We Deserve Beautiful Spaces | September-October 2025
Whose Streets?
In December of last year, City Council Member Chavez authored a resolution directing the George Floyd Square Community Visioning Council to develop and share their vision for an intersection that honors the movement and the community. The Community Visioning Council (a group that grew out of the Community Co-Creation Team) has met monthly on the third Saturdays.
CANDO is encouraging you to attend the next meeting of the CVC and share your vision for the future of George Floyd Square on Saturday, September 20th from 10:00am – 12:00pm at Calvary Lutheran Church - 3901 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
May we be brave enough to dream together.
We Deserve Beautiful Spaces!
Let’s Feast Together: Bowls & Spoons Harvest Festival
We’re delighted to invite you to join us at the first annual Bowls & Spoons Harvest Festival on October 4th, 2025. Food grown by Plant-Grow-Share. Cooked by Healthy Roots Institute at City Food Studio. A meal shared in bowls from MudLuk studio and eaten with spoons from the Chicago Fire Arts Center. After-dinner entertainment by Pillsbury House + Theatre!
Join us at 5pm for a feast!
The Harvest Feast will be a sacred celebration—a community meal served at a long dinner table stretching down Chicago Avenue between 37th & 38th in George Floyd Square.
This project is rooted in community: held together through a weaving of art, storytelling, theater, music and the growing spaces that have cultivated and shared food throughout our neighborhood. Led by Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC), Mudluk Pottery, Pillsbury House + Theatre, City Food Studio, Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO), Healthy Roots Institute, and a growing network of community partners, this initiative is about creating spaces where people can connect, create, and get nourished together!
Learn more about Bowls & Spoons by visiting cafac.org/2025-bowls-and-spoons-harvest-feast
What’s Happening with Our Streets?
31st Street East [Project Update Page]
The City of Minneapolis is planning to reconstruct 31st street starting in 2028. Over 10,000 people use this road each year! Some improvements we expect include new sidewalks, ADA pedestrian ramps, bicycle accommodations, new pavement, curb and gutter areas as well as utility improvements. If you live on 31st street and have ideas, or if you have questions or concerns about this project, connect with the project organizer Katie White at katie.white@minneapolismn.gov.
35th & 36th Street Safety Improvements [Project Update Page]
The City is working to improve the 35th and 36th street roads in the Central neighborhood. They are in the process of adding ADA compliant curb ramps, bumpouts, increasing greenspace and addressing sidewalk obstructions.
Curious, Concerned or Interested in Learning More? Attend the upcoming Project Open House on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Blaisdell YMCA (3335 Blaisdell Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408). If you’re unable to attend the open house on September 23rd, contact Fontaine Burruss (Senior Transportation Planner with Public Works) at fontaine.burruss@minneapolismn.gov or by phone at 612-673-3614.
Input Wanted for 38th Street Safety Improvements Reconstruction [Project Updates]
In 2029, the City of Minneapolis will rebuild 38th street throughout the Central neighborhood. The City is asking the community for ideas on how to make the road safer for everyone. The input process includes: preliminary planning, a detailed design, and community engagement sessions where residents will be invited to share their thoughts and opinions on the city’s plans. Now is a great time to get involved with what the priorities of the reconstruction should be. What’s your dream for 38th street’s future? Share it with the project organizer Katie White at katie.white@minneapolismn.gov.
What’s Happening In George Floyd Square?
A legislative directive from the City Council required City of Minneapolis staff to study the creation of a pedestrian mall on Chicago Avenue, between 37th and 38th Streets. CANDO staff and board members attended the Open House held at The Square event center located on Chicago Avenue last month where city staff revealed their ideas for implementing a pedestrian plaza. The new plan is different from what was shared by Public Works last year. This plan would prevent cars from driving through Chicago Avenue. The new plan would create a plaza and cul-de-sac near 3744 Chicago Avenue.
Residents and business owners are invited to share their feedback on the Cul-de-sac / Concept Pedestrian Plaza using the online comment form and referencing file # 2025-00226.
What’s Happening In Our Neighborhood Parks?
Coming Soon: Skatepark at Richard R. Green Central Gym Park
The skatepark construction is beginning at Green Central Gym. Construction of the skatepark follows a plan set in motion by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board in 2017. Green Central was named after Dr. Richard R. Green, the City of Minneapolis’ first Black superintendent. His public service extended into New York as the chancellor for the largest school system in the United States.
“The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is pleased to announce that construction begins next week on a new skatepark at Central Gym Park. The design is based on an approved 2017 concept, which has been refined through community input into a final design shared last November. The design features a streetstyle skating area, a flow bowl integrated into the site and a variety of skate features including banks, manual pad, rails, slappy curb, ledges and bowl with roll over bump. Also included: an entry plaza and seating with shade from existing mature trees, as well as landscaping, lighting and decorative fencing.”
Learn more at the MPRB Project Update Page.
Image - 1 Richard Green. (n.d.). flickr.com/photos/mplsarchives/20526197888/
Image - 2 Central Gym Preferred Concept and Direction. (n.d.). minneapolisparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-10-30_Central-Gym-Final-Preferred-Concept.pdf
Curious About What’s Happening at Richard Green Central Park? Check Out the New Activities website to view Green Central Activities
Resources For Renters
What do I do if ICE comes to my house?
CANDO has Know-Your-Rights Cards available in the office (you can also make your own!) that say the following:
You have constitutional rights:
• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
• 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.
“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. 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. I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights. I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.”
These cards are available at Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC
Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC)
MIRAC is an all-volunteer, grassroots, multiracial, and multinational immigrant rights mass-movement organization. MIRAC fights for legalization for all, an end to immigration raids and deportations, an end to all anti-immigrant laws, and full equality in all areas of life.
4200 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
miracmn@gmail.com
CAIR-Minnesota
The Council on American-Islamic Relations is a nonprofit legal and civil rights organization that provides free legal services that help protect and empower Minnesota’s Muslim communities.
info@mn.cair.com
1821 University Avenue, Suite 306, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
cairmn.org
612-206-3360
Unidos MN
Check out Unidos MN at for upcoming trainings & events or reach out to them at
1515 E Lake St, #206, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 231-9719
What’s Happening with City Government?
The City Council makes the laws that govern the City. Each Council Member is elected from one of thirteen separate wards. The Central Neighborhood is represented by Ward 8 and 9.
The City publishes public notices to make you aware of important information or changes within your community. These notices inform you about actions that might affect your neighborhood or business. [Public notices link]
What’s my ward? Find My Ward - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council/find-my-ward/)
Update from Ward 8 Councilmember Andrea Jenkins | September Newsletter
Update from Ward 9 Councilmember Jason Chavez | September Newsletter
Ready … Set … Vote! On November 4th
Did you know? 2025 is an election year for our city government. Minneapolis uses ranked-choice voting, meaning you can vote for multiple candidates, ranking most to least preferred. Within the City of Minneapolis, the following seats are up for re-election:
Mayor
Council Member Wards 1 – 13
Board of Estimate and Taxation – 2 at-large seats
Park and Recreation Commissioner – 3 at-large seats
Park and Recreation Commission Districts 1 – 6
We Stand with EPNI
In May 2023, after a 10-year fight for environmental justice in Minneapolis’ East Phillips neighborhood, the community won the chance to convert a contested industrial warehouse into a cooperatively-owned community hub centered around an indoor farm, against steep odds.
East Phillips Neighborhood Institute rendering of what the roof depot could look like. (Courtesy of EPNI)
Read the August Statement from EPNI on the cancelled meeting with the Minneapolis Mayor
CANDO believes that farms are our future.
Will you stand with EPNI? Share your support by connecting with local public officials, or get involved at www.epnifarm.org
What’s Happening with County Government?
Curious how Hennepin County impacts you? In Minnesota, counties are responsible for property tax assessment, tax administration, elections, record keeping, transportation, planning and zoning, solid waste management, environment, parks and water management, law enforcement, courts and health and human services.
Due to size, Minneapolis has a special agreement with Hennepin County to manage some of its own services. Our county government is responsible for carrying out public services related to health and human services as well as making legislation and ordinances (rules) that impact public transit, housing & homelessness, environment and natural resources, jobs, healthcare, criminal justice and more.
Fall is budget season for Hennepin County!
Budget Hearing Process
This September, the county administrator will present the proposed budget to the county board. The county board votes to approve a maximum levy (tax increase).
This November, property owners will receive a notice showing the impact of the county’s maximum levies on their properties, as well as the impact of taxes proposed by other local units of government, such as cities and school districts. The property tax levies that commissioners ultimately approve in December may be lower than the approved maximums but cannot exceed the maximum levies adopted at the September meeting.
Budget Schedule
All budget hearings start at 12 p.m. CST. Budget meetings can be viewed online. Executive summaries for each line of business will be posted by the day of the budget hearing.
Monday, September 29: Disparity Elimination
Wednesday, October 1: Law, Safety, Justice and Public Works
Monday, October 6: Sheriff's Office and County Attorney's Office
Monday, October 20: Capital budget and Fees
Wednesday, October 22: Resident Services and Operations
Thursday, October 23: Human Services and Health
Monday, November 10: Administrator Amendments
Thursday, November 20: Commissioner Amendments
How to Get Involved
Share your desires for funding priorities by contacting your commissioner! Our neighborhood exists in District 4, represented by Commissioner Angela Conley. Commissioner Conley sends a monthly newsletter which you can subscribe to online. Read the September Bulletin
Board of Directors Updates
Dear Neighbors,
Over the past three weeks multiple mass shootings have shaken us. Our hearts are heavy for those who have lost someone, for those wounded and in recovery, and for everyone who has been impacted by these traumatic events directly or indirectly.
You are not alone.
Here are some thoughts from other grieving neighbors. We've also included a few resources below for those who might find them helpful.
Advice from Neighbors:
Challenge isolation
Stay curious about connection
Do your best to eat enough food and drink water
Don't feel pressured to react to trauma in a certain way
Resources for Youth
“Walking into You” a youth journal for exploring hurt, healing and breathing by Youth Mental Health Advocates
Libraries such as Hosmer
Parks: Sidney, McRae, Phelps, Green Central
Resources for Parents
Maternal Health programs at Sabathani
Gardens & Graveyards with Mankwe & Plant-Grow-Share
Resources for All
Libraries
988
Community Gardens
Cultural Wellness Center
Breathing/Grounding practices
With you,
CANDO Staff and Board of Directors
Next Meeting: Sep 17, 2025 6:00 PM
September 17, 2025, 6pm, Bryant Community Garden
Agenda
Call to Order
Roll Call & Declaration of Quorum
Additions or Changes to the Agenda
Review and Approve Previous Minutes
Community Space
Board Staff Report
Finances
Updates
New Business
October Meeting Date and Time - October 15th, 6pm
Get involved in Governance! Each month, the Board of Directors for our organization (a volunteer group of neighbors working to leverage their connections, resources and time on behalf of our neighborhood) meet and make decisions about how funding, resources and networks are connected and distributed across our neighborhood.
Plan Modification
Neighborhood organizations have seen some major changes in funding through the city. Outdated funds from the Neighborhood Revitalization Program need to be contracted or we risk losing them. We will be holding a virtual and in-person vote the week of 9/18 to contract the remaining amount of $87,166.26 to Phase 1 Administration.
Highlights & Updates from our Partners
Powderhorn Porchfest (September 20th, 4-10pm)
PPNA will celebrate its 13th annual block party on Saturday, September 20th, from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM along 17th Ave South between 32nd and 34th Street, for another unforgettable evening of celebrating community through the love of music. Thirteen dynamic musicians will continue the Powderhorn tradition of transforming our neighbors' front porches into epic stages. Powderhorn Porchfest is a joy-filled festival for all ages during the day and an unforgettable celebration for the adults after dark.
Eats & Streets (October 4, 1-3:30pm) at Hosmer Library
For neighbors who live along and around 35th and 36th streets to share challenges they’ve faced while navigating the two corridors, and to offer feedback ahead of the City’s eventual reconstruction. Attendees can expect to engage with their neighbors, share stories, and learn about the corridors and ways to get involved in promoting community & street safety. Food, kids activities, and childcare vouchers will be provided, as well as Spanish interpretation for the program.
Midtown Farmers Market - Care Fare & Annual Meeting (September 18th, 3-6pm & 6-8pm)
September 18th will be an exciting day for CNO. Join us for our first ever resource fair, the Care Fair from 3-6pm, and our Annual Members Meeting from 6-8pm! Join organizations like North Star Health Collective, Aliveness Project, CTUL, Bridge for Youth, and First Nations Kitchen in service to our community. All organizations representing at the Care Fair will be sharing resources and information for free meals, harm reduction, labor rights, housing, and more.There will be free Pizza Luce at the event, so please RSVP to make sure we have enough food! RSVP here or through our Facebook event.
One South Connect (October 11th, 11a - 1pm)
Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association (PPNA), Corcoran Neighborhood Organization (CNO), and Longfellow Community Council (LCC) invite community members and stakeholders to One South Connect: Building Sustainable Futures on October 11, 2025, from 11 am-1 pm in an effort to envision more sustainable models for neighborhood community building initiatives to thrive. Registration Required; please register at www.corcoranmpls.org/events
Free Mpls Food Vendor Training (3-Week Series Starts September 30th)
A project of Healthy Roots Institute, the Minneapolis Business Development Program is designed for emerging food vendors already doing the work. It offers certification, coaching, and community connections to help vendors grow their business without losing their flavor and roots. Applications are due Friday, September 26, 2025. Visit https://mnfoodvendor.com/ to apply.
Questions: Team@MNFoodVendor.com