The KFNA Board’s monthly meeting was held on Zoom last night. The beginning of the meeting focused on an update on the MLK Park Encampment from some of the lead volunteers who have been supporting the unhoused residents there since June 2020. Board business follows this discussion.
There is one more day to comment on the proposed City budget
The City Council has approved Neighborhoods 2020 program guidelines for equity, funding, and governance among City-supported neighborhood organizations. These guidelines are designed to preserve neighborhood organizations and create equitable communities in which all people are valued, all communities are engaged, and leadership mirrors the diversity of the city. Under the approved plan, there are equitable engagement funds available to each neighborhood which are allocated based on an equity formula developed by CURA and total program funding and base level funding for each neighborhood organization will be discussed through the City’s budget process. The current proposal provides less than .25 of 1% of the entire City budget to be divided between the 70 Minneapolis neighborhood associations.
Thank you to the many people that commented to the City about the importance of funding neighborhood associations during the development of the guidelines! Neighborhood organizations are a key connector between residents and the City, and these place-based nonprofits lead community building and organizing efforts and provide critical services. Throughout the budgeting process, the City still needs to hear this message. Feel free to use any of KFNA’s comment templates about the importance of our work which you can find here: https://kingfield.org/neighborhoods-2020/
The City Council needs to hear your feedback. When they hear directly from impacted communities to prioritize the Mayor’s investments. Your voice is valuable, and we need you to contribute it to this important conversation.
There is one remaining upcoming online public hearings for people to share thoughts on the Mayor’s recommended 2021 City Budget, and comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website. Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the Mayor and Council Members.
Budget hearing information, including links on how to participate are below:
- Public Hearing on Budget: Monday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. (virtual)
- Truth in Taxation Public Hearing: Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 6:05 p.m. (virtual)
- Final Budget Hearing and Budget Adoption: Wed, Dec. 9 at 6:05 p.m.(virtual)
The State of Minnesota Human Rights Department is Investigating the Minneapolis Police Department
Reminder: Please submit any comments by December 15th, 2020.
On June 2, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights launched a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department after filing a Commissioner’s charge related to the death of George Floyd. This investigation into policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years will determine if the police department engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color and ensure any such practices are stopped.
This is the first time the state launched a civil rights investigation into the systemic discriminatory practices of the largest police department in the state. It’s also the only investigation surrounding the killing of George Floyd focusing on the policies and practices implemented by the Minneapolis Police Department.
Minnesota has one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, it is illegal for a police department to discriminate against someone because of their race. Where civil rights violations are found, the Human Rights Department seeks structural change.
The Human Rights Department is currently seeking individuals to share their experiences with MPD over the last 10 years, whether positive, negative or neutral.
Any direct interactions by citizens with the police, positive or negative, should be reported by phone or online here:
- (651) 539-1100
- mn.gov/mdhr/
For info on the full investigation and process, check out: https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/
Thank you neighbors for taking part in our “Keep It Local” Charity Event!
Thank you Neighbors, for taking the time to purchase $10 gift cards from our many local shops as gifts for the clients at The Aliveness Project! Already we have contributed almost 100 gifts equaling almost $1000 (which also supports our struggling local stores) to our neighbors living with HIV/AIDS so they can either go purchase something nice for themselves, or a loved one. Our goal is to provide 300 gifts by Friday afternoon, December 11 so they can be used to stuff the gift stockings next weekend so we are well on our way!
Gift cards can be purchased at any local business and brought to the front door of the The Aliveness Project during their regular hours this week. If you want to purchase a gift card but are concerned about making extra trips during this period of COVID precautions, you can also purchase gift cards from the following local businesses on-line, and they will make sure they get delivered to The Aliveness Project in time for the stocking-stuffing!
Businesses that can support a Gift Card purchase include:
For all Gift Card’s purchased online please enter your name as “Aliveness Project” and your email as info@kingfield.org so we are notified to pick it up for delivery. For any other local businesses not listed below, please deliver your Gift Cards directly to The Aliveness Project.
Businesses that can support an E-card purchase include:
For any e-Gift card please send them as a gift to “Aliveness Project” (recipient) with the contact as Mattb@aliveness.org (email).
Support The Aliveness Project and Support Local Businesses!
Today on Giving Tuesday and World AIDS Day (and continuing through December 11th) please consider picking up a $10 gift card, or two!, from any local business and donating it to The Aliveness Project to use in their Holiday Stockings that they give to their clients. The Aliveness Project was founded as a community center by, and for, people living with HIV. For over 30 years they have served as a connection to community offering nutrition and wellness services, and linked members to resources to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
Gift cards can be purchased at any local business and brought to the front door of the The Aliveness Project during their regular hours and left at the front desk for before 3 PM, Friday December 11. If you want to purchase a gift card but are concerned about making extra trips during this period of intense COVID precautions, you can also purchase gift cards from a number of our local businesses on-line, and they will make sure they get delivered to The Aliveness Project in time for the stocking-stuffing!
Businesses that can support a fully contactless, online Gift Card purchase and delivery include:
For all Gift Card’s purchased online please enter your name as “Aliveness Project” and your email as info@kingfield.org so we are notified to pick it up for delivery. For any other local businesses not listed below, please deliver your Gift Cards directly to The Aliveness Project.
Businesses that can support an E-card purchase include:
For any e-Gift card please send them as a gift to “Aliveness Project” (recipient) with the contact as Mattb@aliveness.org (email).
