Meeting highlights
On Sept. 17, 2026, the City Council authorized an approximately $2 million contract for support for an Internal Affairs backlog, adopted four ordinances, including regulating audio from motion-sensor devices, and honored Latino Heritage Month.
View the Sept. 17 meeting agenda
MPD contract to increase investigative support capacity
City Council voted 10-0 to authorize the Minneapolis Police Department to enter into a $2.03 million contract for assistance with clearing the backlog of police misconduct complaint investigations. The two-year contract with Grant Thornton Advisors, a national firm with a Minneapolis-based office, is primarily meant to support MPD Internal Affairs with closing misconduct cases in the supervisory review phase. There are currently 266 open cases. The contract goes through October 1, 2028, with the option to extend it by one year. (LIMS File No. 2026-01025)
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Background: As part of the City’s settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the City, and MPD is required to have supervisors review investigative summary reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with City and MPD policies. Police misconduct investigations must be completed within 180 days before they move to final review, the last 15 days of the 180-day window are for the supervisory review phase. A June 2026 progress report from Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA), the City’s independent evaluator, noted limited availability of supervisors is a key reason the Internal Affairs backlog exists.
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Next steps: Mayoral review.
Noise regulations ordinances
City Council voted 10-0 to approve an ordinance change that amends provisions in five separate titles in the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances (MCO) chapter that spells out the City’s authority to regulate undesirable noises. Changes include reorganizing the structure, removing content, changing language, correcting associated reference numbers, and adding a clause regulating the sounding of motion-sensor devices on private property, such as home security cameras, so that audio can't be heard from inside a neighboring home with the windows and doors closed, and the device’s motion-sensor can’t be triggered from public property, such as a sidewalk or street. The ordinance is effective immediately upon publication. (LIMS File No. 2026-00809)
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Next steps: Mayoral review.
Event center license ordinance
City Council voted 10-0 to allow rental halls to host both private and public events under one license. The ordinance change creates an optional endorsement for new and existing rental hall operators. Venues must go through the standard licensing process to receive the endorsement, which includes a public hearing. Events open to the public serving alcohol must obtain a temporary alcohol license from the City. The fee for a rental hall license with event center certification will be set in the City’s License Fee Schedule. The ordinance is effective immediately upon publication. (LIMS File No. 2026-00864)
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Background:Rental hall operators previously had to choose between obtaining a business license that categorizes them as either a public or private event space. There are currently 20 active rental hall licenses.
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Next steps: Mayoral review.
Fence regulations ordinance
City Council voted 10-0 to modify regulations for newly constructed fences in areas with required yards. The zoning code change increases the maximum height for fences in corner side yards between a house and road . It also allows solid privacy fences up to three feet tall in front yards. It establishes new safety provisions for fences constructed in between residential properties, including a minimum space requirement between a fence and a neighboring property’s side door. The ordinance is effective immediately upon publication. (LIMS File No. 2026-00196)
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Next steps: Mayoral review.
Neighborhood Revitalization Program Policy Board elections ordinance
City Council voted 10-0 to approve an ordinance change to give authority to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Policy Board to decide where their board election is held. With this change, the board will also have the authority to determine when their election is held as long as it’s before November 30, every two years. The ordinance is effective immediately upon publication. (LIMS File No. 2026-00937)
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Background: The NRP Policy board was created by state statute in 1991 and consists of five elected officials, including the Mayor and one City Council Member, along with eight neighborhood representatives, who are elected by Minneapolis neighborhood organizations every two years.
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Next steps: Mayoral review.
Ordinance Introductions
City Council approved the introduction of two ordinances. The introductions will now be taken up by their respective subject matter committees. They must come back to the full City Council for final approval.
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Residential dwelling regulation updates ordinances
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Commercial leases ordinance
Notice of Ordinance Introductions (NOIs)
There were two Notice of Ordinance Introductions (NOIs). No action is required on NOIs. They will come back to the next City Council meeting – scheduled for October 1 – for formal introduction and referral to the subject matter committee.
Upcoming public hearings on ordinances
Commercial and multifamily energy disclosure repeal ordinance
- The public hearing is set for Sept. 24 at the Climate & Infrastructure Committee. The proposed language is available in the LIMS file. (LIMS File No. 2026-00968)
- At today’s meeting, City Council voted 10-0 to approve a legislative directive requesting City staff to provide an overview of the anticipated impact of this proposed ordinance repeal. City staff are asked to report findings to Climate & Infrastructure Committee by Sept. 24. (LIMS File No. 2026-01007)
Autonomous vehicle regulations ordinance
- The public hearing is set for Sept. 22 at the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee. The proposed language is available in the LIMS file. (LIMS File No. 2026-00738)
View all public notices
Honorary resolutions
City Council adopted 7 honorary resolutions, which were presented at the beginning of the meeting.
2026 Latino Heritage Month honorary resolution
City Council commemorated Latino Heritage Month, which runs Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Thursday Oct. 15, with a resolution recognizing the rich contributions of Latine residents in Minneapolis and across Minnesota. The resolution reaffirms the City’s commitment to meaningful community engagement and opportunities for Latine residents and acknowledges the importance of being a welcoming and inclusive City where all residents, regardless of their background, can achieve their highest potential. It acknowledges the long-lasting trauma caused by Operation Metro Surge and commends the courage shown by Minneapolis residents to support and care for their neighbors during uncertain times.
Licenses
City Council approved 15 varying licenses for businesses across Minneapolis.
Liquor licenses
Approved nine liquor licenses, including two new and seven renewals.
Gambling licenses
Approved five gambling licenses, including two new and three renewals.
Entertainment licenses
Approved one limited entertainment license with a liquor license.
Learn more about business licenses
No public meetings will be held on Monday, Sept. 21. The next two-week City Council cycle will start on Tuesday, September 22, with its regular standing committees. Staff presentations on the Mayor's 2027 budget recommendations will continue this cycle. View our release outlining the budget schedule.
Week one schedule:
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Monday, Sept. 21 – No meetings
- Tuesday, Sept. 22:
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10 a.m. – Enterprise & Labor Relations
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1:30 p.m. – Business, Housing & Zoning
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Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m. – Public Health, Safety & Equity
- Thursday, Sept. 24:
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10 a.m. – Budget
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1:30 p.m. – Climate & Infrastructure
Week two schedule:
- Monday, Sept. 28:
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10 a.m. – Budget
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1:30 p.m. – Budget
- Tuesday, Sept. 29:
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10 a.m. – Budget
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1:30 p.m. – Committee of the Whole
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Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. – City Council Meeting
The schedule is subject to change. Please view the City Council calendar for the most up-to-date meeting information.
For questions, comments, or additional information, contact us at councilnews@minneapolismn.gov.
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