This is an ongoing update of the new Minneapolis City Government Structure as a result of the 2021 ballot questions. To learn more about the history of the City Charter amendment, go to minneapolismn.gov and search for Charter Amendment Background.
Following the difficult summer of 2020, Minneapolis residents wanted a clear line of responsibility to stop the finger-pointing between the Mayor’s office and the City Council. The Mayor is now in charge of City departments, with the City Council focusing on the legislative issues of the City (which includes approving the Mayor’s recommendations for City Operations Officer and Community Safety Commissioner).
Mayor Frey’s first priority was Public Safety which required selecting a Community Safety Commissioner as Step 1. An extensive search was done and Dr. Cedric Alexander was confirmed as Commissioner in August 2022. This role oversees 911, Police, Fire, Emergency Management and Neighborhood Safety (OVP) departments.
In October, the Mayor named Heather Johnston as interim City Operations Officer (COO), and she was approved by the City Council. Johnston was serving as the City Coordinator and will serve in the interim COO role until a permanent candidate is found and approved, which is expected in 2023.
The COO role spans all public services performed beyond the Community Safety Department. The COO has three direct reports: Deputy COO – Internal Services, Deputy COO – Communications & Engagement Services, and Deputy COO – Development, Health & Livability. The responsibilities of these roles are:
Deputy COO – Internal Services
City Assessor, Finance & Property Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Inter-governmental Relations
Deputy COO – Communications & Engagement Services
311 Service Center, Communications, Neighborhood & Community Relations
Deputy COO – Development, Health & Livability
The Minneapolis Convention Center, Health, Community Planning & Economic Development, Regulatory Services, Arts & Cultural Affairs
Other COO offices operating across all departments
Public Works, Civil Rights, Race Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Performance Management & Innovation.
Author’s note: The changes in the Minneapolis government structure is a great example of why it is important for all Minneapolis residents to vote. My expectation is that future changes at the Mayoral level should not create a disruption for the day-to-day City operations, which is a big win for residents.