Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

August and September are usually busy months, as summer wraps up and the school year gets underway. That’s been particularly true for the First Ward, with lots of activity and community spirit to celebrate. The 6th Annual Eastside Community & Schools BBQ on August 23 and the Waite Park Fall Festival & Push Cart Derby on September 8 were two outstanding events that brought community together. September brings more exciting news as the Minneapolis Public School District continues to implement healthy new changes to the school lunch menu. Check out the story on for more details.

September marked the opening of The Solar Arts Building, located at 711 15th Avenue NE. This historic structure has received an infusion of new life with solar technology, innovative renovation and a raft of artists’ studios.

One of the building’s most high-profile tenants is Indeed Brewery, which celebrated its grand opening in August. Made possible by last year’s change in City ordinance, Indeed features both a brewing operation and a taproom in the heart of what’s being called Northeast Minneapolis’ “Brew District”.

Last month also saw a unique gathering of First Ward volunteers at the “Appointed Boards & Commissions” forum I hosted on August 29. Eighteen current and former members of Minneapolis advisory boards and commissions discussed their work with 30 or so fellow Ward One residents.

I’d like to extend an invitation to another Ward-wide forum on October 17, 6-8 pm, at Eastside Food Co-op on the topic of “Urban Agriculture & the Eastside”. The evening will feature a panel of invited guests including Mike Smieja of Windom Park’s Buchanan Street Farm, and representatives from California Street Farm, Northeast Farmers Market, Homegrown Minneapolis, Mother Earth Gardens and more. I hope you’ll be able to join us for what promises to be an in depth conversation about the current state of urban agriculture in our community.

 - Kevin Reich
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Contact Kevin Reich
350 S. 5th Street
Room 307
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-673-2201
Kevin.Reich@minneapolismn.gov