Council approves open flexible concept for George Floyd Square and unanimously backs Community Vision Council resolution

The Minneapolis City Council voted to approve an open flexible concept layout for George Floyd Square and separately adopted a resolution endorsing the Community Vision Council’s priorities and a package of community demands for the memorial space.

Council member Katie Cashman moved a three-part approach: approve an open flexible street concept, adopt a Community Vision Council‑sponsored resolution, and return a pedestrian‑mall ordinance to its author for more work. The open flexible concept passed after roll call (10 ayes, 3 nays). Separately, the council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the Community Vision Council (CBC) and adding explicit calls for administration accountability, maintenance funding for the memorial, and community access procedures.

Supporters said the action balances memorial preservation and community control with city operations; critics said the open flexible plan is not identical to the CBC’s preferred pedestrian mall and sought stronger procedural guarantees. Council member Chowdhury read additions to the resolution urging that the administration support the CBC’s 24 demands, make the closure process accessible to community members, and provide budgetary support for memorial maintenance.

What happens next: The pedestrian mall ordinance was returned to the author for revision; public works committed in a letter (submitted into the record) to evaluate CBC proposals and to work with the council on implementation. Staff will proceed with the selected concept and coordinate design details with community leaders.