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Ward 5 News with Council Member Pearll Warren: Week of March 14

March 15, 2026

Dear Ward 5 Neighbors,

Spring has officially sprung, and I hope each of you are moving forward with the same renewed energy that this season brings. As the days grow longer and our neighborhoods begin to come alive again, our city is also preparing for a number of exciting events and opportunities for residents to gather, connect, and engage.

In this newsletter, I’m happy to share updates about what’s happening across our community, along with resources that may be helpful to you and your family.

While we welcome the arrival of spring, we are also expecting severe weather conditions this weekend. I want to encourage everyone to take care of yourselves and your neighbors during this time. If you or someone you know may need a safe place to stay, please review the shelter resources listed below.

As always, it is an honor to serve you. Thank you for continuing to care for one another and for the community we all call home.

Warmly,

Council Member Pearll Warren

Safety Notice

As we head into the weekend and prepare for severe weather, I want to encourage everyone in our community to please take care of yourselves and one another. Check on your neighbors, especially elders and those who may need extra support. If travel is not necessary, please stay safe and stay warm.

For those who may need a safe place to stay during the extreme weather, the following resources are available:

Key Resources:

• Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC)
2300 15th Ave S, Minneapolis 55404
Open overnight to provide shelter during the extreme snow.

• Hennepin Shelter Connect Hotline
Phone: 612-204-8200
You can also check Hennepin County Shelter Bed Availability online for real-time shelter openings.

North Minneapolis has always been a community that shows up for one another. Please continue to look out for your family, friends, and neighbors this weekend. Your safety and well-being matter.

Stay safe, stay warm, and take good care of yourselves.

This Week in Ward 5 – Honoring,  Protecting, and Moving Forward!

Ramadan Honorary Resolution

Last week, the City was proud to hold Honorary Resolutions recognizing two important observances in our community: Ramadan and Women’s History Month.

As Ramadan begins, we extend our warmest wishes to our Muslim neighbors who are observing this sacred time of prayer, reflection, generosity, and community. Ramadan is a meaningful period that reminds us of the values of compassion, service, and caring for those around us. To all who are observing, we wish you a peaceful and blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak.

We also proudly recognized Women’s History Month, a time to honor the strength, leadership, and contributions of women in our community and throughout history. Women continue to shape our neighborhoods, lead in our families and workplaces, and advocate for a better future for the next generation.

These recognitions remind us of the rich diversity, leadership, and shared values that make our community stronger. We are grateful for the many voices, cultures, and traditions that help our city thrive.

WHM

Public Hearing Notice

The Minneapolis Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal from Parity Wellness to establish a state-credentialed care facility serving 7–16 people at 911 Penn Ave N.

Monday, March 16, 2026
4:30 PM
Public Service Center – Room 350
250 S 4th St, Minneapolis

Residents and interested community members are invited to attend and share their comments before the Planning Commission makes a decision.

Comments can also be submitted to:
Lindsey Silas, Senior City Planner
Phone: 612-673-2653
Email: Lindsey.Silas@minneapolismn.gov

View the meeting agenda and staff report:
https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/IndependentBodies/IndependentBodiesMeetings/CPC

This hearing is part of the City’s process to gather public input before decisions are made on land use and zoning proposals.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the City!

The community is invited to celebrate as the beloved Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to North Minneapolis this year! The parade will take place Friday, March 14th from 1:00–4:00 PM along Nicollet Mall, bringing an afternoon filled with festive energy, music, community pride, and plenty of green spirit.

We are excited to welcome this tradition back and encourage residents, families, and local businesses to come out and enjoy the celebration. For more information, please click here to visit the website for more details.

Kon\w Your Rights Shape Your Future

Join us for Know Your Rights: Shape Your Future on Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM in North Minneapolis. This free community event will provide important information on how to protect yourself and your rights in situations involving police stops, ICE encounters, eviction notices, car accidents, and workplace discrimination.

Come learn from legal professionals, ask questions, and leave empowered with the knowledge you need. Free lunch will be provided. All are welcome!

Calling all artist!

City shares ideas for neighborly donations in wake of immigration enforcement surge

Local artists are invited to submit their work through Art Angels for an upcoming gallery opportunity in Minneapolis. Selected artwork will be displayed in the Tiny Gallery at NordHaus Apartment Homes, offering artists a chance to showcase their work and connect with the community.

Artists may submit up to six ready-to-hang pieces, with artwork no larger than 30” x 30” including the frame.

To learn more about submission guidelines and deadlines, visit: www.mnartangels.org.

311 Agent answering calls

Celebrating 20 Years of Minneapolis 3-1-1!

For 20 amazing years, 3-1-1 has helped connect Minneapolis residents with the services and support they need to keep our city running smoothly. Whether you’re reporting a concern in your neighborhood or looking for information about city services, 3-1-1 is your direct connection to City Hall.

The City of Minneapolis 311 Service Center serves as the primary contact point for non-emergency city questions and service requests, helping residents, businesses, and visitors quickly get connected to the right department.

When should you call 3-1-1?

Residents can contact 3-1-1 for non-emergency city issues, including:

• Reporting potholes or damaged streets
• Reporting graffiti or vandalism
• Reporting abandoned vehicles
• Reporting long grass, weeds, or problem properties
• Asking about garbage, recycling, and cleanup services
• Reporting broken streetlights or damaged street signs
• Asking questions about permits, licenses, or city programs
• Reporting parking violations or neighborhood concerns
• Checking the status of a service request
• Getting connected to the right city department for help

When should you call 9-1-1 instead?

Call 9-1-1 for emergencies where immediate police, fire, or medical response is needed, including:

• Crimes in progress
• Fires or smoke emergencies
• Medical emergencies
• Car crashes with injuries
• Dangerous situations or threats to life or safety
• Someone unconscious or not breathing
• Domestic violence situations
• Serious accidents or hazardous conditions

Knowing the difference helps ensure that emergency responders are available for urgent situations, while 3-1-1 can quickly route non-emergency concerns to the appropriate city department.

You can reach 3-1-1 in several ways:

Dial 3-1-1 within Minneapolis

Use the 311 mobile app

Submit requests online

🔗 Access Minneapolis 3-1-1 services here:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/311/

For 20 years, 3-1-1 has helped residents take care of their neighborhoods and stay connected to city services. Thank you to the staff who answer the calls, route the requests, and help keep Minneapolis moving forward every day.

If it’s not an emergency, remember: Start with 3-1-1.

Drinking water flowing from a tap

Lead and Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) FAQ
Is there lead in Minneapolis tap water?
• No, Minneapolis tap water leaves the treatment plant lead-free and is delivered to homes and businesses through a system of steel and iron water mains. These water mains do not contain lead. However, at some older properties, the pipe that connects the property to the water main is made from lead. Because of this, we treat the water in a way that prevents lead from getting in the water. The City adds a compound (orthophosphate) to create a protective coating in pipes.
• Drinking water is not a common source of elevated blood lead levels in Minneapolis.
• The City regularly monitors and tests the water for lead – our water meets or is better than all federal and state safety guidelines.
• Our water is tested more than 500 times per day to maintain high quality and safety. 

Other ways to protect yourself from lead exposure in your drinking water
If your home’s plumbing materials contain lead, you can reduce your risks by following these tips:
• Clean faucet aerators. Aerators are small screens at the tips of faucets that can collect lead particles.
• Run the cold water before use. If your water has been sitting in the pipes for over six hours, run the cold water for 2 to 3 minutes to bring in fresh water. (When water temperatures are colder, you can feel the temperature change when fresh water has reached the tap.)
• Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Hot tap water can have higher levels of lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
• Filter the water you drink and use for cooking. If you use a water filter, make sure it is certified for lead removal and is maintained properly. Find more information about filter certification at www.nsf.org
• After work is done that may have disturbed the protective coating on the pipe delivering water to your home, flush your home plumbing. See Flushing Your Home Plumbing – City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov) (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/utility-services/water/water-quality/water-quality-lead/plumbing-faucets/home-flushing/)

For more information please visit our City website.

 

Road closed sign

Construction Season Is Around the Corner 🚧

Construction season is also upon us, and with it comes some much-needed street resurfacing projects in North Minneapolis. Beginning in April 2026, the City will begin work on Farview Northand Farview South, with Van White Boulevard scheduled for improvements later this spring.

These projects are part of the City’s ongoing street resurfacing program, which helps extend the life of our roads, improve ride quality, and strengthen neighborhood infrastructure for residents, pedestrians, and drivers.

In addition to resurfacing streets, these projects often include ADA pedestrian ramp upgrades and other improvements to make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone.

I know many of you may have questions about timelines, traffic impacts, and what this work means for your block. I encourage residents to continue paying close attention to my social media outlets and newsletters, where we will share updates, construction notices, and opportunities to learn more as the projects move forward.

If you would like to learn more about the Farview resurfacing projects or view project maps, you can visit the City’s project page here:

🔗 Farview South Resurfacing Project Information:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/farview-south-ada-ramps/

These investments are about taking care of the infrastructure that serves our community every day, and I appreciate your patience as we work to improve our streets across North Minneapolis.

You Are Facing Possible Eviction

If you receive a notice or know you may fall behind on rent, taking action early can make a big difference.

  1. Communicate with your landlord immediately. Many landlords are willing to create payment plans or short-term agreements if they know what is happening.

  2. Ask about a mutual termination agreement if you know you cannot remain in the unit. This can sometimes help avoid a formal eviction filing and protect your rental history.

  3. Seek legal advice quickly. In Minneapolis, low-income tenants have the right to legal representation in eviction cases.

  4. Apply for assistance right away. Many programs process emergency rental help within days when eviction is pending.

  5. Keep records of all communication with your landlord and any notices you receive.

Property owners must also provide at least 30 days written notice before filing an eviction for nonpayment, which gives renters time to seek assistance or resolve the issue.

two people hugging

How Ward 5 residents can continue to support each other

Ward 5 has always been a community that shows up for one another. During times like these, that spirit of care and solidarity matters more than ever. Here are ways residents on the Northside can continue supporting neighbors who may be experiencing housing instability:

  • Share trusted local resources. Help neighbors connect with Northside organizations such as NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, Pillsbury United Communities, and Northside Mutual Aid Fund that often help residents navigate housing, employment, and emergency support.

  • Support local mutual aid and neighborhood groups. Many Ward 5 blocks and neighborhood associations coordinate informal support for families facing hardship. Even small contributions such as rides, meals, childcare, or sharing job opportunities can make a meaningful difference.

  • Check in with neighbors who may be impacted. Some residents affected by Operation Metro Surge may be feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about what comes next. A simple conversation or sharing information about housing resources can help someone take the first step toward stability.

  • Stay connected to neighborhood meetings and community organizations. Ward 5 residents can stay engaged through groups like Jordan Area Community Council and Hawthorne Neighborhood Council to stay informed and help advocate for housing stability in the community.

Immediate Support & Resources (Please share widely)

🏠 Rental Assistance & Housing Stability

🧾 Utility Bill Support

⚖️ Immigration Services & Legal Support

🧠 Mental Health & Wellness

Why I serve:

Your city needs you! Get Involved: Serve on a City Board or Commission

Did you know that residents help shape important decisions in Minneapolis? Serving on a City board, commission, or advisory committee is one of the most meaningful ways to bring community voices directly into local government.

Boards and commissions bring residents into conversations about important issues like aging, climate, equity, community safety, food access, housing, public art, and more. Your perspective and lived experience can help guide policies and programs that impact our neighborhoods every day.

The City of Minneapolis welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to strengthen the work of our boards, commissions, and advisory committees.Community members play an important role in advising City leadership and helping shape policies that affect residents across Minneapolis.

🗓 Applications are open March 1–31

This is a great opportunity for residents who want to:
• Make their voice heard in City decision-making
• Share expertise or lived experience
• Build stronger, more connected communities
• Help shape the future of Minneapolis

🔗 Apply online:
Apply for Minneapolis Boards & Commissions

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to Minneapolis, your voice matters. Consider applying and helping shape the future of our city.

Stay Connected

I share weekly updates, vote rationales, and resources in the Ward 5 newsletter. If you’re not subscribed, you can sign up here:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council/members/ward-5/newsletters/

If you or someone you know is struggling with housing, utilities, food access, or legal support, please reach out to my office. We will help connect you to the right resources.

In service to Ward 5,

Council Member Pearll Warren
Ward 5, City of Minneapolis
612-673-2205 | ward5@minneapolismn.gov



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