Minneapolis City Council

Minneapolis City Council members are holding a public hearing on Wednesday to discuss a police program that would use drones as first responders. The hearing focuses on evaluating the proposed use of drones in emergency response scenarios.

The Minneapolis Mounted Patrol Unit, the last remaining in the state, faces funding cuts as its contract with the city expires in August. City Council has reduced funding over recent years, with some members advocating for reallocating resources to crime prevention in the Fifth police precinct. Kevin Rofidal of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police argues the unit provides a positive presence and crime deterrence, but the council remains divided on its future.

The federal government is suing Minnesota and three other states for not providing data on SNAP beneficiaries to investigate fraud, with Minnesota's DCYF arguing the request violates privacy. Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai announced a leave of absence for mental health treatment, while Fosston's legal battle with Essentia Health over hospital control moves to arbitration. Storms damaged northern Minnesota ahead of Bemidji's Water Carnival.

Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai announced plans to take a month-long mental health break, citing stress from an election, mass shootings, and a federal occupation. She attributed her decision to these factors impacting her well-being.

Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai is taking a one-month mental health leave to address clinical depression and anxiety through an outpatient program. She cited stress from mass shootings, the municipal election, and Operation Metro Surge as contributing factors to her decision.

Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office deputies serving 'undercover' are restricting bodycam footage from public access, with 66 cases since April 2025 where such protections were used. The Minnesota Reformer highlights concerns about accountability and the frequency of this practice.

Minneapolis City Council members emphasize reform, fiscal responsibility, and community trust as key criteria for selecting the next police chief. Council members Jason Chavez and LaTrisha Vetaw highlight the need for a candidate committed to police accountability, transparency, and engaging with the community. Disagreements over the reappointment of Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette are noted but not seen as directly impacting the police chief search.

Minneapolis has imposed a five-month moratorium on most data center projects to address concerns about water consumption, electricity use, noise pollution, and land use impacts. The decision, supported by some council members as a victory for residents and green spaces, faces pushback from the business community, which warns it could deter investments and harm downtown revitalization efforts. An exception allows limited downtown projects, but critics argue the pause risks economic development and may drive businesses away.

The Minneapolis City Council voted 9-2 to lift a 38-year ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues, repealing a 1988 restriction and creating regulatory frameworks for future licenses. The decision aligns with a 'Pride in Policy' package supporting LGBTQ+ rights and now awaits Mayor Jacob Frey's approval.

The Minneapolis City Council has approved a pause on data center development within city limits as Minnesota communities debate potential rules surrounding their development.

The Minneapolis City Council has approved changes to city code that would legalize adult bathhouses, where consenting adults can engage in sexual activity. These establishments were previously outlawed in 1988 as a response to the AIDS epidemic.

St. Paul city council member Nelsie Yang proposes making council positions full-time with a 40% salary increase, aiming to align pay with Minneapolis. The proposal requires a charter amendment study and approval, with potential implementation by 2029.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey outlined a 16-week process to select a new police chief by mid-fall, replacing Brian O’Hara, who resigned after interfering with an investigation into his conduct. The process includes stakeholder engagement, recruitment, and multiple interview rounds before submitting a nomination to the city council in October or November.

Minneapolis faces a $30M budget gap, prompting Mayor Jacob Frey to consider cuts to programs, services, and potential job losses to avoid a property tax spike. Frey emphasizes efficiency and prioritizes public safety, housing, and economic development as he prepares to present his budget to the city council in August.

Minneapolis City Council's Public Health, Safety & Equity Committee approved an ordinance amendment to remove a 1988 bathhouse ban and update language to reduce stigmatization of LGBTQIA+ residents, with a 6-1 vote. The committee also advanced a one-year contract extension with ShotSpotter (now SoundThinking Inc.) for $2.9 million and passed measures supporting gender-inclusive restrooms and welcoming city policies.

The Minneapolis City Council received widespread support for repealing the longstanding ban on venues such as bathhouses, ahead of an upcoming vote on Wednesday. The proposal focuses on legalizing adult bathhouses for the LGBTQ community.

The Minneapolis City Council is considering repealing a 1988 ban on adult bathhouses, with over 30 residents, including LGBTQ activists, advocating for the change. Supporters argue the ban disproportionately targets LGBTQ individuals and people with HIV/AIDS, while Mayor Jacob Frey has indicated he would sign the repeal if passed. Council members are also addressing the legacy of Brian Coyle, who helped pass the original ban.

Minneapolis faces a $28-33 million budget deficit in 2027, requiring cuts to services and jobs or higher property taxes. City leaders, including Council Member Michael Rainville and Deputy CFO Jayne Discenza, highlighted declining downtown commercial values as a key factor and emphasized the need for public input on potential cuts.

Federal charges against 15 anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis have prompted reactions from City Council members and community groups, who criticize the arrests as politically motivated and express concerns about civil liberties. Statements highlight the need for transparency and due process, referencing Operation Metro Surge and the impact on community solidarity efforts.

Minneapolis small businesses, including Sara Wordofa's Katar River Restaurant and Bakery, received refunds for licensing fees through the city's $7 million Small Business Resiliency Fund to offset economic losses from Operation Metro Surge. The refunds, totaling $4,666 for Wordofa, aim to provide immediate relief but are seen as insufficient compared to the $700 million in estimated damages.

Minneapolis Police Department overspent by $21 million, with concerns raised over unclear budget line items including police trailers, take-home cars, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Council member LaTrisha Vetaw criticized the vague ledger and excessive spending, while MPD attributed most costs to overtime due to a depleted police force.

Minneapolis City Council approved a pro-drug policy similar to measures in Portland and San Francisco, which critics claim have contributed to urban decline. The decision has sparked controversy, linking it to negative outcomes in those cities.