The Minneapolis City Council convened on June 25, 2026 at 2:34 PM under President Elliot Payne. The meeting opened with three honorary resolutions recognizing a Day of Compassion (July 6, Dalai Lama's 91st birthday), Power to the People Stage Day (June 28), and Somali Week Festival 2026 (Somali Cultural Day July 1). After adoption of the agenda and minutes, the council conducted committee reports covering business licensing, housing, infrastructure, public safety, and labor. The three‑hour public session included extensive debate on adult bathhouse ordinances, a five‑month data center moratorium, the reappointment of the CPED director, a substitute nomination to the Ballpark Authority, a one‑year extension of ShotSpotter (and denial of its expansion), a new audit request regarding MPHA, and the landmark Pride & Policy package.
Councilmember Chavez, primary author, explained that the two ordinances remove stigmatizing language from health code and relocate regulations to business licensing and health code to allow future regulation of adult bathhouses and sex venues. She detailed the history of the 1988 ban, the 1979 police raid at a downtown bathhouse, and the targeting of gay men. Councilmember Chowdhury noted the outpouring of queer community support in committee. Councilmember Schaefer opposed, citing constituent concerns from Loring Park and public health/neighborhood implications. Councilmember Palmasano supported the move while seeking continued involvement on worker safety. Councilmember Wandsley argued the ban was rooted in fear and stigmatization. The ordinances passed 9‑2‑1 (Osman abstained).
Councilmember Warren and Councilmember Vita opposed the reappointment of Director Eric Hansen, citing concerns about neglect of North Minneapolis (vacant lots, livability, food and pharmacy deserts). Other councilmembers praised Hansen's leadership and commitment. The reappointment carried 10‑2.
Councilmember Chowdhury, lead author, argued for a five‑month pause to study impacts of new‑generation AI data centers on water, energy, and land use, with a carve‑out for downtown developments up to 350,000 sq ft. Councilmember Palmasano and Rainville opposed, saying it signals hostility to business and that existing regulations suffice. Councilmember Schaefer contrasted rhetoric vs. reality, noting downtown data centers use water comparable to a medium apartment building and support union jobs. Councilmember Chavez voiced concerns about environmental injustice in Wards 9 and 10. Councilmember Wandsley highlighted state tax breaks for data centers and argued for revenue alternatives. Councilmember Stevenson noted strong constituent opposition to any data centers. The moratorium passed 7‑5.
President Payne nominated Jim Davney (former state representative) for the vacant seat, citing his legislative knowledge to advocate for sustainable HCMC funding. Councilmember Vita offered a substitute nomination to retain Justin Baylor, the incumbent and only person of color on the authority, noting his community ties and support from the Minneapolis NAACP. After debate, the substitute failed 5‑7, and Davney's appointment carried 8‑4.
The council split the item. 23.1 (one‑year extension of current coverage) passed 12‑0 after Councilmember Chavez committed to a compromise while awaiting an auditor's report in August. 23.2 (expansion into Wards 9 and 10) was denied 8‑4, with Chavez and other members citing lack of data and the pending audit. Councilmember Palmasano supported expansion as a preventive tool; Councilmember Wandsley noted the non‑fatal shooting task force is showing better results at lower cost.
Councilmember Warren introduced a resolution requesting the Audit Committee to direct the City Auditor to conduct an independent audit of Minneapolis Public Housing Authority's use of city funds, focusing on Heritage Park conditions (mold, safety, accountability). Multiple councilmembers co‑authored and voiced strong support. The resolution passed 10‑0.
The final two items of the six‑part package were adopted. 3.1 (Welcome City Ordinance) enshrines a statement of belonging for 2S LGBTQIA+ residents, establishes safe‑haven protections for gender‑affirming and intersex care, prohibits interference with such care, restricts data sharing, mandates inclusive city employee health plans, requires all‑gender restrooms, and creates a complaint process. Carried 11‑0. 3.2 (Gender‑Inclusive Language Ordinance) updates the rules of construction to remove binary gendered language from the city code. Carried 11‑0.
Good morning, everyone. My name is Elliot Payne. I'm the president of Minneapolis City Council. Before we convene our meeting, we have the presentation of honorary resolutions. I'll invite Councilmember Warren to give the first presentation recognizing a day of compassion. Thank you, Council President. This is beautiful. Whereas Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lamas are a manifestation of compassion and spiritual leaders of Tibet, and whereas his holiness was recognized as the reincarnation of the thirteenth Dalai Lama at an early age and devoted his life to the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy and the promotion of compassion, inner faith dialogue, and mutual respect. And whereas following the invasion of the Tibetan people by the Republic of China in nineteen fifty and the Tibetan Uprising of Nineteen Fifty Nine, he fled into exile as he has since worked to preserve the Tibetan people's cultural, religious, and historical heritage. And whereas the Dalai Lama has traveled extensively throughout the world, including Minnesota, fostering greater understanding, tolerance, harmony, and compassion amongst people of all faiths and background, and whereas in 1989, his holiness was awarded the Noble Priests Peace Prize for advocating peaceful solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect, and whereas his teachings on spectacular ethics, compassion, and emotional resilience have influenced educators, spiritual practitioners, and leading leaders globally. And whereas over 5,000 Tibetans now call Minnesota home, contributing to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our communities by working in hospitals, operating small businesses in Minneapolis, and attending colleges and universities throughout the city. And whereas July 6th marks the 91st birthday of his holiness, the Dalai Lama, now therefore be it resolved that the mayor and the city council do hereby recognize July 6th as a day of compassion in recognition of his holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama's 91st birthday in the city of Minneapolis in recognition of his lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, and nonviolence. I believe there are a few people who would like to speak. We have far exceeded that, but I'm pleasantly surprised to see so many members of our Tibetan community here. I'm a proud Tibetan American, lifelong Minnesotan, and the current U.S. National Coordinator for the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group, the primary youth engagement and leadership initiative of the Central Tibetan Administration, which is the Tibetan government in exile. It is an honor to be here today as the city of Minneapolis recognizes July 6th as the day of compassion in honor of the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. For Tibetans, the Dalai Lama is our spiritual leader, but his message belongs to everyone. Throughout his life, he has reminded us that compassion is not simply a personal virtue, it is the foundation of strong communities. It is how we build trust, bridge differences, and care for one another. As someone who works with young people and communities across Minnesota, I've seen how powerful compassion can be. It creates a sense of belonging, encourages understanding across cultures, and inspires people to serve something greater than themselves. Minnesota is home to more than 5,000 Tibetans. We're lucky that we didn't have all of them here today, many of whom who have built their lives here in the Twin Cities. We are proud to contribute to the cultural, economic, and civic life in this region, and we are grateful to call Minneapolis home alongside so many vibrant communities. I also want to recognize that just yesterday, the St. Paul City Council passed a resolution recognizing July 6th as the day of compassion as well. Together, the Twin Cities are sending a very powerful message that compassion, understanding, and the respect for our shared humanity are values that unite us all. I would especially like to thank Councilmember Pearl Warren for taking the time to meet with our delegation, for listening to our community and for introducing this resolution. Your leadership and partnership have made today's recognition possible. On behalf of the Minnesota Tibetan community, I thank you. Actually, he's my son. And I am the vice president of Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. I just want to add, I I walk for old Dutch. I think everybody enjoyed some good chips every day. And I would like to thank all the council members for uh passing this resolution. Uh, from all five thousand over five thousand dependents live here in Minnesota. Thank you. Thank you all so much. We're gonna take a we're gonna take a photo. You're gonna go back there? Okay. We're gonna take a photo. I'm up here. I'm saying it's my belt and hours that we're actually after this. Thank you for coming. Oh, um, but I would ask that. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Next, we will recognize Power of the People Day with Councilmember Chavez. Alright, yeah, we're honoring the 25th year anniversary of the power to the people stage and recognizing Sunday, June 28, 2026 as Power to the People Stage Day in the City of Minneapolis.