Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is proposing his $1.8 billion budget for the city next year, much of which incorporates mandated police and public safety reforms following the 2020 murder of George Floyd.
Frey says change isn't cheap, and is no longer optional.
“An investment of approximately $16 million in 2024 and nearly $11 million in 2025, and beyond,” says Frey. “This will be a combination of ongoing and one-time funding and will go toward the implementation of this agreement, meaning the daily work of compliance.”
That spending also includes 28 civilian positions within the police department.
“It’ll be worth it when people on the street feel the change in the interactions they have with officers,” says Frey. “It’ll be worth it when officers consistently have the support to do their job and do it in full. And provide passionate and caring public safety. And it’ll be worth it year from now when people look to Minneapolis on how to change policing in America.”
The Minneapolis Police Department and City of Minneapolis are currently dealing with two Consent Decrees from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights following investigations into patterns of discriminatory policing for years leading up to the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
Frey's plan also addresses climate change, investments in city parks which would include developing the area around George Floyd Square, public housing, and infrastructure.
“So far this year, public works has needed to fill 8,000 potholes citywide," says the mayor.
Funding comes from several sources, including a 6.2% increase in the city's property tax levy along with more money from the DFL-controlled legislature. Frey also noted that there has been increased income from a return in downtown economic activity, like the resurgence of "Taste of Minnesota", the Taylor Swift and Beyoncé tours, and more.
The Minneapolis City Council will now consider the proposal and finalize it in the coming months.
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