September 22, 2026 Business, Housing & Zoning Committee

The September 22, 2026 meeting of the Minneapolis Business, Housing & Zoning Committee focused heavily on procurement and contract-related issues, including the approval and discussion of liquor licenses, contract authorizations, and grant acceptances. Key procurement discussions included the authorization of a low bid for the Minneapolis Convention Center, the release of a city mortgage related to a $4.5 million naturally occurring affordable housing preservation fund, and the acceptance of 2026 Brownfield grants. Several items, such as the dissolution of the Minneapolis Development Finance Committee and contract awards related to the Metro Blue Line Extension planning services, were delayed due to the absence of city staff to provide necessary details. The committee also debated a proposed ordinance regulating autonomous vehicles, emphasizing worker protections and licensing requirements to safeguard approximately 10,000 rideshare drivers potentially impacted by driverless car technology. Additionally, the committee considered amendments to increase rental license fees by 10% to improve cost recovery for city services, with motions passed to move the amendment forward and delay final approval to gather more information. The meeting highlighted tensions between the city council and mayor's administration regarding staff participation and transparency in procurement discussions.