City Hall circa 1900

Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota and the county seat of Hennepin County, operates under a Mayor–council government system. This article provides an overview of the structure and functions of Minneapolis's city government, focusing on the city council, mayoral office, and other key elements of local governance.

Structure

The Minneapolis City Council is the primary legislative body, consisting of members elected from 13 wards. This council holds significant power over local legislation, budget decisions, and oversight of city departments.

Mayor

The Mayor of Minneapolis, currently a position held by a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), operates alongside the city council. The mayor's role was previously considered relatively weak compared to some other U.S. cities, but following a charter amendment in 2021 the mayor gained more power and the council was reduced purely legislative duties. The mayor appoints heads of various city departments.

Administrative bodies

The city administration also includes several independent boards responsible for parks, taxation, and public housing. These boards have the authority to levy taxes and fees within their respective areas, subject to limitations set by the Board of Estimate and Taxation.[1]

Political landscape and elections

Minneapolis is known as a stronghold for the DFL, reflecting a liberal-leaning political climate. The city council is predominantly composed of DFL members, with occasional representation from other parties such as the Green Party or the Democratic Socialists of America.

City vote in presidential elections[2]
Year Democratic Republican Third Parties
2020 86.44% 204,841 11.31% 26,792 2.26% 5,344
2016 79.84% 174,585 11.75% 25,693 8.41% 18,380
2012 80.27% 172,480 16.55% 35,560 3.18% 6,839
2008 81.15% 169,204 16.77% 34,958 2.09% 4,352
2004 77.64% 156,214 20.69% 41,633 1.67% 3,366
2000 65.72% 115,037 22.14% 38,758 12.14% 21,242

Neighborhoods

The city is divided into communities, each containing neighborhoods. For example, the Near North community is composed of the Hawthorne, Jordan, Near North, Sumner-Glenwood and Willard-Hay neighborhoods. Neighborhoods coordinate activities under the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. In some cases two or more neighborhoods act together under one organization. Some areas are commonly known by nicknames of business associations like Dinkytown, Downtown, Midtown and Uptown.[3]

Foreign consulates

The following list are countries that currently have consulate offices in Minneapolis:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "City Council". City of Minneapolis. Archived from the original on 2016-02-07. and "Minneapolis City Council candidates". E-Democracy (e-democracy.org). October 26, 2005. Archived from the original on 2006-10-18. Retrieved 2007-03-24. and Anderson, G.R. Jr. (2002-07-10). "The Compulsiveness of the Long-Distance Runner". City Pages. Village Voice Media. 23 (1127). Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-03-21. and "Board of Estimate and Taxation". City of Minneapolis. Archived from the original on 2007-08-11. Retrieved 2007-06-27.
  2. ↑ "Election Results". sos.state.mn.us. Archived from the original on 2021-01-17. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  3. ↑ "City of Minneapolis. Neighborhoods & Communities" (PDF). GIS Business Services, City of Minneapolis. January 2006 [2004]. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2010-12-26. Retrieved 2007-02-10. and Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (2001–2005). "Neighborhood Organizations". Archived from the original on 2007-02-22. Retrieved 2007-02-10. and Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Department (November 17, 2005). "City of Minneapolis Business Associations" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2011-01-12. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  4. ↑ "Consulate General of Canada to the United States, in Minneapolis". GAC. 2021-05-03. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  5. ↑ "Danish Consulate in Minneapolis, Minnesota". Danmark i USA. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  6. ↑ "Honorary Consul in Minneapolis". Consulat Général de France à Chicago. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  7. ↑ Minneapolis, Norwegian Honorary Consulate (2014-09-22). "Norwegian Honorary Consulate Minneapolis". Norwegian Honorary Consulate Minneapolis. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  8. ↑ "Honorary Consulate General of Sweden". American Swedish Institute. 2024-01-10. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
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