Minneapolis budget gap draws calls for cuts, funding and answers

Minneapolis budget gap draws calls for cuts, funding and answers Richard Reeve KSTP Listening session effectiveness Minneapolis residents pressed city leaders over budget cuts and spending priorities as the city faces a $60 million gap. A packed City Council listening session drew residents speaking out about possible cuts, funding requests and job concerns tied to the city’s more than $2 billion budget. It was the second of two budget listening sessions. “This budget represents a catastrophic failure with respect to fiscal responsibility,” a woman said. “I would love to see these funds stay or more funding for the 30th Street Thrive Plan,” a man added. “I really think the cost savings is really, I guess, it is kind of a farce,” another participant added. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS asked council members whether the sessions change budget decisions. “I think a lot of that impact will begin to show itself as we begin to submit amendments where we want to restore cuts that were in the proposed budget,” Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer said. What changes? 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS asked for specific examples of feedback affecting the budget, and Council Member Aisha Chughtai pointed to testimony from low-wage workers about code enforcement. “Yes, our low-wage workers testified over and over again about interpretation of code enforcement,” Chughtai said. “I’ve seen the advocates show up over and over again, and I’ve seen it make a difference in the adopted budget every single year. And that’s after all that feedback by people, absolutely 100%,” Chughtai said. One group said it hopes council members are listening as residents from different wards weigh in on spending choices. “You know, these are their constituents from different wards, and I think that’s important to hear what the community is saying, and especially if they want to get elected again,” Muhammad Abdullabad of TOUCH Outreach said. Council members said not everyone will be happy with the final budget. They said some concerns may lead to budget amendments while others may not.