Minneapolis City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Appointments to City Boards and Authorities
Data Center Use Regulations and Moratorium
CPED Director Nomination and Performance
Adult Bathhouse and Adult Entertainment Venue Regulations
Business Licensing and Property Transactions
Votes (10)
Consent Agenda Approvals (excluding Items 16 and 19)
Dissent: None recorded for the mass consent approval.
Moved by Jamal Osman [16:03:08] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied by group 'I' vote
The committee approved a substantial portion of the consent agenda, including various liquor and gambling license renewals, business operating conditions, multiple appointments to city boards and committees, grant agreements, an MOU amendment, appropriations, a rezoning, debt forgiveness, a legislative directive, housing authority contracts, census tract ranking submission, and a contract expansion with Guthrie Theater. Items 16 (Ballpark Authority appointment) and 19 (Affordable Housing Trust Fund financing) were specifically pulled from the consent agenda for individual consideration or deferral.
Appointment to Minnesota Ballpark Authority (Item 16)
Dissent: None explicitly recorded on the motion to move without recommendation.
Moved by Jamal Osman [16:06:33] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied by group 'I' vote
Council Member Rainville pulled Item 16 to understand the appointment process and the reason for potentially removing a current member. Council Member Chavez strongly advocated for Jim Dabney, a former state representative, citing his proven track record and dedication to taxpayers. The City Attorney clarified that the appointment is a statutory requirement for the city. Rainville expressed a desire to resolve questions about the appointee outside the meeting.
Ordinance Related to Data Center Use Regulations (Item 29)
Dissent: None explicitly recorded on the motion to refer to staff.
Moved by Jamal Osman [16:26:07] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied by group 'I' vote
Council Member Rainville sought clarification on the ordinance. Vice Chair Jawando and Council Member Schaefer explained it initiates a 5-month regulatory process, involving CPED staff, Planning Commission, and public comment, distinct from the moratorium. Planning Director Meg McMahon clarified the process, involving Planning Commission, BIZ committee, and full council. Council Member Chavez raised significant concerns about the potential for data centers to be concentrated in already polluted and under-invested communities. Co-authors responded by emphasizing collaborative work, addressing concerns, and exploring economic benefits and union job creation, while also acknowledging the need for safeguards.
Mayor's Nomination of Eric Hansen to CPED Director
Dissent: Council Member Warren voted 'No', citing concerns about addressing concentrated poverty and conditions in communities like Heritage Park.
Moved by Jamal Osman [16:43:03] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied 'second' from the floor
Mayor Frey praised Eric Hansen's 23 years of service, leadership in economic recovery, housing, and community engagement. Supporters from the public highlighted his dedication to marginalized communities and rebuilding efforts. Hansen outlined his vision for 'Building the City of 2050 with a People-Centered CPED.' Council Member Warren expressed strong dissent, criticizing the lack of progress on concentrated poverty, issues in Heritage Park, and insufficient communication, voting against the nomination. Other council members acknowledged challenges but supported Hansen for his experience and vision.
Entertainment Upgrade for Indeed Brewing Company
Dissent: None
Moved by Jamal Osman [16:58:34] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied by group 'I' vote
Indeed Brewing Company requested an upgrade to its existing on-sale taproom license to allow limited entertainment such as community gatherings, comedy, and small musical performances. Notices were sent to residents and associations, and one comment regarding potential noise increase was received. Staff recommended approval, noting no significant 311 or police calls attributed to the business.
Extended Hours of Operation for Millennium Event Center
Dissent: None
Moved by Jamal Osman [17:04:47] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied by group 'I' vote
Millennium Event Center applied for a rental license and extended hours for events like weddings and religious ceremonies. The applicant, Eugenio Rivera (represented by Maria Alvarado), has managed the venue for over 15 years, maintaining positive community relationships. No community responses or significant police/311 calls were reported. Staff recommended approval.
Land Sale at 3726 Logan Avenue North (Emergency Stabilization Pilot Program)
Dissent: None
Moved by Jamal Osman [17:07:37] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied by group 'I' vote
The item concerns the sale of a property at 3726 Logan Avenue North, part of the Emergency Stabilization Pilot Program which enables tenants to purchase their homes. The current tenant has executed an offer and is ready to close.
Ordinance Related to Tailgating Zone Expansion
Dissent: None
Moved by Jamal Osman [17:12:47] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied by group 'I' vote
An ordinance amendment was proposed to expand the geographical tailgating zone around US Bank Stadium by one block, allowing for three additional tailgate lots without changing operational rules. The amendment received no community comments. A local parking lot manager spoke in support, highlighting its potential to boost downtown vitality and capitalize on events like the 2028 NFL Draft.
Ordinance Related to License and Business Regulation for Adult Bathhouse and Adult Entertainment Venue
Dissent: Council Members Rainville, Warren, and Shafer voted 'No' on both motions. Chair Osman abstained on the first motion but voted 'Aye' on the second to move forward without recommendation.
Moved by Council member Chavez [17:29:43] · Seconded by Not explicitly stated, implied 'second' from the floor
Council Members Chavez and Chughtai presented a technical amendment to move regulatory language for adult entertainment venues to a more appropriate code section, maintaining employee protections. They framed this as a step to rectify historical harms tied to homophobia and anti-LGBTQIA+ bigotry. Public speakers supported the repeal, emphasizing sexual autonomy, human rights, public health (by regulating existing underground activities), and economic benefits. Council Member Warren opposed, citing concerns about public health and the historical intent of the ban championed by a former openly gay council member. The initial motion to approve failed due to a tie, but a subsequent motion to move the item forward without recommendation passed.
Public Hearing for Moratorium on Used Data Centers in the City of Minneapolis
Dissent: No action recorded.
Moved by Not recorded · Seconded by Not recorded
Vice Chair Chaudhary presented the rationale for a 6-month temporary moratorium on new data centers (with an exemption for smaller projects in the downtown core). She cited concerns about high energy/water consumption, environmental impacts, and the need for a modern regulatory framework and safeguards. A union carpenter supported the moratorium, arguing data centers are a drain on public resources and do not provide sustainable economic growth for the city. Another public speaker raised concerns about the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) by municipal governments, limiting public awareness of data center plans.
Notable Quotes (17)
It's approving Jim Dabney, former state representative at the state of Minnesota, for appointment to seat one beginning January 1st, 2026, and ending December 31st, 2029. So, it's a former elected official who has a proven track record in supporting our city, the taxpayers of this city, who I believe would be a strong addition to the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.
The Minnesota statutes do prescribe the process for appointing members of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, and um pursuant to statute, one member of that authority is appointed by the governing body of the city of Minneapolis. So, you are proceeding pursuant to that statutory requirement.
My guess my concern is that like these data centers, the plan are to put them in Northeast Minneapolis in industrial zones, to put them in Phillips, in Hiaw- the Hiawatha corridor, in our communities of color, and that is a very um scary situation for many of my other community members that I represent proudly.
I am particularly interested in uh creating these good union jobs and ongoing uh operational jobs that these data centers provide. As well as the tax dollars. We are in a tax crisis. Our our revenue for taxes has evaporated from downtown. And as that burden has been placed on every renter and every homeowner in the city of Minneapolis. And we have to address that.
Zoning code amendments are statutorily required to go through the planning commission first before they go to council. So the process will be um an introduction at planning commission. Planning commission will hold the official public hearing for that ordinance amendment when it's time. Um then it will go through the Biz committee for review and recommendation and then ultimately to the full council because it ultimately is a legislative action.
Eric has, over the series of many years, demonstrated steady, effective leadership in one of the city's most complex departments during a period of significant growth, economic change, as well as housing challenges. His reappointment would provide the necessary continuity, institutional knowledge and [clears throat] proven in at a very critical time for Minneapolis.
The true measure of community development is how many is not how many programs that we offer or how many permits we process or the dollars we invest. The true measure is whether people's lives improve because our because of our work. That reality continues to challenge us.
While you're talking about, you know, we sat down my first introduction into your office. Um we talked about us going to, you know, the same high school and and all of those fun facts about ourselves. But um we looked at the area of concentrated poverty map. And one of the things that you um neglected to tell me is why that map still is so concentrated.
I have been managing and operating this venue for more than 15 years. During that time, I have been responsible for the contracts, event coordination, customer service, facility maintenance, cleaning, and the day-to-day operations of the business. I know this business inside and out because I have dedicated a significant part of my life to ensure its operation responsibly professionally and respectfully.
The proposed change would expand the current tailgate zone one block to the southeast along South 7th Street to 4th Avenue South to 13th Avenue South as pictured by the yellow. This change would allow for three additional tailgate lots within two blocks of the US Bank Stadium. On June 3rd public hearing notices were sent to all neighborhood associations, all business associations, all council members, and the class A parking lot license holders.
After a few rocky years in the Elliot Park neighborhood, downtown is especially turning a corner. The Vikings game day experience is vibrant. People are coming downtown and staying downtown and supporting many local businesses. We see them parking at our parking lot. Most recently, the city, as you are aware, was awarded the 2028 NFL draft. There are many green shoots on the horizon.
It is important to start off by acknowledging that bathhouse restrictions have a history that is intertwined with anti-2S LGBTQIA+ bigotry, in particular the history of homophobia in Minneapolis. And this is a step to help rectify past harms.
As a businesswoman, I see a revenue stream. We're talking about revitalizing downtown. We're talking about business opportunities for all sorts of different walks of life. Do you know what brings in money? Adult venues. And I can speak from experience that when you build the attractions, when you advertise the attractions, and they are appealing enough, then the people will come and they will spend their money.
The In 1988, the ordinance banning um bathhouses was championed by Brian Cole, who was the first openly gay council member in the city of Minneapolis. I want to give him some acknowledgement and respect on his name because he was looking out for the best interests of the 2S LGBTQIA+ community.
Communities elsewhere have reported concerns about high energy and water consumption, environmental impacts, rising utility costs, unequal development patterns, and concentration of burdens on communities that have historically borne disproportionate share of industrial impacts. That's our black and brown working poor communities, essentially creating sacrifice zones in some states.
I'm clear on the fact that this council will not pass a full ban on data centers. It's not an outcome that's going to occur. And while um the exemptions that we have made in the moratorium, which I'll cover, I don't fully agree with, but I do believe that this is moving us forward in a direction where we can get the strong regulatory framework we need.
The city is in need of investment and union members need work hours. However, data centers will not lead to continued economic growth for our city. These centers are a drain on public resources and a blight on our communities that will drive away business-minded individuals and entrepreneurs who understand that the public outcry around these data centers will lead to a further exodus of our entertainment and hospitality industry.
Ordinances & Resolutions (25)
Approval of two liquor licenses
Approval of 24 liquor license renewals
Approval of four gambling license renewals
Approval of business license operating condition for Wonder Cycle in Ward 5
Approval of business license operating condition for Urban Eatery in Ward 7
Approval of 13 appointments to Minneapolis Workforce Development
Approval of an appointment for Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Housing
Approval of 16 appointments to Minneapolis Art Commission
Acceptance and authorization of Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act grant agreement
Authorization of amendment to the memorandum of understanding for the new Nicollet Redevelopment
Approval of additional project financing for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for 2116 Nicollet Avenue (pulled from consent agenda, not discussed)
Approval of appropriation of CBED from the US Department of Housing
Approval of a rezoning for David K at 2007 Steven Avenue
Acceptance of a grant from CBED staff to attend National Alliance of Preservation Commission Forum conference
Approval of a partial debt forgiveness for rental pre-claim one housing portfolio
Approval of a legislative directive related to the business regulatory environment in the city
Authorization of Minneapolis Housing Authority safety contracts
Authorization of submission of preferred census tract ranking to the state of Minnesota for federal opportunity zone program
Authorized 20-year contract expansion with Guthrie Theater
Sets a public hearing for July 7, 2026 to consider housing bond for grain exchange conversion project
Ordinance related to the data center use regulations
Tailgate Zone Ordinance amendment
Source of definitions for adult entertainment venues being moved
Destination for moved definitions for adult entertainment venues
City's comprehensive plan under update