City briefs - Aug 2026

3000 Minnehaha Ave affect on the Hook
Kristine Smith, on behalf of FG & C LLC, has formally appealed the City Planning Commission’s approval of a conditional use permit and site plan for the proposed two-story, 16,800 square-foot addition to the old 3rd precinct building at Lake and Minnehaha. The 4 to 3 vote was not unanimous, with Planning Commission members Council Member Aurin Chowdhury, Park Board Member Jason Garcia and Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley opposing the approval. Concerns outlined in the appeal include alteration to the alley, entrance and access for the Hook and Ladder, loss of loading space and parking. The appeal will be heard by the city council in July.

Money for local housing projects

The city council accepted financial assistance from the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for four housing projects. In Ward 9’s Howe neighborhood they approved $615,267 to support the 98-unit Trellis company project at 3716 Cheatham and $480,000 for the 105-unit Woodson apartments on the southern half of 3501 Hiawatha Ave. They accepted $1,650,000 for the 80-unit Hiawatha Commons Alliance Housing project at 2740 Minnehaha Ave S. They also accepted $708,223 for 53-unit Alliance Housing St. Paul Homes project that will be built in the Ward 9 Midtown Phillips neighborhood at 2735 15th Ave S.

City department heads appointed
The City Council has approved Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended appointments: Eric Hanson as Community Planning & Economic Development Department Director, Timothy Sexton as Public Works Department Director, Rachel Sayre as Emergency Management Department Director, Rebecca Malmquist as City Assessor and Kaela McConnon Diarra as Civil Rights Department Director through January 2030.

Ballpark Authority appointment veto
The city council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto of their selection of Cooper resident Jim Davnie, a former 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. It is responsible for leasing the facility to the Minnesota Twins, protecting the public's investment, and managing ongoing operations.

Law enforcement can’t use masks
The city council approved an ordinance amendment that prohibits departments from entering into agreements with any law enforcement agency that does not ban their staff from concealing their identity while in the city.
Audit committee appointments

The city council appointed J. Singleton and Rachel Peterson who both live in Ward 8, Lily Hopsbein from Ward 1 and Wajdi Al-Mowafak from Ward 10 to serve on the audit committee through Dec 2028. The group oversees the work of the city auditor.

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 3-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.

Skydio drones
The City Council has voted not to contract with Skydio Inc. for a drones-as-first-responder pilot program proposed to be tried in the 4th police precinct in North Minneapolis under the supervision and control of the Minneapolis Police Department.