Safe outdoor parking for unhoused
On April 6, the city planning commission approved amending zoning regulations to allow safe outdoor parking that, if approved by the council and mayor, could provide a regulated way for people to shelter in their cars overnight in designated, managed parking lots that are granted the necessary permit and license. Additional changes in the health and sanitation, housing and business licensing ordinances may also be needed before it could be implemented.
Encampment reporting
The City Council held a hearing on April 15 about an ordinance that would require reporting on the costs associated with encampment removals, those involved in the removals, the number of affected individuals and outcomes related to each removal.
Top city staff appointments
The City Council has approved the reappointments of Kristyn Anderson to the position of City Attorney and Margaret Anderson Kelliher to the position of City Operations Officer for terms ending January 2030. They rejected, by vote of 7-6, the reappointment of Toddrick Barnette to continue as Commissioner of Community Safety.
Immigration status of renters
The city council is considering an ordinance that would prohibit inquiries into immigration status as part of the rental screenings and protections for tenants against retaliation based on immigration status.
42nd St improvements
The city council and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) have reached an agreement for installation and maintenance of pedestrian safety improvements at six intersections along 42nd St E between Stevens Ave and Bloomington Ave.
Lake Harriet Parkway paving project
In April, the city council accepted a grant of $320,000 and signed an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Hennepin County for the rehabilitation of Lake Harriet Parkway from Roseway Rd to 42nd St W.
West Fulton Neighborhood improvements
The city council has approved improvements for Chowen Ave S and Beard Ave S from 51st St W to 52nd St W and scheduled a public hearing for June 18 to consider related assessments to the property owners there.
Nicollet Ave. Bridge over Minnehaha Creek
Work on the Nicollet Ave Bridge over Minnehaha Creek is under way. Workers are replacing and fixing all structural elements of the bridge and roadway that will result in 60’-4” wide bridge with 6-foot-wide protected bike lanes; 8-foot-wide pedestrian sidewalks and two 11-foot-wide traffic lanes. The bridge will be closed to all traffic through late 2027.
2026 traffic calming
City staff have reviewed the neighborhood traffic calming applications for the 2026 and are hosting six open houses including one on April 21 from 5- 6:30 p.m. at Whittier Recreation Center, 425 26th St W. To get more information, email traffic.calming@minneapolismn.gov.
Design concept for Lyndale Avenue South
In March, Hennepin County released another layout for the reconstruction of Lyndale Avenue South between Franklin and 31st Street. It includes a separated bikeway on the east side of Lyndale, and space for a future northbound transit lane between 31st Street and 28th Street.
Charter changes proposed
The Charter Commission has proposed putting a charter amendment on the ballot this year that would reduce the number of staff appointments that would require city council approval. Under their proposal the council would no longer be required to consent to the appointments of the Assessor, and heads of the departments of Civil Rights, Emergency Management, Health, Regulatory Services and 311. They will hold a public hearing on the proposal on May 6 at 4 p.m.
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