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Briefings · Friday, October 30, 2026 · 🌲 Noon
🌲 Noon · Minnesota Midday

Minneapolis council votes 9-4 to eliminate Office of Community Safety

The Minneapolis City Council voted 9-4 on Thursday, October 29, to eliminate the Office of Community Safety as part of an ordinance restructuring city government. Nine votes is enough to override a mayoral veto; Mayor Jacob Frey has not said whether he will veto. The city must still comply with a 2023 court-approved settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

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Why it matters

The office oversaw public safety coordination in Minneapolis, so residents may see departments report directly to the mayor. The city must still follow a 2023 court-approved settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which includes policing reforms.

How each side sees it

Supporters sayCouncil members including Robin Wonsley say the office was ineffective and unnecessary because the city charter places department heads under the mayor, and that the change saves money amid a budget shortfall.
Opponents sayMayor Jacob Frey says the savings are overstated and that moving the work will cost more; Council Member Jamison Whiting called the move reckless and says it removes a body focused on police accountability.

Sources

Checked against 2 established news sources:

Also in this edition

Published Friday, October 30, 2026. Spot an error? Email [email protected]. See our corrections log and standards.

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