Public Health Committee and Ward 11 Town Hall Lead Today's City Agenda

City Committees Resume Regular Sessions Amid Federal Presence

Today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Minneapolis City Council returns to its regular committee cycle following a temporary restructuring earlier this month. The city continues to grapple with the local impacts of Operation Metro Surge, the federal immigration enforcement initiative that has dominated the municipal agenda throughout the winter. While the Council recently operated under a "Super Committee" format to address urgent safety concerns, today’s schedule marks a return to departmental oversight with several key sessions at City Hall.

Public Health, Safety & Equity Committee to Review Ordinances

The Public Health, Safety & Equity Committee is scheduled to meet at 1:30 PM in Room 380 of City Hall. High on the agenda is the initial review of a proposed ordinance regarding the decriminalization of drug paraphernalia possession. This item was recently referred to the committee for its first reading and is part of a broader push by council members to shift the city’s approach toward a public health-centered model for substance use. Committee members are also expected to receive updates on community safety initiatives following recent incidents involving federal agents in the city.

Board of Estimate and Taxation and Advisory Sessions

At 4:00 PM, the Board of Estimate and Taxation will convene in Room 350 of the Public Service Center. This meeting is critical for the city’s long-term financial planning, as the board oversees the issuance of bonds and the maximum tax levies for various city funds. Additionally, the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities will meet at 4:30 PM in the Public Service Building to discuss accessibility improvements and inclusive city programming.

Ward 11 Town Hall Focuses on ICE Response

Later this evening, Council Member Jamison Whiting will host a Ward 11 Town Hall from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The primary focus of this session is the city’s ongoing response to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities within Minneapolis borders. Residents are invited to ask questions and raise concerns regarding local law enforcement’s role and the protections available to immigrant communities. This meeting follows several weeks of public outcry and legislative directives aimed at establishing Minneapolis as a protective jurisdiction.

Mayor Frey Joins National Rebuttal in Washington

While the City Council conducts business locally, Mayor Jacob Frey remains a central figure in the national political landscape. Mayor Frey is currently in Washington, D.C., where he is participating in high-profile rebuttal events following the State of the Union address. The Mayor has used this platform to advocate for local autonomy and to challenge the legality of federal enforcement actions that have impacted Minneapolis residents over the past several months.