Funding available for community projects
 The City's Partnership Engagement Fund opened Jan. 5 for applications. Community organizations, groups and individuals can apply for funding for small-scale, meaningful projects to make Minneapolis communities more socially connected, healthy and safe.
To start the process, send in your short interest form by Feb. 11. The full application is due March 4.
Previous community projects have included youth mentorship, public events, garden infrastructure, civic leadership development, entrepreneurship training, addressing health disparities, employment support, youth peace building, corridor development, resource support for unsheltered neighbors, community building, youth media and storytelling, arts programming, place-making and more.
Learn more on the City website.
Online information session
We will hold an optional information session online on Jan. 14 at 12 p.m. Sign up to attend the information session.
Community reviewers needed
If you are not applying for funding, you can be part of the team that reviews Partnership Engagement Fund applications.
Sign up to be a community reviewer.
For more information
If you have any questions or need accommodations to participate, email PartnershipFund@minneapolismn.gov or text (612) 321-8649.
Minneapolis is a Welcoming City; know your rights
 Our City will always stand with all immigrant and refugee communities who make Minneapolis vibrant, diverse and full of life. Remember, everyone has rights. Be prepared.
You can find information from our community partners on the City website, including:
- What to know in interactions with ICE (federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement):
- How to prepare:
- Make a plan to prepare your family.
- Carry a “know-your-rights” card.
- Keep your immigration papers on you at all times.
- Meet with a lawyer to learn about your immigration options.
- Learn how to prepare for an immigration encounter. Attend a workshop, information session or community hours.
Watch presentations in English, Spanish and Somali from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.
Get legal help
There are resources available if you or someone you know needs legal help, including free legal clinics staffed by immigration attorneys.
Get important updates at the Twin Cities immigration forum
The City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) in partnership with the City of Saint Paul Immigrant and Refugee Program hosts a biweekly immigration forum to offer immigration-related updates to the community.
The topics covered include:
- Federal immigration news and resources.
- City, community and advocacy organization updates.
- Other topics important to immigrant, refugee and new American communities.
Find dates on the OIRA events calendar.
Get a link to the meeting series by emailing oira@minneapolismn.gov.
Learn more at minneapolismn.gov/oira.
Share the know-your-rights graphic in five languages
You can download and share the City's know-your-rights graphic on social media in English, Spanish, Somali, Oromo and Hmong.
Minneapolis updates its separation ordinance
The City of Minneapolis updated its separation ordinance that prohibits participation in federal immigration enforcement activities.
What's new:
- An executive order by Mayor Frey – now codified in the ordinance – prevents Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from staging on City-owned lots and ramps
- New reports to Mayor and City Council
- Updated training for employees on the separation ordinance
What doesn't change:
- The City does not participate in immigration enforcement
- MPD protects the safety of everyone, regardless of immigration status
Read more and share this article.
Watch and share "Minneapolis is our home" videos
 Being Minnesotan means standing together with one another — especially in moments of fear. As we continue through the winter with increased federal immigration enforcement activity, we want to be clear: Minneapolis stands with our immigrant and refugee communities.
Our city is built by people of many backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. Different stories, one shared home. All are welcome here.
You can view and share the "Minneapolis is our home" video series from the City of Minneapolis YouTube channel.
Small business resources during increased federal activity
 How to access legal advice
The City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) refers eligible businesses to free legal advice from attorneys.
Contact the Small Business Team for a referral at smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-2499.
ICE or federal action at the workplace
Immigration officials may come to a business with a warrant to locate or detain specific individuals or search a location. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) offers a helpful guide for steps that employers can take if immigration officials come to your workplace. Find the NILC Guide for Employers.
I-9 inspections
An I-9 inspection, also called an I-9 audit, is an administrative inspection process conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During this process, a DHS agent will request specific business records to confirm that the business's employees have appropriate work authorization. Read more on I-9 Inspections.
Signs for business owners
On Dec. 3, Mayor Frey signed an executive order prohibiting staging for civil immigration enforcement activities on any City-owned parking lots, ramps, garages or vacant lots.
Private property owners and leaseholders can also post a notice stating they do not authorize their property to be used for certain immigration enforcement activities, such as staging for an operation.
The City created designs for signs, posters, stickers and window decals you can download and print. While the City is providing the designs, printing is your responsibility.
Note: If you use these signs, you’re doing so at your own discretion and assume any associated legal risks. The City cannot guarantee that these signs are legally enforceable in every situation. Do not physically fight with ICE agents regarding access to your property. Document their actions and follow up with a legal services provider.
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Cultural radio and TV show schedule
 The City of Minneapolis shares important news and updates in English, Spanish, Somali, Oromo and Hmong over community radio stations and two television programs.
You can see the upcoming schedule for these shows on the City website.
Take the survey: Electric vehicle chargers
Please take a survey to help the Metropolitan Council study where public electric vehicle chargers are most needed, especially for people who can’t charge at home.
Learn more in the online open house, and then take a short survey by Jan. 9, 2026.
Help shape the future of Minneapolis trees
Minneapolis is developing a Tree Preservation Ordinance to better protect our City’s trees during construction. Trees do more than beautify our neighborhoods, they help cool our homes, clean our air, reduce flooding and support wildlife.
But as our City grows, we’re losing mature trees – not just to construction, but to pests and disease. The proposed ordinance will establish clear, fair rules for:
- Protecting trees during construction
- Replacing trees that are removed
- Ensuring new trees thrive
This ordinance will apply to projects that require City permits and involve removing or working near trees on private property.
Take the survey
Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, developer, or someone who loves the trees on your block, your input will help shape a policy that reflects what our community values most. No technical knowledge is needed, just your lived experience. Thank you for your commitment to protecting our trees. Take the survey – it takes about eight minutes and will help shape the ordinance.
2026 budget approved
Mayor Jacob Frey and the Minneapolis City Council have agreed on the 2026 $2 billion budget. The budget reflects a disciplined, forward-looking approach that prioritizes and protects core City services and maintains strong financial footing without layoffs to City employees. It allows for continued investments in public safety, affordable housing, economic inclusion and good governance.
Budget highlights
- Community safety and police recruitment
- Affordable housing and homelessness response
- Climate action and public health
- Economic inclusion and downtown vitality
- Good governance and fiscal discipline
The maximum property tax levy is 8% percent, set by the Board of Estimate and Taxation in September. The City Council approved the levy Dec. 9.
Find details about the 2026 City budget on the City website.
Minneapolis Democracy Center update: A new chapter for civic engagement
 The Minneapolis Democracy Center project is transforming the former 3rd Precinct building at Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue into a vibrant hub for democracy, community partnership and civic participation. The project will create a welcoming space for early voting, election staff offices and an 8,000-square-foot community partner space designed to bring residents together.
With the site cleanup and preparation completed, now LSE Architects is moving the project from a schematic design – the ideas phase – into plans and specifications that will help bring the vision to life. This phase includes:
- Architectural plans, including design for interior spaces and exterior finishes.
- Mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
- Stormwater management, parking and landscaping.
With design assistance from Xcel Energy, the team is also exploring sustainable energy, including geothermal, district geothermal energy and solar power.
Community partner space
The City has postponed the request for proposals for a tenant to lease the community partner space. Calling for proposals later in 2026 will allow prospective tenants to:
- Explore the space firsthand as construction progresses.
- Understand how the community partner space can work alongside election services, supporting a broader range of tenant ideas.
We are grateful for the two applicants who applied during this round and have encouraged them to reapply. This decision is based on timing and evolving design context, not the quality of their submissions. We also appreciate the community feedback on their proposals; see the engagement survey results on the City website.
Election & Voter Services
Elections & Voter Services will continue to operate from 980 E. Hennepin Ave., which includes its main office and Early Vote Center, for the 2026 gubernatorial election. Elections & Voter Services will move into the new Democracy Center space following construction.
Next steps
Construction documents are expected in spring 2026, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026 and continue through 2027.
Learn more
Learn more about the Minneapolis Democracy Center on the City website.
Sign up for Minneapolis Democracy Center updates.
City moving forward with vision at George Floyd Square
The City of Minneapolis has reached a major milestone for the future of George Floyd Square. The City Council voted today to officially advance the recommended street layout, known as the "flexible-open" street concept, marking a pivotal moment years in the making and setting the stage for the community's next chapter.
The flexible-open layout will allow traffic and transit along Chicago Avenue, permanently close off the area to traffic where George Floyd was murdered, and allow for future memorials and temporary road closures for public gatherings. The flexible-open layout was a product of the 2024 George Floyd Square Visioning and Priorities Report.
This decision follows extensive engagement with residents, businesses and local leaders. The approved vision centers on healing, unity and shared growth while honoring George Floyd's legacy.
- Community-centered design: The flexible open street design allows for daily transportation needs while preserving crucial space for memorials, art and community gatherings.
- Essential upgrades: This plan allows the City to move forward with much-needed infrastructure improvements in the area.
Next steps
With the design now approved by the City Council and mayor, the project is moving into the detailed design and implementation phase.
- Design finalization: The project team will continue to work closely with the community as the final details of the design are developed.
- Construction timeline: Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
To learn more about the City's efforts at George Floyd Square, visit the program webpage.
As of Jan. 1, 2026, the Minneapolis minimum wage has adjusted for inflation to $16.37 for all businesses
The minimum wage across the city of Minneapolis was adjusted for inflation to $16.37 on January 1, 2026 for all businesses (regardless of business size).
Coverage depends on the physical location (in Minneapolis) of the employee while the employee is performing work.
For information about any of the City's labor standards, visit the City’s website, call 311 or email the Labor Standards Enforcement Division. To report a violation, submit details on the City website or call 311.
Be ready for extreme cold this winter
Take precautions during dangerously cold temperatures this winter.
Check the City website for guidance and resources on:
- How to stay safe and warm.
- Where to find a warming center in Hennepin County and elsewhere in the Twin Cities metro.
- The Cold Weather Rule preventing your heat from being shut off, even if you can’t pay your bill.
- Heating your home safely.
- If you’re a renter and your heat isn’t working.
- Your responsibilities as a rental property owner or manager.
- Protecting your car.
- Protecting your pets.
Read more about what to do in extreme cold on the City website.
When it snows, remember to shovel your sidewalk
 Sidewalks are an important part of Minneapolis’ transportation system, and they should be open for everyone. That’s why Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall for houses and duplexes and four daytime hours for all other properties. It’s the law, and it’s the neighborly thing to do. If your walk’s not cleared, the City could have it cleared and you would be billed.
Don’t forget your garbage, recycling and organics carts. Crews need a 36-inch-wide path from your carts to the street or alley.
If you need help clearing snow, you can call 311 for a list of resources that might be available.
Read more on the City website.
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