Dear Community,
I hope you’ve got a great costume ready for Halloween next week! As a quick reminder, we are now within Minnesota's “Cold Weather Rule” where you are protected from utility shut-offs. Visit this site to learn more about these protections.
Metro Micro Transit - Helping You Get Around
- The Metropolitan Council recently launched a new Metro micro transit service that is available in parts of Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Spring Lake Park.
- Metro micro is a point-to-point, shared-ride transit service that uses ADA-accessible minibuses and helps connect riders to shopping, medical appointments, workplaces, entertainment, and more.
- You’re invited to join me and other legislators for an outreach event on Wednesday, November 5, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Northtown Transit Center located at the Northtown Mall in Blaine to learn more about the new Metro micro service and how we can continue improving transit options across the North Metro.
- Learn more about this new service here.
Survey on Impact of Gun Violence - Creating a Safer Future
- The Minnesota DFL has passed laws that reduce gun violence in Minnesota and is working on additional legislation. As a part of that effort, we created a survey where you can tell us your personal experience with gun violence. Many of the ways in which gun violence impacts our society occur on more personal levels and don’t get a lot of media attention.
- We are hoping to shine a light on these stories to raise awareness of the full cost of gun violence. Please take the time to fill out our survey if you have been impacted by gun violence.
- Dr. Rachel Payne has one such story. She operated on victims of the Annunciations shooting. She helped save lives, she is a hero, but she will still forever be affected by the gun violence of that tragic day.
Time in the Community - Busy in the Interim
- I’ve been staying busy ahead of the 2026 session by attending a number of wonderful events in our area!
- I helped welcome Waggle Apparel to Blaine! It’s always great to see up-and-coming businesses moving to our district.
- I joined my parish, Church of St. Timothy here in Blaine, for their Community Connect event. There were so many resources for people, including clothing, haircuts, food, presentations on housing access from MICAH, and more. This is what living Gospel values looks like!
- On International Conflict Resolution Day, I was proud to speak at an event hosted by Community Mediation Minnesota at the Capitol! From housing to youth justice, there are many opportunities to use community mediation, restorative practices, and alternative dispute resolution to achieve better outcomes for our state.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions or comments on our work, now is a great time to touch base! Please feel free to contact my office at 651-296-2907 or rep.matt.norris@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Matt Norris
State Representative
District 32B