Minneapolis City Council Meeting Summary – March 5, 2026

The Minneapolis City Council convened on March 5, 2026, at approximately 10:37 AM. The meeting began with two honorary resolutions—one recognizing Women's History Month and one recognizing the holy month of Ramadan—followed by the regular business meeting. Key actions included passage of a temporary pre-eviction notice extension (60 days) through August 2026, approval of a variance appeal for a church, adoption of a resolution opposing I-94 status quo alternatives, authorization of a director of police health and wellness position, and referral of several ordinances and nominations.

Honorary Resolutions

• Women's History Month: The council recognized Women's History Month with a resolution presented by Councilmembers Chughtai and Wansley. Speakers celebrated women's contributions, acknowledged historic exclusions, and noted the city's Women Employee Network (formerly the "29% Club"). Director Karen Moe shared appreciation for women's resilience. Councilmember Chavez humorously noted, "we would not be in World War Three right now" if the director were in charge.
• Ramadan: The council recognized the holy month of Ramadan (began February 18, 2026) with a resolution presented by Councilmember Chavez, Chughtai, and others. Executive Director Jailani Hussein (CAIR-MN) and Malaika Daher (Rise, Minnesota) spoke, noting the challenges of Metro Surge and the need for solidarity. Councilmember Chavez emphasized standing with all struggling communities.

Consent Calendar

• The council adopted the agenda (13 ayes) and approved minutes from the February 19, 2026 meeting (13 ayes).
• Referral of petitions, communications, and reports to proper committees was approved (13 ayes).

Committee of the Whole Report (Presented by Councilmember Chowdhury)

• Items adopted en bloc (13 ayes): The committee brought forward 58 items. Items 1 and 45 were deleted. Items 2, 4, 41, 57, and 58 were pulled for separate votes. Highlights of the consent items included: quarterly donation reports, ethics complaints, grants (including fall 2025 brownfield grants and a KMOJ project grant – Councilmember Veta noted excitement for the KMOJ building on Laurie Avenue), contracts, liquor/gambling renewals, street projects, and a block permit for Dropkick Ice.

Discussion Items

Item 2 – Variance Appeal for Hiawatha Church (4155 41st Avenue)

• Councilmember Chowdhury moved to grant the appeal with conditions, citing unique property circumstances (split-level design, ADA compliance challenges). Conditions included additional reductions in maximum lot cover and impervious surface area, and a rain garden requirement.
• Vote: 13 ayes – approved.

Item 4 – Temporary Pre-Eviction Notice Extension Ordinance

• Motion: Councilmember Wansley moved to approve an ordinance extending the pre-eviction notice period from 30 to 60 days through August 2026.
• Support: Councilmembers Wansley, Osman, Stevenson, Chavez, Chowdhury, Chughtai, and Payne argued the extension is necessary to prevent mass evictions, especially for immigrant communities impacted by Operation Metro Surge. They cited data from CURA showing similar extensions reduced evictions in Minneapolis and St. Louis Park. Councilmember Stevenson added that calls for rental assistance are higher than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilmember Chowdhury emphasized that mutual aid networks have raised $6 million this year to prevent evictions. Councilmember Chughtai noted that employees of affordable housing nonprofits are themselves seeking mutual aid.
• Opposition: Councilmembers Whiting (who withdrew an amendment), Palmasano, Rainville, Veta, Warren, and Schaefer voted no. They argued the policy could harm affordable housing providers, increase tenant debt, and lead to more evictions over time. Councilmember Palmasano emphasized rental assistance, not a blanket pause, as the solution. Councilmember Whiting warned of unaffordable back rent. Councilmember Warren noted that many small landlords still haven't recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Vote: 7 ayes (Wansley, Chughtai, Chowdhury, Stevenson, Chavez, Osman, Payne), 5 nays (Whiting abstained, Rainville, Veta, Palmasano, Warren, Schaefer), 1 abstention (Whiting) – passed.

Item 41 – Resolution Regarding I-94 Rethinking Project

• Councilmember Wansley proposed an amendment stating the city "strongly opposes any alternative options that would maintain the status quo of the highway." She cited the highway's historical harm to Black and brown communities. Councilmember Schaefer expressed appreciation for the changes but voted no, citing late analysis from Public Works.
• Vote: 9 ayes, 4 nays – passed as amended.

Item 57 – Staff Direction Related to Public Safety Training Facilities

• Councilmember Stevenson moved an amendment to include analysis of training needs, space utilization, renovation vs. new construction, and cross-departmental options. Councilmember Palmasano confirmed the amendment does not change the scope of staff work. The original item requests updated information on a public safety training and wellness facility.
• Vote: 13 ayes – approved as amended.

Item 58 – Police Department Wellness Director Position

• Background: MPD requested approval for a Director of Police Health and Wellness, originally to be funded by cutting an embedded social worker position (reducing from 4 to 3). After council pushback, MPD identified a vacant forensic scientist 2 position to fund the new role without cutting social workers.
• Motion to refer back to staff (Councilmember Chughtai): Argued the position should go through the standard budget process, noting MPD has spent over $6 million on overtime since January alone. Seconded by Councilmember Wansley.
• Opposition to referral: Councilmembers Osman, Chowdhury, Veta, Palmasano, and others argued the department showed leadership by finding a solution. Councilmember Veta emphasized officer wellness and stigma about seeking help.
• Vote on referral: 3 ayes (Wansley, Chughtai, Stevenson), 10 nays – motion fails.
• Underlying motion: Councilmember Palmasano then moved to approve the position.
• Final vote: 13 ayes – approved.

Key Outcomes

• Temporary Pre-Eviction Notice Extension: Passed (7-5-1). Extends filing notice from 30 to 60 days through August 2026. Awaiting mayor's signature; Councilmember Osman voiced concern the mayor may veto.
• Variance Appeal (Hiawatha Church): Approved (13-0).
• I-94 Resolution (Amended): Passed (9-4). City opposes maintaining current highway configuration.
• Public Safety Training Facilities Study: Approved (13-0). Staff directed to analyze needs and options.
• Police Wellness Director: Approved (13-0). Funded by converting a vacant forensic scientist 2 position; no social worker positions cut.
• Notices of Intent: Introduced for ordinances on adult bathhouses/sex venues, concealment of identity by law enforcement, commercial tenant eviction notification, and homeless encampment reporting policy.
• Ordinance Introductions: Referred to committee: ordinance codifying status as welcoming city for all genders (first reading) and ordinance prohibiting immigration status inquiries in rental screening.
• Mayor's Nominations: Todrick Barnett (Commissioner of Community Safety), Margaret Anderson Kelleher (City Operations Officer), and Kristen Anderson (City Attorney) referred to Committee of the Whole for public hearing setting.
• Resolution from Berkeley, CA: Received and filed – expresses solidarity regarding immigration surges.
• Council Announcements: Councilmember Warren called for respectful decorum. Councilmember Chowdhury highlighted the Berkeley resolution and the forthcoming ordinance on law enforcement identity concealment.