Government of Minneapolis

City Hall circa 1900

Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, United States, and the county seat of Hennepin County, operates under a Mayor–council government system. This article provides an overview of the structure and functions of Minneapolis's city government.

Charter and ordinances

Minnesota was the fourth state in the U.S. to permit "home rule" in 1896. A home rule charter serves as a constitution for a local government. It allows a community to establish and maintain a municipal corporation to provide for the common health, safety, and welfare.[1]

Several early attempts to establish a home rule charter in Minneapolis failed. In 1920, the matter was resolved by the Minnesota State Legislature when it codified the general statutes applicable to first class cities as well as all special laws specific to the City of Minneapolis at that time into the City’s first home rule charter. That charter remained in effect—through multiple amendments—until 2013, when a complete revision, including the incorporation of plain language principles, was adopted by voters in 2013.[1]

Ordinances are laws or regulations enacted by the city council designed to address the specific needs and concerns of Minneapolis, including zoning, public safety, noise control, and business regulation.[2]

Structure

Further information: Minneapolis City Council and List of mayors of Minneapolis

City Council

The Minneapolis City Council is the primary legislative body, consisting of members elected from 13 wards. The council holds significant power over local legislation, budget decisions, and oversight of city departments.

Mayor

The Mayor of Minneapolis, currently a position held by a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), operates alongside the city council. The mayor's role was previously considered relatively weak compared to some other U.S. cities, but following a charter amendment in 2021, the mayor gained more power and the council was reduced to purely legislative duties. The mayor appoints heads of various city departments.

Departments

Administrative bodies

The city administration also includes several independent boards responsible for parks, taxation, and public housing. These boards have the authority to levy taxes and fees within their respective areas, subject to limitations set by the Board of Estimate and Taxation.[3]

Boards and commissions

Advisory

Name Function Members
Bicycle Advisory Committee Advises on cycling policy and supports cycling infrastructure 29
Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee Makes recommendations on capital improvement plan development 33
Community Environmental Advisory Commission Advises on environmental policies and priorities, focusing on sustainability and health 19
Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council Promotes local, sustainable food systems 25
Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Aging Advises on senior concerns, liaises, recommends solutions 17
Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Housing Advises on housing issues, promoting equity and addressing disparities 22
Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities Ensures the city is accessible and compliant with the ADA 15
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority Manages low-income public housing and section 8 rentals 9
Minneapolis Workforce Development Board Guides city workforce development, focusing on internships and high-demand job awareness 21
Pedestrian Advisory Committee Advises on enhancing pedestrian safety, mobility, and linkage to public transportation 26
Public Health Advisory Committee Advises on health policies, reviews priorities, and addresses resident concerns 20
Transgender Equity Council Represents interests of transgender and gender-nonconforming residents 15

Independent bodies

Name Function Members
Audit Committee Oversees the Office of City Auditor 7
Board of Estimate and Taxation Authorizes sale of municipal bonds and sets tax levies 6
Charter Commission Maintains and amends the home rule charter 15
City Canvassing Board Certifies election results 13
Civil Rights Commission Promotes civil rights and enforces provisions 21
Community Commission on Police Oversight Involves residents in police misconduct review process 15

Political landscape and elections

Minneapolis is known as a stronghold for the DFL, reflecting a liberal-leaning political climate. The city council is predominantly composed of DFL members, with occasional representation from other parties such as the Green Party or the Democratic Socialists of America.

City vote in presidential elections[4]
Year Democratic Republican Third Parties
2020 86.44% 204,841 11.31% 26,792 2.26% 5,344
2016 79.84% 174,585 11.75% 25,693 8.41% 18,380
2012 80.27% 172,480 16.55% 35,560 3.18% 6,839
2008 81.15% 169,204 16.77% 34,958 2.09% 4,352
2004 77.64% 156,214 20.69% 41,633 1.67% 3,366
2000 65.72% 115,037 22.14% 38,758 12.14% 21,242

Neighborhoods

Main article: Neighborhoods of Minneapolis

The city is divided into communities, each containing neighborhoods. For example, the Near North community is composed of the Hawthorne, Jordan, Near North, Sumner-Glenwood and Willard-Hay neighborhoods. Neighborhoods coordinate activities under the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. In some cases two or more neighborhoods act together under one organization. Some areas are commonly known by nicknames of business associations like Dinkytown, Downtown, Midtown and Uptown.[5]

Foreign consulates

The following list are countries that currently have consulate offices in Minneapolis:

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Minneapolis, City of (2015-01-01). "Charter History". City of Minneapolis. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  2. ^ "Municode Library". Municode Library. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  3. ^ "City Council". City of Minneapolis. Archived from the original on 2016-02-07. and "Minneapolis City Council candidates". E-Democracy (e-democracy.org). October 26, 2005. Archived from the original on 2006-10-18. Retrieved 2007-03-24. and Anderson, G.R. Jr. (2002-07-10). "The Compulsiveness of the Long-Distance Runner". City Pages. 23 (1127). Village Voice Media. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-03-21. and "Board of Estimate and Taxation". City of Minneapolis. Archived from the original on 2007-08-11. Retrieved 2007-06-27.
  4. ^ "Election Results". sos.state.mn.us. Archived from the original on 2021-01-17. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  5. ^ "City of Minneapolis. Neighborhoods & Communities" (PDF). GIS Business Services, City of Minneapolis. January 2006 [2004]. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2010-12-26. Retrieved 2007-02-10. and Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (2001–2005). "Neighborhood Organizations". Archived from the original on 2007-02-22. Retrieved 2007-02-10. and Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Department (November 17, 2005). "City of Minneapolis Business Associations" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2011-01-12. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  6. ^ "Consulate General of Canada to the United States, in Minneapolis". GAC. 2021-05-03. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  7. ^ "Danish Consulate in Minneapolis, Minnesota". Danmark i USA. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  8. ^ "Estados Unidos - Consulado General del Ecuador en MINNEAPOLIS". Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana. Foreign Ministry of Ecuador. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Honorary Consul in Minneapolis". Consulat Général de France à Chicago. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  10. ^ "Consulate General of Nicaragua in Minneapolis". Embassies.net. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  11. ^ Minneapolis, Norwegian Honorary Consulate (2014-09-22). "Norwegian Honorary Consulate Minneapolis". Norwegian Honorary Consulate Minneapolis. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  12. ^ "Honorary Consulate General of Sweden". American Swedish Institute. 2024-01-10. Retrieved 2024-01-11.