The most notable topic was the proposed ordinance involving the restructuring of the City Council’s legislative department. City Clerk Casey Carl presented a plan to move policy and research functions from the Office of City Auditor to the Office of City Clerk. This move was prompted by a City Attorney’s opinion that such functions improperly expanded the auditor’s role, potentially compromising its independence. The proposed restructuring was intended to align with the City Charter’s requirements and ensure nonpartisan support for the council.

However, the proposal sparked considerable debate among council members. Concerns were raised about the implications for personnel, with some members seeking clarity on how the functions would be organized under the Clerk’s office. Council President Elliott Payne and Vice Chair Aurin Chowdhury voiced the need for a more discussion, proposing a motion to delay the decision until April 29 to allow for further engagement and understanding. The motion was approved.

Simultaneous to the structural discussions, the council addressed the issue of violence prevention funding. Lea Lakes from the Neighborhood Safety Department unveiled a strategic outreach initiative based on the Cure Violence model. The initiative’s objective is to mediate conflicts and prevent violence escalation in residential neighborhoods, particularly those near schools and parks.

Council Member Jamal Osman voiced strong support for maintaining funding for successful violence interruption services in Cedar-Riverside and Elliot Park, arguing against removing programs that had proven effective over the past four and a half years. Osman proposed an amendment to allocate $640,000 specifically for these areas within the 2025 budget, emphasizing the community’s improved safety due to these services. The proposal underscored ongoing concerns about resource distribution and the necessity of addressing gaps in community safety.

Further discussions highlighted tensions over the equitable allocation of resources across Minneapolis. Council members expressed frustration over the perceived disconnect between funding decisions and the actual implementation of services. The debate illuminated underlying issues of resource prioritization, with some wards requiring more support due to historical challenges related to violence and institutional racism.

The meeting also saw the confirmation of Kelly Geistler as Chief Assistant City Clerk. Geistler’s appointment was unanimously approved, with council members welcoming her return to Minneapolis and expressing confidence in her ability to enhance the council’s operational functions. Her background in law and previous experience as a city clerk were highlighted as assets in her new role.