Minneapolis Commission reviews Zen City contract amidst public data privacy concerns

Concerns over community engagement and police oversight took center stage at the March 3, 2025, meeting of the Community Commission on Police Oversight in Minneapolis. A heated discussion emerged regarding a $500,000 contract with Zen City, a firm tasked with conducting community surveys, which some commissioners fear may not align with the requirements of a recent settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).

Commissioner Green Sherman raised questions about whether the Zen City contract was merely a way to fulfill the settlement's community survey requirement without genuine public involvement. "I think we need to properly reflect this in the notes of our meeting," she stated, highlighting troubling public comments about Zen City’s lack of transparency and community engagement.

The conversation intensified as concerns were voiced about Zen City’s ties to an Israeli surveillance company, raising ethical questions about data privacy and the implications for community trust. "We need to take what the public brings to us seriously," Commissioner Green Sherman emphasized, calling for a thorough examination of how data collected would be protected.

Assistant City Attorney Jamieson Whiting clarified that the community survey required by the settlement agreement is to be conducted by Alifa, the city’s independent evaluator, and is separate from the Zen City contract. However, this distinction did little to quell the unease among commissioners, who worried that the existing contract could be misused to superficially satisfy the settlement's requirements.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming public hearing scheduled for May 13, where community members will have the opportunity to voice their concerns directly. "We want to hear from you," Chair Reeves urged, emphasizing the importance of community participation in shaping police oversight.

As the commission prepares for the public hearing, the discussions underscore a critical moment for police accountability in Minneapolis, with community trust hanging in the balance. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly impact the future of police-community relations in the city.