Minneapolis Committee of the Whole Reviews 'Operation Metro Surge' Costs and Program Overhauls

City Leaders Convene for Critical Wednesday Sessions

The Minneapolis City Council is holding two significant government sessions today, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as the city continues to navigate the complex budgetary and social aftermath of recent federal law enforcement activity. The Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet this morning at City Hall, followed by a community-focused task force meeting on the city's Northside this evening.

Committee of the Whole: Budget Impacts and Public Safety

At 9:30 a.m. in Room 380 of City Hall, the Committee of the Whole is expected to receive detailed updates regarding the fiscal impact of "Operation Metro Surge." Recent reports indicate that the Minneapolis Police Department incurred more than $5.3 million in additional costs between January and early February due to the federal surge. These expenses include over 1,000 canceled days off and 500 extended shifts for local officers during a period of high tension and community protests.

Beyond the budget, council members are focusing on the policy implications of the surge, including the shooting deaths of residents Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti. The committee is reviewing proposed updates to the police department’s immigration policies, which would explicitly require officers to intervene if they witness federal agents using excessive force and mandate reporting such instances to leadership within 24 hours.

Infrastructure and Administrative Reform

Today's agenda also includes a significant overhaul of the city's administrative code. Council members are discussing a proposal to repeal and replace Title 2, Chapter 35, which governs the Capital Long Range Improvement Program (CLRP). The goal of this reform is to align the capital improvement process with broader efforts to standardize how city boards and commissions are appointed and managed.

Additionally, the committee will review a series of master contracts for community and health services. These include agreements with the Association for Nonsmokers of MN, Bridge Healthcare Partners, and Daryeel Youth Services, with contract periods extending through 2028. Routine items, such as liquor license renewals for local establishments and the acceptance of travel donations for city department heads, are also slated for approval.

Northside Green Zone Task Force

Later today, at 5:30 p.m., the Northside Green Zone Task Force will meet at the Farview Park Recreation Center. This session will focus on environmental justice initiatives and community-led health improvements for North Minneapolis. The task force is expected to address recent concerns regarding the impact of chemical irritants used during winter street demonstrations on residents with high rates of asthma and other underlying health conditions.