Minneapolis City Council Regular Meeting - August 13, 2026

The Minneapolis City Council met on August 13, 2026, with 10 members present (a quorum). The meeting began with a ceremonial resolution honoring Minnesota People of Color LGBTQ+ Pride and Twin Cities Black Pride 2026, followed by approval of the agenda, minutes, and referrals. The council then considered reports from standing committees, including a contested appointment to the Minnesota Ballpark Authority and a resolution for a voluntary relocation plan for Heritage Park residents. All items were voted on with detailed roll calls.

Ceremonial Resolution

• Councilmembers Vita and Traves presented a resolution recognizing Minnesota People of Color LGBTQ+ Pride (MNPOC Pride, founded 1999) and Twin Cities Black Pride 2026 (theme: "Always Better Together"). The resolution honored founders Dennis Anderson, Latanya Noble, and Ray Mel Givens. The council unanimously adopted the resolution (10-0).

Consent Calendar

• The following items were approved unanimously without discussion:
  • Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee report (items 1-19) – including liquor license renewals, rezoning, contracts, and loan forgiveness. Item 20 (Ballpark Authority appointment) was pulled for separate vote.
  • Climate and Infrastructure Committee report (18 items) – including sidewalk assessments, block event permits, and contract amendments.
  • Enterprise and Labor Relations Committee report (items 1-3, 5-6) – including Olympic torch relay agreement, police training annex contract, and assistant city clerk appointment. Item 4 (workers' compensation settlement) was pulled for separate vote.
  • Public Health, Safety, and Equity Committee report (9 items) – including grant acceptances and contract amendments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting. Councilmembers acknowledged the presence of Heritage Park residents in the audience but did not invite them to speak.

Discussion Items

Heritage Park Voluntary Relocation Plan

• Councilmember Warren led discussion on a resolution adopting a voluntary relocation policy for Heritage Park, a 440-unit affordable housing development with 211 occupied units. The resolution was approved unanimously (10-0). During debate, Councilmember Warren emphasized the need for a human-centered, individualized approach and urged the use of community-based organizations like North Point Health and Wellness Center to supplement the work of relocation contractor SRF, which has an existing city contract. Director of CPED Eric Hansen confirmed that SRF is under contract and that North Point could provide wraparound services. Councilmembers expressed sympathy for residents and criticized the property's neglect.

Appointment to Minnesota Ballpark Authority (Item 20, BHZ Report)

• Councilmember Chowdhury moved to appoint Dr. Nathan Chamillo (medical director for Medicaid/Medicare at the state of Minnesota) to the Ballpark Authority, replacing the previous nominee, Justin Baylor, who was vetoed by the mayor. Councilmember Vita opposed, arguing that the process lacked transparency and that the current member (Justin Baylor) was a person of color who served well. Councilmember Warren moved to delay the vote, citing the need for a broader search. The motion to delay failed 5-5 (tie). Dr. Chamillo's appointment then passed 6-4 (Councilmembers Schaefer, Rainbow, Vita, Warren voting no; Chowdhury, Stevenson, Shondez, Whiting, Shugti, and Payne voting yes).

Workers' Compensation Settlement (Item 4, ELR Report)

• Councilmember Stevenson pulled item 4 for a separate vote, which approved a legal settlement for Heather Bythol's workers' compensation claim. The settlement passed 7-3 (Councilmembers Stevenson and Chavez voting no, others yes).

Key Outcomes

• Adoption of Heritage Park Voluntary Relocation Policy – Unanimous (10-0). Directs CPED to work with SRF and North Point Health and Wellness Center on relocation.
• Appointment of Dr. Nathan Chamillo to Minnesota Ballpark Authority – Approved 6-4 after a failed motion to delay (5-5).
• Approval of Workers' Compensation Settlement – Passed 7-3.
• Referral of Mayor's 2027 Recommended Budget – Moved by Councilmember Shugti, referred to the Budget Committee for review.
• Notice of Ordinance Introductions – Three items introduced and referred to committees: fire code amendments (commercial hood cleaning), MPHA accountability (to BHZ), and neighborhood revitalization policy board elections (to PHSE).
• Unfinished Business – Appeal by 1717 Developers LLC regarding demolition of a historic landmark at 948 18th Avenue NE was deleted (resolution adopted 10-0).
• Ceremonial Resolution – Adopted unanimously (10-0) honoring MNPOC Pride and Twin Cities Black Pride.

Other Actions

• The council approved the minutes of the July 30, 2026, regular meeting (10-0).
• The council confirmed the city clerk's appointment of Ken Daylor as assistant city clerk (included in ELR report).
• Councilmember Stevenson gave notice of intent to introduce an ordinance repealing commercial building energy rating and disclosure requirements (Section 47.190) at the next meeting.