3rd Ward News with Council Member Michael Rainville: Week of June 13

Introducing Ward 3’s Summer Intern

Hello Ward 3, I’m Julianna, and I’m Council Member Michael Rainville’s new summer intern. I’m an 18-year-old Puerto Rican and Mexican girl from south Minneapolis. I recently graduated from DeLasalle Highschool on Nicollet Island and will be commencing my college journey at Loyola University in Chicago this fall. I intend on pursing a pre-law track with a double major in Political Science, and Journalism, as well as a minor in Spanish. My post-college goals include going to law school and following a career path in immigration law with ambitions to move my way up to State Attorney. I’m incredibly passionate about helping create a society that runs on a basis of equity, and celebration of diversity, while also taking account matters of the environment. These aspects make me beyond excited to join Council Member Rainville’s team in a community outreach position.

With this internship I will be communicating to Ward 3 on a weekly basis through articles similar to this in the newsletter, I’ll also be observing Council Meetings, and getting a chance to join in on so many amazing projects and opportunities around Ward 3. Having obtained this internship, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my goals for the summer; I hope to broaden my perspective and get a chance to form connections. To elaborate, the political field is complex as there are many key components such as the team of council members that go forth to create a basis of community and organization within our city. With a team of 13 council members comes forth different perspectives, some may compare, and some may contrast but, at the end of the day they unite for the common goal to benefit the people in Minneapolis. This leaves me very interested to see what I can learn from all these perspectives that separate and unite to tackle the issues our city may face. A part of learning is connecting, and I can’t wait to connect with all of Ward 3.

Message from Council Member Rainville

Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,

With Father’s Day weekend upon us, don’t forget to take in the Stone Arch Bridge Festival of the Arts located along the Downtown side of the riverfront from Gold Medal Park to 4th Ave N. I will be enjoying this wonderful event both Saturday and Sunday. I hope to see you there.

Many of you have called to my attention the increase in vehicle noise throughout the Ward. Staff have been directed to conduct an analysis of State, County, and City authority in Minnesota over vehicle noise regulation. They will also review noise abatement practices in municipalities across the country. The goal is to learn how we can improve the quality of life in Minneapolis by reducing noise pollution.

Another issue many residents of Ward 3 have raise is the lack of public restrooms in Downtown. Last week the Council directed the Legislative Department to develop a national analysis of municipal public restroom programs. This will include the current public restroom situation in Minneapolis and applicable regulatory and zoning issues.

At the Public Health and Safety Committee, the Office of Community Safety presented its quarterly update. I want to highlight the report’s key year-to-date reductions in crime:

• 36% reduction in robberies.
• 35% reduction in carjackings.
• 26% reduction in gunshot wound victims.
• 40% reduction in auto thefts.
• 7% reduction in aggravated assaults.

Last week I informed you of the Council action to have the City Auditor conduct an after-action review of MPD’s involvement in the federal law enforcement action on Lake St. and Bloomington Ave. This week, the U.S. Attorney’s office released additional information about the incident: “According to court documents, on June 3, 2025, law enforcement officers from multiple federal agencies were executing federal search warrants at eight Twin Cities locations. These search warrants were related to a long-term investigation into narcotics trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and related offenses. The investigation began with the seizure of 900 pounds of methamphetamine, with a street value of between $22 million and $25 million.”

The City’s after-action review is due to be completed in July and I will share that information with you.

Your neighbor,

Michael