Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota 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, focusing on the city council, mayoral office, and other key elements of local governance.
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
City Council
The Minneapolis City Council is the primary legislative body, consisting of members elected from 13 wards. This 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.
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 | Webpage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle Advisory Committee | Advises on cycling policy and supports cycling infrastructure | 29 | BAC |
| Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee | Makes recommendations on capital improvement plan development | 33 | CLIC |
| Community Environmental Advisory Commission | Advises on environmental policies and priorities, focusing on sustainability and health | 19 | CEAC |
| Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council | Promotes local, sustainable food systems | 25 | HMFC |
| Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Aging | Advises on senior concerns, liaises, recommends solutions | 17 | MACA |
| Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Housing | Advises on housing issues, promoting equity and addressing disparities | 22 | MACH |
| Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities | Ensures the city is accessible and compliant with the ADA | 15 | MACOPD |
| Minneapolis Public Housing Authority | Manages low-income public housing and section 8 rentals | 9 | MPHA |
| Minneapolis Workforce Development Board | Guides city workforce development, focusing on internships and high-demand job awareness | 21 | MWDB |
| Pedestrian Advisory Committee | Advises on enhancing pedestrian safety, mobility, and linkage to public transportation | 26 | PAC |
| Public Health Advisory Committee | Advises on health policies, reviews priorities, and addresses resident concerns | 20 | PHAC |
| Transgender Equity Council | Represents interests of transgender and gender-nonconforming residents | 15 | TEC |
Independent bodies
| Name | Function | Members | Webpage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit Committee | Oversees the Office of City Auditor | 7 | Audit |
| Board of Estimate and Taxation | Authorizes sale of municipal bonds and sets tax levies | 6 | BET |
| Charter Commission | Maintains and amends the home rule charter | 15 | CharterC |
| City Canvassing Board | Certifies election results | 13 | Canvass |
| Civil Rights Commission | Promotes civil rights and enforces provisions | 21 | MCCR |
| Community Commission on Police Oversight | Involves residents in police misconduct review process | 15 | CCPO |
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.
| 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
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:
