🚽 We're actually getting bathrooms downtown!

Minneapolis City Council Approves 2026 Budget in Unanimous Vote

Thwarting our predictions on the City Cast Twin Cities podcast, the Minneapolis City Council managed to come together for an 11-0 vote to approve a 2026 city budget. Money for downtown public bathrooms was included, the mayor's office was spared from any major cuts, and the city will be funding a non-fatal shooting task force following the success of a similar initiative in St. Paul. [Star Tribune]

• Bathroom users rejoice: Anyone who has had a cup of coffee while walking around downtown knows the panic and fear that comes with having to find a place to use the bathroom there. In 2026, $700,000 will be going towards installing public bathrooms to help solve this issue. Hopefully, Flea will have an easier time finding a place to go the next time the Red Hot Chili Peppers are in town. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]
• Addressing police overspending: In light of MPD going almost $20 million over budget this year, the council approved a policy seeking more transparency around overspending. Departments will be required to report monthly to the council if they exceed their budget, and will not be able to amend their budgets without council approval. [Star Tribune]
• What will it cost? The new budget will require an 8% increase in the city's property tax levy – higher than St. Paul's 5.6% hike, but less than the 13% increase that was estimated to be necessary to keep up with last year's spending. This increase will result in the median Minneapolis home (worth $333,000) paying an extra $242 per year. [Star Tribune]

Restoring St. Anthony Falls: The massive concrete waterfalls near downtown Minneapolis – known as Owámniyomni to the Dakota people – used to be the largest natural waterfall on the Mississippi River. Now, the Dakota-led organization Owámniyomni Okhódayapi is working to restore a portion of the falls to their pre-colonial state. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

Black-Made, MN Played: The Walker West Music Academy in St. Paul is now home to the first piano in Minnesota made by a Black-owned piano manufacturer. The piano is made by SHADD, the only Black piano manufacturer in the world. SHADD pianos can be found in the Vatican, Rolls-Royce showrooms, and on TV and film. [MPR]

Keep it classy in the cold: Do you struggle with what to wear when it gets cold? On today's episode of City Cast Twin Cities, we spoke with local fashion designer Samantha Rei about how to stay cute while staying warm. Some major tips she shared were prioritizing a stylish outer layer, fitting an extra layer underneath a fashionable outfit when you can, and accessorizing with a snazzy scarf or interesting pins that you can swap out to keep things fresh. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

Check on your e-bike: Batteries from Rad Power Bikes have been recalled for spontaneously catching fire, and one such fire recently claimed a couple's home in St. Paul. The owner of the home said he's still a really strong supporter of what e-bikes can do to make non-driving realistic for more people, but is frustrated that so many people will now have to go get rid of their batteries. [Star Tribune]

Metro Menu Explosion: According to the Star Tribune's Taste team, 163 new restaurants opened in the Twin Cities metro area in the past year. Some of my favorites on the list are Momo Cafe, Herbivorous Butcher (which technically re-opened following months of closure from a fire), and Saturday Dumpling Co. [Star Tribune]

Thursday, Dec 11

• 🎸 Alan Sparhawk + Trampled by Turtles In-Store Performance and Signing | Electric Fetus
• 🍲 Bring Them Home (Screening + Meal) 🆓 | Minneapolis American Indian Center
• 🍽️ Julbord Festive Dining Experience | PAIKKA
• 🧵 Braids: A Conversation with Dyani White Hawk and Jovan C. Speller 🆓 | Walker Art Center
• 💘 Mistletoe Mystery Pairing Singles Event | Salt + Flour Kitchen
• 🖤 The Cure: The Show of a Lost World | Landmark Lagoon Cinema
• 🎶 Your Smith | First Avenue

Friday, Dec 12

• 🎤 Chastity Brown | Landmark Center
• 🔥 Earl Sweatshirt | Uptown Theater
• ❄️ Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical | History Theatre
• 🎻 Annie & the Caldwells | Parkway Theater
• 😈 MN Krampus at European Christmas Market | Union Depot
• 🕊️ "Freedom Unidos" Fundraiser + Album Release Show | La Doña Cervecería
• 💃 DJ Salsa Brava 🆓 | Eat Street Crossing

• McKnight Fellowships for Musicians | $25k stipend
• Grants Administrator at Minnesota Humanities Center | $65k per year
• Assistant City Attorney at City of Minneapolis | $110k - $156k per year
• Jr Graphic & Digital Designer at E.A. Sween Company | $65k - $75k per year
• Development Associate at Books For Africa | $23 per hour