A major highlight of the meeting was the council’s approval of an amendment to the civil rights ordinance, which introduced new protected classes and enhanced enforcement mechanisms. This amendment marked a step in addressing discrimination, adding protections based on color, creed, religion, and ancestry, as well as housing status. The ordinance also addressed concerns about size discrimination by redefining height and weight terms.

The amendment process involved extensive collaboration with the Civil Rights Commission, with council members expressing gratitude for the efforts that brought clarity and consistency to the ordinance. The council highlighted Minneapolis as one of the few cities to recognize justice-impacted communities as a protected class. The amendment’s passage was a response to ongoing national challenges, further reinforcing the need for expanded protections.

Further attention was given to the challenges in South Minneapolis, where community members and leaders highlighted the area’s struggles with poverty, gun violence, and workers’ rights. The council linked International Workers Day to these issues, recognizing the interconnectedness of worker rights with current community challenges. Personal narratives from community members illustrated the impact and importance of labor rights advocacy, with calls to retake the streets and fight for human and civil rights.

Council discussions also addressed surveillance technology’s role in law enforcement, proposing an ordinance that would require public hearings before purchasing such technology. This initiative aimed to enhance transparency and public awareness, particularly in light of limited oversight capabilities under current administrative contracts. The council emphasized the need for transparency and public participation in decisions involving surveillance.

Acknowledging historical racial injustices, the council introduced a notice related to removing racially restrictive covenants. These covenants historically excluded people of color from property ownership, echoing the legacy of “Jim Crow of the North.” While not currently enforceable, these restrictions remain in many property deeds, prompting the council to take steps toward rectifying historical wrongs and ensuring equitable city codes.

The meeting also included the approval of a $10 million climate investment, aimed at weatherizing and retrofitting homes, building geothermal energy infrastructure, and creating a green workforce.

In legislative developments, the council introduced two new ordinances for first reading. One sought to establish the Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District, pooling resources for the hospitality industry amid economic challenges. The other aimed to amend the Land Subdivision Code to adjust affordable housing unit definitions, particularly those financed by tribal entities.

The council approved several honorary resolutions, including acknowledgments for DeLaSalle High School’s 125th anniversary and the legacy of Kirk Washington Jr., a poet and artist from North Minneapolis. These resolutions celebrated community contributions and the role of the arts in social change.