Council approves $7 million from downtown assets fund for small‑business relief, staff to design program

The Committee of the Whole approved a $7 million appropriation Feb. 17 to create a Minneapolis Small Business Resiliency Fund aimed at helping businesses hurt by Operation Metro Surge. Council Member Chavez introduced the original $5 million proposal; Chair Choudhury offered a $2 million addition that the committee adopted before the final vote.

Supporters said the funding could shore up corridors, keep businesses open and preserve cultural neighborhoods. "These owners and workers often come up to me with tears on their eyes asking and telling me that they are afraid that their culture is being erased," Chavez said, urging swift action. CPED Director Eric Hansen advised the council that while staff will pursue rapid delivery, more formal program elements, such as forgivable loans, require weeks to months to roll out and will need program guidelines and administrative steps to ensure public‑purpose compliance.

Members pressed for equitable distribution across wards and clear program rules that prioritize companies most harmed; several urged quicker hands‑on supports such as technical assistance, help with insurance claims, or waiving fees while staff develops loan or grant criteria. Hansen said staff will seek community partners, consider using existing tools where possible, and return proposed guidelines for council approval. The committee approved the amended appropriation (11 ayes, 2 nays).