Next steps

Thank you for staying engaged and making your voice heard. The communications team will be providing us with the cost for Broadcasting Board of Estimate and Taxation Meetings. I would also like this information for all of them so I can share publicly. I will also request viewership metrics as requested by Council President Jenkins.

I am forwarding these signatures to the Minneapolis Board of Education as the public is concerned their finance committee is not broadcasted. 

June 29th, I will make a motion to move funds from our reserves (balance is ~250k) to our operations budget to pay for our broadcasting as we did during COVID at the beginning of our term. The expense for 1-2 meetings a month is likely low. While reserves are always good to have, our budget remains relatively flat. It is currently a little over $109,000. We have also had a cost savings of about $40,000 from having a staffing vacancy. No levy increase. 

For future years, let’s see what the mayor includes in his proposed budget. If he does not invest, we can ask our councilmembers to make mark ups, and send emails/ make phone calls to the Mayor. 

If that fails, a BET levy increase can be considered. It would be very small and worth the investment.

Please continue to sign, share, and send public comment. We would love to see you give in petson testimony too. June 29th, 4pm, City Hall, 3rd Floor Council Chambers. 

When we know better, we collectively do better.

With revolutionary respect and appreciation,

Sam