Plant-Grow-Share July - August Newsletter

Summer with Plant-Grow-Share

(El boletín en español está más abajo)

COMMUNITY SEED LIBRARY
It has been such a joy to see and meet so many people this year who are growing food and plants from seed from the seed library! It has been hard to keep up with all the demand and that is one of the best problems we can have. Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn about seed saving and to help support the seed library. We will resume in-library programming in September!

SEED SPOTLIGHT: CILANTRO / CORIANDER
Is your cilantro going to seed? Let it! Coriander is the name of the cilantro seed. A very delicious, concentrated flavor of cilantro. When the plant starts to bolt, we like to leave it alone so that it can complete the life cycle! The flowers soon bloom, bringing more pollinators around. And not long after, along come the seeds! At first they are green and such a delightful burst of flavor on your tongue. After some time they will turn brown and dry up. This is the perfect time to harvest coriander. You can use it as a spice in the kitchen, or you can plant the next round of cilantro, or you can donate the seeds you save to the seed library!

HOSMER READING GARDEN

Have you stopped by the Hosmer Library recently? The Reading Garden, located in the front lawn facing 36th Street, is starting to produce!! This garden is available for anyone to harvest from at any time! Please harvest responsibly and only take what you need so that the plants continue to produce food for the community! 

WHAT’S READY TO HARVEST IN THE READING GARDEN? 
In the tall raised bed there are beans and basil ready to harvest, and maybe even some ripe tomatoes after all this heat! In the middle low raised bed there is rhubarb and garlic chives, parsley and peppers! In the raised bed closest to the parking lot there are collards, bok choy, thyme, oregano, and dill ready to harvest! Not sure what is ready or how to harvest? Stop by when the library is open and ask for help! Charly is often on-site and available to help on Fridays, and some library staff are also knowledgeable gardeners!

WEEDS YOU CAN EAT
As interest grows in food access, we hope that you too are encouraged by what you see growing around you, whether you put it there or not! There are many “weeds” that are flourishing right now that are good to eat! Lamb’s Quarters, dandelion, black nightshade berries (and the greens!!) are all working wonders out there, growing without a care in the world for if you watered them or not! 

SUMMER & FALL PLANTING
Growing food is hard! Growing food in our short MN growing season is even harder! Here at Plant-Grow-Share we know that when we work together, anything is possible. As we head into July, there are still seeds we can plant. This is the perfect time to start planning for your fall harvest! Look for seeds that have around a 60 days to maturity growing window. If planted soon, they will start to reach maturity around September, and will bring food to harvest through the end of October and maybe even into November! Plants like carrots, beets, kale, and collards can be planted anytime and only get more delicious as the weather cools. Other fall crops to start planning for are peas, radish, spinach, lettuce, and any other cool-weather loving vegetables. 

SOIL SAFETY & TEAR GAS UPDATE
Our community was greatly impacted by the use of tear gas and other chemical irritants, which in turn means farmers and gardeners need to know if their produce can be eaten. Since April 2026, PGS has been working in collaboration with professors and researchers at the University of Minnesota to gather data and find safe ways to grow food after Operation Metro Surge. A soil survey of around 35 households in Central and 28 in the Whittier neighborhood has been collected and in the testing process! The main risks from tear gas are heavy metals like Lead and Chromium. Here’s some general best practices from our partners at the University of Minnesota:

  • Garden in raised beds—adding 1-2 feet of new soil in beds dilutes heavy metals.

  • Reduce exposure from soil dust and erosion by planting grass or clover or by adding  thick layers of mulch around your garden. 

  • Add compost to increase soil organic matter. This decreases the movement of heavy metals. 

  • Adding lime to your soil increases the pH, making it harder for heavy metals to move into plants or water. 

  • Wash veggies thoroughly to remove soil dust  that can contain heavy metals. 

For questions or to learn more, contact soilsafterteargas@gmail.com or (612) 440-9435 


UPCOMING EVENTS

38th Street Market
August 1st, 9am - 1pm at George Floyd Square
Plant-Grow-Share urban farmers and gardeners are excited to show you what they’re growing this year! Last month, farmer Avana featured pesticide-free collared greens. Come see what’s in season! This month, learn to play chess with PLEDGE – Explore Black August with Plot Gallery – Taste your way through a guided food exploration with Chef Liz and Chef Lachelle! Local, Fresh, and powered by neighbors like you. Local vendors wanted! www.38thandchi.com 

38th Street Market - Flavors Beyond Borders
September 5, 9am - 1pm
Save the date - 38th Street Market returns to George Floyd Square in September! 

Seed Circles: Seed Library Volunteer Night
September 8, October 13, November 10th - 5-7pm
Join us for quality time building community with neighbors while maintaining a valuable community resource. Mark your calendars! We will have seed circles every 2nd Tuesday of the month, September-April at Hosmer Library!

Seed Keeping & Cleaning Workshop
September 19 - 1:30-3:30pm at Hosmer Library
Are you interested in learning more about saving your own seeds? We resume Beginning Gardener classes at Hosmer Library on Saturday September 19th, 1:30-3:30pm with Seed Keeping and Saving. We will harvest, clean and save some seeds together from the Hosmer Reading Garden. Feel free to bring your own saved seeds and we will share tools and tips and tricks on how to prepare the seeds for winter storage!

38th Street Market
October 3rd, 9am - 1pm at George Floyd Square
Save the date - last farmers market of the season! 

Bryant Community Garden Tour
October 3rd, 3 to 5pm at Bryant Community Garden
Join Plant-Grow-Share on the Metro Food Justice Network’s Urban Agriculture tour! Come explore Bryant Community Garden - a multicultural hub of neighbors who have spent the year growing food for one another. Explore the space, techniques and stories of the people and the plants of the Central, Powderhorn, Bryant and Bancroft community at our Garden. After the tour, attendees are invited to taste what has been grown here at our annual Bowls and Spoons Harvest Festival at 38th and Chicago. Registration required - visit mfjn.org or contact networkweavers@mfjn.org 

Bowls & Spoons Harvest Festival
October 3rd, 5-9pm at George Floyd Square

Plant-Grow-Share farmers and gardeners are growing the food we will share. Local potters are making the bowls we will eat from. Local blacksmiths are making the spoons we will use. Local chefs are cooking the food we will eat. Through a series of hands-on workshops leading up to the Harvest Feast on October 3rd, we are weaving together existing programs, skills, and traditions to craft something deeply meaningful. From forging, carving, and shaping bowls and spoons to writing, preparing nourishing meals, curating music, and creating collective art installations, each step is an opportunity for creative expression, reflection, and shared experience. Learn more by visiting cafac.org/bowls-and-spoons 


Putting the Garden to Bed Workshop
October 17 - 1:30-3:30pm at Hosmer Library
How do we prepare the garden to rest through the winter? Come learn with us about how and what is important to clean up, season extension techniques to get the most out of your garden for the season, and how to prepare a space for a fall planting of native perennial flowers!

Bryant Garden Clean-up Day
Wednesday, October 28th - 5 to 8pm
Save the date: Help prepare Bryant Community Garden for winter! 

PGS Newsletter
You can sign-up for PGS specific updates by visiting plantgrowsharempls.com


External Opportunities

HOMEGROWN FOOD COUNCIL
The council includes 25 diverse community members who want to improve our local food system. The food council advises the City Council. This council meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Powderhorn Recreation Center - Multipurpose Room, 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407. 

MINNEAPOLIS RESTAURANTS! PREVENT WASTED FOOD & EARN $500 WITH FOOD FORWARD STARTING THIS AUGUST.
In partnership with Healthy Roots Institute, the City of Minneapolis is now recruiting restaurants for Food Forward, a free six-week coaching program that helps prevent wasted food and improve kitchen efficiency.
Participants will receive:

  • Paid training hours

  • Hands-on support in food waste reduction and kitchen management

  • Connections with other local restaurants

  • Recognition for sustainable business practices

Spots are limited. Learn more and apply today at minneapolismn.gov/food-forward

Tree Guardians

Resilient Cities & Communities (RCC) is looking to recruit 4 Tree Guardians in East Phillips, Columbia Park, Marshall Terrace, Midtown Phillips, Nokomis East, North Minneapolis (collective), and Phillips West to join their 1-year tree canopy expansion campaign, funded by the Minnesota DNR ReLeaf Grant. 

Tree Guardians are paid neighborhood leaders who will: 

- Help recruit 20-30 households to plant trees in their yard with support of RCC's Foresters 

Support the neighborhood organization to host a large tree planting activity (20 trees or so) and find planting location and support with logistics 

Support the program's Foresters in organizing tree workshops according to the neighborhood needs

Sign up neighbors to Adopt-a-Tree through the Brewing a Better Forest Website.

Sign up here for an interview.

APPLY TO JOIN THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY (MPCA) ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ADVISORY GROUP
The environmental justice advisory group provides feedback and recommendations directly to the MPCA Commissioner and agency leadership on environmental justice priorities, community engagement, and agency efforts to address environmental burdens and inequities across Minnesota. Applications are due July 22. Visit the MPCA website for additional information and application material.

EPNI HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL

The Harvest Moon Festival is an annual celebration of community solutions, voices and local victories, including our steadfast determination to make collective stewardship of the Roof Depot site a reality.  This year is particularly special now that the purchase agreement for the Roof Depot is advancing. Join us in celebrating all the local initiatives happening in East Phillips, Minneapolis and beyond! epnifarm.org/harvest-moon-2026 

 

HAVE YOU BEEN TO POST MODERN TIMES RESTAURANT?

Post Modern Times is Minnesota's first pay-what-you-can restaurant serving high-quality food with vegetables sourced from local farms. This restaurant is trying something new -  everyone is welcome, whether you have money or not. Nearly 200 people a day in the Central neighborhood of Minneapolis benefit from this model. Have you visited? Post Modern Times is located at 3200 Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis. We’re helping them collect stories - will you help spread the word?

tr.ee/postmoderntimes 



 

Verano con Planta-Cultiva-Comparte

BIBLIOTECA COMUNITARIA DE SEMILLAS
¡Ha sido un gran placer ver y conocer este año a tanta gente que está cultivando alimentos y plantas a partir de semillas de la biblioteca de semillas! Ha sido difícil dar abasto con toda la demanda, y ese es uno de los mejores problemas que podemos tener. Estén atentos a más oportunidades para aprender sobre la conservación de semillas y para ayudar a apoyar a la biblioteca de semillas. ¡Reanudaremos los programas presenciales en la biblioteca en septiembre! 

SEMILLA DESTACADA: CILANTRO / CORIANDRO
¿Tu cilantro está echando semillas? ¡Déjalo! «Coriandro» es el nombre de la semilla del cilantro. Tiene un sabor muy delicioso y concentrado. Cuando la planta empieza a florecer, nos gusta dejarla en paz para que pueda completar su ciclo de vida. Las flores no tardan en brotar, atrayendo a más polinizadores. ¡Y poco después, llegan las semillas! Al principio son verdes y ofrecen una deliciosa explosión de sabor en la lengua. Después de un tiempo, se volverán marrones y se secarán. Este es el momento perfecto para cosechar el coriandro. ¡Puedes usarlo como especia en la cocina, plantar la próxima cosecha de cilantro o donar las semillas que guardes a la biblioteca de semillas!

JARDÍN DE LECTURA DE HOSMER

¿Has pasado por la Biblioteca Hosmer recientemente? ¡El Jardín de Lectura, ubicado en el jardín delantero frente a la calle 36, está empezando a dar frutos! ¡Este jardín está disponible para que cualquiera pueda cosechar en cualquier momento! Por favor, cosecha de manera responsable y toma solo lo que necesites para que las plantas sigan produciendo alimentos para la comunidad. 


¿QUÉ ESTÁ LISTO PARA COSECHAR EN EL JARDÍN DE LECTURA?
En el cantero elevado más alto hay frijoles y albahaca listos para cosechar, ¡y tal vez incluso algunos tomates maduros después de todo este calor! En el cantero elevado del medio hay ruibarbo y cebollín de ajo, perejil y chiles. En el cantero elevado más cercano al estacionamiento hay col rizada, bok choy, tomillo, orégano y eneldo listos para cosechar. ¿No estás seguro de qué está listo o cómo cosechar? ¡Pásate cuando la biblioteca esté abierta y pide ayuda! Charly suele estar presente y disponible para ayudar los viernes, ¡y algunos miembros del personal de la biblioteca también son jardineros expertos! 

HIERBAS QUE SE PUEDEN COMER
A medida que crece el interés por el acceso a los alimentos, esperamos que tú también te sientas inspirado por lo que ves crecer a tu alrededor, ¡ya sea que tú las hayas plantado o no! Hay muchas “malezas” que están floreciendo en este momento y que son buenas para comer. El bledo, el diente de león y las bayas de la solanácea negra (¡y sus hojas!) están haciendo maravillas ahí afuera, creciendo sin preocuparse en absoluto de si las regaste o no.

SIEMBRA DE VERANO Y OTOÑO
¡Cultivar alimentos es difícil! ¡Cultivarlos en nuestra corta temporada de cultivo de Minnesota es aún más difícil! Aquí en Plant-Grow Share sabemos que cuando trabajamos juntos, todo es posible. A medida que nos acercamos a julio, todavía hay semillas que podemos plantar. ¡Este es el momento perfecto para empezar a planear tu cosecha de otoño! Busca semillas que tengan un período de crecimiento de unos 60 días hasta la madurez. Si las siembras pronto, empezarán a madurar alrededor de septiembre y te darán alimentos para cosechar hasta finales de octubre y tal vez incluso hasta noviembre. Las plantas como las zanahorias, las remolachas, la col rizada y las coles se pueden sembrar en cualquier momento y se vuelven aún más deliciosas a medida que el clima se enfría. Otros cultivos de otoño que debes empezar a planificar son los chícharos, los rábanos, las espinacas, la lechuga y cualquier otra verdura que prefiera el clima fresco. 


SEGURIDAD DEL SUELO Y ACTUALIZACIÓN SOBRE EL GAS LACRIMÓGENO 
Nuestra comunidad se vio muy afectada por el uso de gas lacrimógeno y otros irritantes químicos, lo que a su vez significa que los agricultores y jardineros necesitan saber si sus productos son aptos para el consumo. Desde abril de 2026, PGS ha estado trabajando en colaboración con profesores e investigadores de la Universidad de Minnesota para recopilar datos y encontrar formas seguras de cultivar alimentos tras la Operación Metro Surge. ¡Se ha recopilado un estudio del suelo de alrededor de 35 hogares en Central y 28 en el barrio de Whittier, y ya se encuentra en proceso de análisis! Los principales riesgos del gas lacrimógeno son los metales pesados como el plomo y el cromo. A continuación, te presentamos algunas prácticas recomendadas generales de nuestros socios de la Universidad de Minnesota:

 ● Cultiva en camas elevadas: agregar de 1 a 2 pies de tierra nueva en las camas diluye los metales pesados. 

● Reduce la exposición al polvo del suelo y a la erosión plantando césped o trébol, o agregando capas gruesas de mantillo alrededor de tu huerto. 

● Agrega compost para aumentar la materia orgánica del suelo. Esto reduce el movimiento de los metales pesados. 

● Agregar cal al suelo aumenta el pH, lo que dificulta que los metales pesados se transfieran a las plantas o al agua.

 ● Lava bien las verduras para eliminar el polvo del suelo que pueda contener metales pesados. 

Si tienes preguntas o quieres saber más, contacta soilsafterteargas@gmail.com o llama al (612) 440-9435 



PRÓXIMOS EVENTOS 


Mercado de la calle 38
1 de agosto, de 9:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m.
en la plaza George Floyd ¡
Los agricultores urbanos y jardineros de Plant-Grow-Share están emocionados por mostrarte lo que están cultivando este año! El mes pasado, la agricultora Avana presentó coles sin pesticidas. ¡Ven a ver qué hay en temporada! Este mes, aprende a jugar ajedrez con PLEDGE; explora el «Agosto Negro» con Plot Gallery; ¡disfruta de una degustación guiada con la chef Liz! Productos locales, frescos y impulsados por vecinos como tú. ¡Se buscan vendedores locales! www.38thandchi.com 

Mercado de la calle 38 - Sabores más allá de las fronteras
5 de septiembre, de 10:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m
. ¡
Apúntate la fecha! El Mercado de la Calle 38 regresa a la Plaza George Floyd en septiembre. 

Círculos de semillas:
Noche de voluntariado de la Biblioteca de Semillas – 8 de septiembre, 13 de octubre, 10 de noviembre – de 5 a 7 p. m. en la Biblioteca Hosmer
Acompáñanos a pasar un tiempo de calidad construyendo comunidad con los vecinos mientras cuidamos un valioso recurso comunitario. ¡Anótalo en tu calendario! Tendremos círculos de semillas cada segundo martes del mes, de septiembre a abril.

Taller de conservación y limpieza de semillas:
19 de septiembre, de 1:30 a 3:30 p. m.
en la Biblioteca Hosmer.
¿Te interesa aprender más sobre cómo conservar tus propias semillas? Retomamos las clases para jardineros principiantes en la Biblioteca Hosmer el sábado 19 de septiembre, de 1:30 a 3:30 p. m., con el tema «Conservación y almacenamiento de semillas». Juntos cosecharemos, limpiaremos y conservaremos algunas semillas del Jardín de Lectura de Hosmer. ¡No dudes en traer tus propias semillas guardadas y compartiremos herramientas, consejos y trucos sobre cómo prepararlas para almacenarlas durante el invierno!

 Mercado de la calle 38:
3 de octubre, de 10:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m., en la plaza George Floyd
¡Anoten la fecha: es el último mercado de agricultores de la temporada!

 Recorrido por el huerto comunitario Bryant:
3 de octubre, de 3:00 a 5:00 p. m.
¡Únete a Plant-Grow-Share en el recorrido de agricultura urbana de la Red de Justicia Alimentaria Metro! Ven a explorar el huerto comunitario Bryant, un centro multicultural de vecinos que han pasado el año cultivando alimentos para compartirlos entre ellos. Descubre el espacio, las técnicas y las historias de las personas y las plantas de las comunidades de Central, Powderhorn, Bryant y Bancroft en nuestro huerto. Después del recorrido, invitamos a los asistentes a degustar lo que se ha cultivado aquí en nuestro Festival Anual de la Cosecha «Bowls and Spoons», en la esquina de la calle 38 con Chicago. Se requiere inscripción: visita mfjn.org o ponte en contacto con networkweavers@mfjn.org 

Festival de la Cosecha «Bowls & Spoons»
3 de octubre
Los agricultores y jardineros de «Plant-Grow-Share» están cultivando los alimentos que compartiremos. Los alfareros locales están fabricando los tazones en los que comeremos. Los herreros locales están forjando las cucharas que usaremos. Los chefs locales están preparando la comida que degustaremos. A través de una serie de talleres prácticos previos a la Fiesta de la Cosecha del 3 de octubre, estamos entrelazando programas, habilidades y tradiciones existentes para crear algo profundamente significativo. Desde forjar, tallar y dar forma a los cuencos y las cucharas hasta escribir, preparar comidas nutritivas, seleccionar música y crear instalaciones artísticas colectivas, cada paso es una oportunidad para la expresión creativa, la reflexión y la experiencia compartida. Obtén más información en cafac.org/bowls-and-spoons 

Taller «Preparación del jardín para el invierno»
17 de octubre — 1:30 a 3:30 p. m. en la Biblioteca Hosmer.
¿Cómo preparamos el jardín para que descanse durante el invierno? ¡Ven a aprender con nosotros qué es importante limpiar y cómo hacerlo, técnicas para prolongar la temporada y así aprovechar al máximo tu jardín, y cómo preparar un espacio para plantar flores perennes nativas en otoño!

Día de limpieza del jardín Bryant:
miércoles 28 de octubre, de 6:00 a 8:00 p. m.
¡Anota la fecha: ayuda a preparar el Jardín Comunitario Bryant para el invierno 

¿Sabías que...? Puedes suscribirte para recibir actualizaciones específicas de PGS visitando plantgrowsharempls.com

Oportunidades Externas

CONSEJO DE ALIMENTOS LOCALES 
El consejo está integrado por 25 miembros de la comunidad de diversos orígenes que desean mejorar nuestro sistema alimentario local. El consejo asesor de alimentos brinda asesoramiento al Concejo Municipal. Este consejo se reúne el segundo miércoles de cada mes, de 5:30 a 7:30 p. m., en el Centro Recreativo Powderhorn —Sala Multiusos—, 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407.


¡RESTAURANTES DE MINNEAPOLIS! EVITEN EL DESPERDICIO DE ALIMENTOS Y GANEN $500 CON FOOD FORWARD A PARTIR DE ESTE AGOSTO.
En colaboración con el Healthy Roots Institute, la ciudad de Minneapolis está reclutando restaurantes para Food Forward, un programa gratuito de capacitación de seis semanas que ayuda a prevenir el desperdicio de alimentos y a mejorar la eficiencia en la cocina. 

Los participantes recibirán: 

● Horas de capacitación remuneradas 

● Apoyo práctico para reducir el desperdicio de alimentos y mejorar la gestión de la cocina 

● Contacto con otros restaurantes locales 

● Reconocimiento por prácticas empresariales sostenibles Los cupos son limitados. 

Obtén más información y postúlate hoy mismo en minneapolismn.gov/food-forward 



CONVIÉRTETE EN UN GUARDIÁN DE LOS ÁRBOLES DE LAS CIUDADES GEMELAS

Resilient Cities & Communities (RCC) busca reclutar a 4 guardianes de los árboles en East Phillips, Columbia Park, Marshall Terrace, Midtown Phillips, Nokomis East, North Minneapolis (colectivo) y Phillips West para que se unan a su 1-campaña anual de expansión de la cubierta arbórea, financiada por la subvención ReLeaf del Departamento de Recursos Naturales de Minnesota (DNR). 

Los guardianes de los árboles son líderes vecinales remunerados que: 

● Ayudarán a reclutar entre 20 y 30 hogares para que planten árboles en sus patios con el apoyo de los silvicultores de RCC 

● Apoyarán a la organización del vecindario para organizar una gran actividad de plantación de árboles (alrededor de 20 árboles), así como para encontrar el lugar de plantación y brindar apoyo logístico 

● Apoyarán a los silvicultores del programa en la organización de talleres sobre árboles de acuerdo con las necesidades del vecindario 

● Inscribirán a los vecinos en el programa «Adopta un árbol» a través del sitio web de Brewing a Better Forest. 

Inscríbete aquí para una entrevista

PRESENTA TU SOLICITUD PARA UNIRTE AL GRUPO ASESOR DE JUSTICIA AMBIENTAL DE LA AGENCIA DE CONTROL DE LA CONTAMINACIÓN DE MINNESOTA (MPCA)
El grupo asesor de justicia ambiental brinda comentarios y recomendaciones directamente al comisionado de la MPCA y a los líderes de la agencia sobre las prioridades de justicia ambiental, la participación comunitaria y los esfuerzos de la agencia para abordar las cargas ambientales y las desigualdades en todo Minnesota. La fecha límite para presentar las solicitudes es el 22 de julio. Visita el sitio web de la MPCA para obtener información adicional y los materiales de solicitud

RESERVA LA FECHA: FESTIVAL DE LA LUNA DE LA COSECHA DE EPNI

El Festival de la Luna de la Cosecha es una celebración anual de las soluciones comunitarias, las voces y los logros locales, incluida nuestra firme determinación de hacer realidad la administración colectiva del sitio de Roof Depot. Este año es particularmente especial ahora que el acuerdo de compra de Roof Depot está avanzando. ¡Únete a nosotros para celebrar todas las que están surgiendo en East Phillips, Minneapolis y más allá. epnifarm.org/harvest-moon-2026

¿HAS ESTADO EN EL RESTAURANTE POST MODERN TIMES?

Post Modern Times es el primer restaurante de Minnesota en el que pagas lo que puedas y que sirve comida de alta calidad con verduras provenientes de granjas locales. Este restaurante está probando algo nuevo: todos son bienvenidos, tengan dinero o no. Casi 200 personas al día en el barrio Central de Minneapolis se benefician de este modelo. ¿Ya lo has visitado? Post Modern Times está ubicado en 3200 Chicago Avenue South, en Minneapolis. Los estamos ayudando a recopilar historias; ¿nos ayudas a correr la voz? tr.ee/postmoderntimes

CANDO Board Meeting | Wednesday, June 17th

CANDO Board Meeting this Wednesday, June 17th, from 6-8pm at Park Avenue Church!

What's happened in Central Neighborhood? What's next?

Updates from CANDO Board of Directors and time for community conversation.

In-person ASL interpretation available upon request - email Communications Organizer jai@thecentralneighborhood.com

In-person English to Spanish interpretation by Minnesota Translator and Interpreter Coop

Can't make it in person? Join on Zoom at https://tr.ee/HevjtGLVja or the section titled "Register for CANDO Board Meetings on Zoom" on our linktree.

BLOCKED! Special Assessment Rejected in Historic Decision by Council

Dear neighbor,

We Won!

On Thursday, June 11th the Minneapolis City Council voted 13-0 to REJECT the special assessment that we were facing in George Floyd Square - a $636,000 bill that would have pushed some of our neighbors out of our neighborhood.​ Together, we participated in what may have been the first group objection to a special assessment ever.

How We Got Here

On May 13th CANDO held a meeting to talk about upcoming construction projects and to hear about the tax impacts. We learned that our neighbors were facing bills of up to $47,000 (called special assessments) for the road reconstruction. ​PPNA and BNA sent out email blasts with information on how to object. CANDO staff and volunteers knocked on 62 doors and obtained 33 signatures, encouraging people to attend the June 4th hearing to submit their objection in person.​ So many of our neighbors spoke up at this hearing - thank you for your courage and leadership! The testimony shared at the public hearing as well as the many written comments submitted by our neighbors were powerful and moving [Public Comment Files 1 and 2]

​By working together, we ensured that our representatives had the evidence to fight for us. Council Member Stevenson​ and Chavez - thank you for fighting for a​ solution.

Public Hearing for the GFS Special Assessment Tax (June 2026)

Over these past few weeks we have stood together against unfair assessments, challenged the status-quo of displacement, and ensured our voices are heard by those who are making decisions about us - without us.​

This decision proves one thing - our voice is powerful when united.

It is ​both an honor and ​a privilege to stand by your side.

Respectfully,

Lane Brown | they/them

Co-Executive Director, Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO), lane@thecentralneighborhood.com

June 10th Letter for City Council from CANDO Leadership 2026

June 10, 2026

ATTN: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey;

Council Members Elliott Payne (President), Jamal Osman (Vice-President), Aisha Chughtai (Majority Leader), Robin Wonsley (Minority Leader), Michael Rainville, LaTrisha Vetaw, Pearll Warren, Elizabeth Shaffer, Soren Stevenson, Jason Chavez, Jamison Whiting, Aurin Chowdhury, and Linea Palmisano;

CPED Director Erik Hansen; Manager of Economic Development, Miles Mercer


RESPONSE TO LEGISLATIVE FILE 2026-00440 (38TH STREET AND CHICAGO AVENUE (GEORGE FLOYD SQUARE) STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT); LEGISLATIVE FILE 2026-00626; and LEGISLATIVE FILE 2026-00603 (AWARDING EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TO MINNESOTA AGAPE MOVEMENT)

Dear Mayor Frey, Members of the Minneapolis City Council and Minneapolis City Staff,

Our organization has paid close attention to the conversations being shared by community groups, stakeholders, city staff and businesses in this city – and beyond – when it comes to the development of the People’s Way. At no point during the engagement/selection process did the community feel that we were on equal footing with the city as a partner. The city demonstrated top-down and chauvinistic practices when dealing with our community organizations, which contributed to a lack of trust on this and other projects regarding 38th and Chicago Avenue. Because of this, we cannot in good conscience take the results from the city’s engagement process as a definitive reflection of what our community wants. We have listened carefully to our residents. We have examined the results of the survey and conducted our own qualitative surveys within the neighborhood to determine if a community consensus is present – it is not. 

Several facts are abundantly clear:

  1. Our neighbors believe that stewardship of the People’s Way should be in the hands of those most impacted by anti-Black racism and state violence.

  2. The process of the redevelopment of George Floyd Square including the People’s Way has been retraumatizing for Black people who live and work in our neighborhoods.

  3. A complete lack of care has been demonstrated at multiple points throughout this process, causing further emotional and financial stress and harm by:

    • Repeated delays and lack of communication regarding the selection process, timeline and development priorities for the People’s Way;

    • Ongoing lack of communication around street construction timelines, processes, resident impacts and business supports;

    • Ongoing lack of transparency of the funding and implementation of the 38th Street Thrive Strategic Development Plan;

    • A special assessment of $636,447 levied against predominantly Black and immigrant neighbors living and working in the intersection of George Floyd Square;

    • Non-Black Council members degrading Black institutions in press conferences.

Our neighbors do not believe that the Minneapolis City Council is the appropriate body to hold a decision about the future of the People’s Way or 38th and Chicago.

We invite you to an alternative solution. 

The Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) formally calls for a halt in the decision for the People’s Way. We request the reestablishment of the Community Co-Creation Team. Our community needs careful, mediated time to arrive at a solution without external pressure.

The 38th and Chicago Community Co-Creation Team will oversee the selection and development processes for the People’s Way and implement a community benefits agreement for the site. This Commission will implement the 38th Street Thrive Strategic Development Plan through collaborating with city staff and residents to develop and implement policies and procedures that support community development, facilitating public information and education along the way. The primary objective of this Commission is to return the decisions being made about this community – back to the community – promoting and facilitating racial healing and justice through building trust, transparency and accountability for the people of Minneapolis. 

We believe that we are stronger when we work together, and we understand that this process has been driving us apart.

Our recommended stakeholders for the 38th and Chicago Community Co-Creation Team are as follows:

  1. Neighbor - 3700 Block Columbus Avenue South

  2. Neighbor - 3700 Block Chicago Avenue South

  3. Neighbor - 3700 Block Elliot Avenue South

  4. Neighbor - 3800 Block Elliot Avenue South

  5. Neighbor - 3800 Block Chicago Avenue South

  6. Neighbor - 3800 Block Elliot Avenue South

  7. Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO)

  8. Bryant Neighborhood Organization (BNO)

  9. Bancroft Neighborhood Association (BNA)

  10. Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association (PPNA)

  11. 38th & Chicago Business Coalition (38TH+CHI)

  12. Community Visioning Council (CVC)

  13. Worldwide Outreach for Christ (WWOC)

  14. Calvary Lutheran Church (ELCA)

  15. Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha (CTUL)

  16. Minnesota AGAPE Movement

  17. Rise & Remember

  18. Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED)

  19. Hennepin County District 4

  20. City Council Ward 8

  21. City Council Ward 9

We believe in collaboration, not competition. 

We believe that another world is possible.

Do you?


Respectfully,

Lane Brown and Mickella Rolfes

Co-Executive Director Leadership Team

Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO)

lane@thecentralneighborhood.com

mickella@thecentralneighborhood.com

Acknowledgement & Transparency note

CANDO abstains from any formal endorsement of the People’s Way development given a potential conflict of interest. 

Our statement regarding the development of People's Way is meant to convey one idea: the City of Minneapolis caused the root harm of this issue – the murder of a Black man at the hands of an MPD officer – and continues to cause harm to our community. CANDO is not a bidder for development of People's Way. We stand ready to collaborate with the organization selected.

Excerpt from 38th Street & Chicago Avenue (George Floyd Square) Street Reconstruction Project: Project designation, cost estimate, and setting public hearing (RCA-2026-00359)

Background Analysis 

The project will reconstruct 38th Street East between Park Avenue and 10th Avenue South and Chicago Avenue between 37th Street East and 39th Street East. 

The scope of work will include full reconstruction of the entire public right-of-way and will include new sidewalks, new ADA pedestrian ramps, boulevards with trees, green stormwater infrastructure, new all ages and abilities bikeways, traffic calming improvements, pavement, curb and gutter, pedestrian scale street lighting, and utility improvements. 

Key elements include restoring transit service along Chicago Avenue with the METRO D Line and Route 5, including new stops south of 38th Street, while maintaining Route 23 service on 38th Street. 

Schedule and Funding 

The project is planned to be constructed beginning in the 2026 construction season. The 38th Street and Chicago Avenue construction cost estimate is $14,868,343. The City’s funding breakdown is estimated as follows: 

$2,136,000 in Levy Funded Debt 

$10,520,000 in General Funds Transfer 

$1,000,000 in Municipal State Aid Funds 

$636,447 in Special Assessment Bonds 

$382,500 in Storm Funds 

$151,000 in Sanitary Funds 

$312,000 in Water Funds

Street Reconstruction Assessments 

As provided in Article IX, Section 9.6(c) of the City Charter, a list of parcels with owner’s names, as nearly as can be readily ascertained, which would be benefited by the assessment for the project, is on file with the City Engineer’s Special Assessment Office. The proposed street reconstruction special assessments were determined by applying the 2026 Uniform Assessment Rates (UAR) to the land area of benefited parcels located within the street influence zone along the improved streets. The City uses a formula that combines influence area with an annually established UAR. This formula is carefully considered and applied by City staff, and it is intended to account for and reflect each project’s value to benefitted properties. The 2026 reconstruction rates are: 

$3.20/ sq. ft. - Non-residential 

$1.12/ sq. ft. - Residential 

The proposed total assessment amount for the 38th Street and Chicago Avenue Reconstruction Project is $636,446.46. Individual assessments over $150 would begin collection on 2028 real estate tax statements with interest charged at a rate to be set by the Minneapolis Finance Department and assessments of $150 or less would be collected in their entirety on the 2028 real estate tax statements with interest charged at a rate to be set by the Minneapolis Finance Department. Information has been provided in the notices as to how persons may prepay the special assessments in full without interest if they so choose. City Council has passed resolutions whereby a deferment of special assessments may be obtained by showing hardship for any homestead property owned by a person 65 years of age or older, active military service, or retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability. 

Abandonment and Removal of Conflicting Areaways 

Section 95.140 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances provides a procedure for dealing with areaway encroachments that would interfere with public improvements being made in the public right-of-way such as street construction. Before the City may abandon and remove conflicting areaways (upon the failure of the abutting property owner to resolve or agree to resolve the conflict) and then later assess the costs, a public hearing must be held. Public Works recommends that this areaway public hearing be held in conjunction with the Project Approval and Public Hearing. A second Public Hearing will be held at a later date to consider the proposed special assessments against any affected properties for the cost of the areaway abandonment and removals.


To read more: Visit RCA-2026-00359 - 38th Street and Chicago Avenue (George Floyd Square) Street Reconstruction Project: Project designation, cost estimate, and setting public hearing

A PDF of the RCA is available on this website, current as of 5/26/2026.

SPECIAL TAX INCREASE OF $636,446 IN GEORGE FLOYD SQUARE AT 38TH & CHI

Live in or near George Floyd Square? You May Be Facing an Additional Tax Increase from the upcoming construction! There’s still time to appeal - join us!

Residents and Businesses must file a special assessment appeal by the due date on the Notice of Intent to Assess letter received in the mail. The appeal hearing date is on June 4th at 1:30pm. Residents and businesses must submit the written appeal before the hearing date. If you come to the hearing without filing an appeal, the City may not be able to hear your case. 

If you disagree with Black Businesses and residents of George Floyd Square paying the cost of the reconstruction of the street, you can submit your comments online and reference case #2026-00440. Submit such in writing online here: minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council/meetings/public-comment/ 

You can attend the hearing on June 4th to support the residents and business owners in person.

How to Appeal the Special Assessment

  1. File an appeal online (This is the easiest way to appeal)

  2. Submit your appeal by mail

  3. Submit your appeal in person

Attend the hearing at City Hall during the Climate and Infrastructure Committee

The hearing room is on the ground floor of Minneapolis City Hall in Room 1A. 350 Fifth St. S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

What Happens During the Hearing

An administrative hearing officer will:

  1. Hear testimony

  2. Take evidence from both sides

  3. Make a decision about your appeal

How Long Does this Process Take?

  1. Usually, more than one case is scheduled for the same hearing.

  2. Cases are often heard in the order that people arrive.

  3. Hearings usually take less than an hour and a half.

  4. If you have questions about timing or scheduling, contact hearings@minneapolismn.gov 

Understand Your Decision

After the hearing, you will receive a decision in the mail.

Here are the Possible Outcomes:

  1. Imposed: You must pay the fee or fine. 

  2. Reduced: You pay a lower amount.

  3. Stayed: If you meet certain conditions, you might not need to pay some or all of the special assessment. If you do not meet those conditions, you have to pay the whole amount.

  4. Dismissed: No payment is due.


At the end of each levy year, the Minneapolis City Council votes to certify the year's assessments. In 2026, the City Council will certify the levy on November 12.

Learn more about the hearing process:

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/reg-services/administrative-hearings/hearing-process/

Construction on 38th & Chicago begins June 8th

CONSTRUCTION ON 38TH AND CHICAGO BEGINS JUNE 8TH OF THIS YEAR

We're hosting a Community Listening Session on Wednesday, May 13th from 6-8pm at Park Avenue Church (3400 Park Avenue South). Enter off the parking lot on 34th & Oakland. Can’t attend in-person? Hybrid options available, register ahead of time by visiting linktr.ee/centralmpls and pressing the button that says “38th & Chicago Community Listening Session | 5/13.”

We're asking questions and advocating for the following:

  • Residential & Commercial Tax Freeze for 38th and Chicago

  • Community-designed process for construction

  • Deep Partnership across the organizations and coalitions in the neighborhood

What do you believe is needed during construction? 

Guests include Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley, Minneapolis City Council Member Soren Stevenson and staff from Minneapolis Public Works. 

LA CONSTRUCCIÓN EN 38TH Y CHICAGO COMIENZA el 8 de JUNIO DE ESTE AÑO

Estamos organizando una sesión de escucha comunitaria el miércoles 13 de mayo de 6-8pm en la iglesia Park Avenue (3400 Park Avenue Sur). Salga del estacionamiento en 34th & Oakland. ¿No puede asistir en persona? Opciones híbridas disponibles, regístrese con antelación visitando linktr.ee/centralmpls y pulsando el botón que dice “38th & Chicago Community Listening Session | 5/13”.

Estamos haciendo preguntas y abogando por lo siguiente: Congelación de impuestos residenciales y comerciales de para la 38a y Proceso diseñado por la comunidad de Chicago para la construcción Asociación Profunda de a través de las organizaciones y coaliciones en el vecindario

¿Qué cree que se necesita durante la construcción? 

Entre los invitados de se encuentran la comisionada del condado de Hennepin, Angela Conley, el concejal Soren Stevenson y el personal de Obras Públicas de Minneapolis.

Plant-Grow-Share | April 2026

Join us for our last Seed Circle of Spring! Find out what’s happening on the block with PLANT-GROW-SHARE this growing season!
¡Acompáñanos en nuestro último “Círculo de semillas” de esta primavera! ¡Descubre qué se cuece en el barrio con PLANT-GROW-SHARE esta temporada de cultivo!

Read more

Soil Safety - Seguridad del suelo

Plant-Grow-Share is working with researchers at the University of Minnesota to try to identify what happens to soil when tear gas or riot control agents are used. Scientists are testing for evidence of contamination from tear gas in the snow and the soil.

Read more

What have you seen on our streets?

What have you seen on our streets? What does our neighborhood need to thrive? Where do you need support, and what do you have to share? Join Council Member Soren Stevenson and Commissioner Angela Conley for a neighborhood meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 18th from 6-8pm.

Read more

Monday 1/19: Nonviolent Direct Action Training & Monarca Upstander Observer Training

Neighbor, we’re in this together.

While ICE escalates attacks on our immigrant neighbors, as well as observers, the Central neighborhood must step into our shared values of courage, care, and community.
We know that we care for us and we keep us safe.

Join us on Monday, January 19 for free trainings to help keep us safe! Pro-Immigrant, Pro-Labor, Pro-Democracy! Now available in the Central neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Visit the link below to register and receive location information.


Choose between these three trainings:
12-2pm Monarca Upstander Observer Training (FULL)

3-6:30pm NVDA Training

7-9pm Monarca Upstander Observer Training


Whether you have never joined a direct action, or you've planned one, this hands-on training is for you. Together, we will:

  • Learn what makes direct actions successful (or not successful).

  • Practice key hands-on skills for safe, fun, and effective direct actions, from de-escalation to linking arms to marshaling.

  • Connect with fellow community members who are committed to safe, joyful resistance against white supremacy, corporate greed, and authoritarianism.

Response to Shooting on 34th and Portland

Dear Community,

This morning a neighbor was shot and killed by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (also known as ICE) in the area of 34th Street East and Portland Avenue South in the central neighborhood.

We are outraged, disgusted and horrified by these actions. 


As your neighborhood organization, we affirm the following:

  1. No human being is illegal.

  2. Immigrants and refugees are welcome here.

  3. Everyone has the right to feel safe.

  4. Observing our government in public is a legal right.

  5. We are stronger together.



We understand that this administration has declared war on our community, our neighborhood, our city and our state. We will not be intimidated. 




As your neighborhood organization, we commit to the following:

  1. We will be a vehicle to resource the community, and we feel prepared to do so with integrity.

  2. We will use our resources and voice to defend the humanity of all of our neighbors.

  3. We will move with transparency and communicate with love.

  4. We will be accountable for the times we fail to do any of the above. 





We are requesting the city of Minneapolis to hold a press conference and support resource distribution to ensure neighbors can stay safe - with prompt psychological first aid response to neighbors who witnessed the murder.





All of us, or none of us,





Mickella Rolfes & Lane Brown

Co-Executive Directors

Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO)




Resources:

  1. What do you do if your loved one is detained by ICE?

    1. Contact the Rapid Response line: 612-441-2881

    2. Contact the Paralegal line: 651-372-8642

  2. What do you do if you are detained by ICE?

    1. You have constitutional rights (Espanol)

      1. NO ABRA LA PUERTA si un agente de inmigración está tocando la puerta.

      2. NO CONTESTE NINGUNA PREGUNTA de un agente de inmigración si trata de hablar con usted. Usted tiene el derecho a guardar silencio.

      3. NO FIRME NADA sin antes hablar con un abogado. Usted tiene el derecho de hablar con un abogado.

      4. SI USTED ESTA AFUERA DE SU CASA, pregúntele al agente si tiene la libertad de irse y si le dice que sí, váyase con tranquilidad.

      5. ENTRÉGUELE ESTA TARJETA EL AGENTE. Si usted está dentro de su casa, muestre la tarjeta por la ventana o pásela debajo de la puerta. (Las tarjetas están disponibles en monarcamn.org y en la oficina de CANDO, en el tercer piso del Centro Comunitario Sabathani).

      6. ICE ESTA PRESENTE? Llama al 612.441.2881 para hablar con alguien en nuestra línea de respuesta rápida.

      7. TIENES DUDAS O PREGUNTAS? Llama al 651.372.8642 y conéctate con nuestra línea de conoce tus derechos.

    2. You have constitutional rights (English)

      1. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

      2. DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

      3. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

      4. IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

      5. GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door. (Cards available from monarcamn.org and the CANDO office on the 3rd floor of the Sabathani Community Center.)

      6. SEE ICE? Call 612.441.2881 to talk to someone on our Rapid Response line.

      7. GOT QUESTIONS OR UNSURE? Call 651.372.8642 to connect with our Know Your Rights line.

    3. What to say to federal agents (English)

      1. “I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.”

      2. “I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.” (example here) (el ejemplo)

      3. “I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.”

      4. “I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.”

  3. More resources available at Monarca (monarcamn.org)

  4. What do you do if you see ICE? 

    1. Call the rapid response line: 612-441-2881

    2. Paralegal line: 651-372-8642

    3. DO:

      1. Blow short blasts with a whistle if you see ICE. Whistles are available from the CANDO office on the 3rd floor of the Sabathani Community Center.

      2. Blow long blasts with a whistle if you see ICE or other federal agents kidnapping a targeted person. Whistles are available from the CANDO office on the 3rd floor of the Sabathani Community Center.

      3. Honk your horn if you see ICE vehicles on the road.

      4. Try to get the targeted person’s name, DOB, country of origin. This helps Monarca intervene and find them before they are moved out of state. Try to get contact info of others left behind - also helpful to Monarca. Report this information to the rapid response line.

      5. Back up if instructed.

    4. DO NOT:

      1. Take any video of the targeted person.

  5. Take a legal observer training

    1. Monarca

    2. MIRAC

Example of a Judicial Warrant: