 As Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee, I listened with great interest on Wednesday when the mayor laid out his proposed budget for 2027. The $2.3 billion proposed budget includes $20 million in spending cuts – including about 100 jobs – and an 11.3% property tax levy increase.
While I am happy that the mayor is taking our financial predicament seriously, my headline reaction is this: the levy increase is “too damn high,” to slightly alter what NYC political gadfly Jimmy McMillan said about the rents in that city.
While the nuts and bolts of a budget are complicated, from a bird's-eye view the basic dynamic is simple: it's revenue versus expenses. The city's expenses have been increasing while our biggest revenue sources have been shrinking. Federal COVID relief money has dried up, and commercial property values — especially downtown — have cratered. The numbers tell the story: in 2017, commercial/industrial property accounted for 34.8% of Net Tax Capacity in Minneapolis, compared to 48.6% for residential and 16.6% for apartments. By 2026, commercial/industrial had fallen to 24.9%, while residential rose to 55.6% and apartments rose to 19.5%. That's a 28% relative drop in the commercial sector's share of the tax burden — with homeowners and renters absorbing the difference. This is not a sustainable trajectory, especially given that commercial properties pay at a rate of 2.5 times that of residences.
Now is the time for tightening our belts — even a notch or two more than the mayor has proposed. But spending cuts alone can't close a structural gap this size.
On the revenue side, I see two ways forward: growing the pie or fracking it. Fracking the pie is a metaphor one of my aides gave me from the world of sports journalism, where leagues that aren't growing try to extract more and more revenue from their existing customer base by doing things like raising ticket prices, spreading games across an ever-proliferating number of streaming services, expanding the playoffs so that almost every team qualifies, and partnering with sports betting companies. This is like fracking, which extracts hard-to-pump oil from tightly packed shale rock. We can take this same approach for our city by continuing to extract more revenue from the same residents as the levy continues to climb year after year, this time by double digits.
Or we can do what I'd like, which is to grow Minneapolis's economic pie so that the tax burden is shifted and shared from overburdened residents to a thriving business community. Throughout this budget process, it is imperative that the council alters its tone and its posture so that we send the message that relocating your business to, or starting or growing your business in, Minneapolis is good. You’re not the enemy; in fact, you're a crucial component to supercharging the economic engine of our city and our state. A thriving business community made up of enterprises of all shapes and sizes is part of making our city more affordable. When the pie grows, we can loosen our belts and invest more in the policies and programs that reflect the priorities of residents. A rising tide of commercial property values lifts all boats and can lower all residents’ property tax burden at the same time.
 Taking a step back to look at the process: while some people claim that budgets are moral documents, to me they're really a reflection of priorities in light of reality, and in a resource-constrained environment all these priorities compete for public dollars. Is investing in affordable housing less morally significant than public safety? I don't think so. The same question applies elsewhere: are we morally wrong and against workers if we need to make periodic cuts to maintain the long-term health of our enterprise? Again, I don’t think so. Our record of historic pay increases over the last few years proves otherwise. But as elected representatives we've got to choose how much we can afford to invest in each city department and weigh what is ultimately in the best interests of our constituents because our true moral responsibility is to be wise and responsible stewards of your tax dollars.
The way I hope that this plays out on council is less like a morality play and more like a respectful negotiation about competing goods. Unlike the federal government we can't run a deficit, and unlike the state we're limited in the ways we can bring in revenue. Basically, we've got fees and the levy — and I have zero interest in lobbying the capitol to let us impose a city income tax.
With that framing in mind, here's what happens next: the budget process now moves to the City Council as we begin receiving budget presentations from city departments, holding public hearings, looking to the maximum levy set by the Board of Estimate and Taxation, taking up budget amendments proposed by each council member, and hammering out a deal with the mayor's office by the middle of December.
11.3% is too high, and I think my colleagues and I all agree on that. My hope is that we will be able to respectfully work together through a process where at the end of the day we agree on a budget that preserves the core services our residents rely on, lessens the financial burden on our residents, and sets us on firm financial footing moving forward. The mayor’s proposed budget is a good start, but we’ve got to take it further, remembering it is all of you who foot the bill.
 This past Tuesday we held our August Community Conversations event with community members, Southwest Light Rail (SWLRT) design and construction leaders, MPRB Assistant Superintendent Schroeder, Ben Brasser, Public Works Engineer and myself to discuss the bike/ped/vehicle crossings at Cedar Lake Parkway and the SWLRT crossing.
As we know, this intersection has got to be one of the most unusual confluence of inputs in the entire city and it was on full display the afternoon we met. A freight train was rumbling through, cyclists were crossing the parkway on the Kenilworth Trail (some stopping to activate the flashing arm lights, others not), several vehicles were waiting to take a left turn on Burnham Road (causing lots of impatient honking and traffic back-up as they waited for bikes and pedestrians to safely cross Burnham after the tracks), AND about 50 feet west of the intersection, pedestrians were trying to cross the parkway and bike trail to get to Cedar Lake’s South Beach. Residents were able to detail additional concerns, and designers were able to see it with their own eyes. We were able to get an update on improvements still in the works, including two stop signs that will be installed for cyclists seeking to cross Burham Road from either direction, and cameras (not activated yet) that will sense when pedestrians/cyclists approach, and automatically activate warning lights for vehicles. There is still landscaping left to do in the corridor, and what is planted is on a watering schedule. We tried to get an inside scoop on the SWLRT opening date, but the only commitment was “coming in 2027”.
After this, the group headed over to the west side of Cedar Lake to discuss traffic calming near the Point Beach parking lot. Here you will see the homemade flag system residents have installed to help themselves safely cross the street. If you are ever there – be sure and use them! This is because there is a blind curve that approaches a popular crosswalk to the beach. Brian Treece, President of the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association and Dane Stimart from the Bryn Mawr Active Transportation Committee gave a detailed presentation to city and park staff about the lack of parity around traffic calming between Cedar Lake and the other Chain of Lakes. It was a compelling argument, outlining how Cedar Lake Parkway has no stop signs or other traffic calming measures (other than one flashing speed sign, community donated). We will be working with park and city staff to analyze best placement of a stop sign(s) as a potential improvement, most likely considerations at Franklin Ave, 21st or 22nd.
It was great to connect with everyone who turned out for this important conversation!
 OK, “interested in the next police chief” probably isn’t a fair question because it presumes that there’s someone out there who’s not. Who’s interested? Everyone’s interested! And rightly so, everyone wants a voice. To make sure that happens, we’ve been working with the mayor’s office and other councilmembers to coordinate public engagement/listening sessions for each of the three police precincts that touch on Ward 7: the First, Fourth, and Fifth.
First up is the First(!) with a meeting scheduled a little over a week from now, Tuesday, August 25, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the Renaissance Depot Hotel, 225 Third Ave. S. As most of you likely know, the MPD First Precinct serves downtown Minneapolis, including substantial portions of Wards 7, 3, and 6. Ward 3 councilmember Michael Rainville and I will be hosting this particular event, with city staff in attendance to both speak and listen to community priorities and concerns. If you want to add your voice, this is a prime opportunity. Similar events will be coming up shortly for Precinct 4 (Bryn Mawr) and Precinct 5 (everywhere else), so keep checking this newsletter for additional updates. You are welcome to attend any precinct meeting to provide input, even if it is not your official precinct.
 Last weekend saw the successful return of the Uptown Art Fair. The entire Ward 7 office made our respective visits to the fair, strolling The Mall and the southern shores of Lake of the Isles, which were packed with vendors and patrons enjoying the fabulous Minneapolis weather. There was art, food, and music galore. In the words of one of the organizers, they "hit it out of the park!" Look for more coverage in this newsletter, but in the meantime, a hearty congratulations to the Uptown Association and all the staff and volunteers who made this possible.
 Tuesday afternoon provided a fascinating glimpse into both the city’s past and future when I got an opportunity to tour the Dayton’s Project, at the site of the former department store. As most of us know, the building sat vacant for quite some time after being vacated by Macy’s, and was in the midst of a massive and expensive partial renovation just in time for the pandemic. Years later and despite some significant setbacks, the project is moving forward with new energy, and it was fascinating to see some of the obvious successes and hear more about the unique challenges posed by this historic building.
Need a freight elevator that can and has held a circus elephant? Check. Want an auditorium where Prince was a frequent performer? Check. What to do with the former Oak Grille and Skyroom? Still working on that, but the old Hudson’s space on the first floor is an immediate prime candidate for a new restaurant.
Overall, the newly built-out spaces were lovely, the amenities plentiful, and the views are spectacular (including from the new rooftop garden!). While there’s still a long way to go, it was both exciting and inspiring to see both this group’s investment in the city’s future and its dedication to preserving a beloved part of our past.
 If you’re looking for something fun and musical to do this evening for the low, low price of absolutely free, the Loring Alley Live music festival is tonight in Fawkes Alley, just off Loring Park, 1621 Harmon Place. It features a noteworthy lineup of musicians: Vittorio and the Bridges, Jeremy Messersmith, Beemer, and Jillian Rae. It looks to be a lovely evening weather-wise, so if you want to hear some great music and enjoy time with your neighbors, this should be a great event!
 Yesterday I was pleased to attend the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Roami, a new longer-term stay apartment-hotel in the recently renovated Century Plaza building, across from Central Lutheran Church. It’s great to have this new stay option downtown, and it’s also exciting to see these attractive older buildings get repurposed for a successful future. Congrats to all involved in this project!
 Ward 7 was the location of a “scooter takeover” this past weekend, with rumor there may be another this evening. Lucky for me, I had the opportunity to experience the chaos firsthand.
Last Saturday evening, I was driving down 3rd Avenue after attending the Savannah Bananas baseball game, and faced four lanes of scooters heading my way using both sides of the street. I needed to stop my car and wait as hundreds of scooters and bikes weaved around my car as I was trying to return friends and family home after the game. I called 911 and as the scooters eventually passed, was able to continue my journey but not without about 5 individuals coming very close…. seemingly trying to hit my vehicle. If they hit me or if I had opened my door to try to get out, people would have been seriously injured and been run over by others right behind them.
Scooters are a great mode of transportation, not a plaything for street or freeway takeovers. I have been in dialog with 1st Precinct leaders, and they are working with Lime on a plan to curtail future occurrences. Some of the riders who were on the freeway will be banned from usage. Inappropriate use of scooters taking over city roadways can be avoided through geo-restrictions.
 Nicollet Avenue between I-94 and Franklin, commonly referred to as “19th & Nic” has been much in the news recently between law enforcement sweeps, a mass shooting, and continued enforcement efforts. Have questions or concerns? I’m co-hosting a community meeting at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave., on Sunday, August 23rd, 5:30-7:30, along with fellow councilmembers Aisha Chughtai and Jamal Osman, along with MPD Fifth Precinct Inspector Ryan Kelly, other city staff, and local community leaders. You can expect substantive updates on the current situation and plans for the future, and you should absolutely bring your questions. Hope to see you then!
Saturday, August 22: Stevens Square Community Organization Annual Meeting, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Stevens Square Park, 1801 Stevens Avenue.
Tuesday, September 1: Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association monthly board meeting, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the Kenwood Rec Center. Click here for more information.
Tuesday, September 8: West Maka Ska Neighborhood Council monthly meeting, 6 – 8 p.m., Bakken Museum Great Hall, 3527 Zenith Ave. S.
Tuesday, September 8: East Isles Neighborhood Association monthly meeting, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Grace Trinity Church, 1430 W. 28th Street. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, September 9: Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association monthly meeting, 6:30-7:30pm at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 420 Cedar Lake Road. Click here for more details.
Wednesday, September 9: Cedar-Isles-Dean Neighborhood Association monthly meeting, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Jones Harrison Senior Living, 3700 Cedar Lake Avenue. Click here for full details.
Monday, September 14: Kenwood Neighborhood Organization monthly meeting, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the Kenwood Rec Center, 2101 W. Franklin Ave.
Monday, September 14: Citizens for a Loring Park Community board of directors meeting, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., via Zoom. Click here for directions.
 This section is intended to flag issues coming up in the next council cycle (and beyond) which we believe might be of interest to Ward 7 constituents. Items that made it onto our radar this week include:
Budget, budget, and more budget: Yes, we’ve discussed this above, but it’s worth repeating that the 2027 budget will almost certainly be the dominant item looking ahead through the end of the year. While I'm sure there will be intervening events that grab our attention, you should expect this to be an item of sustained focus right until a final version is passed in December.
Reign liquor license: There’s been quite a bit of constituent concern related to this item since the mass shooting in Uptown last month, and the renewal of Reign’s liquor license will come before the Business, Housing and Zoning (BHZ) Committee next week. While the police investigation is ongoing, I have been advised that no link has been established between the business and the shooting, which happened outside. There has been a full licensing review of the business, and my understanding is that no adverse action is being recommended at this time.
Data center staff directive: Next week the BHZ committee will also receive a report and presentation from staff in the Legislative Research and Oversight division in follow up to a request from council for a landscape analysis of municipal regulations governing data centers, both by region and nationwide, regulations pertaining to data centers in urban areas, and the impact of data centers on tax revenue, the environment, and the energy grid. I expect this will be a helpful informative tool as we move forward with crafting appropriate regulations. Also, in the late-breaking news department, we just learned that CPED has gone live with an informative web-page providing an opportunity for public comment on proposed new city regulations. Next week CPED staff will also be adding an informational video to the page, so be on the lookout.
Opioid and mobile medical unit summer report: While opioid response is (and should be) the primary responsibility of Hennepin County, this is a pervasive problem, and the city is playing a constructive role in the response. At Wednesday’s PHSE meeting, we will receive the Health Department’s annual summer report on its actions in response to the opioid crisis, which includes the city’s mobile medical unit.
More than 112,000 people voted in the 2026 primary election in Minneapolis, the second highest turnout in any state primary since 1968. That’s more than 40% of our registered voters weighing in.
Minneapolis has 263,562 registered voters, about 60.5% of the city’s estimated population.
Thank you to our elections staff and election judges for once again ensuring free, impartial and fair access to the ballot box. And most of all, thank you, voters, for voting.
You can find the unofficial election results for the primary election on the Secretary of State’s website.
 The City of Minneapolis and The Loft Literary Center are seeking applications for the next Minneapolis Poet Laureate. The two-year term runs from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2028.
The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for Minneapolis’ literary culture, using poetry to connect and engage our community. During their term, the Poet Laureate will participate in civic events, lead public poetry programming, teach classes through The Loft and develop a community-focused poetry project.
The call for poets opens Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Learn more about the Minneapolis Poet Laureate program and how to apply. |
