Minneapolis City Council Regular Meeting - September 17, 2026

The Minneapolis City Council convened its regular meeting on September 17, 2026, at approximately 9:39 AM CDT. The meeting began with presentations of seven honorary resolutions, followed by the adoption of the agenda, minutes, committee reports, and other routine business. All items on the agenda passed unanimously except for one workers' compensation settlement, which was referred back to committee for further discussion.

Presentations and Honorary Resolutions

• Day of Transgender Child (September 26, 2026): Council President Payne read a resolution recognizing September 26, 2026 as the Day of Transgender Child in Minneapolis. The resolution noted that September 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the day, that Minnesota became a trans refuge state in 2023, and that the city adopted a safe haven ordinance in June 2026. Hannah Edwards, executive director of Transforming Families Minnesota, thanked the council and noted that families have moved to Minnesota for safety, calling it "the only day set aside to celebrate trans youth."
• Community Health Worker Day: Councilmember Vita presented a resolution honoring community health workers (CHWs). The resolution noted that Minnesota developed the nation's first statewide post-secondary CHW curriculum and established Medicaid reimbursement for CHW services. Speakers included a CHW consultant who thanked Councilmember Vita for her early mentorship, and Sonny Aileen, executive director of the Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance, who stated that one in five Minneapolis residents speaks a language other than English at home (compared to one in eight statewide) and that CHWs were vital during the recent Metro Surge disruptions.
• Latino Heritage Month (September 15–October 15, 2026): The resolution highlighted that according to the 2020 census, 6.1% of Minnesota's population and 10.4% of Minneapolis's population identified as Hispanic or Latino, with a 141% increase since 2000. It referenced Operation Metro Surge, an federal operation beginning December 2025 that sent over 3,000 agents, took at least 70 children, separated families, and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage. Community speakers emphasized resilience and resistance.
• Salvadoran Independence (205th anniversary, September 15): The resolution noted that over 12,000 Salvadorans live in Minnesota, contributing through small businesses and labor. Consul General Santa Cruz expressed gratitude for the welcoming community.
• Mexican Independence (216th anniversary, September 16): The resolution noted that Mexicans make up roughly two-thirds of Minnesota's 345,000+ Hispanic/Latino residents. Councilmember Chavez highlighted that Mexico is 60% indigenous.
• Legacy of Former State Representative Karen Clark: The resolution honored Karen Clark, the first openly lesbian member of the Minnesota Legislature and longest-serving openly lesbian state legislator in the U.S., who died on June 30, 2026. She championed the 1993 Human Rights Act amendment banning sexual orientation discrimination, marriage equality (2013), environmental justice (including cumulative pollution legislation), and the East Phillips Urban Farm project. State Representative Samantha Centomera and community members spoke about her mentorship and relentless advocacy.
• Life and Legacy of Chaz Millionaire (Charles Dillon): The resolution recognized Chaz Millionaire, a beloved DJ, radio host, and community activist who passed away. He hosted "Late Night Love and Jazz" on KMOJ, served the Park Board, North High School, and Job Corps, and for over 35 years hosted the Festival of Fathers. His daughter Maria announced the Chaz Vision Media and Legacy Fund for youth in creative arts. Friends, including Al Flowers and Q Bear, shared memories of his generosity and dedication.

All seven resolutions were adopted unanimously.

Consent Calendar

The following routine items were approved unanimously without discussion:

• Adoption of the meeting agenda and minutes from August 27, 2026.
• Referral of petitions, communications, and reports to proper committees.
• Committee reports:
  • Budget Committee: Approving a legislative directive related to city contracts.
  • Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee: 15 items including liquor licenses, gambling license renewals, contract amendments, bond approvals, and an ordinance on fence regulations.
  • Climate and Infrastructure Committee: 8 items including special service district charges, gift acceptance, and various contract amendments for street and infrastructure projects.
  • Committee of the Whole: A contract with Grant Thorson Advisors to support MPD Internal Affairs backlog (approved unanimously, no discussion).
  • Enterprise and Labor Relations Committee: Items 1-4 (cybersecurity services, employee survey, lab system maintenance, legal settlement) approved unanimously. Item 5 (workers' comp settlement for Jason Anderson) was pulled for separate discussion.
  • Public Health, Safety, and Equity Committee: 10 items including ordinance on neighborhood revitalization elections, grants, donations, and appointments to advisory committee.
• Notice of ordinance introductions: two ordinances on zoning/land subdivision codes and one on commercial leases (referred to committee).
• Adoption of resolutions (the seven listed above).
• Unfinished business: amended noise regulations (see below).

Discussion Items

• Workers' Compensation Settlement – Jason Anderson (Item #5): Councilmember Chuctai pulled the item for discussion, requesting information on the pipeline of similar claims and financial implications. City Attorney Kristyn Anderson said outside counsel handles work comp claims and could provide a list. Councilmember Stevenson read from a 2010 MPR article stating that officer Jason Anderson was fired twice for untruthfulness and was involved in the 2006 shooting death of Thong Lee, whose family alleged a planted gun. Stevenson moved to refer the item back to committee, stating the officer “should be in jail.” Councilmember Chuctai supported referral, citing lack of administration engagement. Councilmember Palmasano noted that specific case details are not public but that periodic updates on settlements are typical. Councilmember Wansley supported referral and suggested closed-session updates and a review of state-level PTSD settlement language. The motion to refer passed unanimously (10-0).
• Noise Regulations (Unfinished Business): Councilmember Chavez presented an amended ordinance addressing motion sensing devices. The amendment changes where the sound is measured from (inside a home with closed doors/windows rather than a yard) and prohibits triggering on public property (e.g., by pedestrians or cars). Councilmember Vita expressed concern about enforcement on small lots in North Minneapolis but supported the ordinance after staff assurance that adjustments could be made if problems arise. The amended ordinance passed unanimously (10-0).

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items passed unanimously except the Jason Anderson workers' comp settlement, which was referred back to committee for further discussion and information.
• The council adopted an amended noise ordinance that tightens motion sensor sound standards and restricts triggering on public property.
• Seven honorary resolutions were adopted recognizing the Day of Transgender Child, Community Health Worker Day, Latino Heritage Month, Salvadoran Independence, Mexican Independence, the legacy of Karen Clark, and the life of Chaz Millionaire.
• Two ordinances on zoning/land subdivision codes and one on commercial leases were introduced and referred to the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee.
• Announcements included upcoming community events: West Broadway Open Streets (past), Taco Tour and Porch Fest (September 19), Battle of the Badges (September 19), U Rock Community Day (September 17), Nicolette Open Streets (September 26), and a public hearing for the Community Commission on Police Oversight regarding the police chief appointment (that evening).