Minneapolis politics, slightly ground down

A Minneapolis politics podcast hosted by four-term Ward 2 city council veterans Cam Gordon and Robin Garwood, with longtime activist Jesse Mortenson

Save the CLIC! Proposal Threatens Participatory Budgeting

September 21, 2026

Another proposal to consolidate mayoral power? Minneapolis has long entrusted the work of prioritizing long-term improvement projects to the Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee, or CLIC. Capital improvements is a huge chunk of the city budget, though the headlines largely focus on the general fund. A new proposal would dissolve and re-form the CLIC with a balance of power that shifts towards the office of the Mayor. We talk about how the capital planning process works now, and what might change if this proposal gets adopted. Are we veering further towards municipal unitary executive theory?

This conversation came just on the heels of our budget discussion with Eric Harris Bernstein. Recorded 9/9/26.

Alert

Though the massive ICE activity dwindled in the Spring, we still face a determined wannabe-fascist regime. Mill City Hall asks you to plug in and take action:

Don't forget to check out:

Offical City Budget Info

Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee

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