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Minneapolis Planning Commission places Cesar Chavez street renaming on consent after commissioner voices concern
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Summary
The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved its consent agenda April 20, including a proposed street renaming for Cesar Chavez in Ward 5; Commissioner Garcia voiced personal support but said recent revelations about Chavez’s behavior made the decision complicated. Item 4 was continued to May 4.
The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved its consent agenda at its April 20 meeting, including a proposed street renaming for Cesar Chavez in Ward 5, and continued one item to its May 4 meeting.
Commissioner Garcia spoke in support of the renaming while acknowledging difficult recent information about Cesar Chavez. "As a person of Latino heritage, growing up, Cesar Chavez was somebody that I heard a lot about and was someone in the community that meant a lot to my family and I. But given everything that has come out about his behavior lately, I think this is the right thing for the city to do," Garcia said.
Chris Meyer, chair of the Minneapolis Planning Commission, acknowledged those concerns and said the controversy had given him pause about future commemorative renamings. "That whole affair has made me more hesitant about commemorative street renaming," Meyer said, adding that he thought the process might be handled differently: "I personally think we should change it back to where it used to be, where it just went directly to the council."
The commission handled the renaming as part of a consent package that also included actions on properties at 61914 Washington Avenue North, 72212 Jackson Street NE, 85600 Chicago Avenue and 5001 Irving Avenue North. The clerk reported five members present for the meeting; voice votes approving the minutes, the continuance of item 4 to May 4, and the consent agenda carried without recorded opposition.
The commission also announced a Committee of the Whole meeting Thursday; staff said an agenda would be posted before noon and emailed to commissioners. The commission’s next full meeting is scheduled for May 4.
Votes at a glance: The commission approved adoption of minutes from April 6, 2026; approved continuing item 4 to May 4, 2026; and approved the consent agenda (items 5–9) by voice vote, with no opposed votes announced at the meeting.
The commission adjourned after completing the consent agenda and the day’s announcements.
