South Uptown Neighborhood Association
3501 Aldrich Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612.823.2520 www.southuptown.org
Council President Bender,
The South Uptown Neighborhood community was devastated by the senseless murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25th. That all four officers were arrested and charged is a welcome start, but it is not enough.
The MPD has a long history of entrenched racism and violence against our communities, coupled with a chronic denial of justice for victims. Meanwhile, the City of Minneapolis spends 35% of its general fund budget on policing--the third-highest rate of any major city in the U.S. The determined, outraged response to George Floyd’s murder is a clear message that the communities of Minneapolis will no longer accept slow reform and empty promises. The inability or unwillingness of the Minneapolis City Council to adopt radical change in policing has consistently enabled violence against our most vulnerable communities. Enough is enough!
The recent pledge by a veto-proof majority on the City Council to dismantle the MPD and create a new, transformative model of public safety marks a historic first step in this direction. We applaud you and your fellow councilmembers for your public commitment to undertaking a systematic change in how we keep each other safe. We also know that it will take the support and hard work of all of us, your constituents and the citizens of Minneapolis, to make this vision a reality and to hold each other accountable on the road ahead.
The South Uptown Neighborhood Association and the residents of the neighborhood support you in the mission to secure justice for George Floyd, dismantle the MPD, and transform public health and safety. With the Bancroft Neighborhood Association, Reclaim the Block, MPD150, and other organizations combating police violence, we ask that you:
1) Listen first and foremost to the needs, concerns, and solutions put forth by BIPOC leaders and organizations, ensuring steps toward dismantling MPD do not cause further, unintended harm.
2) To commit to the demands of Reclaim the Block and:
a) To support lasting decreases in funding for policing as currently structured
b) To propose and vote for at least a $45 million cut from MPD's budget this year
c) To redirect MPD budget to protect and expand investment in community/public health and safety strategies
d) To use your power to compel MPD to immediately cease enacting violence on community members.
3) Partner directly with neighborhoods in the work to establish community-led public health and safety strategies. Ensure City funding and actions empower neighborhoods to involve and coordinate their residents, while recognizing the challenges these organizations have faced and presented in past efforts to support racial justice.
With commitment and support,
South Uptown Neighborhood Association
