MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minneapolis Opens Community Input Process for Selection of Next Police Chief

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 25, 2026) Minneapolis residents are being invited to help shape the search for the city’s next police chief through a series of public listening sessions beginning Tuesday.

The Mayor’s Office, Office of Community Safety and members of the Minneapolis City Council are organizing the meetings to gather residents’ views about the experience, leadership qualities and community priorities that should guide the selection process.

The first session is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, 225 Third Avenue South. Council Members Michael Rainville and Elizabeth Shaffer are scheduled to host the meeting.

Two additional sessions are planned Wednesday, August 26:

• From 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Farview Recreation Center, 621 29th Avenue North, hosted by Council Members Pearll Warren, Elizabeth Shaffer and LaTrisha Vetaw.
• From 6 to 8 p.m. at Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th Street, hosted by Council Members Soren Stevenson and Aurin Chowdhury.

The city said additional listening opportunities will be announced. Its public notice does not list an admission charge or advance-registration requirement for the scheduled meetings.

Feedback gathered from residents will be considered alongside engagement with internal and external stakeholders and a Minneapolis Police Department survey. The information will help city officials prepare the position profile used to recruit and evaluate candidates.

Under the city’s selection process, applicants will undergo review and interviews before finalists are forwarded to Mayor Jacob Frey. The mayor will select a nominee, who must complete a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension background investigation before proceeding to City Council consideration and confirmation.

The next chief will be expected to lead the department during continued implementation of court-enforceable police reforms, while addressing violent crime, staffing, officer accountability and community confidence.

Residents who attend the sessions may wish to prepare specific recommendations about the professional background, management experience and community-engagement abilities they believe the next chief should possess.

Meeting arrangements or accessibility accommodations should be confirmed directly with the city before attending.

Official information: City of Minneapolis police-chief listening sessions

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