move to adding in county and state roads in future phases.  I am grateful to the state for allowing us to use technology to enforce bad driving behavior.

This week we also took a big step forward in the rebuild of 13^th Avenue NE.  I arranged a meeting with Senator Doran Clark, residents and building owners to explain the need for state funding to address the storm water problems along 13^th Avenue NE.  Senator Clark has agreed to sponsor a $25 million request for help paying for the significant work required to remedy the problem.  I appreciate the leadership of the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization as we work to solve the storm water problem and rebuild this street.

At the Public Health and Safety Committee voted to expand the city ordinance for sidewalk cart food vendors.  The new language streamlines the application process and now allows sidewalk carts outside of downtown.  A major reason for this change was to make food vending more accessible to immigrants that are wanting to make a living for themselves and showcase food from their different cultures.  Look for food-carts along commercial corridors in neighborhoods very soon and imagine a bus free Nicollet Mall with food carts showcasing street food from different cultures in Minneapolis.

Yesterday, Patrick and I attended a career fair at DeLaSalle High School.  We were surprised and pleased with the questions and ideas that came from the students.  The most asked question was, “What do you like best about your job.”  Without hesitation we both talked about the joy we get from helping constituents get answers or fix problems they are experiencing.

As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.

Your neighbor,

Michael