Lydia’s Ward 10 Update, Feb 4 : Winter festivals; Housing construction plummets; New graduating class of officers
Celebrating Winter
Winter is a special time in this City of Lakes. As a child growing up in Minneapolis, our winter events seemed magical. From the East Bde Maka Ska Winter Party to the nationally famous City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival and Luminary nothing brings me more joy than celebrating these treasures with my neighbors.
Housing Construction Plummets in Minneapolis, Ward 10 Is Hit Hardest
In 2024 the Minneapolis Planning Commission only approved 162 new housing units–95 percent fewer homes than the 3,458 approved in 2022.
The current Ward 10 City Council Member serves as Vice Chair of the Council; under this leadership there were zero major projects started in Ward 10 and only six land use applications.
Of all the Midwestern cities with over 120,000 people, Minneapolis has had the largest housing production drop-off, with 2024 housing numbers down by 88% from the previous three-year average.
Read the MinnPost analysis here.
A New Graduating Class of MPD Cadets
Last week I had the honor of sitting in the room alongside the friends, family, and neighbors of 19 new community officers and MPD cadets. The enormity of the commitment and the challenge could be felt in the room as legendary police reform activist Spike Moss encouraged us to come together to support of these new officers. Spike explained that support from the community is key to building bonds of trust that are essential as we repair the damage caused by Jim Crow, redlining, and the murder of George Floyd.
As someone born and raised in Minneapolis, it brings me hope to see more community officers and cadets who reflect the community, and who risk their lives to serve and protect the their neighbors in the spirit of love and peace. I was reminded of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast I attended just a week earlier and our shared community goal to build a community that sees itself as One People. The words of Dr. King echoed in my ears: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
