Photo Credit: YouTube / Minneapolis City Council Meeting Mar. 26
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN.) – The Minneapolis City Council addressed a wide-ranging agenda on Mar. 26, including housing policy, public safety, labor rights, and international issues. New ordinances were introduced that will help inform decisions going forward, but many of the items voted on were closely contested.
Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed a temporary pre-eviction notice extension ordinance, but the Council voted 7-6 to sustain the veto. This means the veto still stands, along with the divisions between tenant protections and housing policy.
Council members approved a total of $2.8 million in rental assistance funding by a vote of 11-2. A proposed amendment to shift the funding source failed, while another amendment passed to establish a minimum affordability threshold of 50% Area Median Income (AMI) and expand program partnerships.
Labor and international solidarity issues were central to the meeting. A resolution to support the labor rights of graduate fellows and trainees at the University of Minnesota was approved by an 11-2 vote, while the Council voted 7-6 in favor of a resolution urging the normalization of relations with Cuba.
Photo Credit: YouTube / Council Member Pearl Warren Calls For A Recess Mar. 26
Tensions flared over a resolution calling for European financial institutions to divest from companies that provide the means for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate. A divestment is essentially the opposite of an investment, reducing assets for financial, political, or ethical reasons. The discussion got heated, and Council Member Warren called for a temporary recess, stating in part:
“Let’s all focus on decorum. Do we need to take a five-minute recess? Yeah, we are going to take a five-minute recess. I’m tired, I’m angry, I’m off, but I won’t allow it to stop my productivity and what needs to be done for the community.”
The council reconvened after a short break and eventually passed the resolution 9-4.
Another notable decision included Council approval to demolish Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. The church is demolishing the vacant chapel on 50th Street to build a community gathering place. Currently, the church is considering a coffeehouse, but some residents are not pleased with the decision to demolish the historical site.
The Council unanimously adopted a resolution designating March 2026 as MS Awareness Month in Minneapolis, in continued support of ongoing public health awareness initiatives.
Kathleen O’Donnell, Executive Director of the Upper Midwest chapter of the National MS Society, thanked the council and mayor for recognizing MS Awareness Month, noting the proclamation's profound impact on increasing awareness and making people aware of existing resources.
Photo Credit: YouTube / Minneapolis City Council Makes March MS Awareness Month
She emphasized the 'MS Unseen' theme, which draws attention to debilitating ‘invisible’ symptoms that can lead sufferers to isolate themselves. O’Donnell also encouraged the public to learn more about MS via the National MS Society website and its fundraising efforts, including the Walk MS Twin Cities (May 3) and Bike MS Twin Cities (May 9).
Regarding transportation infrastructure, a scooter and license agreement and a street reconstruction project at University Avenue and Fourth Street were approved. Additionally, public safety infrastructure votes included approving a bid for the construction of the Southside Community Safety Center, with the intention of developing a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) ordinance for the project.
The council also adopted a legislative directive that requires the Minneapolis Police Department to report overtime expenses related to Operation Metro Surge. Amendments were made to the agenda to include notices related to hotel business licensing, consumer protections, and updates to Meet Minneapolis appointments. The Committee of the Whole report was approved, except for items pulled for additional or separate consideration.
Several new proposals addressing a range of issues were introduced for future consideration. These included creating safe outdoor spaces, hotel worker and consumer protections, general welfare provisions related to restrictions on law enforcement identity concealment, commercial tenant eviction notifications, temporary homeless encampment reporting, and renewing ongoing efforts to extend the pre-eviction notice requirements. The Council also approved updates suggested to the Meet Minneapolis board membership due to bylaw changes.
As the meeting came to a close, Council Member Warren indicated plans to submit an application to rename Caesar Chavez Avenue to North 4th Avenue, due to allegations of sexual assault associated with Chavez. The proposal is expected to bring further discussions surrounding the allegations and Cesar Chavez Avenue.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org and leave a comment below.
0
0
Comments