Front row (l-r): Aisha Chughtai (Ward 10), Jeremiah Ellison (Ward 5), Andrea Jenkins (Ward 8), Aurin Chowdhury (Ward 12), Linea Palmisano (Ward 13), Robin Wonsley (Ward 2). Back row (l-r): Jason Chavez (Ward 9), Jamal Osman (Ward 6), Elliott Payne (Ward 1), LaTrisha Vetaw (Ward 4), Michael Rainville (Ward 3), Katie Cashman (Ward 7), and Emily Koski (Ward 11). /Photos by Chris Juhn 
Jan 1, 2024, Minneapolis – Ward 12 City Councilwomen Aurin Chowdhury is sworn in at the Minneapolis City Hall in the council chambers. Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Council member Jamal Osman (third from left) being sworn in next to Rep. Ilhan Omar (second from left). Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
(l-r): Senator Amy Klobuchar, City Council President Andrea Jenkins (seated), Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Mayor Jacob Frey. 
Council member Jason Chavez after being sworn in on Monday. Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Ward 8’s Andrea Jenkins being sworn in Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Newly elected Ward 12 council member Aurin Chowdhury Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Newly elected Ward 12 council member Aurin Chowdhury Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn
City Council may be more progressive but less powerful
On January 1, the 13-member Minneapolis City Council was officially sworn in at a small ceremony in City Hall. Although there are only two newcomers to the council—Aurin Chowdhury, who began serving Ward 12 in November with the departure of council member Andrew Johnson, and Ward 7’s Katie Cashman who replaced Lisa Goodman—the council is likely to push the mayor to the left on public safety issues and homeless encampment sweeps.
However, the council’s ability to shape the city’s landscape could be limited by proposed changes in the city charter that will likely be decided in 2024. Under the proposed changes, the council would have less influence over some hiring decisions.
Whether or not the council agrees to any of the proposed charter changes and the tone of its leadership will likely be determined by who is voted city council president later this month, a role currently held by Andrea Jenkins.