Climate and Infrastructure Committee Regular Meeting - August 20, 2026

The Climate and Infrastructure Committee of the Minneapolis City Council held a regular meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:33 PM CT, chaired by Vice Chair Soren Stevenson. The meeting covered consent items, a public hearing on the Central Avenue/TH 65 reconstruction project, and discussions on the Vision Zero Action Plan, climate equity funding, sidewalk snow and ice clearing pilots, and a thermal energy potential study. Key decisions included approval of the consent agenda, adoption of the Central Avenue concept layout, approval of the Vision Zero Action Plan, and receipt and filing of several reports.

Consent Calendar

• Approved a walk-on item for a block event permit for the University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety welcome back event on September 9, 2026.
• Approved 11 routine consent items, including construction easements for the Northside Greenway Phase 2 and Grand Avenue Bridge, returning Nicolette Avenue public restroom funding from the general fund to the value capture fund, contract amendments for Washburn Tower rehabilitation, Cedar Lake Trail water main, pond land care, lead service line replacement, Nicolette Avenue Bridge rehabilitation, graffiti abatement, and North Transfer Station revitalization.
• Discussion on the Nicolette Avenue public restroom funding item: Councilmember Chowdry inquired about the timeline and assurance that funds would be used for restrooms. Public Works staff explained the administrative change preserves funding for the intended use. The item was approved as part of the consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on Central Avenue/TH 65 (Trunk Highway 65) Municipal Consent
  • John Daniluk (representing Ideal Diner) expressed support for the project and appreciation for collaboration with the project team, emphasizing the need to maintain access to the business.
  • Paul Minard (representing businesses between 7th and 8th Streets) opposed the elimination of 14 essential on-street parking spaces, citing negative impacts on customer access and citing a prior 50% membership drop at a local cooperative due to parking reductions. He requested the council direct Metro Transit to reconsider and preserve parking.
  • Nancy Sineken (representing Syndican Investments, a commercial property owner at 726 Central Avenue) opposed the design, stating it would diminish property values, asset visibility, and customer access, with particular concern about one-way perpendicular streets making navigation difficult.

Discussion Items

• Central Avenue/TH 65 Municipal Consent (Item 1)

  • Peter Bennett (Transportation Planner, Public Works) presented the project: a full reconstruction from the Mississippi River to 37th Avenue NE, incorporating a four-to-three lane conversion with a bus lane for Metro Transit's F Line BRT, protected bike lanes, upgraded pedestrian facilities, and improved safety. The project is led by MnDOT and requires municipal consent. Construction is planned for 2029-2030. The public hearing was held; no further discussion occurred after testimony. The committee approved the resolution and concept layout.

• 2026-2030 Vision Zero Action Plan (Item 2)

  • Antonio Rossell (Vision Zero Program Coordinator) presented the plan update, noting 74 traffic fatalities and over 1,600 serious injuries in Minneapolis from 2022-2025. Key priorities: safety improvements on high-injury streets (10% of streets account for 60% of severe crashes), reducing dangerous speeds through physical street design, and continuing the traffic safety camera pilot (launched fall 2025). Public engagement showed strong support. Councilmembers Chowdry and Warren discussed data privacy and surveillance concerns; Ethan Foley (Transportation Planning Manager) clarified camera data is not shared with law enforcement, cameras are not constant recorders, and data is anonymized. The committee approved the plan.

• Climate Equity Action Plan Background and Overview (Item 3)

  • Patrick Hanlin (Deputy Commissioner, Health Department) updated on climate funding sources: franchise fees (2018, 2024, 2026) generating ~$21 million in total revenue, with program spending of ~$18.7 million. Specific questions from Councilmember Stevenson about the 2026 budget noted a proposed cut of ~$3.6-3.7 million in climate spending, potentially breaking a promise to use franchise fee increases for weatherization to offset utility costs. The report was received and filed.

• Sidewalk Snow and Ice Pilot Programs Update (Item 4)

  • Ethan Van Offelen (Project Coordinator) reported on the second season of four pilots: Snow Ambassador (enforcement), Neighborhood Snow Patrol (assistance for seniors/disabled), Mobile Team (contractor clearing priority routes), and Snow Caseworker (outreach and coordination). Key findings: 96% citywide compliance; 13% of parcels in Snow Ambassador route had violations; repeat violators are common. Costs to date: $288,000 of a $595,000 budget. Chair Stevenson questioned enforcement timelines (up to 7 days) and requested follow-up on speeding up interventions. Councilmember Warren praised the Harrison neighborhood pilot. The report was received and filed.

• Thermal Potential Study Overview (Item 5)

  • Megan Hoy (Director of Climate Equity Action) and Luke Hollenkamp (Sustainability Program Manager) presented on the study, which aims to guide development of thermal energy networks (district-scale geothermal systems). Phase 1 (technology review and geographic analysis) is largely complete; Phase 2 (stakeholder engagement and implementation pathways) is underway. The study does not include single-family homes but focuses on commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings. Final deliverables expected summer 2027. The report was received and filed.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda (including the walk-on event permit and all routine items) by voice vote, with no opposition.
• Approved the Central Avenue/TH 65 concept layout and resolution for municipal consent by voice vote, following the public hearing.
• Approved the 2026-2030 Vision Zero Action Plan and resolution adopting its policy goals and priorities by voice vote.
• Received and filed the climate equity funding update (filed as report).
• Received and filed the sidewalk snow and ice pilots update (filed as report).
• Received and filed the thermal potential study update (filed as report).
• Adjourned after completing all business.