The Minneapolis Budget Committee approved the Legislative Department's 2026 budget recommendations Monday, directing the Council President and Vice President to transmit the proposals to the Mayor.

The committee voted 8-4 to advance the recommendations, which include a $6.2 million one-time funding request for the 2026 gubernatorial election and $573,000 in ongoing funding for three new positions in the City Auditor's office.

The election funding would support 159 temporary workers, 2,200 election judges, and an expanded network of early voting centers. City Clerk Casey Carl said the investment would ensure comprehensive election infrastructure for the November gubernatorial election.

City Auditor Robert Timmerman requested the three additional positions to create a Special Review and Advisory Services Division, including a Deputy City Auditor, division director, and internal auditor. The office recently received four new positions and would grow to 15 total staff under the proposal.

Councilmember Linea Palmisano objected to the auditor expansion, saying the office should demonstrate capacity with recently approved positions before requesting more. "That would be seven new positions in six months," Palmisano said, noting departments that grow too quickly often struggle.

The committee also approved adjustments to the 2025 Consolidated Action Plan to reflect actual HUD grant awards totaling approximately $17 million. Finance staff said the net budget change represents about a $35,000 increase from estimated amounts.

The meeting concluded with a comprehensive report on procurement contracts under $175,000 from 2015-2025, showing the city awarded $53.5 million to Target Market Program vendors in 2024, up from $40 million in 2023.