Ward 5 News with Council Member Pearll Warren: Week of July 27

Ward 5 Neighbors and Family,

As we continue working together to strengthen Ward 5, I first want to thank each of you for your patience, grace, and continued support. Over the past several weeks, much of my time has been dedicated to addressing the housing crisis at Heritage Park. This work has required collaboration across City departments, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, residents, and countless partners who have come to the table with humility and a shared commitment to finding real solutions. To every person who has stepped up to serve our community, thank you.

Housing is about so much more than four walls and a roof. A home is where families build dreams, prepare meals, celebrate milestones, rest after long days, and find peace in the midst of life’s challenges. It is where children get ready for school, parents prepare for work, and loved ones gather around important conversations. Safe, stable housing is one of the foundations of a healthy community, and it is an essential part of creating public safety. When we invest in safe places for people to live, we invest in stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger Ward 5.

As you’ll see throughout this newsletter, there are so many opportunities to stay connected and engaged. Inside you’ll find updates from across the ward, highlights from the Hawthorne neighborhood, voting information, resources for small businesses, and ways to celebrate and support Black Business Week and our local entrepreneurs. These aren’t simply events, they are opportunities to meet your neighbors, strengthen our community, and invest in the people and places that make Ward 5 so vibrant.

Thank you for continuing to show up for one another. Whether you serve through City Hall, own a local business, volunteer with an organization, or simply call Ward 5 home, every act of care helps build a safer, stronger, culturally rich, and economically thriving community. Together, let’s continue creating a Ward 5 where every resident has the opportunity not only to live, but to truly thrive.

As always, please take care of yourselves, take care of one another, and thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this incredible community.

Celebrate Black Business Week and support local entrepreneurs

Black Business Week information with photos of Black Business owners.

Black Business Week returns July 27-Aug. 2, celebrating Black-owned businesses and connecting entrepreneurs with resources, workshops and networking opportunities to help them start or grow their businesses.

Businesses like Sammy’s Avenue Eatery create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods and build generational wealth. Co-manager Joseph Bard offers this advice for business owners: “Make sure you ask questions. Make sure you go to networking events. Make sure that you have an open mind.”

Watch a short video about Sammy’s Avenue Eatery and learn more about Black Business Week.

Get a preview of the celebration at the Black Business Week Street Mall at the Capri Plaza on West Broadway this Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to shop local vendors, enjoy live entertainment and celebrate Black businesses in Minneapolis.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to grow or a community member who wants to shop local, there’s something for everyone.

View the full event schedule and sign up today.

Building Stronger Businesses in Ward 5 after Operation Metro Surge

Ward 5, lets remember that  Operation Metro Surge had a major impact on small businesses across our city. To support recovery, the City of Minneapolis created the $7 million Small Business Resiliency Fund.  As we continue building and growing businesses throughout the 5th Ward, we encourage local entrepreneurs and business owners to explore the City of Minneapolis Small Business Resiliency Fund. The $7 million fund supports recovery by reducing financial strain, helping businesses plan and grow, and bringing customers back to commercial corridors. Available support includes no-cost business consulting, certain license-fee relief, free event permits, marketing assistance and other funding opportunities.

Business owner at a pop up shop holding up product in her hand.

How to Get Started

1. Visit the City’s Small Business Resiliency Fund webpage and review the available programs.
2. Choose the opportunity that fits your needs, such as free consulting through BTAP, event-permit relief or another listed program.
3. Follow the application or access instructions for that specific program.
4. Gather any requested business, license, financial or project information.
5. Submit your materials before the listed deadline and watch for updates from the City.

Please note that this is not one general grant application. Each program has its own eligibility rules and process. Eligible businesses receiving license-fee relief have already been contacted, but they must still submit their license renewals. For help finding the right opportunity, contact the City’s Small Business Team at 612-673-2499 or visit Small Business Resiliency Fund Website.

Voting in the primary

Make your plan for voting in the primary this year. There’s still plenty of time whether you’re voting early by mail, voting early in person or voting at your polling place on Election Day Aug. 11.

Voting early in person

Friday, July 24, will be the first day of early voting in Minneapolis. This new process is very similar to years past. Voters will still fill out a short certificate, check in and receive their ballot, and mark their ballot as usual. They can then insert their ballot directly into the ballot counter for tabulation on election night.

Extended hours for in-person early voting

Hours expand starting July 27 for early voting. Find times, locations, services and what to expect.

Make your plan to vote

Check if you’re registered to vote. If you need to register when you vote, whether voting early or on Election Day, see what to bring.

Learn more about voting, and make your plan.

How can community help?

We can all support our community around the election. Find ideas on the City website and share them with your neighbors.