Robert Wayne Arko

This Strategic and Racial Equity Action Plan outlines a roadmap for the city's commitment to advancing racial equity. It focuses on seven key areas: public safety, housing stability, economic development, diversity in the workforce, diversity in spending, data-driven decision making, and engaging with diverse communities. The plan's goals include building a more diverse and inclusive workforce, expanding spending with a wider range of businesses, and making data-informed decisions that center racial equity, utilizing a Racial Equity Impact Analysis (REIA) process to guide policy and program development.

The City Council reviewed reports related to the public health emergency, discussed charter amendment proposals concerning government structure and the creation of a Public Safety Department, and authorized various licenses and tax increment financing plans, including the Satori Apartments Project. The Council also approved rezoning applications, right-of-way vacations, revenue bonds for senior health care facilities, and significant amendments to the zoning code, specifically focusing on off-street parking, loading regulations, and travel demand management.

The George Floyd Square plan, developed with extensive community input, aims to transform the intersection into a space that simultaneously honors its past, accommodates present community needs, and prepares for future generations. The plan balances community gathering, transportation, and its role as a global memorial and a living part of the city. It seeks to create a design rooted in community vision, promoting remembrance, healing, and shared growth, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026.

The Audit Committee meeting included the adoption of the agenda and the receipt and filing of the minutes from the August 14, 2024, meeting. Key discussions centered on the 2024 Minneapolis Park Police Biennial Body Worn Camera (BWC) Audit, where the report was received, filed, and staff was directed to publish it. The committee also received and filed an overview of the Policy and Research operating procedures. Furthermore, the committee adopted the 2024-2025 Oversight and Evaluation Division's Work Plan and received and filed an update report on the Office of City Auditor's work in progress.

The Audit Committee meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, which included an amendment to address the 2023 City P-Cards Program Spending Review first. Key discussions included receiving and filing updates on the new Oversight and Evaluation Division within the Office of City Auditor, and the status update on the ongoing Neighborhood Safety Departmental Risk Assessment. For the P-Cards review, the committee received and filed the 2023 audit report and directed staff to publish it. Furthermore, the committee approved a resolution requesting the City Auditor to assess the Police Department's use of coaching since July 2023 to determine associated risks. The session concluded with receiving and filing an update report from the Office of City Auditor on its work in progress.