Minneapolis Committee of the Whole Meeting Summary - October 13, 2026

The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Chair Orreen Chowdry on October 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM. A quorum was present with 10 members. The agenda was adopted with an amendment adding a walk-on item for the Minneapolis Police Department gift acceptance. Key discussions included a detailed presentation on the business regulatory environment, a resolution regarding Minneapolis Public Schools closures, a staff direction on subpoena authority, and committee reports forwarding numerous items to the full council.

Consent Calendar

• A public hearing was set for October 27, 2026, to consider an ordinance regarding the city government structure. Councilmember Wandsley provided context, noting the ordinance originates from a "try before you buy" pilot adopted in 2022 and proposes eliminating the Office of Community Safety, the Department of Racial Equity Inclusion and Belonging, and the Performance Management and Innovation division, arguing these bodies either have not shown measurable success or have better-aligned alternatives.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilmember Chavez acknowledged members of the Latino/a community in the chambers who came to testify against a liquor license for Los Andes. He explained they were unable to testify formally due to the lack of required public notice on the agenda item and thanked them for their presence.

Discussion Items

• Business Regulatory Environment (Receive and File): Ashley Jook from the Legislative Research and Oversight (LRO) office presented findings from a staff directive requested by Councilmember Vita. The report characterized Minneapolis' business regulatory environment as complex and hard to navigate, contributing to a perception the city is unfriendly to business. Three action areas from other cities were highlighted. Councilmembers expressed a range of views. Councilmember Schaefer called the findings a "five-alarm fire," urging immediate action. Councilmember Wandsley cautioned against a blanket reduction of regulations, noting other stakeholders cited higher costs and livability as primary barriers, and emphasized balancing streamlining with public safety and quality assurance. Vice President Osman highlighted severe communication breakdowns between city departments and business owners. The report was received and filed.
• MPD Gift Acceptance (Walk-On): Commander Chris Brown presented an additional gift acceptance from the Minneapolis Police Foundation to fully cover the cost of officer attendance at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference. The item was approved by voice vote.
• Resolution on Minneapolis Public Schools Closures: Councilmember Vita introduced a resolution regarding the MPS Transformation Plan. It was moved forward without recommendation pending a school board meeting that evening. Councilmember Wandsley advocated for a full abandonment of closures, citing failed examples from Chicago. Councilmember Palmasano urged engagement with the district's financial realities and the need for systemic change to serve all students equitably. Councilmember Schaefer expressed hope that redistricting would not be abandoned entirely. Councilmember Vita committed to working to attract the roughly 2,000 students who have left the district back to MPS.
• Staff Direction on Subpoena Authority: Council leadership requested a legal analysis from the City Attorney's Office on the council's subpoena authority. President Payne stated the request stemmed from the Mayor's directive limiting staff time for committee appearances and an unproductive meeting with the Mayor on the issue. Councilmember Wandsley framed it as a tool for systemic accountability beyond the cooperation of any administration. Councilmember Schaefer opposed the effort, arguing the body should resolve disputes professionally. Councilmember Palmasano called the effort "ridiculous" but voted to advance it to "put the issue to rest." Vice President Osman and Councilmember Chavez supported it as an essential oversight tool. The motion passed 10-1.

Key Outcomes

• Business Regulation Report Filed: The LRO report was received and filed, with the discussion serving as a de facto direction for future administrative and policy improvements.
• MPD Gift Accepted: The additional gift acceptance for the MPD conference was approved by voice vote.
• MPS Resolution Advanced: The resolution regarding Minneapolis Public Schools was advanced without a recommendation to the full council, passing 11-0.
• Subpoena Analysis Requested: The staff direction requesting a legal analysis of the city council's subpoena authority was approved by a vote of 10-1.