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On Oct. 1, 2026, the City Council approved a new ordinance that regulates autonomous vehicle companies, passed a resolution calling on Hennepin County and the University of Minnesota to end their use of Flock Safety cameras, and approved a donation from the Minneapolis Police Foundation for the costs to two conferences.
View the Oct. 1 meeting agenda
Autonomous vehicle regulations ordinance
City Council voted 7-6 to approve adding a new chapter to the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances that regulates autonomous vehicle (AV) companies in Minneapolis. The ordinance adds definitions relating to AVs and requires companies to have a license if they originate rides in Minneapolis. It also requires paid human safety monitors to be in the driver’s seat with immediate access to the steering wheel, brake, and acceleration for all trips originating in Minneapolis. Among other criteria, monitors must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Once effective, AV companies will need to conduct onboarding protocols before hiring or contracting with a person to be a safety monitor, including conducting background checks and issuing identification cards. Companies must comply with all state and local employment laws. The ordinance is effective Oct. 1, 2027. (LIMS File No. 2026-00738)
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Next steps: Mayoral review.
Flock Safety camera resolution
City Council voted 9-4 to approve a resolution calling on Hennepin County and the University of Minnesota to end their use of Flock Safety cameras located in Minneapolis. This authorizes the City’s Director of Intergovernmental Relations to submit the resolution to Hennepin County and University of Minnesota representatives. It does not require these agencies to end their use of Flock Safety technology. (LIMS File No. 2026-01037)
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Background: A Star Tribune investigation in July reported that federal immigration enforcement agencies, such as ICE, had the ability to access data from Flock Safety cameras, despite Minnesota law mandating it only be shared for criminal investigations. Recently, jurisdictions across Minnesota have ended or paused their use of Flock Safety technology due to these data access and privacy concerns. The City of Minneapolis does not own or operate Flock Safety cameras.
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Next steps: Mayoral review.
Gift acceptance from Minneapolis Police Foundation
City Council voted 11-2 to conditionally approve a gift acceptance from the Minneapolis Police Foundation of up to $16,000 for travel costs associated for officers to attend consecutive conferences. If MPD exceeds its 2026 departmental budget and spends money related to the conference in addition to the gift, MPD will be required to return the gift, and it will be paid out of MPD’s 2027 departmental budget. This resolution does not limit the number of staff that can attend the conference. (LIMS File No. 2026-01034)
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Background: Minneapolis Police Inspector Ryan Kelly has been nominated for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Police Officer of the Year award for his response to the mass shooting at the Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025.
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Next steps: Mayoral review.
Increases to 2027 assessment rates
City Council voted 13-0 to increase uniform assessment rates (UAR) for 2027 infrastructure projects. The updated UARs will be used to charge 25% of project costs to property owners that benefit from the improvements, such as street and alley construction, completed by the City. The increase varies based on the project and property type. Rates are applied per square foot and can be paid in installments. These rates are applicable until new ones are adopted by City Council, which typically happens every year. (LIMS File No. 2026-01080)
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Background: Rather than using costs specific to each project due to the unique factors, UAR were established in 1980 so that rates can be applied equally across the city, not based on the specific conditions or factors of the project. Learn more about special assessments.
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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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Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO) ethics education ordinance (LIMS File No. 2026-01024)
- Sent to the Public Health, Safety, & Equity Committee. The proposed language is available in the LIMS file.
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Ethics updates ordinance (LIMS File No. 2026-01062)
- Sent to the Enterprise & Labor Relations Committee.
Notice of Ordinance Introductions
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 15 – for formal introduction and referral to the subject matter committee.
Honorary resolutions
City Council adopted 5 honorary resolutions, which were presented at the beginning of the meeting.
Council Member Jason Chavez poses with guests in City Council Chambers holding an honorary resolution for Indigenous Peoples Day
Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day
The City of Minneapolis is honoring Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Indigenous Peoples Day is meant for us to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Dakota, Ojibwe, and other Indigenous nations add to the City. Minneapolis has one of the densest urban American Indian communities in the United States. Little Earth is home to nearly 1,000 residents. The community has 38 different Tribal Affiliations and is a model of self-determination for all Native peoples, by prioritizing eliminating systemic barriers through wrap-around support services designed to move communities forward.
View the resolution honoring Indigenous Peoples Day
Licenses
City Council approved 66 varying licenses for businesses across Minneapolis.
Liquor licenses
Approved 63 liquor licenses, including 1 new and 62 renewals.
Gambling licenses
Approved one new gambling license.
Entertainment licenses
Approved two limited entertainment licenses with liquors license.
Learn more about business licenses
The next two-week City Council cycle will start on Monday, Oct. 5, with its regular standing committees. There will be no meetings on Oct. 12 due to the City holiday.
City Council will host the first of three public hearings related to the 2027 budget on Oct. 6 at 6:05 p.m. Staff presentations on the Mayor's 2027 budget recommendations will also continue this cycle.
Week one schedule:
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Monday, Oct. 5:
- 10 a.m. – Budget
- 1:30 p.m. – Enterprise & Labor Relations
- Tuesday, Oct. 6:
- 10 a.m. – Budget
- 1:30 p.m. – Business, Housing & Zoning
- Wednesday, Oct. 7:
- 1:30 p.m. – Public Health, Safety & Equity
- 6:05 p.m. – Budget public hearing
- Thursday, Oct. 8:
- 10 a.m. – Budget
- 1:30 p.m. – Climate & Infrastructure
Week two schedule:
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Monday, Oct. 12: City holiday: no meetings (Indigenous Peoples Day)
- Tuesday, Oct. 13:
- 10 a.m. – Budget
- 1:30 p.m. – Committee of the Whole
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Thursday, Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. – City Council
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. |
