From the City of Minneapolis: Feb. 19 update

Feb. 19, 2026

This newsletter provides updates on important news and information from the City of Minneapolis and partners. Find updates at minneapolismn.gov/news.

To the people of Minneapolis: You’ve shown up, you used your voice and you’re standing up for your community. Thank you.

Space to grieve and heal

Minneapolis police and firefighters responded Tuesday evening to a report of a fire at Renee Good’s memorial site.

We are grateful to the person who put out the fire before the first responders arrived. While there were no injuries, several items at the memorial were damaged.

We will always prioritize giving our community space to grieve and heal. Everyone should respect the space around the memorial. We are working on next steps, including engaging the community to preserve the memorials at the Renee Good and Alex Pretti sites.

Know your rights if ICE comes to your home

Even with the end of Operation Metro Surge, the continued presence of remaining agents and enforcement actions still impacts our residents. Be prepared and make sure you know your rights when someone is trying to enter your home. Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely. The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota suggests the following if federal immigration agents come to your home. ICE needs a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to enter. You can ask them to show you the warrant through the window or under the door. If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed. Find more know-your-rights resources on the City website in: English Soomaali Español Hmong Afaan Oromoo

Human trafficking awareness month

The Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution recognizing February 2026 as Human Trafficking and Exploitation Awareness Month. Human trafficking often goes unnoticed. This resolution raises awareness about the signs and impacts of human trafficking and our ongoing investments in prevention, training and survivor-centered services and resources.

Survivors of sex trafficking are often hiding in plain sight and may show signs of substance use disorder.

Other signs include:

• Avoiding eye contact

• Missing school or work regularly

• Telling inconsistent or rehearsed stories

• Dating someone much older

• A history of running away or being homeless

• Sexually inappropriate pictures on social media

• Unusual tattoos, like a crown or the word “daddy”

• New expensive clothes, money, jewelry, etc., without explanation

City investments and ongoing work

The City continues to advance coordinated and cross-department efforts focused on prevention, harm reduction and access to care.

In 2026, this work will include:

• Human Trafficking prevention and intervention services connected with the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center. The center is expected to open later this year.

• Developing specialized training for firefighters and service providers.

• Strengthening policies that support stability and fair access to employment.

Learn more about the campaign and ongoing work on the City’s website.

Flexible payment options for City utility bills

Many residents and businesses are experiencing financial hardship during this difficult time. While the City cannot forgive unpaid utility bill balances, we have flexible payment plans that may help if you’re having trouble affording your bill for City water, sewer, stormwater and solid waste.

You can call Utility Billing at 612-673-1114 to discuss which option may be best for you. Call center hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please have your account information ready.

Grants for sewer repairs

From March 2-20, the City will be accepting grant applications to help pay for repairing failing private sewer pipes and connections to the public sewer. Homeowners can receive grants between $5,000 to $10,000 and may need a match to receive the funds. Funding will be awarded on a lottery-based system.

This year’s funding is expected to provide grants to 32-36 property owners. You can look at information now to get ready and then apply when applications open.

Give your feedback on proposals for new buildings at the old Kmart site

We invite you to give feedback on the Phase 1 development proposals for the New Nicollet redevelopment project at Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street in south Minneapolis. In January, the City of Minneapolis received two proposals for this phase of the development. These proposals line up with the vision created during three years of planning and more than 20,000 conversations with the community. Both proposals include: Affordable housing Retail spaces Community services Indoor space for park programs If you live near the project area, we especially encourage you to share your feedback. The survey will be open until 4 p.m. Thursday, March 5. City staff will consider community feedback when we choose which proposal to recommend in early April. The City Council and mayor will make the final decision. Learn more about the New Nicollet Redevelopment. See summaries of the proposals and take the survey in: English Somali Spanish

Operation Metro Surge results in $203 million impact on Minneapolis

City of Minneapolis leaders released stark numbers that speak to the far-reaching impacts that Operation Metro Surge has caused to residents, communities and City operations. In one month alone – while up to 3,000 federal immigration enforcement agents invaded neighborhoods – the city experienced an impact of at least $203.1 million. That money represents losses to the economy, community livelihoods, residents’ mental health, food and places to live.

The “Preliminary Impact Assessment & Relief Needs Overview” includes impact data and statistics on the most life-saving urgent needs in the city. This preliminary estimate is a snapshot of the severe consequences in everyday life disrupted by Operation Metro Surge. In particular, 76,000 people – mostly immigrants, refugees, Native Americans, Black people, African Americans and people of color – need urgent relief assistance right now in the city.

Operation Metro Surge is a large-scale, complex situation that involves violence, detentions based on racial profiling and alleged human rights violations, preventing people from having the freedom to access basic life-sustaining services.

The City of Minneapolis did not make any deals or concessions with the federal government or ICE to end Operation Metro Surge. We remain governed by our separation ordinance. The City – including MPD – does not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement or help ICE with civil immigration enforcement investigations.

Read more on the City website.

You can watch the full news conference on YouTube.

Stay up to date on the City’s response to Operation Metro Surge on the City website.

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

The wake of Operation Metro Surge continues to put immense strain on so many Minneapolis residents and community members. Community and social service organizations are providing resources and mutual aid to those who need it most. The City’s website was recently updated to reflect a list of local foundations and organizations taking monetary donations to support this work, providing food, rental assistance, mutual aid and other resources. The website’s list includes organizations that offer various kinds of assistance with vetted and trusted donation links.

Virtual Resource Center

Black History Month event details

The City is hosting several events throughout Black History Month this February to honor, celebrate and reflect. The 2026 theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations: Honoring Our History, Uplifting Our Legacy, Continuing the Celebration. All City of Minneapolis residents are welcome. At the Black History Month breakfast last week, the Minneapolis Black Employee Network honored Black leaders, was affirmed by a City Council resolution, and addressed rising ICE activity and its impact on our neighbors. Celebration and solidarity go hand in hand. See video highlights from the event. Join in the remaining public events: A Touch of Soul A Touch of Soul is a lively celebration featuring spoken word artists, dancers and an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses through tabling and product sales. Noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 Public Service Building, Room 100AB 35W Bridge lighting The 35W Bridge will shine in Black History Month colors Friday, Feb. 27.

I-394 construction starts Feb. 22; expect delays and plan ahead

If you travel on westbound I-394 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 in Golden Valley, expect delays and plan for reduced driving lanes and ramp closures beginning Feb. 22. A MnDOT construction project will make important improvements and extend the life of more than 30 bridges and the highway. Work is scheduled to be completed in late fall.

MnDOT reports the most significant delays will be traffic heading west from downtown Minneapolis during the afternoon rush hours.

Travelers are encouraged to be patient, plan ahead and stay informed by visiting the I-394 project website and to sign up for email updates.Visit 511mn.org or download the free 511MN app for real-time traffic and travel information.