MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minneapolis City Council is discussing a proposal to transfer $1.25 million in violence prevention funding to Hennepin County. This proposal has ignited a heated debate among council members and community advocates, eliciting strong opinions in favor and against the move.
The proposal arises from concerns regarding the effectiveness of the city’s existing violence prevention programs. Several council members, including Council President Elliott Payne, have expressed doubts about their management.
“This action we are proposing today allows the city to enhance our capacity, strengthen our infrastructure, and ensure that these strategies advance at the pace our community demands,” Payne stated.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the Neighborhood Safety Department (NSD) has been ineffective and that transferring the funding to Hennepin County would lead to better oversight and management.
“The Neighborhood Safety Department is not functional, and that dysfunction has put safety at risk,” Council Member Robin Wonsley said. “There’s no data to support its effectiveness, and there’s no evidence that the commissioner has made any meaningful progress.”
However, there are also strong opponents to the move. Former Neighborhood Safety Director Luana Nelson-Brown, who resigned from her position, criticized the proposal, describing it as a way for council members aligned with certain violence intervention groups to secure funds after recent losses.
“I strongly encourage taxpayers and residents to oppose the transfer of that money until there is transparency regarding who the recipients are, and, more importantly, who did not receive funding and why,” Nelson-Brown said.
Community advocates have expressed a range of opinions on the matter. Some worry that transferring the funding to the county will disrupt ongoing efforts and create confusion among service providers. Others believe that the city should focus on improving its existing programs instead of shifting responsibilities to the county.
