From Potholes to Public Safety: How City Government Shapes Your Life

This is the second article in the League of Women Voters Minneapolis 2025 Democracy Series. Available at https://lwvmpls.org/democracy-series/

By LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MINNEAPOLIS

Minneapolis is a city shaped by its leaders, and understanding how local government works is key to knowing who makes decisions that affect daily life. In Minneapolis, the mayor serves as the city’s chief executive, overseeing administration, enforcing laws, and proposing the budget, while the 13-member city council plays a vital role in passing local laws, approving the budget and mayoral appointments, and overseeing city services. Together, their decisions on policy, budgeting, and public safety directly shape residents’ daily lives, influencing everything from transportation and housing to policing and community programs. By researching candidates through reliable sources, residents can make informed choices at the ballot box, ensuring their elected officials align with their values and priorities.

The Mayor: Leading the City’s Vision
The mayor is the face of Minneapolis’ leadership, responsible for setting the city’s priorities and overseeing its daily operations. In 2021, Minneapolis residents voted to change the government structure by adopting the executive mayor – legislative council system. Now, the mayor acts as the city’s chief executive overseeing departments, managing the budget, and making sure services like public safety, housing, and street maintenance run smoothly.… Read the rest “From Potholes to Public Safety: How City Government Shapes Your Life”