Ward 1 City Council Updates - February 2, 2025

Council Member Elliott Payne

Ward 1 News from Council President Elliott Payne

February 2, 2026

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Dear Neighbor,

The federal occupation of Minnesota continues, and our communities are still showing up and protecting our neighbors. I want to thank everyone who is out there, blowing their whistles, protecting our schools, donating groceries, shopping at immigrant-owned businesses, and supporting mutual aid funds. Despite Homan purporting a "drawdown" of federal agents, we continue to see brutalization, profiling, and abductions in the Ward and across the city. Our demand continues to be that ICE, and all federal agents, leave our state immediately.

While the City Council passed a resolution calling on Governor Walz to enact a statewide eviction moratorium, joined by several other cities in the metro area, no action has been taken. Rent will be due soon and something must be done. In response, Council Members Wonsley, Osman, Stevenson, Chavez, Chowdhury, and I will be introducing a rental assistance funding proposal this week. For thousands of residents, simply leaving the house to go to work means facing harassment, violence, or abduction by ICE. Workplaces have closed or reduced hours, and some workers have lost access to childcare. Many families have also had their relatives abducted, causing them to lose major sources of income. No family should have to choose between keeping a roof over their head and risking a family member being kidnapped by ICE on their way to work. For all these reasons, many families have lost income and need assistance paying their rent. The City is considering a proposal to allocate $1 million for rental assistance, which would make it the first entity to contribute anything. The City cannot meet this need alone - state & county government must also join us in allocating funding to cover all missed rent.

Another proposal authored by Council Members Chavez, Chowdhury, Osman, Chughtai, Wonsley, Stevenson, and myself would allocate an additional $500,000 for immigration legal services. This proposal will also be considered in response to the critical need of neighbors during this occupation. The City must direct dollars during this moment of emergency to protect our most vulnerable neighbors and act on our values. I am thankful for my colleagues who are joining me in bringing this forward.

Both of these proposals will first be considered during the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, February 3rd at 9:30am in Room 380 at City Hall. A final vote on them will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 9:30am during the regular City Council meeting. 

This week, I urge you to join your neighbors, donate groceries, and patrol your block. We are in this together and our community will win. I hope to see you out there.

Stay safe and stay vigilant,

Elliott

Discrimination protections in Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, you’re protected by law against discrimination based on where you or your family come from – or where someone assumes you come from – including your culture, accent, appearance and language. These protections apply in employment, housing, businesses, City services and more.

This is about discrimination in daily life in Minneapolis – not immigration enforcement. While the City does not have jurisdiction over federal agencies, we do enforce our Civil Rights Ordinance, and discrimination is not allowed here.

Report discrimination by employers, landlords, businesses, City services or others by visiting the City website or by calling 311. You can also contact the department at 612-673-3012 to schedule an intake call.

If a situation involves federal action, there are other places to report concerns:

  • Minnesota Attorney General’s Office Report impacts of federal actions in Minnesota that may affect civil liberties or state rights. Federal action reporting form

Find links and more information on the City website.


Know your rights if ICE comes to your home

Everyone has constitutional protections — regardless of immigration status.

Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely.

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota suggests the following if federal immigration agents come to your home.

  • ICE needs a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to enter.
  • You can ask them to show you the warrant through the window or under the door.
  • If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed.

Find more know-your-rights resources on the City website in:



Find City information and resources

Stay up to date with City information. Please check, sign up for, follow and share the City’s information channels of your choice. Channels include:

  • City social media channels
  • Newsletters
  • City emergency response webpages

Renters’ rights and evictions

You have rights as a renter if you’re at risk of getting evicted from your home. Property owners cannot immediately evict you for not paying rent. They must give you written notice at least 30 days in advance. The notice must tell you how much you owe and how you can pay it.

People who rent their homes are important members of our community. Renters make up more than half of the population in Minneapolis.

Find more detail on eviction policy on the City website.

Resources

  • Legal assistance. Low-income renters in Minneapolis have the right to a lawyer in eviction cases. We have free and low-cost services for renters that include help legal help, advocacy, education and more.

Learn more about legal resources.


Changes to City Council calendar

The City Council is changing its meeting schedule in response to ongoing community needs resulting from the presence of federal agents in the city. Council members are prioritizing their constituents and the community, and they recognize the demand this ongoing situation has placed on the City’s administration and staff.

As of this week, regular committee meetings are cancelled. Items normally referred to standing committees will be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The change in the council’s regular cycle will affect meetings through Feb. 19.

Read more about the changes on the City website.


Resource: Prescription drug resources and delivery

The City has compiled a list of prescription drug resources and delivery options. The information includes lists of:

  • Local pharmacy chains that deliver.
  • State and local pharmacy assistance programs
  • Nonprofit and charitable assistance programs
  • National discount programs
  • Combination delivery and low-cost options

Find a list of prescription drug resources on the City website.


MPLS for MPLS encourages support for local businesses and workers

People are showing up for Minneapolis. Often, that starts with everyday choices: where to eat, shop, gather and spend time. That idea is at the heart of MPLS for MPLS, a new initiative from Meet Minneapolis encouraging residents to intentionally engage with neighborhood businesses and workers during a challenging moment for the city.

The effort also provides practical information about which businesses are open and what may look different right now, including modified hours and knock-for-entry policies.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of Minneapolis neighborhoods. They help shape the character of each block, create welcoming places for residents and visitors to gather, and provide livelihoods for thousands of workers and families. When those businesses struggle, the ripple effects are felt across the community and throughout the city’s economy.

Read more on the Meet Minneapolis website.


Black History Month events

The City is hosting several events throughout Black History Month this February to honor, celebrate and reflect. The 2026 theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations: Honoring Our History, Uplifting Our Legacy, Continuing the Celebration. All City of Minneapolis employees are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Black History Month kickoff: council resolution

Join us as we officially kick off Black History Month with our annual City Council resolution. This event sets the tone for our 2026 celebrations. Jamela Pettiford will lead us in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black national anthem, followed by guest speakers honoring the significance of Black History Month.

Breakfast and resolution Thursday, Feb. 5

8-9:15 a.m. Breakfast City Hall Rotunda

9:30 a.m. Resolution Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall

Moments That Matter: Celebrating Local Black Artists

Join us as we celebrate local Black artists in Minneapolis by showcasing their powerful and inspiring art. This event highlights creativity, culture and the lasting impact of Black artists within our community.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 Public Service Building, Room 100AB

A Touch of Soul

A Touch of Soul is a lively celebration featuring spoken word artists, dancers and an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses through tabling and product sales.

Noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 Public Service Building, Room 100AB


Connect with Elliott and Ward 1 Staff

Elliott Payne was re-elected in 2025 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 - elliott.payne@minneapolismn.gov 

Brandon Garcia, Policy Aide - brandon.garcia@minneapolismn.gov

Ikram Mohamud, Policy Associate - Ikram.Mohamud@minneapolismn.gov

Liam Davis Temple, Policy Aide - liam.davistemple@minneapolismn.gov 

Office Phone - (612) 673-2201

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward1

Our offices have officially moved back to City Hall! You can visit us at 

City Hall
350 S. Fifth St., Room 370
Minneapolis, MN 55415

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats 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 ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.



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