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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
Two big subjects to discuss this week is the federal government moving to drop the consent decree, and the proposed ordinance to create a Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District.
This week the federal government moved to dismiss the consent decree in federal court. All of the terms have been agreed to and build off of the reforms included in the settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). Please know that even if the consent decree is dismissed by a federal judge, the City will still implement the reforms outlined in it. We do not need the approval of the Department of Justice to continue the reform work that is already well underway. Also this week, the independent evaluator of the MDHR settlement agreement, ELEFA, released a report which says "the City and MPD have made significant strides and demonstrated a serious commitment to implementing the Agreement."
The hotel community in Minneapolis has approached the City to allow them to collect a 2% tax on all hotels over 50 rooms to fund a Tourism Improvement District (TID) in Minneapolis. Over 200 cities in the United States have these. Our Intergovernmental Relations team has worked with State officials for 8 years to pass a bill that allows Minnesota cities to authorize TIDs Thanks to the leadership of the late Senator Kari Dziedzic, the bill was passed last session and now the City is close to establishing a TID. The Minneapolis hotel community will create a board to direct the funding which will only be used for new tourism related activities and must benefit the hotel community. The hotel community also has several ideas on how to create new festivals and activities that we can all enjoy.
On Wednesday night I attended the graduation ceremony for new MPD officers. We welcomed eleven new officers and six lateral transfers from other agencies. This raises the number of sworn officers to 588. There will be two more classes this year with 40 officers each and another class of 40 officers is scheduled for February of 2026. The diversity of age, gender, race, and life experience that our new officers bring to the community is very impressive and shows the commitment Chief O'Hara has to changing MPD's culture.
I also attended the annual memorial for all the law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty in Hennepin County. Sheriff Dawanna Witt and Chief O'Hara spoke to the dangers that come with being a law enforcement officer, how their families will be provided for, and how their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.
Your neighbor,
Michael
The City of Minneapolis will continue police reform work already underway, despite the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) motion to dismiss the consent decree case more than four months after reaching an agreement and just days before the five-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.
On January 6, the City entered into a proposed federal consent decree with the DOJ, outlining policy, resource and training requirements that would, together with the settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR), continue to guide the City’s and Minneapolis Police Department’s (MPD) reform efforts over the next several years. The DOJ and the City jointly filed the agreement in federal court, seeking court approval. Since that time, DOJ requested and was granted three consecutive 30-day stays of the court proceedings.
Today, the DOJ filed a motion to dismiss the case. The decision on whether to dismiss the case now lies with the federal judge. No matter the outcome, the City of Minneapolis’ path remains clear – to continue to implement the reforms, apparently without support from the White House.
The City has already begun to implement the reforms listed in the federal agreement and will continue to do so. You can find more police reform updates on the City’s website.
A new report from an independent evaluator shows that the City is making strong progress in police reform. The report from Effective Law Enforcement For All (ELEFA) comes in as Minneapolis approaches five years since George Floyd’s murder. According to ELEFA, the City has made more progress in the first year of monitoring than most other cities have under similar agreements.
The report highlights better policies, more effective training plans, stronger officer wellness programs, and a near elimination of complaint backlogs.
Key progress includes:
- Near elimination of OPCR and IA historical misconduct complaint backlog – all are now in process with 30 complaints closed as of March 31.
- Completing a comprehensive training needs assessment and developing a highly regarded annual training plan that ELEFA notes could serve as a model for other law enforcement agencies.
- Developing and updating key policies around Use of Force, mission/vision/values/goals, crisis intervention, and other areas.
- Incorporating significant resident feedback and input into new and revised policies.
- Expanding officer training programs.
- Laying groundwork for improvements to facilities and data systems.
- Designating 21 officers to serve as peer support members, providing mentorship, outreach and emotional support to officers who may need assistance.
The report evaluates the work done by the City and Minneapolis Police Department from October 2024 through March 2025. It marks ELEFA’s first full-year review of how Minneapolis is following the court-ordered settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, signed in 2023.
ELEFA will continue to hold regular community meetings to update residents on progress. You can find more information on ELEFA’s website.
The Lake Street Safety Center now offers a new service. Residents and community members can file a non-emergency police report in person.
City staff are available to help file report incidents including:
You can file reports in person until one hour before the safety center closes.
You can also file non-emergency reports by calling 311 or filling out a form online.
Learn more about the services and resources at the safety center on the City’s website.
The City of Minneapolis has received the prestigious Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. This accolade is a testament to our City's dedication to financial excellence, transparency and responsible planning. Earning this recognition places Minneapolis among a select group of municipalities across North America committed to the highest standards in budgeting. It reflects the hard work and commitment of the Minneapolis Budget Division to serve our community with integrity and excellence.
Read more about the award.
Stay up to date on the Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee
The Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee is a group of residents and businesses advising the City of Minneapolis on its six-year Capital Improvement Plan. The committee shares recommendations through an annual report and is currently refining its project ratings. The committee will meet until the end of June.
Want to stay in the loop? See the calendar of upcoming committee meetings or previous agendas and minutes.
Come to the Leaf n’ Learn festival May 31, a free, family-friendly community event focused on tree planting, care, education and tree-inspired art.
Tree experts and local organizations will share ways to keep your trees healthy:
- Soil: Learn how to improve soil health for your tree’s roots.
- Light: Learn where to plant based on sunlight needs.
- Air: Learn how to space tree plantings and how pruning helps support tree strength.
- Water: Get tips on how and when to water after planting.
Buy a low-cost tree
Minneapolis residents can buy a low-cost tree while supplies last. Just show proof of a Minneapolis planting address to buy a tree for $30.
Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, May 31 Utepils Brewing, 225 Thomas Ave. N., #700
Read more on the City website. |
