July 7, 2026 Business, Housing & Zoning Committee

The July 7, 2026 meeting of the Minneapolis Business, Housing & Zoning Committee covered a range of procurement and regulatory matters. Key procurement-related actions included approval of a low responsive bid for snow removal at the Minneapolis Convention Center and authorization of financial agreements and loans for housing rehabilitation and development projects. Notably, the committee approved up to $39 million in tax-exempt housing revenue bonds and $1.775 million in tax increment financing for the Grain Exchange conversion project, a mixed-income housing and commercial redevelopment by Sherman Associates. The project includes 232 units with 210 affordable at 60% AMI and 22 market rate units. The committee also discussed liquor and business license applications for new and expanding restaurants, including Bill's Bait Shop and Bryant Lake Bowl. Additionally, a variance appeal related to a trash enclosure at an apartment building was granted with conditions. The committee deliberated on a historic designation proposal for the Lakeshore Arms Apartments, ultimately forwarding the item without recommendation for further consideration. Finally, a presentation on artificial turf regulation highlighted environmental and zoning considerations, with staff recommending maintaining current impervious surface rules and cautioning against broad allowances for artificial turf due to sustainability concerns. The meeting included several votes approving contracts, licenses, and financing related to housing and business development in Minneapolis.