Minneapolis Review

City of Minneapolis issued the following announcement on March 22.

Today, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will present his recommended executive government structure proposal to the Minneapolis City Council’s Committee of the Whole. Mayor Frey’s proposed structure features four direct reports to the office of Mayor: Chief Administrative Officer, City Attorney, Chief Community Safety Officer, and Chief of Staff.

After receiving the recommendations from Frey’s Government Structure Workgroup earlier this month, Mayor Frey worked with City Staff to develop a recommendation that delivers the structural reform voters asked for in November. The executive government structure must be durable but responsive to the City’s future needs, efficient and equitable in delivering city services to all residents, and must improve clarity of communication both across the enterprise and with residents and businesses served by the City.

“Our form of government sets the foundation for how our city will function for generations to come,” said Frey. “We set out to recommend a government structure that is durable but responsive to the City’s future needs, efficient and equitable in delivering city services to all residents, and that improves clarity of communication both across the enterprise and with residents and businesses served by the City. This must be a moment of unity in Minneapolis as we integrate our safety systems and improve collaboration between departments and divisions that have long been siloed. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to implement the will of Minneapolis voters and establish a long-lasting and effective government for the people of Minneapolis.”

Mayor Frey’s proposed structure has four direct reports to the office of Mayor:

The Chief of Staff will provide policy development and oversight on behalf of the Mayor’s Office.

The Office of the City Attorney will continue to include civil and criminal divisions, and is responsible for enhancing public safety, serve justice and vigorously represent the interests of the City.

The Office of Public Service consolidates the operational departments of the City under one office to enhance accountability, break down siloes, and provide collaborative approaches to our community’s complex challenges. Five departments reporting directly to this position cover the operational functions outside of public safety services.

1. Department of Administrative Services includes departments whose functions primarily serve all departments, including Finance, Property Services & Assessing Bureau/Agency, the Coordinator’s Office, Human Resources, IT, and IGR.
2. Department of Communications and Engagement Services combines departments responsible for engaging community and ensuring clarity and efficiency of information, including 311/Service Center, Communications, and Neighborhood and Community Relations
3. Department of Community Development and Regulatory Services houses Regulatory Services, the Minneapolis Convention Center, Community Planning and Economic Development, and Health
4. Public Works Department leads operating and building infrastructure throughout the City
5. Civil Rights Department will continue to protect and advance the civil and human rights of everyone who lives in, works in or visits our city

The Office Community Safety combines the departments responsible for community safety to improve communication and integrate response services. This structure allows an Administrator to set individual department goals, as well as cross-functional goals to enhance the cooperation among all safety departments. Five departments reporting directly to this position include Minneapolis Emergency Communications Department (911), the Fire Department, the Police Department, the Emergency Management Department, and a Neighborhood Safety Department which includes the Office of Violence Prevention.

As decided by voters, the role of City Council continues to be focused on the legislative functions of the City.

Following Mayor Frey’s presentation, City Council will consider his recommendation while City Staff continue exploring plans for implementation and transition. Mayor Frey will return to discuss feedback from City Council at the April 12 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Original source can be found here.