Minneapolis, the largest city inMinnesota, United States, and the county seat ofHennepin County, operates under aMayor–council government system. This article provides an overview of the structure and functions of Minneapolis'scity government.
Minnesota was the fourth state in the U.S. to permit "home rule" in 1896. A home rule charter serves as a constitution for alocal 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 theMinnesota State Legislature when it codified the generalstatutes 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 ofplain 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]
TheMinneapolis City Council is the primary legislative body, consisting of members elected from 13 wards. The council holds significant power over local legislation, budget decisions, and oversight of city departments.
TheMayor of Minneapolis, currently a position held by a member of theMinnesota 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 acharter amendment in 2021, the mayor gained more executivepower and the council was reduced to purely legislative duties. The mayor appoints heads of various city departments.
The city also includes several independent boards responsible forparks, taxation,public schools, 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]
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| Name | Function | Members |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle Advisory Committee | Advises oncycling policy and supportscycling infrastructure | 29 |
| Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee | Makes recommendations oncapital improvement plan development | 33 |
| Community Environmental Advisory Commission | Advises onenvironmental policies and priorities, focusing onsustainability andhealth | 19 |
| Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council | Promotes local, sustainablefood systems | 25 |
| Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Aging | Advises onsenior concerns, liaises, recommends solutions | 17 |
| Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Housing | Advises on housing issues, promoting equity and addressing disparities | 22 |
| Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities | Ensures the city isaccessible and compliant with theADA | 15 |
| Minneapolis Public Housing Authority | Manages low-incomepublic housing andsection 8 rentals | 9 |
| Minneapolis Workforce Development Board | Guides cityworkforce development, focusing oninternships and high-demand job awareness | 21 |
| Pedestrian Advisory Committee | Advises on enhancingpedestrian safety, mobility, and linkage topublic transportation | 26 |
| Public Health Advisory Committee | Advises onhealth policies, reviews priorities, and addresses resident concerns | 20 |
| Transgender Equity Council | Represents interests oftransgender andgender-nonconforming residents | 15 |
| Name | Function | Members |
|---|---|---|
| Audit Committee | Oversees the Office of City Auditor | 7 |
| Board of Estimate and Taxation | Authorizes sale ofmunicipal bonds and setstax levies | 6 |
| Charter Commission | Maintains and amends the home rule charter | 15 |
| City Canvassing Board | Certifies election results | 13 |
| Civil Rights Commission | Promotescivil rights and enforces provisions | 21 |
| Community Commission on Police Oversight | Involves residents in police misconduct review process | 15 |
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 independents affiliated with theDemocratic Socialists of America.[citation needed]
| Year | Democratic | Republican | Third Parties | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 85.02%185,586 | 11.73%25,593 | 3.25%7,095 | [4] |
| 2020 | 86.44%204,841 | 11.31%26,792 | 2.26%5,344 | [5] |
| 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 |
The city is divided into communities, each containing neighborhoods. For example, theNear North community is composed of theHawthorne,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 likeDinkytown, Downtown,Midtown andUptown.[6]
The following list are countries that currently haveconsulate offices in Minneapolis:
Canada[7]
Denmark[8]
Ecuador[9]
France[10]
Nicaragua[11]
Norway[12]
Sweden (Honorary Consulate General)[13]