City of Minneapolis 2015 Budget

The City of Minneapolis’ 2015 budget was finalized on December 10, ensuring that we will be making significant investments in key areas of municipal responsibility such as public safety, services, and infrastructure, while also providing important additional funding for environmental initiatives, affordable housing, community outreach and support for our city’s diverse residents.

The Fire Department will see much needed increases in manpower, with $800,000 for two recruit classes and $50,000 for a youth recruitment and leadership program. 911 will receive funding for four additional operators. Additional funding for the Police Department will ensure the hiring of 10 police officers in 2015 and a police cadet class of 18, as well as additional community service officer classes. Also, the Crime Prevention Specialist division is fully funded as part of the base budget which will provide stability and adequate staffing. 

There has been significant discussion of funding that supports opportunity for all residents in Minneapolis. This budget will provide funds for affordable housing and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will be fully funded for the first time since it was established. New funds will support additional security at public housing facilities, additional funding for homeownership counseling and outreach, and additional dollars for the Business Technical Assistance Program, which facilitates entrepreneurship in communities of color. Environmental initiatives such as the Clean Energy Partnership and the launch of curbside organics recycling also received significant support.

This budget will also offer important enhancements to the city’s multimodal transportation resources and infrastructure with increased funding for a comprehensive pedestrian safety initiative that will include durable street markings, a special budget increase for protected bikeways, and expanded support for Open Streets. Public Works will also receive additional funding for corner and bikeway snow clearance.

This budget is the product of vigorous and engaged conversation between elected officials, City departments, residents and stakeholders and it will have long term positive effects on the stability, vitality and sustainability of our city.