Ending Dysfunction in Minneapolis City Government
The 14-Boss Problem = Chaos
A recent study revealed widespread dysfunction and chaos within city government.
As we saw with crises over the last year, no defined executive results in confusion, conflict, and chaos in our city.
Lines of authority are unclear and accountability is blurred in a city run by a Mayor and 13 Council Members.
Department heads and city staff struggle with whose direction to follow.
The structure is ineffective, inequitable, complex and costly.
Executive Mayor-Legislative Council Amendment:
A Path to Improve City Government
To address the dysfunction in city government, the Minneapolis Charter Commission voted unanimously to propose an amendment to the city charter, modeled after state and federal governments, to clarify the roles of the Mayor as executive of city operations and the City Council as legislators, who are also responsible for constituent service.
The Charter Commission’s amendment would:
Ensure accountability of elected officials
Use taxpayer and city funds more responsibly
Improve constituent services
Help the city attract and retain highly qualified department heads and staff
Consolidate all public safety functions under the administrative authority of the Mayor & with Council retaining its policy role; it does not eliminate the Police Department
Watch this 20-minute presentation that provides full background on the importance of voting “YES” on City Question 1.
Government Structure Amendment: Executive Mayor-Legislative Council
The amendment clarifies the Mayor as the city’s chief executive officer, in whom the general executive and administrative authority resides.
The amendment requires the City Council to expand the office of City Auditor to provide financial and performance oversight of the Mayor’s implementation of city services.
The Mayor maintains current veto authority and nomination of department heads for Council approval.
The Council maintains its current substantial responsibilities: to set city policy and ordinance; approve budget and labor contracts and charter department head appointments; and appoint more than 700 people to 57 boards and commissions.
Resources
Star Tribune: Informed vote on government structure amendment in Minneapolis is is ‘yes’: op/ed by Patricia Kovel-Jarboe
Mill City Times: op/ed by Mary Moos
Minnpost: a look at the government structure ballot measure
Star Tribune: editorial on city government
Southside Pride: editorial
Minneapolis City Charter & Charter Commission
Minneapolis is a home rule city, under Minnesota state law. As a home rule city, it has a charter that functions as city constitution.
Learn more about the City Charter and the Charter Commission