Politics & Government
Minneapolis Voters Will Be Asked To Give Mayor More Power
Minneapolis currently has a "weak mayor, strong city council" system of government. Voters can change that this fall.
MINNEAPOLIS — This fall, Minneapolis residents will be asked if the basic structure of the city's government needs to change. Specifically, voters will decide if more power should be transferred from the city council to the mayor.
In other words, should Minneapolis switch to a "strong mayor" system of government, or keep its current "weak mayor" system. The Executive Committee would be eliminated, and the mayor would become the city’s chief executive officer.
Under the city's current structure, the Minneapolis City Council governs all city departments, except the police department.
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That will change if a majority of residents vote "Yes" to the following ballot question:
Shall the Minneapolis City Charter be amended to adopt a change in its form of government to an Executive Mayor-Legislative Council structure to shift certain powers to the Mayor, consolidating administrative authority over all operating departments under the Mayor, and eliminating the Executive Committee?
"I think it's probably the most important charter amendment that's come before the city in 100 years," said Barry Clegg, chairman of the Minneapolis Charter Commission, told the Star Tribune.
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"If somebody has 14 bosses, things don't get done, conflicts don't get resolved and that's what we learned when we talked to our department heads. Hopefully, this will make a difference."
St. Paul currently has a "strong mayor" system, where Mayor Melvin Carter oversees the city's departments.
Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender is skeptical that changing Minneapolis' structure would be beneficial.
"Ultimately, we should seek to have a system where people have a voice in their government," said City Council President Lisa Bender, who is not running for re-election," she told the Star Tribune.
"I am very skeptical that the Charter Commission's proposal will achieve that."
Mayoral power isn't the only question on the ballot this fall. Minneapolis voters will also decide on rent control and the future of the city's police department.
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