City of Minneapolis News Update: Aug. 20 Community listening sessions, comprehensive plan survey and more

Aug. 20, 2026

This newsletter provides updates on important news and information from the City of Minneapolis and partners. Find updates at minneapolismn.gov/news.

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Share your input on Minneapolis’ next police chief

What do you want to see in the next Minneapolis police chief?

We're conducting a national search for the next chief of the Minneapolis Police Department and wants to hear from residents and community members. The Mayor’s Office, Office of Community Safety and Minneapolis City Council are hosting community listening sessions across Minneapolis. Join a session to share your priorities, qualities and characteristics you want to see in the next police chief.

Community feedback will help inform the position profile and candidate selection process.

Upcoming listening sessions

• Tuesday, Aug. 25: 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, 225 Third Ave. S. Facilitated by Council Members Rainville and Shaffer.

• Wednesday, Aug. 26: 6-8 p.m. at Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St. Facilitated by Council Members Chowdhury and Stevenson.

• Wednesday, Aug. 26: 5:30-8 p.m. at Farview Recreation Center, 621 29th Ave. N. Facilitated by Council Members Shaffer, Vetaw and Warren.

Learn more and find additional opportunities to participate on our website.

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Help shape our next comprehensive plan, Minneapolis 2050

What should Minneapolis look like in the future? We're working on its next comprehensive plan, Minneapolis 2050. Your input can help shape the plan’s goals and vision.

Take the Minneapolis 2050 survey by Sept. 30 to share your ideas about the future of Minneapolis. It should take you less than five minutes to complete. You can take the survey in:

• English

• Hmong

• Somali

• Spanish

Once the new plan goes into effect in 2030, it will influence many things that impact our daily lives, including:

• Where homes, businesses and parks may be located

• Where and how streets will be improved

• How we will work to reduce our climate impact

Over the next couple of years, there will be more opportunities to learn more about Minneapolis 2050 and share your ideas and feedback.

To stay informed, sign up for Minneapolis 2050 text or email updates.

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Make a difference: Serve on a board or commission, apply Aug. 1-31

Applications are closing soon. Apply through the end of the month to serve on a City board or commission. Serving on a board or commission is your chance to directly shape policies that affect daily life. Your voice brings fresh perspective and drives transparency in City decisions. Whether you’re interested in civil rights and ethics, public housing and property values, historic preservation, or zoning, we encourage you to consider an open position.

Most boards meet monthly, and it’s a great way to gain valuable skills, build relationships with community leaders and grow your understanding of local government.

Right now, Minneapolis is accepting applications for several boards.

Ready to get involved? Explore current openings, and apply Aug. 1-31.

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Find your furever friend with MACC and Petsmart

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC) is now able to process adoptions seven days a week thanks to a new event with Petsmart.

Meet (and adopt) available animals every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Petsmart at the Quarry, located at 1640 New Brighton Blvd. Every other day of the week, you can stop by MACC at 212 17th Ave. N. to view adoptable animals.

Adoption fees are always free for residents.

View adoptable animals, see adoption hours and learn more on our website.

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Protect yourself from scams

Scammers may pretend to be City employees to trick people into paying fake bills or sharing personal information.

Watch for warning signs. Be cautious if a request includes:

• A sense of urgency or threatening language. The City will not disconnect services without official notice.

• Requests for unusual payment methods such as cryptocurrency, gift cards or money transfers

• Invoices off the usual schedule or that you didn’t expect

• Spelling mistakes, unusual formatting or suspicious links

If something feels suspicious, call 311 before making a payment or sharing personal information.

Why these scams can look real

Some City information is public. Scammers may use real property addresses, permit applications or other details to make messages appear legitimate.

What to do

• Pause. Take a moment before clicking links or sending payment.

• Call 311. Find out if the request is from the City.

• Check requests using official City channels.

Learn more on our website.

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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. 

minneapolismn.gov