City of Minneapolis News Update: Sept. 17
Sept. 17, 2026
This newsletter provides updates on important news and information from the City of Minneapolis and partners. Find updates at minneapolismn.gov/news.
Dr. Reginald Freeman sworn in as City’s Fire Chief
Last week, Dr. Reginald Freeman was sworn in as the 19th Fire Chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department. He previously gained extensive leadership experience in fire and rescue services, emergency management and public safety in Oakland, California, and Hartford, Connecticut, as well as serving in a variety of executive roles across the United States and internationally.
Chief Freeman replaces former Chief Bryan Tyner, who retired at the end of 2025 after 30 years of service. Melanie Rucker has served as interim chief since Jan. 1, 2026.
Watch Chief Freeman’s swearing-in ceremony on YouTube.
Now accepting public comments on data center zoning rules
The City of Minneapolis has been working on new zoning rules for data centers. We want to make sure Minneapolis has strong rules for data centers so we can limit any negative effects on the community.
We have created a new data center webpage where you can learn more. It includes the City’s research report about data centers, a summary of the preliminary recommendations and a recorded presentation.
Visit the Data Centers page on our website to learn more.
Overlay districts no longer under consideration
Initial ideas included a potential overlay district. It would have allowed for review of smaller-scale data centers outside downtown. Based on feedback, the overlay district will not be included in the staff recommendations presented to the City Planning Commission and City Council in October and November.
Share your feedback
The City of Minneapolis Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the data center proposal at its meeting on Oct. 13. This meeting will be open to the public. Attendees will be able to sign up to make public comments. The agenda will be posted on our Legislative Information Management System (LIMS) website when it is available.
Look for the Planning Commission agenda in LIMS.
Planning Commission Meeting
4:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter, Tuesday, Oct. 13
Public Service Center, 250 S. Fourth St., Room 350
Comments can also be submitted in writing. Share your thoughts on the proposed zoning changes for data centers by completing this form.
Stay storm-aware when rain is in the forecast
Rain is in the forecast this Friday, Sept. 18, and some areas could see flash flooding. Be prepared and make sure you know how to prepare for flood watches and flood warnings.
Stay storm-aware:
- Tune into local news for updates.
- Be ready to move to higher ground.
- Never drive or walk through floodwater.
Remember, if water starts covering the road, turn around, don’t drown. A few extra minutes of caution can help keep you safe.
George Floyd Square: What’s next
Phase 1 construction near George Floyd Square will be substantially complete Oct. 9, nearly two months ahead of schedule. Crews have worked to upgrade water, sewer and transportation systems, and will begin paving the new roadway and installing new streetlights as construction wraps up. Once work is complete, cars can again travel through the intersection until phase 2 construction gets underway in 2027.
We're working with community members and property owners to prepare for phase 2 and will share updates about upcoming construction and a pre-construction open house on the project webpage and in newsletters.
Support local businesses
Restaurants, shops and other businesses remain open during construction. Please plan to visit, shop and support local businesses.
Learn more about the project on our website.
Take the survey: Renting experiences in Minneapolis
Now through Oct. 15, take a five-minute survey to share what matters most to you about renting, as well as challenges and opportunities you see.
We're working to update how we categorize rental properties in tiers to create safer housing, and a more accurate, fair and simplified system. Your insights will help us refine our initial ideas for changes.
Ways to help
Family Gathering Concert Series continues Sept. 19 at The Capri
Bring the kids for a free morning of live music, creative activities and fun.
Family Gathering Concert Series: L.A. Buckner with Monique Blakey
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
The Capri, 2027 W. Broadway Ave.
The series is produced in collaboration with the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance and funded by the City of Minneapolis through Minneapolis Forward to support community and economic resilience.
Get event details and see who's performing.
Come see which Badge makes the best BBQ in the city
Join us this Saturday, Sept. 19 as first responders from the Minneapolis Police Department, Minneapolis Fire Department and Minneapolis Park Police compete in the 9th Annual Battle of the Badges & the People's BBQ.
Officers and firefighters will participate in a “friendly” competition as they battle for the title of Best Ribs in the City. This free event will also have musical and dance performances, games and prizes.
Battles of the Badges & the People’s BBQ
Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
North Commons Park, 1801 James Ave. N.
Minneapolis Police Chief search advances with candidate interviews
We're moving forward with our national search for the next Minneapolis Chief of Police. Our executive search firm has conducted its review of candidates, and interviews will begin in the near future.
The search has attracted more than a dozen applicants, including a mix of internal and external candidates. Our executive search firm vetted applicants based on the qualifications, experience and leadership characteristics identified through the search process.
We launched the national search earlier this summer to identify a leader who can continue efforts to reduce crime, support and grow the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) workforce, strengthen community trust, advance critical reforms and lead the department into its next chapter. The process includes input from community members, City leaders, MPD employees and other public safety stakeholders.
Learn more about next steps in the search on our website.
Prepare and recover from emergencies with Ready Camp
Do you know what to do in an emergency? Attend a free Ready Camp training to learn how to better prepare and recover from emergencies or disasters.
The free training will help you to:
- Build an emergency kit
- Develop a communication plan
- Notice signs and prepare for severe weather
- Recover from an emergency or disaster
- Learn about homeowner's and renter's insurance
Ready Campaign is a partnership between the City of Minneapolis Emergency Management Department and Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, Sabathani Community Center and the Minneapolis American Indian Center.
Learn more about Ready Camp and sign up for an upcoming session on our website.
Take the Minneapolis 2050 survey by Sept. 30
What should Minneapolis look like in the future? We're working on the City's next comprehensive plan, Minneapolis 2050. Your input can help shape the plan’s goals and vision.
Take the Minneapolis 2050 survey today to share your ideas about the future of Minneapolis. You can take the survey in:
The survey is open until Sept. 30. It should take you less than five minutes to complete.
Over the next couple of years, there will be more opportunities to learn about Minneapolis 2050 and share your ideas and feedback.
Learn more at 2050.minneapolismn.gov.
Sign up for Minneapolis 2050 text or email updates.
Celebrate Transit to Work Day Sept. 30
As regular riders know, commuting with transit is a great way to save money on gas and parking, ease the stress of traffic and get the workday started right. Help mark the occasion this Sept. 30 by taking transit to work.
Join the City of Minneapolis and Metro Transit for a morning commute celebration. Transit commuters can pick up free coffee and donuts, take a selfie with Metro Transit mascot Skip Traffic and weigh in on local transit plans.
Downtown Transit to Work Day celebration
7-9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30
Fifth Street South and Nicollet Mall (near the giant wind turbine blade)
Commuters near the University of Minnesota can join in on the day's celebrations from 7-9 a.m. at the bus stop in front of Coffman Memorial Union.
Happy riding!
Minneapolis renters’ rights
From caps on security deposits to evictions for unpaid rent, Minneapolis renters have rights. This week, we’re highlighting two of those rights from the City and State.
Renter immigration status
When screening potential renters, rental property owners and managers cannot:
- Ask about someone’s immigration or citizenship status
- Require someone to disclose or provide proof of their immigration or citizenship status
- Deny a rental application because an applicant provided an individual taxpayer identification number
Renters may still be asked for this information under certain situations; for example, when it’s necessary to comply with state or federal law or needed to verify financial qualifications.
Renters’ right to organize
Renters have the right to form an association to address issues like maintenance repairs, the terms and conditions of renting, and housing and community development.
Retaliation can take on a lot of different forms. Retaliation against renters for organizing or seeking help for a housing issue is illegal. Reporting a current or prospective renter because of their immigration status might constitute retaliation.
- Contact 311 for help with a renting issue.
- Learn about local renter rights.
- Learn about renters’ right to organize.
For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact City Communications.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850.
Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.
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