🌳 Eviction freeze…at the park?

Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Enacts Eviction Moratorium

First of all – yes, the MPRB owns a few rental properties in Minneapolis. As ICE's operations in Minnesota have taken many breadwinners from their families and left thousands more trapped in their homes unable to work, community members have been calling for eviction moratoriums and rent relief to keep neighbors housed. Although officials estimate the MPRB's moratorium would affect fewer than 10 tenants, the move is significant as no other local government has enacted a similar policy in response to Operation Metro Surge. [Star Tribune]

• What have government officials done? Both the Minneapolis and St. Paul city councils have passed resolutions urging Gov. Tim Walz to enact a statewide eviction moratorium, but Walz has yet to do so. City officials don't have the power to enact an eviction moratorium without Walz's signature, but the Minneapolis city council approved $1 million in rental assistance for folks facing eviction on Feb. 5. [MN Daily]
• People power: In the absence of broad eviction moratoriums and state-sponsored rent relief, Twin Cities residents have been engaging in mutual aid to help their neighbors pay rent directly. Earlier this month, Stand With Minnesota organizer Ashley Fairbanks successfully fundraised rent relief for over 50 families within 24 hours, and she actively maintains a list of rent relief funds that are accepting donations. [MinnPost]

'Rife with errors': A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson admitted that their website dedicated to showcasing the "worst of the worst" arrested immigrants included incorrect charges for hundreds of the people listed. Publicizing inaccurate charges can have devastating impacts on the people involved. Local auto shop owner Fong Khang recounted having friends question his character after he was listed under DHS's "worst of the worst." Khang was later released when federal officials recognized he was wrongfully detained. [CNN / Star Tribune]

This week around town: An open mic to share stories from Operation Metro Surge with neighbors at the Whipple Building, "Dildo Bingo" to raise money for Neighbors Helping Neighbors at Icehouse, a 5K through the St. Paul skyway system, and so much more. There's a lot to do in the Twin Cities this week! [City Cast Twin Cities]

Data center debate: With a massive Meta-operated data center under construction in Rosemount and at least 12 other hyperscale data centers proposed throughout Minnesota, residents are calling on legislators to enact a two-year pause on new construction. Advocates argue that these data centers have a detrimental impact on the environment and are not worth the economic impact promised by developers. [MPR]

Democratized documentation: Daniel Pierce Bergin has been a fixture at Twin Cities Public Television for decades, and his films have won over 20 regional Emmys. On today's episode of the podcast, Bergin talked about his role as a “leader in Black narrative space in Minnesota" and reflected on how Operation Metro Surge may end up being told as a story of "democratized documentation." [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

'No difference': Residents and elected officials in suburbs of the Twin Cities report that ICE's presence has largely stayed the same or increased in their communities since border czar Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge. Agents have been observed employing increasingly stealthy tactics and continuing to target legal observers. [Sahan Journal]

Still pouring: The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to approve liquor licenses for the Canopy by Hilton and the Depot Renaissance hotels, which allegedly housed ICE agents. Some council members sought a delay to review complaints from staff who said they felt unsafe and found unsecured weapons in rooms during the federal enforcement operation, but the city’s licensing manager determined the concerns were unrelated to liquor service. [MPR]

Monday, Feb 23

• ✨ Mamas Ignite Collective Creative Circles | The Legacy Building
• 🎸 Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket) | Dakota
• 💔 16 Bar Bingo: Love & Breakup Songs | The Hive Collaborative
• 🎤 Bryce Vine | Fine Line
• 📜 Poetry Night with John Krumberger and Thomas R. Smith 🆓 | Magers & Quinn
• 🎭 Oscar Wilde's SALOMÉ | PAIKKA
• 🔥 The Moth StorySLAM: Love Wins (SOLD OUT) | Parkway Theater

Tuesday, Feb 24

• 🖼️ Elliott Erwitt: Gold Standard 🆓 | Weinstein Hammons Gallery
• 🍆 Dildo Bingo | Icehouse
• ⚽ Minnesota United FC Kickoff Concert | First Avenue
• 🚴 Bone Saw Winter Group Ride Series | Martin Sabo Bridge (Midtown Greenway)
• 🪐 Laraaji | Berlin
• 💜 Rashad Shabazz presents Prince's Minneapolis 🆓 | Magers & Quinn
• 🌟 Kimberly Akimbo (Opening Night) | Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

• Horticulture Supervisor at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory | $72k - $95k per year
• Chief Operating Officer at The Good Acre | $110k - $120k per year
• Urban Mushroom Farmer at R&R Cultivation | $19 - $20 per hour
• Operations Director at Hmong American Farmers Association | $85k - $95k per year
• Chief Development Officer at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever | $185k - $240k per year