MISSION: The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department protects and advances human rights through enforcing civil rights protections with accountability and impartial investigations to empower community.

VISION: As the people’s investigator, we strive to eliminate civil rights violations in the City of Minneapolis by rooting ourselves in service, justice and community and working to remove systemic and institutional barriers that cause harm.

VALUES: Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Justice, Trust.

I was deeply honored to be sworn in as the City’s Civil Rights Department Director this past Friday. I have served in the interim Director role over the last year and held a variety of roles in the Department throughout the past decade. I am grateful to the Mayor and City Council for their support, as well as Civil Rights staff and community stakeholders. This is work I truly believe in, and I feel it is such a privilege to be able to serve in this role.

At the Civil Rights Department, we are committed to standing alongside community to protect the civil rights of those who live in, work in and visit our city. If you are facing discrimination, being mistreated in your workplace, or have experienced misconduct by Minneapolis police officers, we want to hear from you. Our office can investigate these types of allegations and aims to reach positive, impactful outcomes.

Civil Rights staff remain hard at work enforcing local protections. We continue to improve our investigative timelines, reach meaningful case outcomes, promote the new protected classes in our civil rights ordinance--justice impact, height/weight and housing status--support our boards and commissions and spend considerable time in community with you all celebrating things like Juneteenth and PRIDE. I am excited to share that we recently published our 2025 Annual report. I hope you will take a moment to review it. We are proud of the Department’s impact last year and are building on it so far this year.

The Labor Standards Enforcement Division (LSED) continued its commitment to protecting Minneapolis workers by securing meaningful outcomes for employees while helping employers strengthen compliance with the City's labor standards. Throughout the first half of 2026, LSED resolved several significant investigations involving wage theft, sick and safe time, minimum wage violations, and workplace recordkeeping, resulting in improved workplace practices and financial relief for hundreds of workers.

Early in the year, LSED successfully reached a settlement with a restaurant that failed to provide earned sick and safe time benefits. The settlement directly benefited 15 workers by recovering more than $17,000 in back wages and damages, while securing thousands of dollars in future sick and safe time benefits. The employer also implemented policy changes and employee training to ensure ongoing compliance and create a healthier workplace for employees and the community.

During the spring, the Division continued building on this momentum through several additional enforcement actions. Investigations involving restaurant, hospitality, and event venue employers resulted in:

• Nearly $8,000 recovered for nine restaurant employees who had been paid below Minneapolis' minimum wage, along with significant wage increases and employer bookkeeping assistance.
• More than $60,000 recovered for approximately 300 fast-food workers who had been denied earned sick and safe time and notice of their workplace rights. As part of the settlement, workers also received Know Your Rights training.
• More than $15,000 recovered for 132 event venue employees affected by wage theft, recordkeeping violations, and inadequate access to sick and safe time benefits.

Beyond enforcement, LSED continued to demonstrate leadership on a national level. In February, Associate Director Brian Walsh represented the City of Minneapolis Civil Rights Department at a national convening hosted by the National Immigration Law Center and NYU Wagner Labor Initiative. Working alongside labor leaders from across the country, participants explored innovative strategies to strengthen labor standards enforcement amid evolving immigration policies, reinforcing Minneapolis' reputation as a national leader in equitable workplace protections.

Community Reminder: Effective January 1, 2026, Minneapolis' minimum wage increased to $16.37 per hour, ensuring workers continue to receive fair compensation while supporting equitable economic growth across the city.

During the first half of 2026, the Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR) continued strengthening civilian oversight through research, transparency, and organizational improvement. While the first quarter focused primarily on advancing internal initiatives, the second quarter marked several important milestones that reinforce OPCR's commitment to accountability and public trust.

One of the Division's most significant accomplishments was the release of the ELEFA Report, which recognized meaningful progress in strengthening OPCR's oversight responsibilities while identifying opportunities to improve the timeliness of investigations and communication city-wide. The findings provide both recognition of the Division's progress and a roadmap for continued improvement.

OPCR also expanded its commitment to evidence-based oversight through the publication of several comprehensive research reports presented to the Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO), including:

• Review Panel Process Report
• CAD Data Validation Report
• Analysis of Police Chief Disciplinary Decisions

These studies reflect OPCR's renewed emphasis on data-driven analysis that supports transparency, informed policymaking, and meaningful police accountability throughout Minneapolis.

Looking ahead, OPCR remains focused on decreasing investigative timelines, strengthening analytical capacity, and continuing to provide independent, professional oversight that builds confidence in the City's police accountability system.

The Complaint Investigations Division (CID) entered 2026 with a strong focus on education, collaboration, and equitable enforcement, continuing its mission to protect the civil rights of Minneapolis residents through outreach, investigations, and community partnerships.

Throughout the first half of the year, CID expanded public awareness by providing educational presentations on Source of Income Discrimination to the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, helping renters better understand their rights under the City's Civil Rights Ordinance. The Division also welcomed ten new members to the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights, strengthening community leadership and expanding diverse perspectives that support the Commission's important work.

CID further advanced collaboration by hosting its inaugural Inter-Organizational Quarterly Meeting, bringing together civil and human rights organizations to exchange best practices and strengthen partnerships across Minnesota. During this period, the Division also secured more than $30,000 in relief for individuals who experienced unlawful discrimination.

The Division welcomed Oksana Weir as a new Investigator II, bringing extensive experience in immigration law to the investigative team. Staff also participated in the Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute to further enhance investigative knowledge and legal expertise.

Community engagement remained a priority throughout the second quarter. CID partnered with the Office of Police Conduct Review to provide educational presentations for Tone Up, an organization supporting formerly incarcerated Minnesotans during reentry. Associate Director Manire Vaughn also joined representatives from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity on a Fair Housing panel during Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's Fair Housing Convening.

CID continues educating residents about the expanded protections under the Minneapolis Civil Rights Ordinance, including protections based on Housing Status, Justice Impacted Status, and Height or Weight, helping ensure that all residents understand their rights and protections under local law.

During the first half of 2026, the Contract Compliance Division (CCD) continued to advance equitable economic opportunity by ensuring City-funded contracts support participation by minority- and women-owned businesses while promoting fair labor practices and compliance with City ordinances. Through contract oversight, affirmative action compliance, and prevailing wage enforcement, CCD plays a vital role in fostering accountability and creating equitable opportunities across Minneapolis.

As required by City ordinance, CCD reviews all City-funded contracts exceeding $175,000 to establish minority and women-owned business participation goals before contracts can move forward. During the first half of 2026, the Division reviewed and approved:

• 43 Construction Contracts totaling $101.1 million
• 34 Professional Technical Services Contracts totaling $41.1 million
• 9 Commodity and Supply Contracts totaling $9.4 million
• 9 Community Planning and Economic Development Contracts totaling $78.7 million
• 4 additional projects totaling $41.4 million currently in process

Together, these projects represent a significant investment in Minneapolis communities while expanding opportunities for diverse businesses to participate in City contracting.

The Division also continued administering the City's Affirmative Action Program by reviewing and approving 181 Affirmative Action Plans (AAPs) during the first half of the year. City ordinance requires any business awarded a City contract exceeding $100,000 to maintain an approved Affirmative Action Plan, helping ensure equal employment opportunity and inclusive workplace practices.

Beyond contract review, CCD actively monitors compliance on City-funded projects to safeguard both workers and public investments. The Division is currently overseeing approximately $1.7 billion in executed City contracts and completed 261 compliance audits during the first half of 2026. These audits include reviewing certified payroll records for every contractor working on City-funded construction projects to verify compliance with prevailing wage requirements, affirmative action commitments, and minority and women-owned business participation goals.

When violations are identified, CCD works to ensure workers receive the wages they have earned. During the first half of 2026, the Division successfully investigated prevailing wage violations and recovered $17,534 in unpaid wages for 19 workers, reinforcing its commitment to protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair compensation.

Through diligent oversight, collaboration, and enforcement, the Contract Compliance Division continues to strengthen economic equity, promote workforce fairness, and support responsible stewardship of public investments, helping build a stronger, more inclusive Minneapolis for businesses, workers, and residents alike.”

Throughout the first half of 2026, the Compliance and Quality Assurance Office continued to strengthen the Civil Rights Department's commitment to accountability, operational excellence, and exceptional public service. By advancing department-wide standards, improving communication practices, and enhancing data management, the team has helped build a more consistent, transparent, and responsive experience for everyone who interacts with the Department.

A key focus has been supporting implementation of the Settlement Agreement by advancing Year 3 and Year 4 compliance goals, documenting progress from previous years, and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to align with evolving requirements. These efforts ensure the Department continues to meet its obligations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

To promote consistency across all divisions, the office established shared communication standards and service benchmarks, reinforcing the Department's commitment to providing an initial response to complainants within five business days and resolving investigations within one year whenever possible. Standardized communication practices have also been implemented throughout the investigative process, helping complainants remain informed and engaged from intake through case resolution.

Improving the public's experience remained a top priority. Working in partnership with 311, the office aligned messaging across complaint submission channels to ensure residents receive accurate, consistent information regardless of how they contact the Department. Additional enhancements included implementing dedicated public walk-in hours, standardizing department-wide intake procedures, and leveraging the Cross-Division Intake Group to strengthen coordination and deliver a professional, seamless customer experience.

Operational improvements also continued throughout the first half of the year. The office supported implementation of new case management systems across multiple divisions while leading a comprehensive office-wide data inventory to strengthen data governance, improve reporting capabilities, and ensure compliance with future data retention requirements. In partnership with the Business Data Analyst, ongoing efforts to enhance dashboard development, reporting consistency, and data quality continue to support informed decision-making across the Department.

Together, these initiatives reflect the Department's ongoing commitment to delivering equitable, transparent, and high-quality services while continually improving the way Civil Rights serves the Minneapolis community.

The Grants & Community Engagement Team continued to build meaningful relationships throughout Minneapolis during the first half of 2026 by connecting residents, businesses, community organizations, and City staff with Civil Rights programs, services, and educational resources. Through collaboration, outreach, and strategic partnerships, the team remained focused on advancing equity, strengthening trust, and increasing public awareness of the Department's mission.

Community engagement remained at the heart of the team's work. Staff actively participated in neighborhood meetings, advisory groups, and community forums, including the Hawthorne Huddle, Lower Northeast Neighborhoods Association (LNENA), Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID), Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) Community Engagement Group, City Immigration Team, Welcoming Minnesota Forum, Vision Zero Technical Advisory Committee, Minneapolis Workplace Advisory Committee, Community Commission on Police Oversight, and City Council Town Halls. These engagements provided valuable opportunities to listen to community concerns, share Civil Rights resources, and strengthen partnerships that support safer, healthier, and more equitable communities.

Education continued to be a cornerstone of the team's outreach efforts. Staff delivered Civil Rights presentations during New Employee Orientation, introducing City employees to the Department's programs, services, and commitment to equitable public service. The team also supported educational initiatives focused on labor standards, worker protections, immigration preparedness, human trafficking awareness, and Know Your Rights training, helping equip residents and City employees with information to navigate systems and access available resources.

Throughout the first half of the year, the team collaborated extensively with internal departments and community partners to improve coordination and expand public engagement. Participation in the City's Performance Management & Innovation Open House introduced new approaches to using data, equity, and design thinking to strengthen community engagement strategies, while involvement in the City's 2027–2028 Budget Kick-Off helped align future planning with community priorities and organizational goals.

The Grants & Community Engagement Team also supported important internal initiatives, including preparations for the launch of the Civil Rights Department's new SharePoint site, which will improve collaboration, communication, and access to departmental resources for staff.

Community outreach extended beyond meetings and into neighborhoods across Minneapolis. The team proudly represented the Civil Rights Department at NorthPoint Free Fresh Food Fridays, Juneteenth celebrations, the Twin Cities Pride Festival, community resource fairs, and numerous neighborhood events throughout the city. These opportunities allowed staff to connect directly with residents, answer questions, provide educational materials, promote Civil Rights protections, and strengthen public trust through meaningful face-to-face engagement.

As the Department looks ahead, the Grants & Community Engagement Team remains committed to expanding access to Civil Rights services, cultivating strong community partnerships, and creating opportunities for every resident, business, and visitor to engage with their local government. By listening, educating, and collaborating, the team continues to help build a more informed, inclusive, connected, and equitable Minneapolis for all.

The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department is thrilled to celebrate an exciting new chapter as Kaela McConnon Diarra was officially appointed and sworn in today as the Director of the Civil Rights Department during a ceremony at the City Hall Rotunda.

The ceremony was a meaningful celebration of leadership, public service, and the department's continued commitment to advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for all Minneapolis residents.

During the ceremony, Mayor Jacob Frey spoke warmly about Director McConnon Diarra's leadership and the important work of the Civil Rights Department.

He shared that Kaela is an outstanding fit to lead the department, highlighting her collaborative leadership style, her strong relationships across the City of Minneapolis, and her unwavering commitment to serving the community.

The Mayor also recognized the dedication and hard work of the Civil Rights Department staff, acknowledging their vital role in advancing the department's mission every day.

Director McConnon Diarra's appointment reflects her years of dedicated public service, her passion for equity and inclusion, and her vision for building stronger partnerships with residents, businesses, community organizations, and City departments. Under her leadership, the Civil Rights Department will continue working to eliminate discrimination, protect civil rights, promote equitable opportunities, and strengthen trust throughout our community.

Please join us in congratulating Director Kaela McConnon Diarra on this well-deserved achievement. We look forward to the future of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department as we continue moving forward together with energy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making Minneapolis a more equitable and welcoming city for everyone.

"Congratulations, Director Kaela McConnon Diarra!"

Since joining the Contract Compliance Division in 2024 Liban has brought a strong commitment to fairness, equity, and public service. With prior experience at the Washington State Department of Revenue, Liban now focuses on Small and Underutilized Business Program (SUBP), and prevailing wage enforcement.

“Everyday moments, like when a worker expresses appreciation, is a powerful reminder that advocacy and accountability truly matter.”

Liban’s passion for public service is rooted in a family tradition of government work and a deep interest in economic development.

Nico brings passion and purpose to advancing fairness and equity in the workplace. Guided by her belief to “leave the world a better place,” she is dedicated to creating meaningful change through her work. Over the past five years, Nico has helped secure back pay and damages for more than 7,500 workers, many facing economic hardship. She also led the division’s first six-figure settlement, highlighting her determination and commitment to justice.

Her work supports critical labor protections, including, Sick and Safe Time, Minimum Wage, Wage Theft protections.

Known as a trusted and tenacious investigator, Nico combines strong attention to detail with a people-centered approach. She values teamwork and contributes positively to the division’s collaborative culture.

“I live by the axiom, ‘Leave the world a better place than you found it,’ and I strive to reflect that purpose through the work I do each day.”

Outside of work, Nico enjoys time with friends, caring for her two cats, and making the most of Minnesota summers, especially boating on Lake Minnetonka.

The Civil Rights Department proudly recognizes Matthew for seven years of dedicated service and his commitment to advancing equity in Minneapolis.

Matthew began his City career as an Urban Scholar in 2018 and now serves as an Intake Coordinator in the Complaint Investigations Division (CID), where he helps residents navigate the complaint process with compassion, professionalism, and fairness.

"I believe the work we do in CID is critical to advancing equity in Minneapolis, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of that."

Known for his empathy and solution-oriented approach, Matthew helps community members feel heard while building trust throughout the investigative process. He also stepped up to support Source of Income discrimination cases during a staffing transition, helping ensure critical enforcement work continued without interruption.

Complaint Investigations Director Manire T. Vaughn, Esq. describes Matthew as "collaborative, resourceful, and kind," recognizing his willingness to support colleagues, embrace new challenges, and foster a positive team environment.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys reading, traveling, visiting museums, learning about history, and trying new recipes.

Thank you to Liban, Nico, and Mathew for your outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to making Minneapolis a more equitable community. Your work makes a lasting difference every day!

Community members and City employees can report concerns or submit complaints related to discrimination, police misconduct, wage theft, sick and safe time violations, and more:

Online

Complaints can be submitted online 24/7 at minneapolismn.gov/civilrights. Forms are available in multiple languages.

By phone - Call 311:

Staff can complete forms over the phone. Translation services available.

In-person

You can now visit us: Tuesday–Thursday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Location: City Hall, Room 239, 350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415

We’re located on the 2nd floor of City Hall

Civil Rights annual report 2025 is out now.

The Civil Rights Department’s 2025 Annual Report is now available to access online (see link below).

The Department is excited to share the work of our dedicated staff and the meaningful impact it’s made in 2025.

Link: 2025 Annual Report