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State of Our Neighborhood Event Summary



On Wednesday, January 28, 2026 we were delighted to host our annual 2026 State of Our Neighborhood Event. Approximately 100 community members joined us for an opportunity to engage in constructive conversation with elected officials. Participants were given an opportunity to ask questions and here directly from leaders on the current events in the Nokomis East Neighborhood.


The dialogue was captured via notetakers (thank you NENA Board of Directors!). Notes can be found below.


Special thank you to the the following elected officials for attending!

Aurin Chowdhury, Ward 12 Councilmember

Angela Conley, District 4 Commissioner 

Michael Howard, MN House-51A

Zaynab Mohamed, MN Senate-63

Jamison Whiting, Ward 11 Councilmember

Melissa Wiklund, MN Senate-51



These notes are not a verbatim transcript of the meeting, but rather a summation of the responses of the six elected officials across three separate conversations.

ICE Presence in Minneapolis


What can you share about the city-level response to ICE, your efforts, and actions you’re taking?

Councilmember Chowdhury: The City of Minneapolis has a virtual resource center for services such as mental health support and groceries. Mayor Frey and Governor Walz have both communicated with President Trump after Greg Bovino was demoted and replaced with Tom Homan. Mayor Frey has talked with Homan. We continue to see lots of ICE presence close to schools as recently as today (1/28). We have filed a lawsuit against Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security, but the judge did not rule from the bench so we are waiting for a ruling there. 


We are asking residents to report the effects of the ICE presence, or incidents that they experience, to the Attorney General. There is an online form to report to the AG. We are also asking local businesses to report business losses related to ICE presence (Spanish, Somali). We are planning to ask the state delegation for recovery funding. We are also looking into ways to provide rental assistance without collecting sensitive information. We’ve also been asked about a utility pause. The eviction moratorium in 2020 led to many tenants falling significantly behind on rent and ultimately led to more financial difficulties, so we are thinking about options available to us.


Councilmember Whiting: Collaborating with Chowdhury and the rest of the council on the actions above. In communication with the city attorney and while we expect decisions in the next few weeks there are concerns about those not being heeded. The city council has also updated their meeting schedule to provide more time for council members to be actively in the community meeting needs. 


Commissioner Conley: We are examining the impact of Operation Metro Surge, pushing for after-action reviews, and working with state representatives. We’ve put together Operation Reconnect as a one-stop shop for resources. The federal actions are unpredictable and appear intended to create uncertainty. We believe ICE is unnecessary and that criminal matters can be handled through our existing systems. Other states are watching how we respond, making local actions extra important.


What is the best way that I can help? What advice do you have for neighborhood organizations?

Councilmember Whiting: Everything is helpful. Look for something that matches your skillset, whether that’s helping with laundry, creating art, raising funds - anything is worthwhile.


Councilmember Chowdhury: Be thoughtful that you are not putting your neighbors in danger, such as by delivering mutual aid in a vehicle that may be tracked. Look for hyper-local mutual aid, and start by connecting with someone you trust in your neighborhood who is involved. You can reach out to Hilton, which has been providing housing, and other corporations about their involvement. Hearing from residents is powerful.


Commissioner Conley: There is an immediate need for food collection. You can apply pressure to federal elected officials and document impacts in your neighborhood. Get trained to recognize enforcement activity, connect with your neighbors, and connect with immigrant rights organizations. Participate in “Know Your Rights” training.


Why has Governor Walz not been more visible and aggressive in his response to ICE? What is going on behind the scenes that we’re missing?

Senator Mohamed: Him being in the spotlight may lead to more aggression. It seems like a lot of this may be political retribution against him. He has been doing some press but is trying to make things easier on us.


Representative Howard: He wants this to end. He’s been trying to show the hurt in our streets and keep temperatures down. We know there have been requests for an eviction moratorium, but in order to do that Walz would need to call a peacetime emergency. The call would be due to civil unrest, which would be license for escalation from the Trump administration. We’re pursuing policy changes for mutual aid and working with non-governmental partners to support local groups and support high needs. It’s a huge challenge.


Can we ban masks on ICE agents?

Representative Howard: We are working on several bills. We’re partnering with organizations like the ACLU to pull every lever we can. Illinois has a similar law, but enforcement is tricky. It could also further amplify the difficulty in identifying who is local law enforcement and who is not.


Why is there not more police support in intervening with ICE?

Councilmember Whiting: I worked on police reform in the City of Minneapolis. It’s important to keep in mind that there is a separation ordinance prohibiting our police from investigating and enforcing federal immigration laws. The moment a local police officer arrests an ICE agent, we will see tensions escalate far beyond what we have already experienced, and we want to avoid that if at all possible.


There has been dangerous driving by ICE agents on 34th Avenue. What can we do to make this route safer?

Councilmember Chowdhury: We are working with the city to limit use of 34th Avenue by ICE. Please reach out to the mayor’s office and share your own experiences so that we can work towards progress on this. 


I believe I was followed by drones while delivering food assistance recently. Is this something you’ve heard about?

Councilmember Chowdhury: I have not but would be very concerned. Please report that to the Attorney General. I will share the information with a joint information center the City has created to share information across departments and jurisdictions.


What can you share about ICE moving into Fort Snelling?

Councilmember Whiting: Pete Hegseth officially approved use of Fort Snelling. I’m not clear on if they’ll be housing agents there - to my knowledge, there is not significant housing available at the fort.


Councilmember Chowdhury: They requested parking space for 300-500 vehicles, space to house and operate five air assets, and a ready room for 500-800 CBP personnel. 


What resources are available or planned for traumatized individuals, especially children? This may lead to a long-term mental health crisis.

Senator Wiklund: There will be a lot of repair that needs to happen. We need to help people access childcare and financial assistance. The K-12 system is seeing major drops in attendance. We also don’t want schools to suffer financially due to attendance and enrollment declines. We need to figure out and expand programs for people, especially kids, to talk and process.


I’ve noticed a significant drop in the number of unhoused people in the neighborhood. Where are they?

Councilmember Chowdhury: ICE has been targeting and picking up these people. Because of this, and the extreme cold, organizations are working hard to get people inside. Consider supporting MN Indigenous Women’s Resources, Avivo Village, and other nonprofits.


Pedestrian Experience

What updates do you have on pedestrian safety?

Councilmember Conley: Flashing beacons are being added to the crosswalk at 47th Street and Cedar Avenue.

Elections

What can be done about voting rights potentially being infringed upon?


Commissioner Conley: Minnesota Secretary of State prevented our voter rolls being turned over. We continue to be concerned why the federal government is seeking access to this information. MN has the highest voter turnout, which can make us a target. There will be a gubernatorial race and several other positions on the ballot this year.


Homelessness


Can you explain the Heading Home initiative and update us on homelessness in the city?

Commissioner Conley: Overall, homelessness has been reduced by approximately 30% since 2022. I’ve served as co-chair of the Heading Home initiative since 2019, and it also includes a youth board and stakeholders from multiple jurisdictions. Veteran homelessness has been virtually eliminated. When HUD attempted to cut funding, the county sued and preserved funding. 


Healthcare


What is being done to ensure HCMC (Hennepin County Medical Center) does not close?

Commissioner Conley: The county has increased oversight after years of mismanagement. Federal cuts to Medicaid will significantly impact the hospital because it serves everyone regardless of ability to pay. We are seeking a revenue stream to fund the hospital while avoiding property tax increases. For example, a one cent sales tax could raise $322 million for healthcare - please contact your representatives in support of this funding. We are also considering workforce reductions to maintain solvency.


Will the state need to greatly increase healthcare funding this year due to ACA cuts? What options are there for MN to reduce premiums?

Senator Wiklund: It looks like we may have some surplus this year, but deficits in the future. No one is willing to raise taxes this year. It has been suggested that people could buy into a state-funded subsidized option, but that has not passed and we do not have funding for it. 


Affordability and Funding


How is the county addressing rising costs of living?

Commissioner Conley: The county allocated $2 million in emergency food funding. Minneapolis approved an extended eviction process timeline, giving tenants more time to secure assistance. Funding streams exist for housing, food, and utility assistance.


How do you feel about the proposed 50-year mortgages?

Representative Howard: It’s ridiculous and a way for people to pay more money to banks and corporations. The solution is that we need to build more homes. We need public investment and policy change.


Could increased competition reduce utility costs?

Commissioner Conley: Utilities are primarily regulated at the state level. We need bipartisan support to expand public utilities. The Public Utilities Commission has authority but requires stronger legislative focus.


How can funding gaps be addressed as federal support declines?

Commissioner Conley: Our priorities include identifying new revenue streams, decreasing reliance on federal funding, and increasing efficiency. We’re seeing reduced funds for programs with DEI components, SNAP access is shrinking, and Medicaid cuts are expected, with 2027 projected as the worst year. 


Senator Wiklund: We have money, but there are strict rules for how it can be used.


Representative Howard: There are political challenges with a tied House. If these cuts come, we’ll highlight the harms and push for solutions. It’s important not to stay quiet about these impacts. What is being done to support affordable housing?


Commissioner Conley: Multiple funding streams support housing for seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals affected by homelessness. Incentives exist for building affordable housing, especially near public transit.


Representative Howard: I support the “Yes to Homes” suite of reforms, including ADUs, multi-family, commercial corridors open to multi-family, etc. We’re requiring cities to designate a certain percentage of homes as multi-family. The housing shortage is a key reason the cost of housing has ballooned and feels out of reach. We’re working with local organizations, such as Neighbors for More Neighbors, to build grassroots support. A land value tax would be a valuable tool because it would be an incentive to develop and meet the needs of people now. There’s not a lot of opposition to that and I would like to pursue it.


Other Topics


How can the DFL address fraud, especially as it comes up in the next election cycle?

Senator Mohamed: We’re focusing on prepayment processes. There’s a payment stop on 14 programs and at least one person who died due to lack of services. We plan to investigate fraud and bring policies that build trust and integrity. 


Prosecutors have quit due to the incompetence of the federal government and not wanting to be part of that corruption. I think that’s a good thing. I think they’ve overplayed their hand in Minnesota.


Senator Wiklund: We need to help people understand the integrity policies and procedures that we have in place. We are navigating any loopholes that need restructuring. That does not prevent Republicans from saying things that are untrue.


Representative Howard: The reality is that we have outsourced too much of what should be public goods to private companies. Businesses have always found ways to commit fraud. One of Trump’s first moves was to eliminate bureaus that root out fraud, and now fraud is on the main stage.


Have you discussed banning firearms at the capitol?

Representative Howard: The Governor signed an executive order but it’s not an outright ban. I would support one.


Senator Wiklund: The executive order does not include those who have permits. The Senate building will have one access point that people will need to go through a metal detector and show a permit. We’re trying to ban weapons from the gallery.


How will the county handle AI data centers?

Commissioner Conley: Other states, particularly Virginia, are experiencing major impacts from AI data centers. These facilities consume large amounts of water and utilities. In some communities, residents face water shortages and health impacts. Facilities are often located near low-income neighborhoods. I do not support AI data centers in Hennepin County. If proposed, strong guardrails must be established.


To continue Melissa Hortman’s legacy, how are you finding inroads to work with the GOP? Are there opportunities there?

Representative Howard: It’s a different legislature without her there. One of the hallmarks of her service was to make connections across the aisle and navigate challenging times working with Republicans. It’s going to be hard to compromise with anyone who is silent, or cheering on what is happening now, but there will be opportunities. For example, the Yes to Home agenda includes statewide zoning reform and has been a bipartisan effort. I think of Melissa when things get hot and work to still get things done for people.


What are you hoping to accomplish that is not related to ICE activity?

Councilmember Whiting: Police reform has been my area of focus. I want to work on beautifying the City of Minneapolis, and supporting the parts and schools that make us a great place to live. 


Councilmember Chowdhury: My big thing is getting money back into our community to help local businesses, organizations, schools, and housing. I want infrastructure improvements, transit improvements, and to start working on the 2050 plan. I want to see how we can use the power of neighborhood structures to keep each other safe in the long term. I’ve also made a commitment to sink my teeth into climate work to protect our natural systems.

Resources and Contact Information

Resources


Contact Information

Aurin Chowdhury: 612.673.2212, aurin.chowdhury@minneapolismn.gov

Angela Conley: angela.conley@hennepin.us 

Zaynab Mohamed: 612.229.5585, sen.zaynab.mohamed@mnsenate.gov




 
 

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