The discussion on public restrooms highlighted the city’s efforts to address the historical decline in available facilities, which has been linked to public health issues. Ashley from the Policy and Research Team presented findings comparing Minneapolis to other cities, noting that it has 18 public restrooms per 100,000 people, which is below the 35 per 100,000 people in Madison, Wisconsin. Various restroom models were discussed, such as the Portland Loo and newer options like Throne Labs, which include remote monitoring systems and solar heating. The Peavy Plaza stand-alone restroom, managed by the Downtown Improvement District, was cited as a successful model, though issues such as vandalism at park facilities like Bde Maka Ska and The Commons were acknowledged.

Cost considerations for public restrooms vary based on the model and location, with community engagement emphasized as vital for successful implementation. Incentivizing private businesses to open their restrooms to the public was also proposed, though it must adhere to city procurement processes. The idea of staffing restrooms to assist unhoused populations was suggested, taking cues from successful models in cities like Philadelphia and Winnipeg.

The meeting shifted focus to the police department’s challenges, with Deputy Chief Emily Olson discussing case clearance rates. She highlighted the decrease in investigators from 161 in 2019 to 90 currently, a 43% reduction, impacting the department’s ability to solve cases, particularly property crimes with low clearance rates due to insufficient evidence and witness cooperation. Olson stressed the need for improved technological resources and proposed establishing a real-time crime center with dedicated staff to process intel and social media.

The committee also addressed misinformation’s impact on police-community relations, particularly concerning the LGBTQ+ community. There were instances where false public statements suggested bias in police investigations, damaging trust. Olson clarified clearance rates for various crimes, noting a 59% clearance for aggravated assault and a 29% rate for rape cases, with many cases remaining unresolved due to resource constraints.

Community engagement in crime reporting was another focal point, with calls for improved customer service in the online reporting system. Suggestions included modernizing the software to allow for multimedia attachments and revitalizing neighborhood block captain programs to strengthen community-law enforcement cooperation.

The meeting included updates on the city’s opioid epidemic response, with a reported decrease in opioid-involved deaths. Initiatives such as Narcan vending machines and syringe abatement programs were highlighted, along with the deployment of a mobile medical unit providing health services and Narcan distribution. The committee recognized the need for ongoing collaboration with community organizations to address public health and safety challenges effectively.