StoryCharitable Gambling Fund DistributionOctober 12, 2026

Maplewood Faces Tough Choices on Charitable Fund Allocation Amid Growing Needs

Local organizations sought more than double the available $60,000 in charitable gambling funds, highlighting a significant disparity between resources and community demands.

Published Nov 3, 2026

Maplewood, MN – The Maplewood City Council is tasked with the challenging decision of how to distribute nearly $60,000 in charitable gambling funds among a host of local organizations, which collectively requested more than $155,000. The annual allocation process, discussed at a recent city meeting, underscored the growing demand for resources to support vital community services across the city.

The distribution of charitable gambling funds is something that we do every year. We have had the great fortune of having an ever increasing amount slowly increasing over time. And so this year we have nearly $60,000 to distribute to organizations.
— Mike Sable, City Manager

Despite this slow, steady increase in available funds, the current pool falls significantly short of the community's needs, as outlined by various groups during their applications. This disparity means many worthy projects will likely receive less than requested, or no funding at all.

However, the total amount requested equals about $155,000. So, there are more demands than there are resources that are there.
— Mike Sable, City Manager

Addressing Critical Community Needs

Applicants presented compelling cases for support, showcasing a wide range of services designed to aid Maplewood residents. Lieutenant Amanda Hines of the Salvation Army, Lakewood, described a dramatic increase in demand for food assistance, reflecting broader economic pressures on families.

Last month, we distributed about 25,000 pounds of food to more than 500 households. That is more than twice the number of households that we served in September of last year. So the need is growing.
— Lieutenant Amanda Hines, Salvation Army, Lakewood

Other Topics from This Document

Administrative Updates and Upcoming City Events
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Commercial Liquor License Application
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Affordable Housing Program Partnership
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Votes (4)

Administrative Presentations

N/A (Information/Update)

Dissent: None

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

City Manager Mike Sable provided updates on various upcoming city events and key policy discussions. These included a fire badge pinning ceremony, initial 2027 budget presentations, a budget hearing in South Maplewood, a robust work session covering rental housing training and a climate mitigation plan update, the award of charitable gambling funds, and canvassing of 2026 general election results. He also promoted the community Trunk or Treat event.

On-Sale Wine License for TC Dinkey, LLC DBA Chingu Korean Fried Chicken

Motion carries (passed unanimously)

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Cave [00:12:00,260] · Seconded by Council Member Lee [00:12:13,820]

The City Clerk presented the application for an on-sale wine license for Chingu Korean Fried Chicken, located at 1745 Beam Avenue, Suite A. The new owners are also seeking a 'three two on-sale' license to serve strong beer. Background checks for owner Hua Chen and manager Hui Lin (Dennis) revealed no prohibitive issues. The manager, Dennis, addressed the council and confirmed understanding of responsible alcohol service after Council Member Junemann emphasized the city's seriousness about not serving underage individuals.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity: Affordable Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program

Motion carries (passed unanimously)

Dissent: None (Council Member Villavicencio expressed a strategic concern but supported the motion)

Moved by Council Member Lee [00:24:30,770] · Seconded by Council Member Junemann [00:24:38,250]

Miss Parr introduced a partnership with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to launch an Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program, aimed at providing quality affordable housing and reinvesting in older homes. Jessica Coyle from Habitat detailed the program: acquiring and rehabilitating properties, then selling them to qualified homeowners at or below 80% Area Median Income, with a deed restriction to ensure long-term affordability. The model incorporates recycled funding and seeks additional public and private resources. Council Member Junemann asked about county participation. Council Member Villavicencio supported the project but suggested a future strategic review of fund allocation by the council.

Charitable Gambling Applications

N/A (Council to score applications; awards to be announced November 9th)

Dissent: N/A

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

City Manager Mike Sable initiated the annual process for distributing nearly $60,000 in charitable gambling funds, noting that 23 applications totaling $155,000 had been received, highlighting the significant gap between requests and available funds. The council was informed to score applications by October 19th, with awards announced on November 9th. Six organizations presented their work: Women in Power in Minnesota (homelessness prevention), 622 Education Foundation (student basic needs), Salvation Army, Lakewood (emergency food assistance), Child Incorporated (support for child sexual abuse survivors), Options for Women East (prenatal care, car seats), and Justice Alan Page Elementary (adaptive music program).

Notable Quotes (18)

So on October 26th, we are going to have a fire, uh, badge pinning ceremony. It's not quite a swearing in, but it is a celebratory event where we introduce our new firefighter EMS personnel.
— Mike Sable [00:06:07,570]

Administrative Presentations

we also begin in earnest our budget presentations for the 2027 budget. And so we will start those conversations.
— Mike Sable [00:06:44,790]

Administrative Presentations

there is a very robust work session that will include a rental housing training and climate mitigation plan implementation update.
— Mike Sable [00:07:16,840]

Administrative Presentations

So make sure that you come to the trunk or treat on Sunday, October 25th in the parking lot of Maplewood City Hall.
— Mike Sable [00:07:38,400]

Administrative Presentations

So tonight, for your consideration, we have a wine on sale wine license for Chingu Korean Fried chicken at 1745 Beam Avenue, suite A that was formerly millions crab. So it has had a liquor license there before. It's just new owners at this point.

Ordinances & Resolutions (13)

2027 budgetOther

The city's annual budget, subject to upcoming presentations and hearings.

Climate Mitigation PlanPlan

A city plan for which an implementation update is scheduled.

2026 General Election resultsOther

The results of the recent general election, to be canvassed at a future council meeting.

On-Sale Wine LicensePermit

A license required for a business to sell wine for consumption on-premises.

Three Two On-Sale LicensePermit

A license that, in combination with a wine license, allows serving strong beer.

Acquisition and Rehabilitation ProgramPlan

A partnership program with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to create affordable homeownership opportunities.

THE MAPLEWOOD RECORDER

Maplewood Faces Tough Choices on Charitable Fund Allocation Amid Growing Needs

Addressing Critical Community Needs

Other Topics from This Document

Administrative Updates and Upcoming City Events

Commercial Liquor License Application

Affordable Housing Program Partnership

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Votes (4)

Notable Quotes (18)

Ordinances & Resolutions (13)

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