For the past several months, City Council has been heavily engaged in the budget process. This has included deeply examining the Mayor's recommended budget, receiving departmental presentations, holding public hearings, and engaging with community members on your priorities. Myself, along with other Council Members have submitted amendments to the Mayor's 2025 recommended budget, reflecting the priorities and needs of City residents. My amendments address and make investments in housing and homelessness response, community safety, workers' rights, good governance, and youth and cultural programming. Your input, stories, and priorities have been central to the development of these proposals, and I hope Ward 1 residents remain engaged in the final stages of the budget process.
Budget amendments do not contribute to increasing the property tax levy, as they reflect priorities for dollars that have already been budgeted. I have authored an amendment to reduce the property tax levy, which does not affect any current or new services for City residents.
Final Budget Public Hearing: Tuesday, December 10th at 6:05pm
Room 350, Public Service Center 250 S. 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415
I was the lead author on nine amendments
Property Tax Levy Reduction
Co-authors: Council Members Koski and Cashman
This amendment reduces the overall property tax levy by 0.13% ($650,000). This would be done through reducing the budget for certain newly proposed internal projects including conference room modernization, Microsoft programming, and enterprise engagement. We must make informed decisions about new spending, including alleviating tax burdens when it best serves our residents. There is another budget amendment that makes an even more significant cut to newly proposed internal projects that will be taken up before this amendment and would encompass the same proposed cuts here.
Supplemental Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR) Funding
Co-authors: Council Member Ellison and Vice President Chughtai
This amendment provides additional funding for our Behavioral Crisis Response team for increased staff pay to market-rate and a supervisor vehicle. BCR serves as an unarmed first responder, providing behavioral crisis services across the City. MPD received historic wage increases and all first responders should feel these benefits, especially those who have not been proportionally invested in.
Labor Standards Co-Enforcement
Co-authors: Council Members Koski and Chowdhury
This amendment provides sustained funding our City's Labor Standards co-enforcement program. This program was previously funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, which are set to expire this year. Sustained funding will ensure that workers' rights are enforced across the City, with co-enforcement partners recovering over $3 million in unpaid wages for Minneapolis workers since 2018.
Co-authors: Vice President Chughtai and Council Members Ellison, Chowdhury, Wonsley, Osman, and Chavez
This amendment provides funding for a study by subject matter experts on how the City can support the development of social housing, which is a form of public housing that is permanently and deeply affordable, under community control, and exists outside of the speculative real estate market. We need to utilize every tool we have to address unsheltered homelessness and our affordable housing crisis in a lasting, effective manner.
Office of Community Safety Deputy Commissioner
This amendment funds a new Deputy Commissioner position within the Office of Community Safety (OCS). With the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) under both a MN Department of Human Rights (MDHR) settlement agreement and impending Department of Justice (DOJ) consent decree, OCS needs staff to assist with the implementation of the settlement agreement and consent decree, supporting MPD oversight efforts and ensuring compliance for the safety of all residents.
Civil Rights Implementation Staff
This amendment provides funding for two positions within the Civil Rights Department to support the MDHR settlement agreement and DOJ consent decree implementation. The Civil Rights Department is understaffed yet will be one the key departments during the implementation process. It is critical that this department has the necessary staff, capacity, and expertise to ensure we do this right and hold our police accountable to the standard that our community deserves.
Civil Rights Training & Administrative Support
This amendment provides additional, necessary funding for the Civil Rights Department to support training of staff, committee members, and board members. This will ensure that staff and members have the pertinent information, certifications, and technical skills to provide quality services and representation for all City residents.
Enterprise Management Policy System
Co-author: Vice President Chughtai
This amendment supports the purchase and development of an internal, enterprise policy management system. The Office of City Auditor has noted this as a necessary component of good governance to ensure the City does not face any regulatory or legal risk.
Council Chamber Audiovisual (AV) Equipment
Co-author: Vice President Chughtai
This amendment provides funding for new audiovisual equipment for the Council Chambers in City Hall. As we prepare to return to City Hall, new AV equipment is necessary to ensure reliable public accessibility to Council meetings and mitigate technology challenges.
I also co-authored the following amendments
Co-authors: Council Members Wonsley, Ellison, Osman, and Chowdhury
The City recently approved a new contract with MPD that grants the ability to hire more civilian investigators. This new contract cost taxpayers nearly $9 million, with the new staffing flexibility touted as a crucial reform that was worth the cost. Yet, the Mayor's proposed budget only includes two new investigator positions. This amendment takes advantage of this reform by adding an additional five civilian investigators to MPD who can help improve case closure and clearance rates in areas with the largest case backlogs: homicide, domestic, crimes against children, juvenile, and sex crimes.
Stable Homes Stable Schools Expansion Pilot Program
Co-authors: Council Members Chavez and Chowdhury
Minneapolis Public Schools has seen a 30 percent increase in homelessness. This amendment provides funding for an expansion of the Stable Homes Stable Schools program with an Early Childhood Prevention Pilot Program and a Middle School Prevention Pilot Program to reduce homelessness. By funding these pilot expansions, the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority estimates an additional 180-225 families (representing 440-565 children) could be served the program.
Mni Sota Fund Indigenous Wealth Building Center Development Project
Co-authors: Council Members Osman and Chavez
This amendment provides funding to support the creation of the Mni Sota Fund Indigenous Wealth Building Center, a facility aimed at advancing economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation for Indigenous communities in Minneapolis.
Legislative Department Policy Specialists
Co-authors: Council Member Wonsley and Vice President Chughtai
This amendment provides funding for three subject-matter expert staff to the Legislative Department's Policy and Research Division to support the Council’s policymaking functions in the areas of public health & safety, climate & infrastructure, and housing & economic development. This will ensure that the legislative body can rise to meet resident needs and priorities with resources to support their work.
December Office Hours
When: Monday December 9th 5:00-7:00 PM
Where: Indeed Brewing 711 15th Ave Ne
Details: Facebook event
Despite the cold, December is the perfect time to pick up sustainable gifts, local food and handmade goods at several winter farmers markets across Minneapolis. Support local farmers and producers all while finding something special this month.
Winter markets
- Visit the Mill City Winter Market Dec. 7 and 21, as well as the first and third Saturdays in January through April.
- Visit the Minneapolis Farmers Market Dec. 7, 14 and 21 as well as select Saturdays in January through April.
- Visit the Northeast Farmers Market Dec. 8, as well as one Sunday a month January through April.
- Neighborhood Roots winter market is closed in December, but you can visit Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 8.
Learn more about winter farmers markets on the City website.
If you recycle or compost through the City’s collection program, here’s guidance on getting rid of an item:
If you don’t have City collection, check Hennepin County's Green Disposal Guide.
How to dispose of common holiday items
- Holiday lights. Post usable holiday lights on Buy Nothing, another social media exchange site, or bring to a donation center. Bring non-working holiday lights and holiday lights that were not accepted for donation to a Hennepin County drop-off site.
- Pie tins, trays and aluminum foil. Recycle aluminum pie tins, trays and foil balls that have minimal food debris in your recycling cart. Aluminum foil must be in a ball at least 3 inches in size to be properly sorted.
- Gift wrap and bags. Reuse gift bags. Most wrapping paper is not recyclable and needs to be put in the trash. Only plain kraft paper gift wrap is accepted for recycling in your recycling cart. Make sure wrapping paper is flattened and not balled so it can be properly sorted. Consider alternatives to paper gift wrap and sticker gift labels.
- Cartons are accepted for recycling in your recycling cart. Keep them in their three-dimensional shape. They’re kept separate from other paper and shipped to special paper mills that can manage the layers of plastic and aluminum.
See Hennepin County’s checklist for gift wrap alternatives and other ways to reduce waste this holiday seasons.
A lot of people have extra recycling this time of year. Here’s how to set out extra recycling on your recycling day:
- For boxes that do not fit in your recycling cart, you can place them next to your recycling cart in another box. Keep boxes set outside of the cart to less than 3' x 3' and under 40 pounds. This is for safety and proper sorting.
- Put any extra bottles and cans next to your recycling cart in cardboard boxes or paper bags. (If you use plastic bags, the entire bag will be disposed of as garbage.)
Remember there's no charge to get another recycling cart. If you regularly have more recycling that will fit in your cart(s), contact our office at 612-673-2917 to request another cart.
The City of Minneapolis is organizing the Feb. 8, 2025, Community Connections Conference around the power of participating in your community and local decision-making. The theme is “Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow.” The conference is an annual free event that connects Minneapolis residents, community groups, neighborhoods and local government.
Volunteer or exhibit
We welcome volunteers to help spread the word about the conference and to volunteer on the day.
We also invite everyone in the community to share information, skills, resources and opportunities through exhibitor booths.
Apply for your exhibit space by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 13. We are especially looking for informative, fun, interactive exhibits for both children and adults. Exhibit space is free for nonprofits and public institutions, and conference partners will also have booth spaces.
Learn more and sign up online.
Read more on the City website.
The Metropolitan Council is simplifying and lowering transit fares starting Jan. 1. Full-price fares on all Metro Transit buses and trains will be $2 any time of day. Young people, seniors and Medicare recipients will be able to ride Metro Transit’s non-express buses and light rail for $1 all day, every day. The cost of all-day and seven-day transit passes will also be reduced.
The changes are expected to make transit easier to use.
Read more about transit fares on the Metropolitan Council website.
Avoid the hassle and expense of getting towed during a snow emergency this winter. Don't let unpredictable weather catch you off guard. Sign up for Minneapolis alerts to stay ahead of the snow and know about parking rules.
Sign up for alerts today
Text "MPLSAlerts" to 77295 or create a full Smart911 profile online to stay informed this winter.
Watch the video about signing up for alerts.
Elliott Payne was re-elected in 2023 to represent Ward 1
Elliott serves on the President of the Minneapolis City Council, Chair of the Audit Committee, member of the Public Health & Safety Committee, Budget Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and Committee of the Whole.
Contact the Ward 1 Council Office
Elliott Payne, Council Member - Email
Liam Davis Temple, Policy Aide - Email
Ikram Mohamud, Policy Associate - Email
Brandon Garcia, Policy Aide - Email
Office Phone - (612) 673-2201
Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward1
We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:
Room 100, Public Service Center
250 South 4th St.
Get directions
For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.
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