October 20, 2026 Budget Committee

The Minneapolis City Council Budget Committee met on October 20, 2026, to review presentations on the mayor’s recommended 2027 budget. Intergovernmental Relations proposed a $114,000 year-over-year reduction, including the elimination of one FTE, while retaining about $230,000 for professional services, principally lobbying support; citywide membership dues were also discussed, but the amount was unclear in the transcript. Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) presented a proposed $815,000 reduction and six-FTE decrease, as well as elimination of the $500,000 Partnership Engagement Fund, which had supported community projects through an RFP process. NCR also identified $190,000 in contracted services for citywide website accessibility upgrades required for federal compliance. No contract awards or formal budget votes were recorded.

Administration outlined a proposed reorganization combining Communications, NCR, the 311 Service Center, and racial equity, inclusion, and belonging functions into a larger engagement department, citing potential efficiencies and improved resident engagement; council members raised concerns about timing, service impacts, staffing, and the loss of community funding. The 311 department reported a recommended $7.8 million budget, up about $667,000, with two positions eliminated and approximately $237,000 in reductions; it cautioned that its recently launched system would not necessarily reduce staffing needs. The racial equity department’s proposed budget falls from about $1.1 million to $677,000, with three FTEs and approximately $480,000 reduced. Follow-up items included providing staffing and contract details, historical Partnership Engagement Fund data, and information on racial equity strategic-planning costs. The proposals remained under committee review.