How the Minneapolis Budget Works: And Why It Matters Who Understands It

When you elect a city council member, you’re choosing someone to represent your local needs. One of the most direct ways that council members impact your daily life is by passing a budget that reflects our community’s interests. That’s why it’s concerning that many on the current council have repeatedly demonstrated a lack of understanding of how our city’s budget actually works.

The Minneapolis city budget, totaling almost $2 billion, is a statement of our city’s priorities. Whether the funding is going to public safety alternatives, transit improvements, or investments in affordable housing; those choices should reflect a progressive path for our city. It is important to have a long-term vision for the finances of the city, as the budget defines the future of our city.

Due to strained relationships and a spiteful federal administration, Minneapolis is about to face historically low investments in our city from the state and federal governments. This steep drop-off of dollars is something that many residents were able to see coming, yet it seems that many on the current council did not. Their 2025 budget focused on short-term solutions to long-term issues, like funding new temporary contracts and sending money directly to nonprofits. It also widely overstepped, forcing residents to pay twice for programs that are under the responsibility of Hennepin County: resources for people experiencing homelessness, programs to assist recent immigrants, and resources for those without healthcare.

Instead of focusing spending on providing residents with core services at a time where the support would not come from other sources, the budget was focused on new temporary priorities.

Looking forward, our city is going to face real challenges that require thoughtful, long-term solutions. I’ve spent my career working with federal, state, and city dollars to balance budgets to get real results for the communities I have served. 

We need to reinvest our dollars into our core services, as that is what a city council’s focus should always be. Council members who know how to listen to the community, equitably distribute resources, and plan for the future will need to be making decisions.

When elected officials misunderstand governmental processes, they don’t improve the daily lives of residents. Because budgets went unchecked: projects are being delayed, public concerns are being ignored, and residents are losing their trust in government.

This November, we need to elect representatives that understand the importance of balancing the Minneapolis budget. The focus must be shifted back to serving our city with respect, consistency, and Minneapolis-focused priorities.