BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND ADVISORY BODIES

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances tit. 2, ch. 10

in effect

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.10 Appointed boards and commissions; purpose and principles.

10.10. - Appointed boards and commissions; purpose and principles. (a) Purpose. The city values community engagement and resident participation in the city's decision-making process. This value is embodied in the city's commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for residents to serve on commissions, advisory boards and similar organizations which advise the city regarding city policies and programs. (b) Principles. The city's creation of appointed boards and commissions, and the appointment of their members, shall be governed by the principles of openness, impartiality, competitive recruitment, and equity to encourage broad participation in the democratic functioning of the city. These principles are defined as follows: (1) Openness means that the city will set clear expectations regarding the functions of each body and the roles of each member and will clearly and openly communicate them. (2) Impartiality means that the process of creating bodies and appointing members shall be conducted in an objective manner with an emphasis on addressing the needs and priorities of the city. (3) Competitive recruitment means the city will conduct public and widespread recruitment for applicants and evaluate all candidates based upon merit and qualifications. (4) Equity means that the creation of bodies and appointment of members shall be conducted with the goal of achieving participation that affirms the greatest diversity of the community by removing barriers to recruitment and selection of candidates and seeking to retain quality members. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.20 Definition and classification.

10.20. - Definition and classification. (a) The term appointed boards and commissions shall be inclusive of all of the commissions, advisory boards, and similar groups which provide an opportunity for resident and/or community participation in the city's governance or decision making process, but shall not include those bodies to which the city appoints one (1) or more members but which bodies do not serve or report to the city enterprise. (b) All Appointed Boards and Commissions created by the city after the effective date of this chapter shall be classified upon creation using the following classification system. (1) Tier 1. Tier 1 Bodies, sometimes called "Independent" bodies, serve the city but, pursuant to state law, city charter, or ordinance, have been given a high level of autonomy or independent decision-making authority. Such bodies may also advise and make recommendations to the city as provided in their enabling legislation. Tier 1 Bodies shall include the board of estimate and taxation, the civil service commission, the local board of appeal and equalization, and the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. (2) Tier 2. Tier 2 Bodies are bodies which have been given some level of specific, delegated decision-making authority, as provided by ordinance whenever practicable. Tier 2 Bodies may also advise and make recommendations to the city as provided in their enabling legislation or resolution. After the effective date of this chapter, new Tier 2 Bodies shall be created only by ordinance. Tier 2 Bodies are intended to serve the city indefinitely but shall be reviewed every three (3) years, on a rotating schedule set by the city clerk, as provided in Section 10.40. (3) Tier 3. Tier 3 Bodies gather information, create and review proposals, and make recommendations to the city's elected officials on specific subject matters as described in their enabling legislation or resolution and have no delegated decision-making authority. After the effective date of this chapter, Tier 3 Bodies shall be created only by resolution. Tier 3 Bodies are intended to serve the city indefinitely but shall be reviewed every three (3) years, on a rotating schedule set by the city clerk, as provided in Section 10.40. (4) Tier 4. Tier 4 Bodies are established by resolution of the city council for a specific and time limited advisory purpose. All bodies which are created for a specific, temporary, advisory purpose shall be Tier 4 Bodies. Tier 4 Bodies shall automatically cease to exist upon the completion of their delegated task and/or upon the expiration of the time stated in their enabling resolution. (5) Tier 5. Tier 5 Bodies are also called special service district boards. Special service district boards are established to advise the city regarding enhanced amenities and services in specific, geographically defined, commercial areas. Following the effective date of this chapter, Tier 5 Bodies shall be established only by ordinance. (c) The city clerk is directed to classify appointed boards and commissions existing before the effective date of this chapter pursuant to this classification system insofar as practicable. To the extent that any appointed board or commission is newly created following the effective date of this chapter and is not explicitly classified pursuant to this classification system, the city clerk shall classify the group. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.30 Applicability of chapter.

10.30. - Applicability of chapter. This Chapter 10 shall apply as follows: (1) Tier 1 Bodies. This chapter shall not apply to Tier 1 Bodies except for the ethics education training requirement in Section 10.80(b)(3) and to the extent that specific provisions are expressly incorporated into the body's enabling legislation. (2) Tier 5 Bodies. This chapter shall not apply to Tier 5 Bodies, except for Section 10.20(b)(5) and the ethics education training requirement in Section 10.80(b)(3), which shall apply. Other provisions of this chapter shall apply only if expressly adopted by the enabling legislation. (3) Tier 2 Bodies; Tier 3 Bodies created by ordinance. Sections 10.10, 10.20, 10.90, and 10.110 and the ethics education training requirement in Section 10.80(b)(3) shall apply to all Tier 2 Bodies and also to Tier 3 Bodies to the extent such Tier 3 Bodies are already existing pursuant to this code of ordinances on the effective date of this Chapter. The remaining sections of this chapter shall not apply to these bodies as long as the enabling legislation continues in effect without amendment. However, the city council may by ordinance amendment make any or all additional parts of this chapter applicable to such Tier 2 and Tier 3 Bodies. (4) Tier 3 Bodies created by resolution. This chapter, inclusive of all its sections, shall apply to all existing Tier 3 Bodies created by resolution. This chapter shall supersede any inconsistent prior resolutions. The city clerk shall bring forward new resolutions to conform already existing Tier 3 Bodies created by resolution with the provisions of this Chapter. (5) This chapter shall apply to all Tier 2, 3, and 4 Bodies created by the city council after the effective date of this Chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall apply to or limit the mayor's creation of advisory groups intended to advise the mayor. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23; Ord. No. 2026-012, § 1, 5-21-26)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.40 Creation of new Tier 2, 3, and 4 bodies.

10.40. - Creation of new Tier 2, 3, and 4 bodies. (a) The city shall create all new Tier 2 bodies by ordinance and all new Tier 3 and 4 bodies by resolution. The enabling legislation or resolution shall contain at least the information listed in this section. The city clerk, in consultation with the city attorney, shall prepare a standard form of resolution to assist in the creation of such bodies that may be created by resolution, which may include recommendations on the following matters: (1) Organization. a. The name of the body. b. The purpose, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the body, which shall be stated with reasonable specificity. c. The total number of seats on the body. d. The classification of the body under Section 10.20. e. The appointing authority for each seat on the body. f. The city department that will, pursuant to the direction of the mayor, assist the body in its work. g. Resource requirements, including budget, if any. h. Reporting requirements, if any, in addition to the requirements of Section 10.110. i. When the body will cease to exist, if applicable. (2) Membership. a. Any special qualifications that may apply to specific seats, such as occupational, professional, or other qualifications that may be required. b. If a public hearing is required for approval of appointees. c. The length of each term and whether terms are staggered. d. Meeting attendance requirements to retain membership, if any. e. Limitations on reappointment, if any, in addition to the limitations described in this chapter. f. Any compensation or privileges that members will receive. (3) Governance of the body. a. What officers the body shall have, how they shall be selected, and their duties. b. The quorum required for the body to conduct meetings. (b) No new Tier 2, 3, or 4 Body shall be created until the city clerk has issued a report regarding the proposed creation. The report will provide at least the following information: (1) Analysis of the need for the proposed body and any possible duplications or conflicts with other already existing bodies; and (2) The anticipated financial, staffing, and operational impacts upon city resources. (c) Dissolution. Tier 4 Bodies shall automatically dissolve upon the completion of their delegated task or at the time stated in the enabling resolution. Tier 2 and 3 Bodies shall be dissolved in the same manner in which they were created. However, any Tier 2 or 3 Body that is not expressly required by law and which has not convened a meeting for twenty-four (24) months shall be automatically dissolved. (d) Regular review. Every three (3) years, on a rotating schedule to be created by the city clerk, the city council shall review Tier 2, 3, and 4 Bodies to assess whether they continue to perform a valuable function for the city, whether their enabling legislation or resolution should be revised, or whether the body should be dissolved. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.50 Open appointments process.

10.50. - Open appointments process. (a) Except as otherwise provided by law, the city will appoint members as set forth in this section. The city will have a clear and easily accessible process that is available to all interested qualified parties, which shall strive to ensure diversity of representation and ideas, and which takes into consideration the city's commitment to civil rights, affirmative action, and geographic distribution wherever possible. The process set forth in this section shall apply to resident appointments but shall not apply when, by law or custom, a seat is filled by the selection of another organization or another unit of government. (b) Responsibilities. (1) Appointing authorities are responsible for oversight of the recruiting and screening of applicants, the approval of all appointments, and the evaluation and recognition of accomplishments. (2) The city clerk is responsible for administering the open appointments process, including assisting in the process of recruiting applicants, and developing standards and procedures for the process. (3) Departments are responsible for assisting in recruiting and participating in the appointment process for bodies that they support according to the standards and procedures established by the clerk. (c) Appointment cycles. When necessary, the city shall make appointments during appointment cycles generally occurring twice per year in the spring and the fall, although appointments may also be made based upon need as determined by the clerk. (d) Application process. (1) A minimum of three (3) weeks shall be allowed for the filing of applications and a reasonable time shall be allowed for the consideration of any applications. The application period may be shortened by the appointing authority. (2) A completed application form must be on file with the city clerk in order for an individual to be considered for appointment. (3) Members seeking reappointment must fully complete and file a new application form. (4) Members retain their seats until a successor is appointed and has taken the oath of office unless the enabling legislation or resolution creating the body or action of the appointing authority provides otherwise. (5) If there are additional vacancies within twelve (12) months after the original application process closes, the appointing authority may fill the vacancies from among the original applicants without reopening the process. (6) If necessary to achieve greater diversity of representation, the appointing authority may extend the application period or re-advertise vacancies. (7) If the appointing authority determines there are an insufficient number of qualified applicants for a vacancy, it may either reopen the process or suggest applicants who must file an application form before action by the appointing authority. (e) Selection process. (1) Applicants wishing to withdraw from consideration during the selection process must notify the city clerk in writing. (2) Appointments must be approved by vote of the city council unless otherwise specified in the enabling legislation or resolution creating the body. (3) Following appointment, all appointees must complete and file with the city clerk the oath of office required by City Charter, Article VIII, § 8.2(a), and Minn. Statute Section 358.05 in order to become members of the body. If a member is reappointed, a new oath shall be completed and filed for each term. (f) Residency requirements. All persons appointed under this open appointments process shall be residents of the city, unless this requirement is waived by the city council. Continuing residence within the geographic limits of the city shall be a condition of the appointment. No nonresident appointment will become effective unless the city council has waived the residency requirement. The residency requirement may be waived when: (1) The appointment is by law or by practice and custom made by another organization or unit of government; or (2) The person otherwise eligible for appointment is an officer or director of a business or organization that pays property taxes to the city; or (3) The appointment is of a person whose knowledge or expertise provides a unique or special benefit to the body. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.60 Terms and vacancies.

10.60. - Terms and vacancies. (a) Terms. Appointments shall be made for defined time periods which shall be tied to the seats on each body and not to the individual member appointed to the seat. Terms shall run continuously according to dates established in the enabling legislation or resolution and shall not begin or end according to the service of the individual appointed to the seat. (b) For bodies that are intended to serve the city indefinitely, the terms shall be staggered to achieve a reasonable balance wherein no more than one-half (1/2) the total number of seats are set to expire at any given time. (c) Vacancies. (1) A seat shall be deemed vacant if any of the following occurs: a. The member's term expires. However, if a successor has not been appointed upon the expiration of the member's term, the member shall continue to serve until a successor has been appointed and taken the oath of office. b. The death of the member. c. The resignation of a member, which shall be submitted in writing and shall become effective upon receipt by the city clerk. d. The conviction of a member of a felony or any criminal offense involving a violation of the duties of the position, in which case the clerk shall advise the appointing authority of the conviction and its effect, and the seat will become vacant upon the appointing authority's receipt of such information. e. The member fails to timely complete orientation requirements, as described in Section 10.80. f. The member is removed by formal action of the appointing authority. Where the city council is the appointing authority, the formal action shall be taken by a majority vote. Where the appointing authority is the mayor, the mayor shall inform the city clerk in writing of the removal and the removal shall be effective upon the clerk's receipt of such notice. Except as otherwise provided by law, all members serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. (2) Vacant seats shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. If a vacancy occurs before the expiration of a term, the appointing authority may appoint a successor for the unexpired portion of the term. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.70 Roles and responsibilities; regular attendance.

10.70. - Roles and responsibilities; regular attendance. (a) Each body shall have only the functions, powers, duties, and responsibilities specifically delegated to it by its enabling legislation or resolution. The city council may, at any time, by majority vote, modify the functions, powers, duties, and responsibilities of any body. (b) Each body that requires funding for its operations shall annually coordinate the preparation and submission of funding requests for the following fiscal year through its assigned department. (c) Each body shall coordinate its work with the department designated in its enabling legislation or resolution. (d) Authority to Act or Speak. (1) No body, or any individual member thereof, shall act or speak for the city in any capacity. (2) Bodies shall act and speak only on matters within their functions, powers, duties, and responsibilities and only to the extent permitted by their enabling legislation or resolution. Where a body is expressly permitted to act or speak by its enabling legislation or resolution, it shall do so only in its own name and on its own behalf and shall not represent that it acts or speaks on behalf of the city as a whole. (3) Individual members shall not act or speak on behalf of a body without express prior authorization by vote of the body. (e) Attendance at meetings being necessary to the function of the body, all members shall endeavor to attend meetings of the body to which they are appointed on a regular basis. If a member is consecutively absent from a number of meetings that is greater than one-third (1/3) of the body's regularly scheduled meetings in the calendar year (January through December), the body must bring these absences to the attention of the city clerk, who will advise the appointing authority of the absences. The appointing authority may take any action it deems appropriate up to and including removal of the member, if not otherwise prohibited by law. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.80 Oversight, orientation, restrictions, and requirements.

10.80. - Oversight, orientation, restrictions, and requirements. (a) Oversight. Each body shall report to the mayor and to a designated standing committee of the city council, which the city council shall determine as part of its organization and as needed from time to time thereafter. (b) Orientation. (1) The city clerk shall develop and oversee an orientation program to inform all newly appointed and reappointed members about the general functions, powers, and duties of the body to which they have been appointed, applicable laws and policies, and the city's expectations of members. Each newly appointed or reappointed member shall participate in the clerk's orientation and must complete and return to the clerk a written acknowledgement of completion. (2) All members shall sign a participant agreement acknowledging the duties and responsibilities of the appointment, in a form approved by the city attorney, as part of the clerk's orientation process. (3) All newly appointed or reappointed members must complete the following requirements within ninety (90) days after appointment or reappointment: a. Complete and file the oath required by Section 10.50(e)(3); b. Sign and return to the clerk the participant agreement; c. Successfully complete the clerk's orientation; and d. Successfully complete the ethics education training required in the city's Code of Ethics in Chapter 15, Ethics in Government. Any member who fails to complete these requirements ninety (90) days after appointment or reappointment will be deemed to have resigned and the position will be vacant. (4) If a member who has signed a participant agreement fails or refuses to abide by it, the body of which the member is a part may bring this failure or refusal to the attention of the city clerk, who will advise the appointing authority of the reported conduct. The appointing authority may take any action it deems appropriate up to and including removal of the member, if not otherwise prohibited by law. (c) Restrictions on service. (1) A member may not serve concurrently on more than one (1) body to which this section applies unless this restriction is waived by a majority vote of the city council. A member of a Tier 1 or Tier 5 Body may not also serve concurrently on a Tier 2, 3, or 4 Body unless this restriction is waived by a majority vote of the city council. (2) A member may not be reappointed to a body if the member has already served consecutively on the same body for eight (8) or more years, unless this restriction is waived by a majority vote of the city council. (3) A member may not serve on a body concurrently with another member with whom the person shares a significant familial relationship as defined in Section 15.280 of the Code of Ordinances. (4) Neither the mayor nor any city council member shall serve as a member of a body unless charter or ordinance specifically provides that the seat shall be filled by a person holding that office. (5) No current city employee shall be a member of a body. (6) Any member who runs for any elective office, or who seeks appointment to fill a vacancy in an elective office, must take a leave of absence from the body while seeking election or appointment to the position. This leave begins on the date that the member files for or is nominated to the elective office or applies for appointment to fill a vacancy in the elective office. Any attendance requirements pursuant to Section 10.40(a)(2)(d) shall not apply to the member during this leave of absence. (7) This Subsection (c) shall not apply to members who, by law or custom, are appointed by another organization or unit of government. (d) Ethics. All members must comply with the city's Code of Ethics as set forth in Chapter 15, Ethics in Government. (e) Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation unless such compensation is expressly provided for in the enabling legislation or resolution and the required resources are appropriated by the city. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23; Ord. No. 2026-012, § 2, 5-21-26)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.90 Executive secretary.

10.90. - Executive secretary. (a) The city clerk shall be the executive secretary for all bodies unless otherwise provided by the enabling legislation or resolution. The city clerk or a designee under the supervision and direction of the clerk shall support their operations. (b) Duties. The executive secretary shall: (1) Maintain the official membership roster for each body. (2) Maintain an official copy of the bylaws and any other rules of each body. (3) Publish a calendar of public meetings, issue required notices, and ensure compliance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law when applicable. (4) Support meetings by producing agendas, reports, minutes, and other records documenting the work of the body in accordance with uniform standards and procedures established by the city clerk. (5) Preserve records and data in accordance with the city's approved retention schedules and provide access to the same when required by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. (6) Coordinate training and staff support to assist bodies in performing duties required by law. (7) Coordinate and standardize reporting by bodies to the city council and mayor. (8) Assist the appointing authorities with the appointment process, including regular reporting to appointing authorities regarding vacancies and the status of nominations, and recommending procedures to improve and standardize the appointment process. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.100 Meetings.

10.100. - Meetings. (a) The clerk shall develop and propose a standard set of bylaws and rules to govern meetings and shall present it to the city council for approval. Bodies shall adopt and abide by such standard bylaws and rules, as they may be amended from time to time by city council action. Such bodies may deviate from the standard bylaws and rules only by making a formal request to the city clerk, who shall present the request along with the recommendation of the clerk to the city council for a determination. The official bylaws and rules of each body, including any requests for modifications that have been granted by the city council, shall be kept on file with the clerk. (b) The quorum required for meetings of the body shall be established by the enabling legislation or resolution. (c) Official action shall be taken only in meetings with a quorum of members present and by majority vote of those members present. (d) Meetings of bodies that are required by Minn. Statute Chap. 13D.01 to comply with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law shall comply with Minnesota Statute Chapter 13D. (e) All meetings of bodies not required by Minn. Statute Chap. 13D.01 to comply with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law shall comply with the following requirements: (1) All meetings shall be open to members of the public, unless one (1) of the following circumstances exists: a. The subject of the meeting would permit or require closure if the meeting were governed by the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Minn. Statute Chapter 13D; or b. The meeting requires discussion of data that is not public data under Minn. Statute Chapter 13. If either of these circumstances exists, the meeting shall be closed to the public only for the portion of the meeting to which the circumstance applies and the remainder of the meeting shall be open to the public. (2) Regular meetings shall be held according to a schedule on file with the city clerk's office and made available to the public. If special meetings are held, the time and place of such meetings shall be made available to the public in the manner directed by the city clerk at least three (3) days before the meeting. (f) All meetings shall be held at government owned or leased facilities and in locations that are accessible pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 10.110 Reporting.

10.110. - Reporting. (a) Work plan. Each body shall provide to the city council and the mayor an annual work plan of the activities it intends to undertake during the next year. (b) Annual report. Each body shall submit to the city council and the mayor an annual report of activities undertaken during the prior year including an assessment of its performance and effectiveness and any other accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities addressed during the prior year. (c) The annual work plan and annual report shall be prepared using forms established by the city clerk. The clerk shall be responsible for presenting a consolidated summary of the annual reports to the mayor and city council. (Ord. No. 2023-054, § 1, 10-19-23)

Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT2AD_CH10BOCOADBOFetched: 11/2/2026