Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey proposes $1.8 billion budget for 2024
MINNEAPOLIS -- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is proposing a $1.8 billion budget for next year. It wraps up the end of a two-year budget cycle.
Frey says Minneapolis is in a state of rebound and transition - and he believes his budget proposal reflects that. It covers a lot of ground, but the top priorities include public safety, police reform, and climate change.
"This budget—we're positioning Minneapolis for progress on courageous new work and bedrock government service," Frey said. "We need to do both and we need to do both well."
Some of that work includes investments in public safety and police reform. More than $17 million will fund a multi-departmental implementation team, fund 731 sworn officers and add 16 new civilian positions to the Minneapolis Police Department, among other things.
"The urgent mission of reforming the MPD will not be quick, it will not be easy, and if history or learnings from other cities are any guide, we will encounter moments of great frustration together, but we will do so together. And if we all choose to stand united in this work, it's going to be worth it," Frey said.
In the fight for affordable housing, Frey's adding another $4 million in the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, bringing the total to $5 million.
"When people need homes, public homes, somebody needs to step up to take action. We are, because it's the right thing to do," Frey said.
In terms of climate change, Frey wants to invest more than $10 million into the Climate Legacy Initiative, a move he says would set Minneapolis apart as a historic leader in climate action and public health. Funding would help weatherize Minneapolis homes, train employees and improve the city's tree canopy program.
"Is it a big plan? Sure. But it's one we are committed to and one we are ready for," Frey said.
It's a plan which, so far, is well-received by city council members.
"People seem to be celebrating and pleased," Minneapolis Ward 4 councilmember LaTrisha Vetaw said. "It's not often that you hear different council officers cheering and clapping. It feels like good vibes going on back here today."
"[The budget] lays out generational investments in the city we love - a plan for the future. Making these investments and standing by them for the long haul will take courage, but the ideals set in this budget are more than just courageous, they are realistic, too," Frey said.
The proposed budget also comes with a 6.2% tax levy increase that is the "exact levy increase he promised last year, no higher," the mayor's office said in a release.
The Minneapolis City Council now has the proposal and will need to approve it. The vote will happen sometime in December.The Minneapolis City Council now has the proposal and will need to approve it. The vote will happen sometime in December.
For a complete look at the 2023 budget, click here.
