The Minneapolis City Council is making waves with a slew of new initiatives, from tightening tobacco regulations to pushing for better transit services. In recent actions, the council passed an ordinance to safeguard ride-share workers under the city's minimum wage law and referred amendments for discussion on improving enforcement and compensation. The Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ordinance, which was passed in February, is still undergoing refinement but aims to balance fair pay for workers with the continuation of rideshare services.
In moves to promote public health, the council also passed a comprehensive amendment that boosts the minimum per-pack price of cigarettes to $15 and eliminates price discounts and coupons for all commercial tobacco products, this is in an effort to curb youth initiation of tobacco use and address health disparities in the community, according to the Ward 7 Newsletter. Additionally, the nomination of Timothy Sexton as the new Director of Public Works was consented to, paving the way for an updated ADA Transition Plan and the resurfacing of Douglas Ave N, including ADA improvements.
The former Kmart site's redevelopment is advancing as the council approved a Public Space Framework for pre-development and community engagement with potential plans for a new park. Moreover, the burned former 3rd Precinct building at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue is eyed for housing Election and Voter Services amidst calls for community input on its repurposing. The site became a focal point of civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
As sustainability garners attention, the council passed resolutions declaring April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and recognizing International Workers Day, as well as honoring community leader Veronica Méndez Moore. On the transportation front, Metro Transit boasts a 16% increase in ridership since 2022, reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels after a hiring spree, improvements that were echoed by Rep. Sydney Jordan, who remarked on the importance of data-backed transit policies, said the Ward 7 Newsletter.
Local engagement remains a priority with the council promoting the "Coffee with Katie" discussions, and community initiatives like Doors Open Minneapolis highlighted for their contribution to civic pride. The event, which allows the public a closer look at over 100 Minneapolis venues, is set for May 18-19, as announced by the Ward 7 Newsletter. To enhance Metro Transit services, numerous gains have been noted, including pilot free fare programs which led to increased ridership and the introduction of TRIP agents for safer public transportation experiences.
