So, I’m not trending in the right direction as far as timely blog creation goes. If it helps any, I created one in my head several days ago! Part of the reason, that I decided to go with this format though, was the flexibility but I really will try harder to post before the month starts.
What I’m working on
This is a new section. I do a lot of work with different progressive organizations some of which is not directly related to my work as a city council member this is where I will share some of that work
MN Legislative Action Team
This is a group of leaders from Indivisible chapters across the state that follows the legislative session and creates and compiles calls to action (CTAs). Sign up to receive the newsletter here.
“Missing Middle” bill (update). HF 4009 is making it’s way through committee. It deals with housing density and is an intersection of addressing the housing crises, climate, and racial disparities.
I will be writing a CTA with more explanation as it is a complex bill and it is being met with resistence by some cities.Update: I wrote a CTA that can be found here by clicking on “MN Leg Calls to Action 3/17/24” Feel free to take a look at more recent CTAs and to sign up for the MN Leg Newsletter.As mentioned, there has been quite a bit of opposition to the bill. It is unlikely to make it out of committee this session. I am hopefull that continued conversations between stakeholders and advocates for racial, climate, and housing justice can result in a bill that will pass next session.
INDIVISIBLE West Metro
I’m on the board for IWM and we are currently focusing on local and state races in SD42, SD45, and SD37. Check out our latest newsletter for our endorsement in the Hennepin County District 6 Commissioner race, information on upcoming District 6 Candidate forums, as well as information on the upcoming (DFL) Senate District conventions.
CAP-HC Board
Nothing new to report. I just underwent new board member orientation. I’m leaving this here to remind myself to share information about the work of CAP-HC
You can read more about this county program here.
State Level priorities
I will be working with several groups and coalitions - ISAIAH/Faith in Minnesota, Indivisible, We Go High, We Choose Us, etc. - on issues at the MN Legislature - My primary focus will be on Climate/Environment but I will devote time as able to other issues.
Also nothing new (actually too much to put it all here). Let me know if you are interested in learning more about any of the groups that I listed above.
National/Other
I signed on to a Grants Pass Amicus Brief
You did what to the what now?
An amicus curiae is an individual or organization that is not a party to a legal case, but that is permitted to assist a court by offering information, expertise, or insight that has a bearing on the issues in the case. Whether an amicus brief will be considered is typically under the court's discretion.
So in this instance, I signed as a local elected leader and member of Local Progress to a brief for the Grants Pass v. Johnson case that will be heard by the Supreme Court to determine whether, under the U.S. Constitution, a local government can make it a crime to involuntarily live outside and unsheltered, when adequate shelter is not available.
Local Progress in coordination with the National Homelessness Law Center a developed and filed an amicus brief in support of the Respondents (a group of homeless individuals). Contrary to other local government voices in this case, the brief argues that Housing First policies, not criminalization, is the most effective and humane way to respond to homelessness. The brief can be found here.
Did you know?
Sticking with our dashboard theme: The City of Minnetonka has a Strategic Profile and Community Dashboard where visitors can learn about the city’s six strategic priorities and progress being made towards achieving specific goals within each priority.
What’s Happening in April?
April 9 - 7:00 p.m. Solar United Neighbors Presentation
April 13 - 9:00 a.m. Early birds walk - Look and listen for early-season migrating birds and talk about how urban areas can provide good bird habitat. Advanced registration required
Volunteer with Friends of Minnetonka Parks and learn to control Garlic Mustard
April 18 - 4:00 p.m. Volunteer: Victoria Evergreen Park
April 24 - 10:00 a.m. Volunteer: Jidana Park
April 27 - 12:00 p.m. Volunteer: Hilloway Park
April 28 - 12:00 p.m. Volunteer: Boulder Creek Park
April 30 - 5:30 p.m. Volunteer: Jidana Park
April 20 - 9:00 a.m. Jigsaw Jamboree
April 30 - 7:00 a.m. Special Primary Election Day