Brooklyn Center Mayor’s Minutes: Public Safety and Business Climate
Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves sat down with Dave Kiser to discuss some recent initiatives of the police department, open positions at City Hall, and the status of the business climate after some recent closures in this Brooklyn Center Mayor’s Minutes.
Public Safety Initiatives
First, Graves explained that the police department has added police officers.
“I’m happy to report that we have 42 of 49 sworn officers currently working in the city,” Graves said.
She noted the officers have also been participating in different training, including de-escalation training and autism awareness training. Police officers will also be working with Brooklyn Center’s new Director of Human Resources on some upcoming diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
Job Openings at City Hall
There are a number of key positions open at City Hall.
“Over the last 18 months, we had some significant turnover, but we have been able to hire on six of seven different director positions,” explained Graves.
She said the city is looking hire a new Community Development Director, an Associate Planner, and a Crime Prevention Specialist. Graves encourages anyone interested in these positions to go to the website and apply.
Business Climate in the City
Graves wanted to provide a high-level look at the climate for business in the city, especially with the recent closing of two prominent businesses. She said a lot of people were upset about the closing of Walmart and then Applebee’s.
She went on to note, however, that the city actually has five new business coming in the Shingle Creek Crossing area.
“So we’re happy about that,” Graves said. “And these are smaller businesses that are more diverse and mom-and-pop type of businesses that give back to the community.”
Graves said the city is also working on the final phase of the Opportunity Site which would bring 628 mixed-income apartments into the city. Graves noted that would additionally help the business climate by revitalizing the customer base.
Events & Programs
Healing Circles
Healing Circles are an opportunity for people to come together around issues that can be triggering, traumatic, or controversial. There is an upcoming series for men and one for women. Brooklyn Center is partnering with some organizations for these.
Juneteenth
The city’s Juneteenth celebration is Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.
