Redistricting

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard.

The 2021 municipal election is based on the 2010 census maps, but City Council members elected in November will serve a term of two years rather than four. Another City Council election in 2023 will be based on the new maps from the 2020 census.

Above you can see the current draft that the Redistricting Group is working off of for the public hearings listed below. This includes significant amendments to Ward 3 due to population increases. As you can see, this would mean Sheridan Neighborhood will be moving from Ward 3 to Ward 1.

Participate in the redistricting project

• Explore the redistricting webpages.

• Research neighborhood demographics.

• Draw and submit draft maps.

• Register for redistricting meetings presenting draft maps for public discussion.

  • 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15.

  • 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

  • 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

  • Sign up to get notices for all redistricting meetings.

Email comments or questions

Sheridan Votes!

Register to Vote

Registering to vote is possible both online prior to Election Day and in-person the day of the Election. To register to vote in Minnesota, a person must be: a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a resident of MN for 20 days, finished with all parts of a felony sentence, and not ruled legally incompetent by a court.

What is needed to register? Proof of residency (I.e. bill displaying address, a lease, etc.) and a Minnesotan driver’s license, identification card (I.e. state ID, US passport, US military or veteran ID, etc.), or the last 4 digits of your social security are needed to register to vote. Also, if it has been more than 4 years since you last voted or you have moved or changed your name since you last registered, you will need to re-register.

Learn more, check your registration status, and register online at: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/

It is also possible to register at an early voting location which you can learn more about here: https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person/

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Get your Sample Ballot

Want to see exactly what will be on your ballot? You can print it out, fill in your candidate choices, and copy then onto your official ballot at the polling place!

Head to https://vote.minneapolismn.gov ➡️ Voters ➡️ What’s on the Ballot and then type in your address to get a mock ballot with the candidates/amendments that will be on your ballot. The resource even has each candidate hyperlinked so you can learn about their positions and values!

See the Sample Ballot for Sheridan Neighborhood here!

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Early Voting and Ballot Drop-off

You may vote early in person at Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services (980 Hennepin Ave. E, Minneapolis, MN 55414). You may also bring your completed absentee ballot to drop it off at the Early Vote Center until 3pm on Election Day. Check hours before you go: https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person/

Vote on Election Day: November 2nd

Sheridan residents can vote at East Side Neighborhood Services (1700 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413) on Election Day between 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. You cannot drop your absentee ballot off at a polling place on Election Day.

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About Rank Choice Voting

We use ranked choice voting for Minneapolis offices:

• Mayor

• City Council

• Board of Estimate and Taxation

• Park and Recreation Board

Ranked choice voting is a voting method where you vote for candidates in order of your preference. This allows you to 'rank' your vote - first choice, second choice, and third choice. This method can allow your vote to count toward another candidate if your favorite candidate loses. For example, if your first choice candidate doesn’t win, your vote is transferred to your second choice. You are not required to provide second or third choice votes.

Learn more here: https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/ranked-choice-voting/details/

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Voting Resources:

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Graco Park

A new stage of Northeast Minneapolis riverfront park development begins this summer! The project includes:

• A new and improved park, called Graco Park on a parcel of riverfront land north of Plymouth Avenue Bridge that currently hosts a section of Mississippi East Bank Trail and a gravel beach facing Hall’s Island.

• Design and construction of a building supporting Graco Park along Sibley Street NE. We're looking for interesting parties to submit a Letter of Interest for becoming a tenant or programming the building, see the news release for details.

• Improved trail connections to Boom Island Park and a pedestrian bridge connecting to Hall’s Island.

There are several ways to get involved. There's a website with background information and survey questions, an in-person, drop-in event at the future Graco Park this Saturday, June 12, 1-3 pm where people can speak with staff about the project, and a virtual conversation Wednesday, June 23, 4:30-6 pm. Check out the news release for details.

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You are encouraged to give feedback that will be used to develop park and building concepts. The first of three planned phases of engagement in 2021 has just launched. There are multiple ways to get involved:

Online Survey and Resources: Visit the project engagement page to find a survey, maps, and images with information about the project and prompts to provide input. All submitted ideas and comments will be documented and considered as designs for the project are developed. This survey is open through July 7, 2021.

In-Person Event: Share your thoughts in person at Graco Park on Saturday, June 12, 1-3 p.m. Look for the MPRB tent and table. 

Virtual Conversation: Join MPRB staff and community members for an online conversation about the project on Wednesday, June 23, 4:30-6 p.m. Use the Zoom link below to join:

Graco Park Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 928 8232 1476

Passcode: 303288

Down the Road: The first phase of engagement wraps up in July. Project staff will use feedback collected to create multiple park and building design concepts and share them in August for another round of feedback with another survey and additional in-person events. Then, in the fall, a single, preferred concept will be shared for a third round of engagement.  

Visit the Graco Park and Lot 2 project page and enter your email address into the box under "Subscribe to Email Updates" to stay informed about this project.

MPRB is also soliciting letters of interest (LOI) from interested parties, organizations, businesses, or proprietors that are interested in being a tenant, hosting programs, or both in a new proposed MPRB building in Graco Park. As part of the new Graco Park design process, there is also an opportunity for a future separate commercial space to be developed on the site adjacent to the Park Board building with the intention of the building to support operations of a park-supportive vendor. This call for letters of interest is for both opportunities. Interested parties should review the submission guidelines and submit a letter of interest by July 23, 2021.

The new park owned and operated building will be approximately 4,000 square feet composed of a combination of shared or independent office space, community meeting rooms, public restrooms, and an open programmable gallery-like hall. The design and configuration of the future commercial building may change as a result of the design process.

Schedule and Deadlines for Proposals

Release of solicitation for proposals: June 7, 2021
Questions or requests for clarifications due July 7, 2021
Responses to questions or requests for clarifications posted July 10, 2021
Proposals due 5 p.m. CST, July 23
Interviews, if required, early August 2021

Questions regarding this request should be directed via email only to:
Carrie Christensen, Senior Planner
cchristensen@minneapolisparks.org

2648 Marshall St NE

There has been a request for a Variance and CUP at 2648 Marshall St NE for a new cluster development right on the Mississippi River. The SNO board of directors has put out a letter of opposition for this request in the hope that this area eventually joins other riverside property into public use.

Read SNO’s Announcement of Opposition.

Read SNO’s Full Public Comment.

Join the online meeting where it will be discussed:

Monday, Jun 14, 2021 | 4:30 PM
City Planning Commission- Online Meeting
Agenda Item: 2648 Marshall St NE new cluster development of three dwelling units (PLAN10867)

Sign up to speak at the meeting: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/meetings/public-hearing-speaker-sign-up/

View the public hearing live on City Council TV: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/meetings/city-council-tv/

Ward 3 Candidate Forum

Please join us for a Ward 3 City Council Candidate Forum on Monday, May 10 from 7 - 8:30 PM!

Ward 3 residents will have the opportunity to listen to candidates via livestream from the League of Women Voters Minneapolis Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lwvmpls. You do not have to have a facebook account to watch the livestream and the recording will remain accessible after the event is over.

There will be closed captioning available; for further accommodations, please contact SAENA at least 5 days in advance at info@saenaminneapolis.org or 612-314-3651. If you would like to submit a question for the forum, please email vote@lwvmpls.org for consideration.

Hosted by Eastside Ward 3 Neighborhoods: BNA, BNC, MHNA, NIEBNA, SAENA, SNO, STAWNO and moderated by the League of Women Voters Minneapolis.

RSVP on Facebook Event.

Watch the Recording Here.

Image description: Teal and light green background with words “Ward 3 City Council Candidate Forum” in white beside the map of Ward 3 Neighborhoods and the map of Ward 3 within the City of Minneapolis. The middle of the image has three circular headshot photos of Steve Fletcher, Merv Moorhead, and Michael Rainville with their names below each photo. Below that, "Monday, May 10th 7-8:30pm" is written in white beside "Watch the livestream at www.facebook.com/lwvmpls" in blue. Eastside Ward 3 Neighborhood hosts are listed at the bottom in white.

Free COVID Testing & Flu Shots

We're doing it again: FREE COVID testing and flu shots on Saturday, November 14 from 12-3 pm at East Side Neighborhood Services! Drive and walk up testing is available. Register on site, open to all!
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Prueba Gratis del COVID y Vacunas de la Gripe
Cuando: Sábado 14 de noviembre, de 12 pm a 3 pm
Donde: East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 NE 2nd Street, Minneapolis MN 55413
Prueba disponible llegando en auto o caminando, registrarse en el sitio, disponible para todos!

Do you want to volunteer? Let us know at sno@sheridanneighborhood.org.Volunteers needed 11:20-3:30 with lunch provided. Volunteers will manage traffic flow, help with registration, and help translate for Somali and Spanish speaking guests.

Nbhd Name Change Survey

We need your input on changing the name of Sheridan Neighborhood

Who is our Neighborhood named after?

Sheridan Neighborhood in NE Minneapolis is named after Philip Henry Sheridan, a Union General in the American Civil War and General of the Army fighting against Indigenous People all over North America and most notably in the Indian Wars of the Great Plains. 

He was famous for his horrendous scorched-earth tactics, for leading the extermination of the buffalo, and forcibly relocating Indigenous Peoples from their territories to reservations. Sheridan is credited with saying, “The only good Indians I ever saw were dead” which was honed into the American expression "The only good Indian is a dead Indian" which was commonly used to fuel Native genocide for decades after. It it is not recorded that Sheridan ever stepped foot in Minnesota. Read more details on Sheridan’s legacy here.

How did this start? What other groups have changed their names to cut ties with Sheridan?

Sheridan School began the process of changing their name in the summer of 2020 after learning about Philip Sheridan’s racist and violent legacy. They are actively working on co-creating a name that better represents their students. You can learn more about their Change the Name Initiative here (English & Español).

The organization formerly known as The Sheridan Story changed their name to Every Meal at the beginning of October, 2020 to better support the children and families they serve, including those from Indigenous backgrounds. You can learn more about why they changed their name here.

Why the Board of the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization does not support honoring Sheridan’s legacy:

We believe in the power of a name as it honors the legacy of an individual and what they stood for. Our community has repeatedly shown that we do not stand racism, bigotry, and violence against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We believe that our namesake must reflect both what we stand for and the community that we envision moving forward. Philip Sheridan’s legacy of Indigenous genocide is not that vision.

Quite simply, our mission says it best:

The mission of the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization (SNO) is to strengthen and celebrate the community by facilitating connections between the residents, businesses, and institutions of Sheridan. SNO is dedicated to preserving the neighbors’ strengths, identifying and helping to address the community’s changing needs, and bringing positive improvements to all.

Our strength lies in the people who make up our neighborhood, including Indigenous community members who’s ancestors may have been directly impacted by Philip Sheridan. With the goal of helping address our community’s changing needs, we are asking for your input.

Name Change Survey: We need your input!

Sheridan Neighborhood Organization is seeking community input on changing the name of the neighborhood, beginning with an online survey which will be available through December 31st, 2020. A paper survey will be made available at Eat My Words Bookstore.

We are no longer taking responses for this name change survey.

Want to get more involved? Join the Neighborhood Name Change Committee

SNO is forming a Neighborhood Name Change Committee which will begin meeting in February of 2021 and will help guide the name change process towards a final decision on whether to change the name of the neighborhood, and if so, what the final name will be.

Tasks may include attending virtual meetings, reviewing final survey results, rounding down alternative name suggestions, conducting a follow-up survey, and hosting public meetings.

Please fill out this interest form by January 31st, 2021:

What is the process for changing a neighborhood name?

1. Community Engagement
   Online surveys, community discussions, and gathering input from those who live, work, and own in Sheridan Neighborhood. This could also include gathering name suggestions, narrowing them down, and doing a community vote on the final name.

2. Board Vote
   The neighborhood board should take all community input into account as they vote whether or not to change the name and what to change it to.

3. City Council Vote
   The neighborhood board will submit all community input, their vote. and the suggested name to the City Council who will vote on whether to accept or deny the name change.

This process has been done recently in the case of West Maka Ska (previously West Calhoun), ECCO (previously East Calhoun), and other neighborhoods.

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#MaskUpSheridan

As of July 25th, 2020, per the Governor's Executive Order 20-81, people in Minnesota are required to wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces and indoor businesses, unless you are alone in the space. Additionally, workers are required to wear a face covering when working outdoors in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Research has shown that use of face coverings can greatly reduce the risk of infection when combined with other prevention efforts such as social distancing and hand hygiene.

#MaskUpSheridan! Our community is counting on you 😷💕

🌟Need a mask? We have you covered. Request them here: bit.ly/2xHDjes under "Receive Support". 🌟

Census 2020 Sheridan

As of May 26th, 68.6% of Sheridan Neighborhood residents have responded to the Census. Let’s make sure that 100% get counted!

The Census impacts how billions of dollars are distributed across Minnesota. It determines funding for public health, schools, housing, transit, and infrastructure (roads/bridges, water/sewer, gas/electric). An accurate count means better serving people where they live. Specifically, every person we don’t count is $28,000 our communities won’t receive over the next ten years.

Fill out the Census today at 2020census.gov! Find more information, in English, Somali, Spanish, and Hmong at mncounts.com.

Pierre Bottineau Library is a Questionnaire Assistance Center, but until the libraries re-open we encourage you to call the available Census hotlines listed below.

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CENSUS 101

Overview from the Census Bureau explaining the impacts of a complete and accurate count and why it's important: English | Español | Soomaali | Hmoob | Immigrant communities

Census 101 Video in English
Census 101 Vídeo en Español

HOW TO FILL OUT THE CENSUS

• for College Students

• for Non-U.S. citizens

• for "Snowbirds"

• for people in healthcare facilities

Take the Census online: MY2020CENSUS.GOV.
Take it by phone: 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Español).

Complete el censo en línea: MY2020CENSUS.GOV.
Complete el censo por teléfono: 844-330-2020 (Inglés) o 844-468-2020 (Español).

Tirakoobka ku buuxi intarnetka: MY2020CENSUS.GOV.
Ku buuxi taleefanka: 844-330-2020 (Ingiriis).

Ua qhov Kev Txheeb Suav Pej Xeem hauv online (oos lais): MY2020CENSUS.GOV.
Ua qhov kev txheeb suav pej xeem hauv xov tooj: 844-330-2020 (Lus As Kiv).

UPDATED CENSUS 2020 TIMELINE

March 12 - 28, 2020: Invitations to complete the Census will be sent out — 80% of households will receive this invitation to complete the Census online and 20% will receive a physical census form

April 1st was Census Day -- BUT IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO BE COUNTED! In this time of unprecedented challenges and disruption to daily life, don’t forget to complete your 2020 Census questionnaire -- Invest 10 minutes for the next 10 years

March 29 - May 6, 2020: For those who have not responded, your household will receive a series of online, mail, or phone reminders to complete the Census

May 7 - August 14, 2020: For those who have still not responded, your household will receive up to 6 follow-up contacts by census takers by phone and in person

Click here for more details on WHEN, WHY, & HOW to count EVERYONE once, only once, and in the right place.

ANSWERS TO COMMON CENSUS QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

What is on the Census anyway?

The Census only asks for basic information (e.g., age, sex, race, etc.) for all people living in the household. It does not ask for sensitive information like social security numbers. Read the Minnesota Census Fact sheet, Why We Ask to learn what is asked on the Census and why.

Why does it MATTER if I am counted?

A complete, fair and accurate Census count drives critical funding, services, and programming at the federal, state and local level. It also impacts how we are represented — an undercount could put Minnesotans at risk for losing our U.S. 8th Congressional District Seat.

Will my private data be protected?

What about PRIVACY? 
Who can see my Census data, and how can it be used?

What about CITIZENSHIP?

There is no citizenship question on the census. 

What if I have more than one residence -- where should I be counted in the Census?

Complete the Census at your “usual residence.” Whether you are a student or a “snowbird,” you should complete the Census using the address where you live most of the time. For more questions on this, see the US Census Bureau’s “Residence Criteria and Residence Situations for the 2020 Census of the United States” or email Ryan Redmer, Minnesota 2020 Census Associate, ryan.redmer@state.mn.us.

Do I still have the option to complete the Census another way if I prefer, or if I don't have internet access?

Yes. You can complete the questionnaire online (my2020census.gov), by mail, or over the phone: toll-free 844-468-2020. Learn more.

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Census 2020 Yard Signs

One way to make sure that we all get counted is to spread the word. Get a yard sign for your yard today to tell your neighbors that you participated in the Census and that it is important that they do too!

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Census Collaboration with Edison High School Students

NE Neighbors, watch this great video our youth made about the importance of the 2020 Census in many languages! Thanks to ETSN and MTN TV Studios for making this video even through these difficult times.

This was a collaboration between Edison High School (Minnesota), MTN TV Studios, Logan Park Neighborhood Association, and Sheridan Neighborhood Organization.

Inclusionary Zoning Policy

The City Council will be considering amendments to the City’s Unified Housing Policy and Revenue Loss Offset Assistance Policy in connection with development of a permanent Inclusionary Zoning Policy. Inclusionary zoning is intended to advance the City’s housing goals by ensuring that affordable housing is provided in new residential or mixed-use developments (see Background section below). The attached document summarizes the draft policy recommendations that will be considered by the City’s Housing Policy and Development Committee on December 4th.

Public comments are being accepted on these policy recommendations until 4:00pm on December 2. Submit your comments via e-mail to Emily Carr, Senior Project Coordinator, Department of Community Planning and Economic Development emily.carr@minneapolismn.gov.

If you or your group would like to meet to discuss the proposed policy changes, or if you have questions, please contact Emily Carr.

It is expected that the permanent Inclusionary Housing policy will be considered at the following meetings of the City Council:

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 1:30pm –– Housing Policy & Development Committee

Friday, December 13, 2019 at 9:30am –– City Council

Additional information on Minneapolis Inclusionary Zoning is available here.

Background

On February 9, 2018, City Council President Lisa Bender introduced subject matter to establish an inclusionary zoning (housing) ordinance.

Since 2003, the City of Minneapolis has implemented housing policy that requires affordable housing units in residential and mixed-use projects with 10 or more units that receive financial assistance from the city. The policy was expanded to apply the affordable housing requirement to projects receiving pass-through funding from the city (state or federal funds), and projects developed on property or a portion of property owned by the city.

In 2017, the City engaged a consultant, Grounded Solutions Network, to conduct financial feasibility analysis and policy research regarding national best practices to inform recommendations for additional inclusionary housing policy options for the city. Their report included pros and cons of different policy choices, and case studies of three other cities with inclusionary housing policies. This work was supported by a team of City staff from Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Housing, Development Services, and Long-Range Planning divisions, City Attorney’s Office and the Finance and Property Services department. Grounded Solutions Network solicited input from private developers and affordable housing advocates in this process.

The Grounded Solutions Network report was presented to the Housing Policy & Development Committee of the City Council on August 22, 2018. The report informed an inclusionary housing policy framework adopted by the City Council on December 7, 2018, concurrent with the Comprehensive Plan (Minneapolis 2040). The City Council directed staff to develop a comprehensive inclusionary housing policy consistent with this framework in 2019. Also on December 7, 2018, the City Council approved amendments to the Unified Housing Policy and the Minneapolis Zoning Code to allow for an “Interim” inclusionary zoning ordinance and inclusionary housing policy, to be in place from January 1, 2019 until the permanent policy is adopted and takes effect. The interim ordinance only applies to projects that need re-zoning and/or substantial additional development capacity of 60% or more, exempts ownership housing and housing primarily targeted to students.

In early 2019, the City conducted a request for proposals (RFP) and again engaged Grounded Solutions Network to assist with the development of a permanent inclusionary zoning policy and implementation program. This work is underway, supported by the inter-departmental staff team and involves stakeholder engagement, interviews, research and technical assistance.  On July 16, 2019 Grounded Solutions Network conducted stakeholder meetings with developers and affordable housing advocates on potential compliance alternatives for inclusionary housing policies, and on July 17, 2019, Grounded Solutions Network presented an overview of the main types of compliance alternatives and their pros and cons to the Housing Policy and Development (HPD) Committee. Compliance alternatives allow choices other than developing affordable housing units on site. Input shared at the stakeholder meetings and during the HPD Committee discussion has informed draft policy recommendations. 

Free Asthma and Lead testing for Sheridan, Bottineau, Hawthorne and Mckinley Neighborhoods

Call 612.870.4255 or email r.peleska@src-mn.org for Lead Testing, and Call/ text 612- 685-8512 or email eliza.schell@minneapolismn.gov for Asthma Home Visits.