Budget Talk

Despite the swift and impactful work carried out during Operation Metro Surge by neighborhood associations across Minneapolis, we too stand to be impacted by the mayor’s 2027 budget proposal. The proposed budget recommends merging the Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) Department with the City’s Communications Department. NCR is the body at the city responsible for overseeing, assisting, and managing neighborhood associations, including LHENA. Additionally, the budget calls for the elimination of the Partnership Engagement Fund (PEF).

The PEF represents a reliable source of yearly grant funding for grassroots community projects. A few examples of PEF projects in the Wedge include the new student-designed Inclusive Playground at the Ella Baker School and Porchfest, which benefitted from PEF dollars in its early years. This elimination comes just two years after the PEF was slashed from $1 million to $500,000. Zeroing out PEF will have a significant impact on the ability of LHENA to nourish community designed and run projects in the neighborhood. Of course, LHENA, and neighborhood associations writ large, are not the only groups who will be impacted by proposed budget cuts. A myriad of other city departments and programs stand to be eliminated or reduced. LHENA has been working in concert with other neighborhood leaders to ensure that our voices are heard with regards to the impact of the proposed budget on organizational operations. Neighbors will also have an opportunity to share their thoughts on the proposed budget at two upcoming city meetings. The next meeting will be October 19th at 6PM, and the final meeting will be on December 15th. You can find out more information about the proposed budget as well as budget meetings by clicking here. Despite impending cuts to NCR and PEF, LHENA remains steadfast in our dedication to serve, and invest in the Wedge neighborhood.