It’s no secret that our democracy is under attack. I believe more strongly than ever that local government is the first line of service and the last line of defense — for every Minneapolitan, for our community’s shared values and for our democracy.
“ When our federal government abandons us, your local government should wrap its arms tighter around the people of Minneapolis.”
Our federal government’s disdain for Americans, especially Minnesotans, is profound. When President Donald Trump weaponizes the Department of Justice to threaten our elections, it’s your city government safeguarding democracy by administering fair and free elections.
When cuts to SNAP food benefits leave children hungry, when 1 in 6 Minneapolis households face food insecurity in the wake of Operation Metro Surge, it’s your local government using empty lots to expand community gardens and provide fresh food for local food shelves that closes the gap.
When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents swarm our city to abduct our neighbors based only on the color of their skin, it’s your local government expanding civil liberties and investing in immigration legal services that makes the difference.
When our federal government abandons us, your local government should wrap its arms tighter around the people of Minneapolis.
Cuts in the Mayor’s Budget
If budgets are a reflection of our values, and they certainly are, it breaks my heart that, knowing the impact of the decisions our federal government has made, Mayor Jacob Frey has proposed a budget that leaves the most vulnerable of our neighbors behind.
He wants to eliminate a modest program combating food insecurity, fully defund a civil rights program that has recovered millions of dollars in wages stolen from low-wage workers and spend more money on police overtime than on preventing or responding to homelessness.
Frey wants to replace the people who support our neighborhood organizations with public relations professionals.
He wants to cut emergency housing vouchers that are a lifeline for neighbors and families fighting to escape homelessness, and cut inspectors who hold slumlords accountable and help make sure our children don’t become lead detectors. While our state and city are under a microscope, the mayor proposed cuts to independent oversight that prevents fraud, waste and abuse.
As the voice of Ward 10 in City Hall and as the City Council’s budget chair, I see these proposals as harmful to my constituents and to people across Minneapolis.
“ In other words, you are being asked to pay more to get less.”
Pay More, Get Less
Budgets are our values. In a year when Minneapolitans walked, talked, sang, marched, went on strike and protested at great risk out of our deep commitment to our values, Frey’s proposed budget only retreats from what we hold dear.
This elimination of programs, services and government oversight came alongside a proposed double-digit property tax hike. In other words, you are being asked to pay more to get less. That is why I’m ready to fight for a budget that meets the needs of working people, makes policy changes to increase oversight and ensures our local government is delivering services that allow people to thrive in our city.
It is our moral and democratic imperative that everyone gets the opportunity to share in a basic standard of living. It’s the city’s responsibility to build a budget for the public good, one that recognizes the moment we are in with our federal government and steps up to deliver. It’s the job of elected leaders to ensure those dollars are spent responsibly, within their means and in a manner that is accountable to residents.
Over the next several weeks, the City Council will work to adopt a final budget for 2027. A final public hearing and vote are expected Dec. 15. My commitment to you is to do every last thing in my power to build a budget that delivers, that ensures you get what you pay for, that’s responsive to your needs and that’s accountable to your expectations.
Aisha Chughtai represents Ward 10 on the Minneapolis City Council and chairs its Budget Committee.
