Yesterday, we published a map of carjackings and auto thefts in Southwest Minneapolis over the last few months of 2021. We provided a bit of analysis alongside the data, including signs that carjackings cluster in concentrated areas over a short period of time. We also noted that many of the carjackings are happening near highway entrances.
We'll be spending some time digging in on public safety solutions in the coming month, and talked a bit about our approach to the issue here.
The Art Shanties are kicking off on Lake Harriet this weekend! Check out Melody's piece on what they're up to this year and find a full schedule of performances here.
After the inauguration yesterday, the City Council selected Andrea Jenkins as their president (on a 13-0 vote) and Linea Palmisano as their VP (on an 8-5 vote).
Given Palmisano's new leadership role on the Council, here's an interesting quote from our interview with her a couple weeks ago: "I think it’s still too early to tell how it will be different from this past Council. I'm working to make this better by investing a lot of time making sure that we are very cohesive... I hope that the way that this is beginning, new Council to previous Council, is just going to start us in a different place of collaboration that I didn’t necessarily feel existed last term."
LINK ROUNDUP
The British Arrow Awards digital program, which you can watch from home, has been extended through Jan. 16. Check it out if you haven't gotten to yet. (Walker Art Center)
Former Ward 10 Council candidate Katie Jones wrote an interesting piece on Hennepin Ave. redesign on MinnPost which included this stat: "The city’s parking study shows that even in the busiest times, parking demand does not exceed 73%." If you want to read more thoughts on the redesign, check out the "Perspectives" page on our website.
Hennepin County launched free consulting services for small businesses at the onset of the pandemic. They've helped around 700 local businesses so far, and reauthorized the funding for three more years. Apply to get help for your business here. (Star Tribune, Hennepin County)
Stephanie March covers local food pop-up a Bird in Hand. (Minneapolis.St Paul.Magazine)
A group of regional leaders met to discuss deeper collaboration to combat crime across theTwin Cities. (Star Tribune)
Editor's Note: Yesterday, we provided a platform for a Green Bay Packers fan in this space. We apologize for the error, and will make every effort to keep you safe from their dangerous ideas moving forward.
GET INVOLVED
Hennepin County is looking for "organizations, churches, and other sites" to serve as warming shelters on dangerous cold nights. Email [email protected] if you have any ideas or connections.
The Cedar-Isles Master Plan Community Advisory Committee will be meeting tonight. The meeting is open to the public, and information on how to watch is here. There are also upcoming public open houses on 1/22 and 1/24. If you want to catch up on the draft plan designs, check out the breakdown we did here.
The city is giving away 200 free radon test kits, and shares that "2 in 5 Minnesota homes have dangerous levels of radon," so take them up on that if you haven't checked your home's radon level lately.
OUT & ABOUT
This Thursday, check out a local comedian before he kicks off a national tour. Jon Savitt will be performing his firsthand account of his unrealistic dreams to make the NBA at the Phoenix Theater. Proof of vaccination is required.
Pre-oder the Minneapolis-exclusive metallic silver album from local band Hippo Campus at Electric Fetus.