City Briefs

Whiting’s new baby
On Sept. 5 Kelly and Jamison Whiting, Council member for Ward 11, had their first child, Louella Katherine Whiting. All are reportedly healthy. “We are overjoyed, and we could not be more excited to raise Lou here in Ward 11, among you all,” Whiting said in an email following the birth.

Chowdhury’s marriage
Ward 12 Council Member Aurin Chowdhury got married to Aaron Wagner on Aug. 30, 2026.

2027 Hennepin County Budget
On Sept. 22, Hennepin County Administrator, Jodi Wentland, presented her recommended 2027 county budget of $2.993 billion that is 2.4% lower than the 2026 budget. That includes a proposed $273.4 million capital budget that is 27% lower than last year. She recommended a maximum property tax levy of $1.219 billion, an 8.15% increase from last year’s, to make up for losses in funding from state and federal sources. The county board will set the maximum county levy on Sept. 29. A hearing on the county budget is set for 6 p.m. on Dec. 1, with final board approval expected on Dec. 15. See Hennepincounty.gov/budgets for more.

City Budget Levy
On Sept. 23, the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation was unable to approve a maximum levy after several votes. The members, that include two at-large elected members, Steve Brandt and Erik, Park Board President Tom Olsen, Mayor Jacob Frey, Council President Elliot Payne, and Ward 10 Council Member Aisha Chughtai were set to meet and try again on Sept. 29.

Minnehaha Senior Living purchase
The Council has given its consent for the Minnesota Health and Education Facilities Authority (MHEFA) to help Integrated Senior Foundation (ISF) buy the senior living facility at 3733 23rd Ave S. Integrated Senior Foundation (ISF) is a California-based nonprofit organization aiming to use up to $370 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds to finance the purchase of 12 assisted living facilities in the state. Approximately $20 million will be used to buy the facility near 38th St and 23rd Ave. S in the Standish neighborhood.

Special Service District plans
The Council has approved the 2027 operating plans, service charges and budgets for several special service districts including those for Bloomington-Lake, Chicago-Lake, and East Lake Street. The East Lake Advisory board, that includes portions of Minnehaha and 27th Aves, is appointed by the Mayor and Council and currently has opening for next year.

George Floyd Square
The City renewed its search for a developer of the Peoples’ Way site at George Floyd Square. A request for qualifications (RFQ) is now open to organizations with experience in real estate development. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Oct. 19.