City clerk and legislative department outline 2026 priorities: elections, records and a new research division

The City of Minneapolis legislative department on Oct. 16 presented the mayor’s recommended 2026 budget for the City Council, Office of City Clerk and related divisions, highlighting funding for election administration, expanded information governance and the newly transferred Legislative Research and Oversight division.

Director of Administration Destiny Zhang presented the plan, describing the legislative department’s role under the city charter and outlining organizational changes. "The department encompasses the city council and the offices of city clerk and city auditor," Zhang said, and noted the budget reflects both ongoing work and one‑time election costs.

The mayor’s recommendation includes $6.2 million in one‑time funding to administer the February election, Zhang said, and the elections and voter services division reported several operational investments and accessibility initiatives. The clerk’s office said it received national recognition from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission for a student…