Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, November 1st, 2025.
We wake up to word that federal SNAP food benefits, which help feed more than 400,000 Minnesotans, are suspended today due to the ongoing government shutdown. President Trump has been ordered to release emergency funds to bridge the gap, but until that happens, many local families will feel the pinch. City services remain stable but if you rely on SNAP and need help, check with local aid networks and food shelves now, as recommended by Families Rising MN and Fox 9.
Over at City Hall, the budget process is heating up, and our wallets feel it. Mayor Jacob Frey is recommending a city budget of about 2 billion dollars next year, up more than seven percent from last year. Property taxes are set to climb, especially for homeowners as commercial values dip. If you own a median-value home, expect an annual property tax increase around 186 dollars. That money helps fund services from parks to police, but also covers some big legal settlement costs and a backlog in unsolved cases at MPD. The public is weighing in hard on spending for affordable housing and emergency shelter, so reach out to your council member or attend the next hearing at the Public Service Center on November 19th at 6:05 p.m.
Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 4th. Early voting is open now at the East Hennepin Early Vote Center. Besides the mayoral race—where Omar Fateh is making waves as a potential first Muslim mayoral candidate against incumbent Jacob Frey—we’re also deciding all 13 city council seats. This year’s campaign has brought sharp focus to affordability, policing, and how the city handles encampments. If you live in Wards 5, 8, or 11, note that your current council rep is retiring, so there’ll be new faces at City Hall no matter what.
Weather wise, it’s a chilly but bright start. We’ve got temperatures around 35 this morning, climbing into the upper 40s by afternoon with a slight breeze. No storms in the forecast, so it’s a fine day to get outside and enjoy some fall color still lingering in the parks.
Music lovers have a treat this weekend. David Byrne of Talking Heads fame is taking over the Orpheum Theatre for a two-night residency Monday and Tuesday. On Saturday at 8 p.m., folk favorite David Huckfelt & The Unarmed Forces play The Cedar Cultural Center on Cedar Avenue, and next week brings King Princess to Uptown Theater. If you’re looking for something family-friendly, the BareBones Puppet Theatre hosts its 32nd outdoor Halloween Extravaganza tonight, with fire performances and giant puppets in Powderhorn Park.
A new affordable 55-plus community just opened in nearby Brooklyn Park, transforming a former assisted living facility into much-needed senior housing, as reported by CCX News. Meanwhile, after a decade, Proper boutique in Uptown is closing its Minneapolis doors, but their Fargo shop stays open.
On the real estate front, average home prices are stable but competitio
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