# Minneapolis City Council Considers New Mental Health Crisis Contract

The Minneapolis City Council is reviewing approval of a new **$5.9 million** contract with an Arizona-based company to provide mental health crisis response services, replacing the incumbent contractor Canopy Roots, which has managed the program for the past four years. This contract supports the expanded "mobile crisis team" initiative that diverts certain mental health calls from police to specialized mental health workers. The city is conducting a competitive bidding process involving eight companies to staff the program starting in 2027. The program has recently faced scrutiny regarding oversight, billing practices, and contract compliance, prompting the city to implement enhanced accountability measures.

- The contract represents a significant procurement opportunity for behavioral health service providers specializing in crisis intervention and mobile response teams.
- Procurement professionals should note the city's emphasis on oversight and transparency, indicating that future contracts may include stricter compliance and reporting requirements.
- Companies interested in this sector should prepare for competitive bidding processes as Minneapolis expands its mobile crisis response capabilities.
- This development reflects a broader municipal trend toward integrating mental health expertise into public safety responses, potentially influencing similar procurements in other jurisdictions.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety, Healthcare
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Minneapolis City Council
- Neighborhood Safety Department
- Community Safety Office

### Vendors
- Canopy Roots (incumbent contractor)

### Key Quotes
> We know how many storms we weathered. And so we’re confident that we can work together with the city to run a new program.
> — Cherie Hanson, Program Manager, Canopy Roots

> After he arrived in late 2023, the city put structure in place for oversight, accountability and transparency.
> — Toddrick Barnette, Community Safety Commissioner, City of Minneapolis

### Sources
- [Minneapolis City Council is being asked to approve a new $5.9 million contract with an Arizona company to send mental health workers to some police calls -- rather than Canopy Roots, which has been providing the service for the past 4 years. Background: https://t.co/DBqJDDaFce](https://x.com/deenafaywinter/status/2102847677616554316) - twitter-sled