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Budget Committee advances MPD off‑duty implementation and funds neighborhood and downtown safety pilots
Summary
The committee approved a one‑time allocation to implement MPD off‑duty fee collection (amendment 16), and passed amendments to fund 30th Street/38th Street Thrive implementation and downtown street outreach; amendment 16 passed 11–1, and amendments 27 and 28 passed unanimously in committee.
The Minneapolis Budget Committee approved multiple amendments to the 2026 budget packet on Monday, advancing resources for police off‑duty fee implementation, neighborhood investment along 38th Street, and downtown street outreach.
MPD off‑duty fees (Amendment 16): Council member Wansley reintroduced an amendment to provide a one‑time allocation for MPD to implement an off‑duty fee program that council previously authorized in ordinance and the 2026 fee schedule. Wansley said the amount was taken from MPD’s own estimate of implementation needs and argued the program could recoup roughly $1.4 million over time. MPD finance director Vicky Tronswick confirmed that motorcycles were purchased with forfeiture funds and said a more complete accounting would come in a staff memo. After debate on implementation timing (2026 vs. 2027), procurement, and potential staff impacts, the committee approved the amendment in a roll‑call vote (11 ayes, 1 nay).
30th Street / 38th Street Thrive (Amendment 27): Council members Chavez, Jenkins, Chowdhury and Wansley offered funding to implement the 38th Street Thrive strategy, citing persistent underinvestment in South Minneapolis and community support. Committee discussion emphasized support for businesses, homeownership and infrastructure; the amendment passed in committee.
Downtown Street Outreach (Amendment 28): Council member Rainville proposed contracting for a downtown team — outreach workers, ambassadors, unarmed security and a late‑night dispatcher — to operate Friday and Saturday nights and protect downtown livability and sales tax revenue. The Office of Community Safety will oversee procurement and commit to returning to council with vendor selections and oversight. Committee approved the amendment with unanimous support in committee.
Next steps: Several authors and staff committed to memos and follow‑up briefings on implementation cost details, vendor procurement and the revenue treatment of fees (general fund vs special revenue). The committee adjourned to resume markup tomorrow morning.
