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.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.