City briefs - Aug 2026

Firefighter contract
The City Council has approved a collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters, Local No. 82 which includes Minneapolis fire fighters. The three-year agreement runs from Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2028 and sets wage increases at 4% for 2026, 3% for 2027, and 3% for 2028.

2027 City budget
Mayor Jacob Frey gave his annual budget address and presented his recommended budget for 2027 on Aug. 12. This starts the four-month long process of public hearings and budget presentations for each department at the City Council, and approve a maximum tax levy by the Board of Estimate and Taxation in September followed by budget amendments and a final budget approval by mayor and council expected in December.

Alternative City revenue sources
In July, the Board of Estimates and Taxation passed a resolution recommending that the City Council and mayor pursue greater statutory authority to levy additional taxes and raise other alternative revenues. It also called on them to consider establishing a “Payment In Lieu of Taxes program” so that non-profits, hospitals, colleges, religious institutions, and other tax-exempt properties could contribute to the budget.

Minneapolis 2050
The City has started to work on its next comprehensive plan to be completed for the Metropolitan Council’s approval every 10 years to help guide growth and development in the city and region. In August, City planning staff met with the Planning Commission to discuss their priorities. The plan is due to the Met Council at the end of 2028 and will go into effect at the beginning of 2030. Later this year, the City Council is expected to approve a vision statement and goals for the plan.

Seven Points residential
The City Council has accepted a state award of $141,042 in clean-up funding to support development on a 1.62-acre of polluted land at 3045 Hennepin Ave. Doran Companies plans to build a five-story, 228-unit apartment building with 46 affordable units on the site.

Special Service Districts
The City Council has set a public hearing for Oct. 8, 2026, to consider the proposed 2027 services and service charges for the 48th and Chicago, Central Avenue, Dinkytown, Eat Street, Linden Hills, Lowry Hill, Stadium Village, and Uptown special service districts.

Youth safety survey
The Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board and Minneapolis Youth Congress are conducting a Safety Perceptions Study to help us determine how, where and when young people feel safe. Young adults, parents, caregivers and others can take the survey at https://ycb.org/safety-survey 

Ballpark authority appointment Veto
The City Council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto of their selection of Jim Davnie, a Longfellow area former state representative, to serve on the Ballpark Authority. The authority is a five-member commission established by state law in 2006 to oversee Target Field on behalf of the public.