Public Meetings - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Budget Committee convened on September 18, 2025, to review presentations on the mayor's recommended 2026 budget from the 311 Service Center, Neighborhood and Community Relations Department, and Communications Department. The session focused on departmental achievements, performance metrics, risks, and proposed budget changes, with committee members engaging in detailed Q&A. Discussion Items - 311 Service Center Presentation: Director Nizimbi presented the 2026 budget, highlighting a 4.56% increase driven by internal service charges. Key achievements included reduced average wait times from 4 minutes in 2022 to 1.3 minutes in 2025 through IVR investments, expanded bilingual staff, and improved police report accuracy. Risks included an outdated CRM system and rising translation costs. Committee members expressed positions: Councilmember Cashman complimented the wait time reduction and inquired about translation technology benchmarks. Vice Chair Koski praised the department's progress and partnership. Councilmember Palmasano sought clarification on the IVR system and hiring timeline for the deputy director position. - Neighborhood and Community Relations Department Presentation: Director Karen Mo outlined the department's structure and priorities, including welcoming initiatives and support for LGBTQIA+ communities. Achievements included the Community Connections Conference and Trans Equity Summit. Proposed budget reductions included cutting the Community Connections Conference and reducing legal services for neighborhood organizations. Committee members expressed positions: Councilmember Chavez opposed the cut to the Community Connections Conference, arguing it is vital for community input. Councilmember Vita discussed alternatives for legal services. Vice Chair Koski thanked the department for crisis support. Councilmember Palmasano inquired about decreases in senior programming metrics. - Communications Department Presentation: Director Adam Fetcher discussed unifying communications functions to address past disjointedness and build a modern, digital-first strategy. The budget increase was attributed to personnel shifts from other departments, making it budget-neutral. Key points included enhanced social media engagement and crisis communication during the Annunciation shooting. Committee members expressed positions: Councilmember Cashman emphasized the need for accurate fact-checking and inquired about digital integration and support for the legislative department. Council President Payne welcomed transparency and suggested collaboration with the city auditor. Councilmember Palmasano supported centralization and thanked the team for crisis response. Vice Chair Koski sought strategies for better coordination with the council and expressed concern over cuts to cultural media programming. Key Outcomes - The committee filed all presentations without objection. - The next meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. for the first public hearing on the 2026 budget.

The Public Health and Safety Committee convened on September 17, 2025, with Chair Jason Chavez presiding. The meeting focused on addressing community safety, gun violence, and homelessness, while reviewing consent items, adopting a key resolution, discussing audit findings, and receiving departmental updates. Consent Calendar - Items 1 through 5 were approved unanimously. Vice Chair Wansley highlighted concerns regarding item 5, the PCAR fee report, noting discrepancies in cost figures and emphasizing the need for accurate legislative information and strengthened council resources. Discussion Items - Safe and Thriving Communities Resolution: Vice Chair Wansley introduced a resolution to adopt policy goals from the Safe and Thriving Communities Report. Director Amanda Harrington and Deputy City Attorney Dan Abelson presented, explaining the legal distinction between council-adopted policy goals and administration-led action plans. The resolution was adopted. - Helix Health Services Contract Audit: City Auditor Robert Timmerman reported identifying $177,462 in overpayments to Helix Health and Housing Services, with gaps in contract management. He recommended improvements in conflict of interest reviews, advanced payment approvals, and documentation. Council members, including Vice Chair Wansley and Council President Payne, discussed the need for enterprise risk management and better oversight. - Civil Rights Department Biannual Update: Interim Director Kayla McConnell and Interim Deputy Director Johnny Burns provided updates on divisions such as Police Conduct Review, Complaint Investigations, Contract Compliance, and Labor Standards. They highlighted new protected classes, outreach efforts, and compliance with settlement agreements. - Delayed Reports: The Office of Community Safety quarterly report was delayed to October 1st. Item 5, the PCAR fee report, was reconsidered and postponed to October 1st for a full presentation by staff. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar items 1-5 approved by voice vote (all aye). - Safe and Thriving Communities Resolution adopted by voice vote (all aye). - Motion to delay the Office of Community Safety report to October 1st approved. - Motion to reconsider and delay item 5 to October 1st approved.

The Business Housing and Zoning Committee convened on September 16, 2025, to review a consent agenda, hold public hearings on development financing and business license applications, and receive a report on the African American Heritage Work Group. Key discussions centered on labor protections for subsidized housing, community safety concerns around new businesses, and preserving Black historical sites. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved items 4 through 15, including: four new liquor licenses; 54 liquor license renewals; three gambling licenses; forgiveness of two loans for Claire Apartments; a Greater Street Loan for a south side clinic; certification of project funding for the Local Housing Initiative Account; an ownership opportunity loan for 42nd Street 2nd Edition; a street vacation application on Harriet Avenue; an amendment to a previous resolution; setting public hearings for September 30 on alcohol license and rental dwelling license ordinances; and receiving and filing the 2024 annual tax increment financing disclosure statement. Public Comments & Testimony - On the Seven Points Project IZTIF: - Dan McConnell (Minneapolis Building Trades) expressed support for prevailing wage and labor standards on city-subsidized projects. - Nate Gruel (Fair Contracting Foundation) stated that prevailing wage supports apprenticeship programs and does not increase project costs. - Lucas Franco (Laborers Union) argued that prevailing wage protections prevent worker exploitation on publicly financed projects, citing a report on wage theft and abuse. - On Frida's Event Venue License: - Brenda Short (resident and mayoral candidate) opposed the license, citing gun violence in the area and requesting a delay until safety improves. - Julian Ocampo (applicant) supported the license, explaining business plans and willingness to work with the community and police. - On Cedar Inn License Expansion: - Multiple neighbors (e.g., Mark Hart, Fern Weiss, David Picking, Zoe Gizen, Chad Hubeck, Avis Thomas) opposed the license, citing noise disturbances, overserving, parking issues, trash, public urination, and safety concerns. They argued the business has been a poor neighbor and expansion would exacerbate problems. - Jim Lavick (owner) supported the license, stating the move would improve operations and community engagement. Discussion Items - Seven Points Project IZTIF: Staff recommended approval for tax increment financing to support 228 housing units with 46 affordable at 50% AMI. Councilmembers affirmed the importance of prevailing wage and labor protections, which staff confirmed are included in the agreement. - Frida's Event Venue License: Staff recommended approval for a rental hall with extended hours for private events. Councilmembers acknowledged safety concerns in the area but emphasized that issues were not tied to the business, supporting activation of the corridor. - Cedar Inn License Expansion: Staff recommended continuation due to 20 community comments (18 opposed) citing noise, safety, and operational issues. Councilmembers, led by Vice Chair Chowdry, moved to continue the item for two cycles to facilitate a good neighbor agreement and address concerns. - African American Heritage Work Group Report: Staff presented findings from a community-led study on Black history in Minneapolis, including 25 sites studied for historic designation and recommendations for preservation and community engagement. Councilmembers discussed the need to compensate work group members for their time and expertise. - Ordinance Discussions: Two ordinance items received no action, as a motion to discharge was planned for the full council. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Seven Points Project IZTIF approved by voice vote. - Frida's Event Venue license approved by voice vote. - Cedar Inn license application continued to October 14 for further community and business discussions. - African American Heritage Work Group report received and filed. - No action taken on ordinance discussion items, pending full council discharge.

The Minneapolis Budget Committee convened to review the mayor's recommended 2026 budget from three city departments: the Office of Public Service, the Assessing Department, and the Arts and Cultural Affairs Department. Department heads presented their budgets, achievements, risks, and proposed changes, followed by questions from committee members. Discussion Items - Office of Public Service (OPS) Presentation by COO Margaret Anderson Kelleher: - OPS oversees 2,700 employees across non-public safety departments. Achievements highlighted included work on public safety reform, climate resilience, unsheltered homelessness, immigrant communities, and special events like Open Streets. - Risks identified were federal funding uncertainties, budget challenges, property valuation shifts, and unanticipated emergencies. - Budget reduction proposed: Open Streets program scaled back to three events with a cut of nearly $111,000, though preserving employees is a priority. COO Anderson Kelleher expressed support for maintaining Open Streets if possible. - Assessing Department Presentation by City Assessor Rebecca Malmquist: - Department is fully staffed with 38 employees, though one resignation is pending. Achievements included a successful 2025 assessment using a new system, legislative participation, and implementation of field mobile technology. - Risks discussed: property tax shifts, increased tax court litigation (with value under appeal up 54% since 2020), staff compensation concerns, technological changes like AI, and legislative impacts. - Budget totals $7.4 million, with 83.6% for salaries. Cuts will come from professional services and contractual lines, not staffing, to avoid impacting residents. - Arts and Cultural Affairs Department Presentation by Director Ben Johnson: - Department has 6 FTEs with no vacancies. Achievements included new public art projects, poet laureate selection, cultural district funding, vibrant storefronts, and response to the Cole Center for Dance closure. - Risks: demand for resources outweighs supply, national arts funding cuts, pushback on public art, community trauma from events, and gentrification. - Budget changes: Increase due to a one-time $300,000 for George Floyd Square art preservation and moving $1.15 million for the Bridge Fund for Dance from downtown assets. Reductions proposed: - Civic arts program: $10,000 cut. - Cultural districts: $105,000 reduction by ending ambassador programs. - Vibrant storefronts: $375,000 reduction, scaling from 15 to 10 spaces. - Non-personnel: $17,344 cut. - Director Johnson explained that cuts were necessary to sustain other priority programs and manage staff capacity, though he acknowledged disappointment, especially regarding vibrant storefronts. - Committee Questions and Responses: - Councilmember Cashman inquired about OPS's total budget ($3 million) and arts budget details, including the one-time nature of George Floyd Square funding. - Councilmember Jenkins asked about art preservation at George Floyd Square; Public Arts Supervisor Mary Altman stated plans are ongoing for storage and display during street reconstruction. - Councilmember Palmisano sought details on vibrant storefronts reductions and Coals Center operations; Director Johnson clarified that reductions aim to maintain existing contracts and redirect funds. - Chair Chuktai expressed concern about vibrant storefronts cuts impacting areas like Uptown; Director Johnson emphasized balancing programs and staff workload. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during this committee review. The presentations outlined the mayor's recommended 2026 budget proposals, including specific reductions and priorities for each department. - Department heads articulated positions: OPS prioritizes employee preservation, Assessing Department aims to avoid staffing cuts, and Arts and Cultural Affairs seeks to sustain core programs despite reductions. - The committee adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for September 18, 2025, to review budgets from the 311 Service Center, Neighborhood and Community Relations, and Communications departments.

The Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee, chaired by Robin Wansley, convened on September 15, 2025. The committee reviewed a consent agenda with 26 items, several of which were pulled for discussion, and deliberated on a key contract for municipal parking management services. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved minus items 11, 17, 21, 23, 24, and 26, which were discussed separately. Discussion Items - Item 11: Contracts for Violence Prevention Services: Councilmember Cashman expressed full support for expanding the vendor pool and emphasized the need for transparency. Director Harrington clarified that executed contracts can be public, but work orders are more relevant for community understanding. - Item 17: Contract Amendment with Asset Works: Councilmember Cashman sought clarification on funding sources. Christopher Royston, Director of Fleet Services, explained that operational modules use operational dollars, while new modules would come from capital funds. - Item 21: Contract Amendment for Body-Worn Cameras: Councilmember Cashman inquired about which regulatory services staff use body-worn cameras; it was confirmed that traffic control agents are the users. - Items 23 & 24: Legal Settlements: These workers' compensation claims were discussed and voted on separately. - Item 26: Staff Directive for Parking Management: Councilmember Cashman moved a staff directive to analyze national parking management strategies, maximize revenues, minimize costs, and plan for future demand. - Item 27: Contract with ABM for Parking Management Services: Chair Wansley initially had concerns but after review, supported the contract. She noted the need for a formal internal process for public safety concerns and plans to bring a resolution for a buyback program. Councilmember Cashman suggested using on-duty traffic control agents and increasing the general fund transfer from parking revenues. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items (minus those discussed) were approved unanimously. - Item 11: Approved by voice vote. - Item 17: Approved by voice vote. - Item 21: Approved by voice vote. - Items 23 & 24: Approved with a roll call vote of 4 yes and 2 nays (Chair Wansley voted nay). - Item 26: Approved by voice vote. - Item 27: Approved by voice vote to advance to full council.

The Budget Committee convened on September 15, 2025, to review the mayor's recommended 2026 budget with detailed presentations from the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center (911) and the Police Department. Council members engaged in extensive questioning on staffing, technology investments, budget reductions, and operational challenges. Discussion Items Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center (911) Presentation - Director Joni Hodney presented the proposed 2026 budget, outlining the center's mission to save lives, protect property, and provide compassionate emergency response. - Key achievements in 2025 include achieving near full staffing, launching an embedded social worker program, and reducing 911 calls over the Fourth of July weekend. - Budget adjustments involve eliminating one vacant position and reducing administrative costs, with risks noted in cybersecurity, staff burnout, and capacity limits for new projects. - Council members inquired about the impact of the vacancy on operations, technology investments for efficiency, and whether the center had reached its capacity limit. Vice Chair Koske expressed gratitude and support for the department's work as first responders. Police Department Presentation - Chief Brian O'Hara and Finance Director Vicky Troswick overviewed the 2026 budget, emphasizing goals to reduce crime, build community trust, and comply with state and federal settlement agreements. - Metrics showed a reduction in overall crime but an increase in property damage, with median response times for priority one calls at 8 minutes 29 seconds. The department hired 145 new personnel in 2025, with a focus on diversifying sworn staff. - Budget reductions total approximately $5 million, including cuts to critical staffing overtime (reducing pay from double-time to time-and-a-half) and eliminating five vacant positions (two case investigators, a community navigator, a police support technician, and an office support specialist). - Council members raised concerns about the loss of civilian investigators, unclear funding for the mounted patrol unit, youth recidivism, and recruitment diversity. Council President Payne expressed disappointment over cutting civilian positions, arguing they are needed for case closures. Councilmember Cashman emphasized the importance of civilian investigators to address backlogs, and Councilmember Vita urged targeted recruitment in Black and Native American communities. Key Outcomes - The committee received and filed both presentations without taking any votes or formal decisions. - The next meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2025, to hear presentations from other city departments, including Public Service, Assessing, and Arts and Cultural Affairs.

This meeting of the Minneapolis City Council began with a moment of silence for victims of gun violence, followed by presentations of four honorary resolutions. The council then convened its regular business, adopting two amendments to the agenda, accepting minutes, and receiving committee reports. The meeting featured significant discussion and votes on a surveillance technology ordinance, a fee for police off-duty work, the renaming of a street, zoning amendments, and a contentious debate over committee structure and member assignments. A resolution calling for a statewide assault weapons ban was among the items passed. Public Comments & Testimony - Daniel Robinson Prater (Director, Xenon Dance School): Expressed gratitude for the city's support of the dance community and highlighted the importance of the newly operational Cole Center for Dance. - Karen Charles (Artistic & Executive Director, Thrice Dance Project): Expressed support for city funding, stating it gives the dance community hope and is crucial for supporting venues, artists via the Bridge Fund, and youth programs. - Douglas R. Ewart: Expressed humility and gratitude for the recognition of his contributions to music and community building. - Brianna Broberg (Welcoming America): Expressed support for Welcoming Week, thanking Minneapolis for its partnership and leadership in inclusive community work. - Danielle Matthias & Jacqueline Robinson: Expressed gratitude for community support in the search for Victoria Jackson, emphasizing that collective, neighborly action was key to her safe return. Discussion Items - Surveillance Technology Ordinance (Item 1, AEO Committee): Councilmember Wansley moved an ordinance requiring a public hearing for MPD surveillance technology contracts and data use, including borrowed data. An amendment by Councilmember Cashman to require hearings at the RFP stage was withdrawn after the city attorney stated it conflicted with the city's government structure. The underlying ordinance passed unanimously. - Fee for Police Off-Duty Work (Item 4, Biz Committee): Councilmember Wansley moved to add a fee schedule to recoup city costs when officers use city equipment for private security work. Councilmember Palmisano supported the fee but noted implementation challenges. The item passed unanimously. - Street Renaming: Edmund Blvd to Lena Smith Blvd (Item 9, Biz Committee): Councilmember Chowdhury (recused) advocated for the change, stating the current name honors a figure who upheld racial segregation, while Lena O. Smith was a pioneering civil rights lawyer. The item passed 12-0-1. - Zoning Code Amendments - Minimum Height Requirements (Item 19, Biz Committee): An amendment to reduce minimum height requirements in certain transit zones to spur development. Vice President Chugtai opposed, arguing against reducing density in transit corridors. The item passed 9-4. - Concept Layout for 9th & 10th Street Corridor (Item 6, C&I Committee): Councilmember Rainville opposed due to unresolved issues with local businesses. Councilmember Cashman and Vice President Chugtai urged support to secure federal funding and add bike lanes. The item passed 11-2. - Committee Structure Reorganization (Item 6, Committee of the Whole): A lengthy debate ensued over committee assignments following Councilmember Ellison's new work schedule. Councilmember Vita's motion to move all business to a single Committee of the Whole failed (6-6). Vice President Chugtai's substitute motion to reassign members, adding Councilmember Vita to Biz and removing Councilmember Rainville, passed 7-5, despite opposition from Vita and Rainville who felt the process was unfair. - Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance (Unfinished Business): Vice President Chugtai moved amendments, largely technical, to align the city ordinance with state law, including removing exemptions for collective bargaining agreements and delaying the effective date to December 31, 2025, on staff advice. Councilmember Palmisano supported moving the policy forward. The amended ordinance passed unanimously. - Other Committee Reports: Numerous contracts, grants, bids, appointments, and acceptances were approved as part of the consent agenda from the Administration & Enterprise Oversight, Budget, Business Housing & Zoning, Climate & Infrastructure, Committee of the Whole, and Intergovernmental Relations committees. Key Outcomes - Surveillance Technology Ordinance: Passed (13-0). - Police Off-Duty Work Fee: Added to 2026 fee schedule (13-0). - Street Renaming to Lena Smith Boulevard: Approved (12-0-1, Chowdhury recused). - Zoning Minimum Height Reductions: Approved (9-4). - 9th & 10th Street Corridor Layout: Approved (11-2). - Case Clearance Rates Directive: Approved as amended (12-0). - Assault Weapons Ban Resolution: Approved as part of consent agenda (13-0). - Committee Structure Changes: Vice President Chugtai's substitute motion to reassign members passed (7-5). - Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance: Amended and approved (11-0). - All other consent calendar items from standing committees were approved.

The Committee of the Whole, chaired by Vice Chair Oreen Chowdry, convened on September 9, 2025. The meeting focused on receiving reports from standing committees, approving consent items, and debating key contracts and policy matters, including parking management, violence prevention services, and committee restructuring. Consent Calendar - Approved a grant for clip-on single gas monitors for the fire department. - Approved legislative directives on police case clearance rates and impervious surfaces (with a substitute motion for the latter). - Received and filed external appointments to the public health advisory committee. Discussion Items - ABM Parking Services Contract: Councilmember Cashman expressed strong concerns about the $182 million contract's cost efficiency, particularly regarding payments for off-duty police officers for security and traffic control. She advocated for a shorter-term contract and a review of parking asset management. Councilmember Wandsley moved to refer the item back to the Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee for renegotiation, citing issues with off-duty costs and contract flexibility. The motion passed. - Violence Prevention Service Contracts: Dr. Herrington clarified that these are master contracts for flexible, neighborhood-specific services, not traditional violence interrupters. The contracts were approved. - Water Distribution Facility Acquisition: Staff presented on acquiring property at 2705 University Avenue NE for a new public works water maintenance yard. The acquisition was approved. - Committee Membership Revision: Due to Councilmember Ellison's fellowship absence, there was debate on North Side representation. Councilmember Vita proposed amending the resolution to substitute her name on two committees, but the body voted to forward the item without recommendation for full council consideration. - Federal Legislative Update: Lauren Olson provided an overview of the federal budget process, highlighting potential cuts to key programs affecting cities. - Gun Control Resolution: A resolution calling for a state special session to ban assault weapons, require safe storage, and grant local gun control authority was approved, with all council members added as authors. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved by voice vote. - ABM parking contract referred back to committee with a roll call vote of 7 ayes, 5 nays. - Violence prevention service contracts approved unanimously. - Property acquisition for water distribution facility approved. - Committee membership revision forwarded without recommendation. - Gun control resolution approved.

The Intergovernmental Relations Committee, chaired by Oreen Chowdry, met on September 9, 2025. The meeting included an agenda amendment to add a gun control resolution, approval of a committee appointment, and presentations on park board funding, state and federal legislative updates, and capital investment projects for 2026. Consent Calendar - The appointment of Lauren Olson as an alternate to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Noise Oversight Committee was approved unanimously. Councilmember Koske expressed strong support, commending Olson for her service since 2014. Discussion Items - Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Report: Finance Director Julie Weisman presented the report, highlighting the 20-year Neighborhood Park Plan with $11 million annual funding through 2026, equity-based project selection, and capital improvement phases. Councilmember Wansley inquired about park dedication fees, and Councilmember Payne asked about COVID stimulus impacts. The Park Board stated that federal grants for North Commons and Willard Park are still pending. - State and Federal Legislative Updates: Director Topinka discussed special elections for state legislative seats and a potential special session focused on gun control, referencing the city's policy positions supporting assault weapon bans. Steve Huser detailed public works projects for the 2026 capital investment process, including a $12.36 million water main renewal, $5 million for ADA compliance, $13.5 million for 13th Avenue stormwater mitigation, $25 million for 35th Avenue North flood mitigation, and $6.6 million for Aldrich Avenue South sanitary sewer rehabilitation. Public works staff provided additional details on project timelines and scopes. - Federal Budget Process: Lauren Olson updated on the federal fiscal year ending September 30, noting risks of a government shutdown and challenges in fund distribution due to administrative interventions. Key Outcomes - The agenda was amended to include a resolution on gun control legislation. - Lauren Olson's appointment to the Noise Oversight Committee was approved. - The park board annual report and legislative updates were received and filed. - A resolution for capital investment projects will be presented at the October 7th Committee of the Whole meeting.