The Public Meeting Index

The El Paso City Council met in Council Chambers on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 10:08 a.m. to 8:19 p.m., with Mayor Renard Johnson presiding. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, consent agenda action, first readings, presentations, and a range of discussion items. Council recessed from 1:34 p.m. to 3:23 p.m., including an executive session on Joseph Pickup v. City of El Paso; no action was taken. Proclamations & Recognitions - Recognized Municipal Court Week (Nov. 2-6, 2026). Presiding Judge David Boni and Judge Michelle Morales highlighted court operations and the Teen Court program. - Proclaimed October 2026 as Physical Therapy Month. The 34th annual Run, Walk and Roll fundraiser was held Oct. 25, 2026 at Ascarate Park; proceeds benefit the United Spinal Association, GEPD, and student scholarships. - Honored El Paso Holy Royal Arch Chapter No. 90 for service including Juneteenth meals, book drives, cap/gown donations, holiday food and candy events, and mentorship. - Recognized UMC El Paso's 25th anniversary of Level One Trauma Center designation on Oct. 27, 2026. UMC officials said it is the only Level 1 trauma center within a 270-mile radius, has treated over 70,000 trauma patients since designation, and had more than 3,700 trauma admissions last year. - Recognized Radford School's 116th anniversary. Officials reported that 100% of its 2026 graduates are headed to four-year colleges, with average scholarship awards of about $100,000 per senior. Public Comments & Testimony - Morning public comment covered downtown building safety and Transmountain truck traffic. Michael Clark supported safety inspections and said private property owners must be responsible for maintenance; he said he was neutral on Transmountain truck restrictions but urged proactive safety measures. Mary O'Geen supported restrictions, citing commercial-vehicle brake checks, lower speeds, and right-lane rules. Raul Caspañera urged an immediate ban on commercial traffic over Trans Mountain and use of SH 404. Sherry Mendig called for proactive infrastructure maintenance and stronger truck inspections before departures. - Many speakers urged closure of Camp East Montana. Organizations and residents represented included Border Network for Human Rights, Texas Civil Rights Project, ACLU of Texas, Sembrando Esperanza, Borderland Rainbow Center, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, Indivisible 915, and community members. They described deaths, measles/TB outbreaks, medical neglect, spoiled food, abuse, lack of legal access, and solitary confinement. Angelica Ramirez described the death of a detainee, Francisco, from septic shock. Charlotte Weiss described an 84-year-old detainee with medication denial and multiple quarantines. Mary O'Geen asked where detainees would be transferred if the facility closed. - During call to the public, Carl Dewire, NAACP El Paso branch president, urged community and school responses to the KKK costume incident. Other speakers raised animal services, street-light reporting, Chapter 380 incentives, data centers, travel/P-card concerns, and anti-abortion/pro-life views. Council suspended rules to allow additional speakers on several items. Consent Calendar and Ordinances - Approved the consent agenda as revised, including excusing an absent council member, moving items to the regular agenda, deleting items 18-22 and 38 per code enforcement and purchasing, revising item 42 to add Texas Municipal League support language, and adjusting item 45 timing. The vote was unanimous. - Approved first-reading ordinances for items 17, 23, 24, 25, and 26 unanimously. - Patricia Osman, during public comment on consent items, questioned P-card discrepancies, discretionary fund reporting, and donor influence. Discussion Items - Item 3 - Poet Laureate Program: Approved unanimously. Established the program as an official cultural arts program administered by the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department; the poet laureate will receive $4,000 per year for a two-year term, funded by hotel occupancy tax. Applications are expected to open after approval, with a finalist in March and the term beginning in May. - Item 8 - Board Appointment: Approved unanimously. Reginald D. Maynard was appointed to the Veterans Advisory Committee. - Item 34 - Camp East Montana: Approved unanimously. Directed the city manager and city attorney to draft a resolution calling for closure of ERO El Paso Camp East Montana and return to council within 30 days, including human/civil-rights concerns, public health risks, lack of transparency, and taxpayer-funding issues. - Item 45 - Fort Bliss Grant: Approved unanimously. Authorized submission of a $5 million Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant application to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for the Barreras Gate Vehicle Barrier Control System Modernization Project, with no city match and the city acting as fiscal agent. - Items 31 and 30 - Driving Change Safe Ride Initiative: Approved a memorandum of understanding with Donor Charm entities and authorized $10,000 in District 5 discretionary funds for a safe-ride/impaired-driving prevention pilot, including $20 ride vouchers and return rides. Item 31 passed 6-1; an amendment requiring a fee-structure report for private funds within 45 days was added. Item 30 passed unanimously. - Item 27 - Downtown Building Safety Plan: Approved unanimously after amendments. Directed the city manager to develop a plan for safety inspections of buildings over two stories in the downtown management district and downtown planning area, report back in 45 days with findings and a feasibility plan, evaluate requiring property owners to obtain and fund qualified inspections, and address procedures for correcting violations within 30 days. Initial emphasis was placed on nine listed properties. - Item 28 - Transmountain Truck Restrictions: Approved unanimously. Directed coordination with TxDOT to evaluate and pursue restrictions on heavy commercial traffic on Trans Mountain Road, review alternative designated truck routes, and report back in 30 days. An amendment added banning oversize/overweight state permits. EPPD reported 142 commercial vehicle inspections, more than 400 violations, and 50 vehicles placed out of service from Oct. 21-25, 2026. - Item 29 - Veterans Business Accelerator: Approved unanimously. Authorized use of $10,000 in District 5 discretionary funds for the program. - Item 32 - Travel Expense Disclosure: Approved unanimously. Directed the city attorney to prepare a resolution requiring public disclosure of city-funded travel expenses by council members and the mayor on the next regular agenda after travel is completed and reconciled, and to place the resolution on the next regular agenda. - Item 33 - Latino Art Now: Approved unanimously. Authorized $2,500 in District 8 discretionary funds for free public cultural and educational events at city museums during the Latino Art Now conference, Nov. 19-21, 2026. - Item 35 - National Infrastructure Bank: Approved unanimously. Directed preparation of a resolution supporting HR 5356, the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025, for adoption within 30 days and sharing with federal, state, and local officials. - Item 36 - El Paso Electric Update: Presentation only. EPE reported a $47.2 million fuel refund (about $17.54 per month for average customers from August through October), a $43 million fuel overcollection to carry forward, a proposed $52 million transmission cost recovery (about $0.98 per month), and four pending transmission CCN applications with route-dependent cost estimates: East Wind to Rattlesnake $23.3M-$30M; Pine to Caliente $76M-$96M; Tuskegee to Pine $89M-$150M; Pine to McCloud $106M-$128M. No action was taken. - Item 39 - Legate Company Chapter 380 Amendment: Approved unanimously. Extended the certificate-of-occupancy deadline to March 31, 2027, and reduced incentives from $32,944 to $29,639 by forfeiting the construction materials rebate and building construction fee rebate. - Item 37 - GAF Ramp Rehabilitation: Approved unanimously. Awarded solicitation 2026-0448 to CI Constructors Inc. for $12,096,647.56, with contract time revised to consecutive calendar days. - Item 40 - Hispanic Chamber Amendment: Approved 6-1. Removed the women-owned small business certification requirement and adjusted year-two metrics in the Procurement Excellence Boot Camp agreement, reducing year-two funding proportionately to about $26,036.62. Representative Limon voted no. - Item 41 - Stony Hill Open Space: Approved unanimously. Authorized purchase of about 63 acres for $3 million using remaining 2012 Quality of Life open-space bond funds, below the $3.46 million appraisal, and accepted a no-cost 20-foot access easement. - Item 42 - Non-ERCOT Ratepayer Protections: Approved unanimously. Directed presentation of the draft Texas Non-ERCOT Ratepayer Protection Act to the El Paso state legislative delegation and submission of a similar resolution to the Texas Municipal League for support. - Item 44 - Solar Lights Public Safety Program: Approved unanimously. Authorized a $2 million Community Project Funding request to Congresswoman Veronica Escobar for Phase 2 of the El Paso Solar Lights Public Safety Program, with no city match. - Item 43 - State Legislative Agenda Amendments: Approved unanimously. Added support for El Paso Water's customer affordability program funded by non-rate revenue and broader utility affordability language. Key Outcomes - Major directives approved: Camp East Montana closure-resolution draft due in 30 days; Transmountain truck-restriction report due in 30 days; downtown building-safety plan/feasibility report due in 45 days. - Funding authorizations approved: $5 million grant application for Fort Bliss; $12,096,647.56 ramp rehabilitation award; $3 million Stony Hill acquisition; $2 million solar-lights request; $10,000 for safe-ride pilot; $10,000 for veterans accelerator; $2,500 for Latino Art Now events. - Votes were unanimous except item 31 (6-1) and item 40 (6-1). - The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. after council members submitted comments for items 28, 31, 42, and 43.

The Board of County Commissioners and the Drainage Board met on October 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Evansville, Indiana. President Justin Elpers was absent because his family welcomed a new son, Harrison, their ninth child. Commissioner Amy Canterbury and Commissioner Mike Goebel (referred to as "Gable" in the transcript) were present. The commissioners approved most agenda items unanimously, tabled a Burdette Park beverage agreement, and acted on three rezoning ordinances. The Drainage Board then approved drainage plans, variances, ditch claims, and closed an obstruction petition as moot. Consent Calendar - The Board unanimously approved the consent calendar, including the October 13, 2026 meeting minutes, employment changes, auditor's claims vouchers for Oct. 12-16 and Oct. 19-23, 2026, commissioner and convention center transfer requests, the engineer's report and claims, and a surplus request. Public Comments & Testimony - Darlene Lancaster, 4600 Detroy Road, told the commissioners she has waited seven years for action on the neighboring property at 4612 Detroy Road. She said the property was sold at tax sale and is in a 90-day response window, and she asked for a written step-by-step procedure from the Building Commission. County staff responded that this board's only action in the matter is contracting for an ordered demolition and that the independent Building Commission and hearing officer control the timeline. Board of Commissioners - Action Items - Adjusted Mitigation Units Purchase Agreement - Oak Hill Road Project: Approved the $21,600 purchase of mitigation credits from Creek Bankers Incorporated for the final phase of Oak Hill Road between St. George and Eastwood, paid from Burkhart TIF funds. The Corps and IDEM permits require the credits; the final phase is expected to be bid late next year after right-of-way acquisition. - County Right-of-Way Encroachment Agreement - Saddle Creek Estates: Approved an agreement addressing stone pillars constructed in the right-of-way at the Saddle Creek Subdivision entrance. - Temporary Speed Limit Reduction - Oak Hill Road: Approved continuing the 20 mph temporary speed limit on Oak Hill Road between Lynch Road and Bergdolt Road for 30 more days. County staff noted the reduction has been in effect about two months. - Demolition Contract - 4612 Detroy Road: Approved the quote and agreement with Heidorn Excavating LLC for demolition of the garage and shed. Heidorn submitted the lower quote of $4,190. The vote followed Ms. Lancaster's public comment. - Burdette Park/Coca-Cola Customer Marketing Agreement: The Board unanimously approved tabling the proposed four-year exclusive beverage agreement with CCBCC Operations, LLC. Park Director Zach Waltham and legal staff said commercial terms still needed clarification, although legal review was generally favorable. Waltham also reported the park's haunted event drew about 500-600 attendees, raised an additional $10,000, and was nearly sold out. - Health Department Pre-to-3 Lease: Approved a rental lease agreement for eight Pre-to-3 program employees under a large state grant expanding the program into Daviess, Knox, and Martin counties. The grant funds rent for a Washington, Indiana office under a two-year lease expected to extend to five years. The program manager position has not yet been filled. - Resolution CO.R-10-26-023 - Fieldstone I Street Improvements: Approved the resolution concerning Fieldstone I street improvements and related letter of credit. The original developer is out of business and deceased; new developer Sturkey Development Group proposed to mill and repave Fieldstone I roads (Lauren Drive, Jalen Court, and Hessman Road) and requested assurance county maintenance would be accepted. County Engineer John Stoll explained the modified plan is less robust than the original punch list, which called for excavating failed areas and replacing base rock, but the alternative is waiting for a letter of credit estimated at $75,188 from 2017. The stone sign in the right-of-way must still be resolved. - Release and Settlement Agreement: Approved a settlement in a case characterized by county staff as involving clear liability by a county actor; the negotiated amount was described as fair and appropriate. No dollar amount was stated in the transcript. New Business - No formal new business was conducted. The Board promoted the Traveling Vietnam Wall exhibit at USI for the upcoming weekend. Rezonings - VC-11-2026 (Final Reading) - Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company: Approved unanimously. The request changes the UDC on part of 18601 N. U.S. Highway 41 from M-2 with UDC to M-2 with UDC to allow indoor storage structures and storage of equipment for other electrical projects, in addition to existing outdoor storage for solar field maintenance. - VC-12-2026 (First Reading) - CWK Investments: Approved unanimously to advance to the Area Plan Commission hearing on November 5, 2026. The property at 9616, 9901, 9911, 10011, and 10111 N. Green River Road would change from Ag to C-2. - VC-13-2026 (First Reading) - AMK Property Group LLC: Approved unanimously to advance to the Area Plan Commission hearing on November 5, 2026. The property at 15815 Neeley Street would change from M-2 to M-1. Drainage Board - Action Items - Approved the previous Drainage Board meeting minutes. - Old Farm Variance and Amended Drainage Plan: Approved the variance request dated October 12, 2026, and then approved the corresponding amended drainage plan. The original plan was approved May 12, 2026; an amended plan with an apartment complex on lot 172 was approved October 13, 2026. The new amendment removes the overland emergency spillway for detention basin number two. - Interstate Crossing 2 - Project Firefly: Approved the preliminary drainage plan submitted by Space Co Civil Engineering and Surveying (Indianapolis) for 20100 N. U.S. Highway 41 after review by the county surveyor and county engineer. - Saddle Creek Section 3 Amended Drainage Plan: Approved an amendment for lots 11 and 112 removing a 10-foot drainage easement along the common lot line so a prospective buyer can build across it. The county engineer stated the outer swales provide adequate stormwater capacity; no grading plan was submitted. - Ditch Claims: Approved retroactively nine ditch maintenance claims totaling $9,037.20 since the October 13, 2026 Drainage Board meeting, including an additional mowing of Aiken Ditch at the contracted price. Drainage Board - Obstruction Hearing - Haas v. Rhodes: The Board closed the obstruction petition as moot after both parties testified the ditch obstruction had been cleaned up. Daniel Haas of 8900 N. Green River Road said Riley Rhodes cleaned the ditch and that a 24-inch pipe under his driveway was three-quarters full, but he planned to handle remaining issues himself. Riley Rhodes accepted responsibility, stated the cleanup was complete, and said it would not happen again. The Board voted to dismiss the matter with no further findings. Drainage Board - Informational Reports - The Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission will meet Monday, November 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the same room. Christopher Burke presented a draft work plan and will submit the final version at the November meeting. The draft is available at IN.gov/pigeoncreekwdc. - No update was available on Ivy Meadows storm sewer repairs; a notice letter has been sent, and the Board is waiting on a response. Key Outcomes - All substantive votes were approved unanimously by Commissioners Goebel and Canterbury, with President Elpers absent. - The Burdette Park/Coca-Cola agreement was tabled pending further negotiation. - One rezoning final reading was approved, and two first readings were referred to the Area Plan Commission for November 5, 2026. - The Drainage Board approved the Old Farm variance and amended drainage plan, the Interstate Crossing 2/Project Firefly preliminary drainage plan, the Saddle Creek Section 3 amended drainage plan, and $9,037.20 in ditch claims. - The obstruction petition in Haas v. Rhodes was closed as moot.

On October 27, 2026, the Prince George's County Emergency Room Wait Times Reduction Task Force convened at approximately 3:30 PM and voted to approve its final report after nearly three years of work. Chair Blagay opened the meeting by thanking members, noted that she is leaving the council, and said she wanted the task force to pass something so that stakeholders could be held accountable. Attendance and Quorum - The task force has 19 members and needs 10 for a quorum. A roll call was conducted after late arrivals, and quorum was confirmed. - Member Bill Miller was absent but expressed support for the report. Member Jeffrey Cooper reviewed the final draft and provided extensive feedback. Discussion Items - Anya, the staff lead, reported that she and Dr. Ballard worked directly with the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) since the last meeting, focusing on pages 37 through 39 of the draft report. - HSCRC feedback was incorporated mainly to avoid implying a causal relationship that the data could not fully support. Anya stated that HSCRC was fully receptive to the changes. - Technical corrections, enhancements, and refinements were made, including standardizing footnotes and updating data. A revised draft and a document summarizing changes were provided for transparency. Anya stated that every observation, finding, and recommendation was preserved. - Anya acknowledged Mr. Eubanks' interest in additional findings on staffing concerns. She noted that a deep dive into staffing matters related to emergency room wait times was not possible and is acknowledged in the report as a suggested next step. - Anya noted Mr. Cooper's concern that the report does not include an implementation plan. She stated that the task force's purpose was to assemble recommendations, and an implementation plan could be handled separately through a chair's transmittal letter requesting a coordinated post-adoption implementation and evaluation plan. - Chair Blagay said she will follow up on implementation, announce the report next week, hold a roundtable about it, and request a meeting to present the report to the full council next year. Key Outcomes - A motion to approve the report was made, seconded, and passed with 7 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 abstentions. - Carmen Brown abstained because she could not open the encrypted and coded final report due to firewall and security protocols. Staff said they would provide her with a version she can open and noted that OIT had been engaged to address file distribution challenges. - The meeting adjourned by motion and second.

The Prince George's County Council met at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in the County Hearing Room of the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, Maryland, for Legislative Day No. 37. Chair Krystal Oriadha presided. The Council approved routine items, took extensive public testimony, enacted numerous land-use and housing bills, and completed the National Harbor "Sphere" financing package. Votes are shown as yes-no-abstaining where the transcript provided a tally. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 20, 2026 County Council minutes (9-0). - Authorized the chair's signature on a letter to PGCPS Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph supporting the FY 2026 Final Financial Review and Transfer Request, which reallocates $32,949,683 among Board of Education appropriation categories (motion carried 10-0). - Later approved a joint FY 2028 capital-improvement priorities letter to the Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction (11-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Greg Smith, speaking in the general public comment period, urged the Council to take climate change seriously, citing European Union projections of 3 degrees Celsius warming and 50,000 European heat-related deaths, and said resolutions and summits alone are insufficient. - Data-center bill CB-019 drew broad support from Janet Gringle, Beth Landry (CCAN Action Fund), Greg Smith, Henry Wixon (Glendale Citizens Association), Taylor Frazier-McCollum, and Kevin, a District 2 resident. Speakers called for detailed site-plan review, no grandfathering, clean energy, and stronger comprehensive data-center rules; Taylor Frazier-McCollum cited a 25,000-signature petition opposing the Landover data center. Alexander Austin (Prince George's Chamber of Commerce) opposed CB-019, saying a two-year moratorium already exists and the bill is regulatory overreach. - Tenant-protection bills CB-113, CB-114, and CB-115 were supported by Martin Michaels (We Are Casa) and Lisa Saro (Community Legal Services). They emphasized that tenants need relocation-rights notices at lease signing, plain-language multilingual resources, and timely access to inspection reports and enforcement information. - CB-111, the Sphere special-obligation bond bill, drew opposition from Christopher Goans, who called the economic analysis's construction-job numbers misleading, and from Dan Smith, who associated himself with Greater Capital Heights Improvement Corporation testimony questioning the use of public financing at National Harbor while transit-oriented corridors remain incomplete. - CB-076, CB-084, and CB-090 were opposed by Henry Wixon (Glendale Citizens Association), Greg Smith, and Dan Smith, who argued shortened appeal timelines and simultaneous approvals would erode due process, public participation, and the legal functions of sequential reviews. - CB-077 was opposed by Greg Smith for being too broad. CB-081 drew support from Edward Gibbs (Judah Temple AME Zion Church), Jacqueline Smith, Kelly Shim Andrews, Vincent Lizaire, and Dr. Aku Tabeta, and opposition from Henry Wixon and Greg Smith, who called it spot zoning. CB-082 was supported by Taylor Frazier-McCollum as overdue implementation of state cannabis law. - CB-083 drew extensive opposition from convenience-store owners, franchisees, wholesalers, and the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce. Speakers said tobacco sales account for 20-30% of revenue at some stores, would push sales to neighboring jurisdictions, and could close community stores. Bruce Barriano argued the bill is unconstitutional and preempted by state law. Greg Smith supported the bill's public-health intent; Taylor Frazier-McCollum opposed it as ineffective and harmful to food access. - CB-112 drew supportive testimony from Dan Smith, a former Fair Election Fund Commission member, who urged steady future funding for public campaign financing. Discussion Items - CB-019-2026 (qualified data centers): Councilmember Fisher offered a last-minute amendment to create an interim council-review process for data-center applications. Council staff and the Office of Law advised that the amendment was substantive and would require another public hearing; Councilmember Adams-Stafford said she had not been given time to review it. The amendment was not voted on after the second was withdrawn, and the clean bill was enacted. - Sphere/National Harbor package: The Council approved a supplier-diversity letter amendment requiring concurrence from the director and purchasing agent of the Office of Procurement before any construction-package threshold falls below $130 million. It then enacted CB-111-2026 authorizing up to $215 million in special obligation bonds for the immersive entertainment venue and refunding of the Series 2022 National Harbor bonds; enacted CB-132-2026 creating the Sphere Community Impact Fund for communities within six miles; adopted CR-121-2026 approving the TIF proposal and certifications; and adopted CR-090-2026 amending the National Harbor Development District formation resolution and dissolving the National Harbor Special Taxing District. - CB-077-2026 (community service and commercial uses in RSF-A zones) initially failed on a 5-0-2 vote. Vice Chair Olson moved reconsideration, and the Council then enacted it 8-0-2. - CB-083-2026 (convenience store tobacco sales): An amendment exempting establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages passed 7-0-3; the bill as amended was enacted 6-3-2, with members citing legal concerns about state preemption. - CB-084-2026 and CB-090-2026 (streamlining site plan and subdivision review) were amended in committee; the Council enacted them 8-0-2 and 9-0-1 respectively after members noted simultaneous reviews were already common practice and the bills had been narrowed. - CR-098-2026 (energy infrastructure planning) was substituted with a draft that removes the planning department as administrator of an energy-district framework, adds consultation with the Maryland Energy Administration, and requires recommendations through the Plan 2050 update; the substitute, amendment, and final adoption all carried, with final adoption 11-0. - CR-107-2026 and CR-108-2026 (Subregion 5 master plan and sectional map amendment) were added to the agenda by a 7-2-1 vote, but later motions to suspend the rules failed, so the Council did not adopt them. - CB-076-2026 had a public hearing with opposition testimony, but no final roll-call vote appears in the transcript; the Council moved to other agenda items. Key Outcomes - Enacted CB-019-2026, CB-035-2026, CB-082-2026, CB-084-2026, CB-090-2026, CB-112-2026, CB-113-2026, CB-114-2026, CB-115-2026, CB-116-2026, CB-118-2026, CB-121-2026, CB-122-2026, CB-123-2026, CB-124-2026, CB-125-2026, CB-126-2026, CB-127-2026, CB-128-2026, CB-129-2026, CB-130-2026, CB-132-2026, and, after reconsideration, CB-077-2026. CB-083-2026 was enacted as amended. - Enacted CB-130-2026, authorizing $788,587,000 in general obligation bonds, $161,463,000 in stormwater management bonds, and up to $950,050,000 in bond anticipation notes for FY 2027 capital projects. - Authorized up to $38,500,000 in MWIFA loan revenue obligations for stormwater and watershed projects (CB-116-2026). - Adopted resolutions CR-080-2026 (Social Housing Task Force), CR-082-2026 (Universal Design fees), CR-090-2026 (National Harbor TIF and formation amendment), CR-097-2026 (Water and Sewer Plan amendments), CR-098-2026 (energy infrastructure planning), CR-100-2026 (State's Attorney salary schedule), CR-101-2026 (climate action leadership), CR-103-2026 (Local Impact Grant multiyear plan), CR-104-2026 and CR-105-2026 (Flats at Glenridge Station surcharge waivers), CR-115-2026 (county-owned grocery store implementation plan), CR-116-2026 (WSSC refunding plan), CR-117-2026, CR-118-2026, CR-119-2026, CR-120-2026 (Subregion 1 and Central Branch Avenue plan/SMA approvals), and CR-122-2026 (grant-making transparency task force). - Authorized a letter to the County Executive and Police Chief regarding Flock safety cameras and similar surveillance technologies (11-0). - Approved an executive session under Maryland Code General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(7)-(8) regarding pending litigation (11-0), then adjourned.

The Redmond City Council held a study session on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM at City Hall (15670 NE 85th St). All council members and Mayor Angela Birney were in attendance. The three agenda items were: the 2027-28 Human Services Funding Recommendations, the Preliminary 2027-2028 Biennial Budget Council Deliberations 2, and Council Talk Time. No meeting minutes were available for this session. The meeting was extended to 10:45 PM by unanimous motion to complete the budget revenue discussion. Human Services Funding Recommendations (Agenda Item 1) - The Human Services Commission presented its 2027-28 funding recommendations. Redmond partners with 16 other cities (17 total) through the Human Services Funding Collaborative, established in 2010, which uses a single application and shared reporting requirements. The item was referred from the September 15, 2026 Committee of the Whole. - The application period opened March 2, 2026. Over six months, commissioners met twice monthly and reviewed all 121 applications, with every commissioner reading every application. Commissioners dedicated over 900 hours to the review, excluding individual reading time. Two youth advisors, Anya and Aditi, reviewed every application and attended every meeting. - Funding requests grew from $5.4 million in the prior cycle to $8.1 million this cycle. The Mayor's proposed 2027-28 budget would raise the city's human services investment to approximately $40 per resident - nearly a 40% increase over the prior biennium (the 2021 budget was approximately $1.6 million, or $19 per resident). - Four funding priorities guided decisions: housing stability and shelter; food security and basic needs; behavioral health (including youth mental health); and community-based programs that reflect the people they serve, especially those relying heavily on city funding. - An equity rating tool developed with Communities Rise was used to reduce bias and standardize evaluations. The commission also weighed program costs, outcomes, accessibility, other funding sources, duplication of services, and service to Redmond residents. - The funding framework included: a 25% increase (or full request if smaller) for housing and homelessness set-aside programs, bringing that area to about 24% of available funds; a 5% cost-of-living adjustment (or full request) for existing programs; a 50% increase (or full request) for existing priority-area programs; and partial or full requests for new programs depending on priority status and reliance on city funds. Sixteen new programs were recommended, including nine for culturally specific services. - Opiate abatement dollars are incorporated into the overall human services budget; staff intentionally limited the number of programs receiving opiate funding because of rigorous reporting requirements. Previously funded programs will continue to receive general fund dollars. Councilmember Forsythe expressed surprise that all opiate abatement dollars were directed to a single agency. - Councilmember Prakriya observed that proposed annual awards of about $3.7 million represent a greater than 20% increase over the prior column of about $3 million, and asked how the city communicates long-term sustainability expectations to major recipients such as Hopelink. - In response to council questions, staff and commissioners explained: each program is evaluated on its own merit, including cost per service unit; outcome data from prior cycles is reviewed, and some programs were not funded due to weak outcome measures; administrative costs are proportionally allocated across programs; CDBG-funded programs are monitored on a schedule aligned with county and HUD requirements; and unfunded applicants receive offers to meet with staff for feedback. - Councilmember Prakriya asked about the unfunded LifeWire housing stability program, then corrected himself; staff confirmed LifeWire received funding for survivor advocacy services but not the housing stability program. That program expended roughly half of its prior-year funds and only about 30% of its annual contracted amount by the third quarter. - When asked about a 'next tier' of funding, commissioners identified rental assistance and housing stability, food insecurity and basic needs, youth-focused behavioral health services, and community-based programs that rely heavily on city funding. - Mayor Birney and multiple council members expressed deep gratitude for the commission's work. Preliminary 2027-2028 Biennial Budget: Council Deliberations 2 (Agenda Item 2) Budget Chair Councilmember Kritzer led the second night of budget deliberations. The council reviewed service enhancement packages under the 'Strategic and Responsive' and 'Vibrant and Connected' priorities, followed by new revenue options. Strategic and Responsive Enhancements - Ongoing positions: a community outreach coordinator (to lead community engagement, manage a reconstituted Redmond 101 program, and coordinate citywide engagement); conversion of a limited-duration communications position to full time (communications workload increased almost 39% from 2003 to YTD 2026); and a graphics/design position. - One-time items: an equity-centered citywide code review; parks website improvement implementation ($50,000); pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and middle housing plans ($100,000); funding to compensate community-based organizations for engagement partnerships; and a low-income travel subsidy pilot (e.g., car-share or micromobility gift cards, mobility hubs). - Financial sustainability and regulation: business license compliance positions and a fee study (an audit found 30 to 40 percent of businesses operating in Redmond are not licensed); a utility tax audit; regional fire authority analysis; public records support (nearly 3,300 public records requests in 2025); and continued federal lobbyist funding (about $200,000). Councilmember Soni noted a 30% decline in grants and asked about oversight and grant-writing expectations; several council members requested a written accounting of outcomes and a timeline for a council federal agenda. - Technology: a GIS strategy and architecture update; aerial photography and LIDAR data (council members asked staff to confirm this is distinct from the May 2026 tree-canopy LIDAR study and does not duplicate prior work); a centralized real property and easement database; and an all-city connectivity study ($415,000) to evaluate a city-owned private LTE network versus a managed carrier model, including potential free or low-cost internet access for underserved communities. Vibrant and Connected Enhancements - Proposed items included: Seattle Sports Commission membership; a business district and placemaking program manager; an artist space feasibility study; business district organization seed funding; a manufacturing/business park/industrial market study responding to Senate Bill 6026; a destination marketing organization study; and Greater Seattle Partnership investment. - Planning-related items: transit-oriented development (TOD) law compliance under House Bill 1491; master planning for the 0.3-acre Bellwether parcel B adjacent to the Prisma development in Overlake Village; and an urban mixed-use zone sub-area plan. Council Proposals on Enhancements - Councilmember Parsi proposed up to $250,000 for an evaluation and modernization of the city's ethics framework. The council placed it on the deliberations matrix (five to six thumbs in favor). Councilmember Forsythe expressed support; Council President Stuart questioned the budget size but agreed to further deliberation. - Councilmember Kritzer raised the future of the community-based events innovation fund and suggested a council sponsorship program for community events. The council agreed to revisit the item (seven thumbs in favor). - Councilmember Soni proposed a $250,000 'home to storefront' seed grant to help small businesses move from home-based operations into commercial storefronts, with eligibility requirements such as a minimum two-year lease. The council placed it on the deliberations matrix (seven thumbs in favor) with staff feedback requested on alignment with existing economic development programs (e.g., One Redmond). - Councilmember Forsythe proposed public bike storage lockers at city buildings, noting the current bike locker in the City Hall parking garage is staff-only. The council placed it on the deliberations matrix (five thumbs in favor). - Councilmember Kritzer raised the Derby Days criterium/community bike ride, which has not returned since COVID. The council asked parks staff to bring back funding alternatives (seven thumbs in favor). New Revenue Options - House Bill 2442 (children and family services sales tax): King County passed an ordinance on October 6, 2026, to collect the additional 1/100 of a percent sales tax if the city does not act. The council directed staff to move forward with a city ordinance to keep the estimated $550,000 per year in Redmond (seven thumbs in favor). The tax is time-limited, cannot be used for staffing, and the earliest collection would begin April 1, 2027. Councilmembers expressed interest in directing funds to child care, before- and after-school programs, and in exploring distribution through existing city programs (e.g., Redmond Senior and Community Center child care, recreation programs, Boys and Girls Clubs). Councilmember Prakriya asked staff to report on the revenue gap between January and April 2027. - House Bill 2015 (criminal justice sales tax): An additional 1/10 of 1 percent sales tax would raise an estimated $5.5 million per year. Proposed uses included additional police officers, a bicycle unit, additional mental health professionals, a domestic violence co-response program (Project Be Free), and supplanting existing criminal justice costs to free general fund dollars for other priorities (including GIS, facilities maintenance, Bellwether campus customer service, e-mobility coordination, external data sources, and increased fire apparatus funding). The state's $100 million grant fund associated with the bill was reported as already spoken for. Councilmembers sought clarification on the number of funded and proposed mental health professional positions; staff agreed to provide an organizational chart and position matrix. Councilmember Parsi asked how jail services figures ($1 million last year, $2.56 million proposed this year, and $3.1 million in the new table) connected; staff explained that the table showed a portion of the biennial jail costs eligible for the sales tax. Councilmember Nuevacamina and Council President Stuart opposed the tax as regressive; Councilmember Prakriya requested data on household impacts and police effectiveness before deciding. Mayor Birney noted the legislature expects cities to use the revenue tools it provides. The council did not place HB 2015 on the deliberations matrix (one thumb for further deliberation). Council President Stuart noted the city has until June 2028 to adopt this tool if desired. Council Talk Time (Agenda Item 3) - Mayor Birney reminded council members that Sound Cities Association position applications are due November 6, 2026, with many openings and few applicants. - Council Vice President Nuevacamina cautioned that two council members from the same city applying for the same position would both be disqualified. - Council President Stuart welcomed new staff member Hazel, encouraged scheduling, and announced end-of-year check-ins with council leadership after budget adoption. Key Outcomes - The 2027-28 Human Services Funding Recommendations will be considered as part of the council's adoption of the 2027-28 budget; funded services are scheduled to begin January 1, 2027. - Budget deliberations will continue on Thursday, October 29, 2026, using the deliberations matrix. Staff committed to posting responses by Wednesday evening, with any carryover posted by Thursday noon. - Council leadership will meet with finance staff to consolidate items raised during the session; the tenant protection subcommittee will send its proposal by Wednesday. - The council placed the following proposals on the deliberations matrix: ethics framework evaluation/modernization; community-based events innovation fund revisit; 'home to storefront' seed grant; public bike storage lockers; and community bike ride/criterium alternatives. - The council directed staff to prepare an ordinance for HB 2442 sales tax collection and to provide additional details on eligible uses and program distribution options. - HB 2015 was not placed on the deliberations matrix; no further budget deliberation on the criminal justice sales tax was scheduled.

The Board of Public Works & Safety met on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 100 of New Albany City Hall. The meeting covered unfinished business regarding solicitor's permits, a grant easement approval for an animal care facility, and updates on several paving and infrastructure projects. Unfinished Business - Justin Clowdus, High Impact Solutions (Authorized AT&T Dealer) – Solicitor's Permits: The item was previously tabled pending the applicant providing information to the clerk's office. The board discussed whether to keep it on unfinished business or remove it until the information is received. No decision was recorded; the matter appears to have been deferred. New Business / Grant Easement - Grant Easement to Park County RAEC for Animal Care Facility: A representative presented a request for a grant easement to allow Park County RAEC temporary access to the main access road for the animal care facility, which recently broke ground. The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the execution of the grant easement. The motion passed unanimously, and the president's signature was to be obtained after the meeting. City Officials' Communications – Infrastructure Updates - Paving Projects: The concrete subcontractor is finishing concrete work along Edgemont Drive and Chadwood Drive. Milling has started on Greenview Drive, Jaffrey Drive, Farrington Drive, Sydney Court, Ashley Court, Wellington, and Edgemont. The concrete subcontractor will then move to Greenaway Place for sidewalk work in advance of paving. - Trail Improvements: Crews are pouring concrete curb for landscaping and sidewalk between Elm and Oak Street, and finishing the installation of the HAWK signal at Fourth and Main on the trail. - Oak Street Reconstruction: The contractor plans to complete relocation of the water main along Oak Street, which will allow resumption of sanitary and stormwater construction that was on hold due to issues with the water company. - Charlestown Road / Slate Run Road Signal: The part needed for traffic control is scheduled to arrive by the end of the week, with installation and striping expected by week's end. Approval of Minutes - The regular meeting minutes for October 20, 2026, were approved by a voice vote (all in favor). Key Outcomes - Grant easement approved for Park County RAEC to support the animal care facility construction. - Infrastructure updates noted with no further action required. - Minutes of October 20, 2026, approved. - Unfinished business regarding solicitor's permits remained pending pending receipt of information from the applicant. - The meeting adjourned after a brief exchange.

The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee met Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Room 301-B of Milwaukee City Hall. The meeting was scheduled for 9:00 a.m., convened at 9:07 a.m., and adjourned at 11:13 a.m. Members present were Chair Ald. Robert J. Bauman, Vice-Chair Ald. Russell W. Stamper II, Ald. Milele A. Coggs (joining remotely), Ald. DiAndre Jackson, and Ald. Scott P. Spiker. The committee considered 16 items, including an ordinance on expired Board of Zoning Appeals approvals, an accessory dwelling unit design-package agreement, data center policy and dashboard resolutions, a downtown Planned Development zoning change, a Tax Incremental District amendment, and ten City-owned property sale-backs. Consent Calendar - Items 7-16, the tax-deeded property sale-back resolutions, were each approved unanimously (4-0, with Ald. Coggs excused). These authorize sale-backs to former owners of City-owned properties at: 1810 West Fairmount Avenue (1st Ald. Dist.); 4450 North 37th Street (7th); 2754A North 12th Street (15th); 2318 West Maple Street (8th); 6930B North Raintree Drive (9th); 1241A West Scott Street (12th); 1960B South 7th Street (12th); 1116 West Scott Street (12th); 1628-30 North 24th Street (15th); and 2543-45 North 36th Street (15th). Public Comments & Testimony - Cade Gerlach, resident of 700 East Kilbourn Avenue, expressed full support for the Zenith development, saying more housing supply helps stabilize rents and citing a $100-per-month rent reduction he negotiated after a previous high-rise was built. - Allen Cooper, property owner at 815 North Cass Street, raised concerns about additional alley traffic from 30 parking spaces, noise pollution from HVAC systems, construction vibration and potential cracking of older masonry buildings, garbage pickup in the alley, and requested a regular point of contact with the development team. The development team responded that parking ventilation would be at the top of the tower, they had offered pre-construction building inspections, and they would provide a project contact. - Curtis Oquist, property manager at 835 North Cass Street, opposed the development, arguing that removing the surface parking lot would worsen street parking shortages for nearby tenants and visitors, and questioned why the east elevation was not shown. He suggested the City build a public parking structure instead. Discussion Items - File 260563 - BOZA expired appeals notification: Ald. Jackson moved substitution of the file with Proposed Substitute A (5-0). Appearing for discussion were sponsors Ald. Perez, Ald. Westmoreland, Ald. Taylor, DCD's Tanya Fonseca, BOZA's India Gaar, and DNS Deputy Commissioner Mike Mazmanian. The ordinance would require notification when Board of Zoning Appeals approvals expire, but discussion covered enforcement gaps, the end of the proactive BOZA periodic inspection program due to staffing shortages, currently 10 special enforcement inspectors (down from 16 in 2020), and the possibility of automated renewal notices through ITMD. BOZA staff estimated 18 to 50 expirations per month over the next three months. City Plan Commission had recommended unanimous approval at its October 19 public hearing. Ald. Spiker moved to hold the file for one cycle to obtain ITMD input; the motion prevailed 5-0. - File 260884 - ADU design packages: The resolution authorizes the Commissioner of City Development to execute an agreement, funded by the Daniel Hoan Foundation, to make free accessory dwelling unit design packages available to the public. Designers from Navarte Development and Dream Builders said the packages would be customizable within limits and intended to be permitted by right. Discussion addressed the need for flexibility, neighborhood character, historic district compatibility, and prior city design-catalog efforts. The committee recommended adoption 5-0. - File 260497 - Data processing center policy recommendations: Ald. Pratt and co-sponsors presented a substitute resolution directing DCD to work with city agencies, outside experts, and stakeholders to recommend policies and regulations to prevent negative environmental, neighborhood, and community impacts of data processing centers. DCD Deputy Commissioner Sam Leichtling committed to a six-month deadline for policy recommendations. Ald. Perez, Stamper, Jackson, Bauman, and Spiker were added as cosponsors. Recommended for adoption 5-0. - File 260637 - Data center dashboard: A substitute resolution creating a public-facing data center dashboard was discussed. DCD noted that some requested data may be difficult to present because current records do not consistently track data centers, and an official dashboard may be more feasible once a city definition and permit tracking exist. Recommended for adoption 5-0. - File 260533 - Zenith Detailed Planned Development zoning change: DCD and the project team (New Land Enterprises, Korb Architects) presented a request to rezone 711 East Kilbourn Avenue and 822 North Van Buren Street from the General Planned Development known as Bookends to a Detailed Planned Development known as Zenith. The approved 2008 Bookends plan already permitted up to 230 residential units and a 20-story building on the site. The proposed Zenith is a 25-story, for-sale condominium tower with up to 226 units, 412 indoor parking spaces, and 68 bicycle spaces. The site's current assessed value is $2,148,400; projected construction cost is over $150 million. Chair Bauman noted that the 2008 approval had already established the property owner's right to build a high-rise. City Plan Commission recommended approval on September 28 after a public hearing. Following public testimony, the committee recommended passage 5-0. - File 260874 - TID No. 70 (735 N Water) Amendment No. 5: DCD's Alyssa Remington presented a fifth amendment adding $4 million in project costs: $3.75 million for City Hall Square Plaza design and construction, $100,000 for Water Street median improvements, $50,000 for 35 river rescue ring stations at $1,400 each, and $100,000 in administrative fees. The district has a current value exceeding $35 million and generates about $450,000 in annual increment, and is projected to be paid off by 2029. Ald. Stamper moved substitution of the file (4-0, Ald. Coggs excused), and the committee recommended adoption 4-0. Key Outcomes - File 260563: Substitute adopted (5-0); ordinance held to call of the chair for one cycle (5-0). - File 260884: Recommended for adoption (5-0). - File 260497: Recommended for adoption (5-0); five additional cosponsors added. - File 260637: Recommended for adoption (5-0). - File 260533: Recommended for passage (5-0). - File 260874: Substitute adopted (4-0) and recommended for adoption (4-0), with Ald. Coggs excused. - Files 260745, 260876, 260877, 260879, 260747, 260743, 260746, 260875, 260744, 260878: Each recommended for adoption (4-0), with Ald. Coggs excused. - The meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m.

The board met on October 27, 2026, and took action on overpass fund transfers, an ARPA contract addendum, property legal actions, event and right-of-way approvals, contracts, and claims. All votes were by voice vote, with no roll call or formal opposition noted. Gateway Project Fund Transfers - Staff explained that remaining balances from the former overpass project—originally funded with TIF funds, county funds, Louisville & Indiana Railroad (LIRC) funds, and CSX Transportation funds—were being redirected to the Gateway project under the original contribution agreements. - The Redevelopment Commission had already approved $3 million for the Gateway project; Bartholomew County had approximately $423,000 remaining. Staff said the agreed funds would be moved into a newly created Gateway fund, with city council approval also being sought. - The board approved one motion acknowledging the transfer of remaining overpass funds from LIRC and a second motion for Bartholomew County’s remaining funds. Both motions carried by voice vote. - The approximate amount being transferred was $3.2 million; the anticipated Gateway project cost was approximately $2.6 million. - A board member voiced strong support for the Gateway project, saying it was important not only aesthetically but as a community space and a place for people to visit during lunch near the courthouse. - Staff said demolition/construction could begin shortly after the city council approves the contract next week, possibly this year to lock in prices. Work below the bridge was expected to be done this year, with bridge painting likely around August of next year. ARA Contract Addendum - Staff presented an addendum to the existing contract with ARA to administer ARPA-funded programs, including the PAC program and CHIP 2.0. - The PAC program incentivizes developers to build infill housing on city lots and sell to private individuals below $300,000, with an added incentive for sales below $250,000. Of 10 participating developers, 7 homes were completed and sold, 2 were still in progress, and 1 had stepped away for personal reasons. - The addendum transfers leftover PAC funds to CHIP 2.0, a CDBG-funded program allowing income limits up to 120% of AMI, so the funds can be spent by the federal year-end deadline. - The board approved the addendum by voice vote. Property Legal Actions - For 1501 Union Street, a vacant property with no owner response and complaints about animals coming and going for a couple of years, the board approved vacate, condemn, demolish, and legal action. - For 313 Windwood Court and 5220 Miami Court, staff reported life-safety issues, failed owner responses, missing smoke alarms, and mechanical problems. A board member noted the owner has a pattern of neglected properties, referencing a previous Maple Street property. The board approved vacate, condemn, and legal action for both properties. Event Permits and Right-of-Way - A temporary event permit request was approved by voice vote. - Engineering staff presented three event approvals: Grayson Kessler’s senior project "Battle of the Bones," a chili cook-off on November 15 on 4th Street with goodwill donations and toys for cats; a Wildflower neighborhood welcome event; and Beth Strove’s reindeer run. The board approved all three. - The board also approved special use of right-of-way requests described as utility- or construction-related. Contracts, Claims, and Adjournment - The board approved a record modernization contract by voice vote. - The board approved an INDOT traffic study agreement by voice vote; staff described it as a three-year agreement with $20,460 for traffic costs. - The board approved three dockets of claims. - The board adjourned. Key Outcomes - Approved two overpass fund transfer acknowledgments (LIRC and Bartholomew County). - Approved the ARA contract addendum transferring PAC funds to CHIP 2.0. - Approved property actions for 1501 Union Street, 313 Windwood Court, and 5220 Miami Court. - Approved a temporary event permit, three special events, and special use of right-of-way requests. - Approved the record modernization contract and the INDOT traffic study agreement. - Approved the dockets of claims and adjourned.

The Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IGR) of the Minneapolis City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Chair Oreen Chowdhury called the meeting to order, with eight members present establishing a quorum. The committee reviewed 11 draft 2027 legislative policy positions, received a federal legislative update from the IGR team and a report from Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and approved a walk-on resolution calling for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Consent Calendar - The committee received and filed the presentation on the draft 2027 legislative policy positions and the federal legislative activities update. - A walk-on item authored by Councilmembers Chavez, Chowdhury, Osman, and Chugtai, related to calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for TPS, was added to the agenda without objection. Discussion: Draft 2027 Legislative Policy Positions - Interim Director Steve Huser and Indiria Falana (IGR) presented 11 policy recommendations from the Policy Liaison Team (PLT) for the 2027 legislative agenda. The proposed new or amended positions included: - State relief for independent music venues, noting 80% operate without profit. - Modifications to the Clean Slate Act to preserve domestic violence records for protective orders. - Allowing investigation of peace officer misconduct after separation from a department. - State funding ($2M-$5M) for the Health Trends Across Communities data program. - Increased Medical Assistance reimbursement rates for school-based mental health clinics. - A $10M grant program for city decarbonization projects administered by the state's Climate Innovation Authority. - State funding for geothermal heating systems at the Democracy Center and a water distribution facility. - Building performance standards requiring a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. - Continued support for ending subminimum wages for people with disabilities and incarcerated individuals. - Expanding the Safe Harbor program for sexually exploited youth (ages 24 and under) to include adults aged 25 and older ($4M). - A state-funded low-income residential water affordability program modeled on the heating assistance program. - Councilmember Discussion: - Councilmember Chavez requested clarification on the disability wage justice language, specifically regarding the consolidation of policies for people with disabilities and incarcerated individuals. Director Huser confirmed both groups are specified. - Chair Chowdhury asked about coalition partners for health and decarbonization proposals, confirming partnerships with LPHA and other metro cities. She emphasized revenue generation and Local Government Aid (LGA) as top priorities for the legislative session. Director Huser acknowledged the IGR team is actively working on new municipal revenue tools and LGA advocacy with the League of Minnesota Cities. - Councilmember Schaefer noted the absence of proposals from CPED and stressed the importance of sustainable revenue growth and investment. - Councilmember Warren emphasized the need for the disability subminimum wage policy to explicitly state that a fair minimum wage applies, avoiding assumptions of lower pay. - Councilmember Stevenson asked whether the music venue relief included support for musicians; it was clarified the proposal focused on the stability of the venues themselves. - President Payne raised legislative directives related to bringing BCR in-house, flagging data practice concerns from the City Attorney's office and requesting coordination with the IGR department. Discussion: Federal Legislative Activities Update - Chair Chowdhury shared a written report from Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who was unable to attend in person due to safety concerns. The report detailed federal impacts on Minneapolis, including actions during the Metro Surge, cuts from the "One Big Beautiful Bill" affecting SNAP and Medicaid, and legislation the Congresswoman is championing. - Senior Government Relations Representative Lauren Olson presented a federal update. She noted key dates including Election Day (November 3, 2026) and the government funding continuing resolution deadline (December 11, 2026). - Federal Earmarks: One House request ($850,000) for ADA pedestrian access and safety, championed by Rep. Omar, advanced in the House process. Three Senate requests (police records management, police recruitment, forensic lab) remain pending in the appropriations committee. - Farm Bill: Ms. Olson highlighted a major sticking point involving SNAP cost-sharing requirements, which could cost Minnesota hundreds of millions of dollars. Senator Klobuchar is leading efforts to address this. - Councilmember Chowdhury asked about the "Skinny Farm Bill" and hemp-derived THC beverages, noting the impact on local distilleries and requesting an update. Key Outcomes - Haiti TPS Resolution Approved: The walk-on resolution calling for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status was moved by Councilmember Chavez and approved by voice vote (all ayes, no nays). Chair Chowdhury noted minor tweaks may be made before the item goes to the full council. - Timeline for 2027 Agenda: The draft legislative policy document will be updated with committee feedback. Final action and amendments to the full 2027 IGR legislative agenda are scheduled for the committee's December 1, 2026 meeting.