Legislative glossary

City Council uses a lot of legal terms and acronyms. This glossary defines those terms so you can better understand how the City government works.

A

Abstention
Parliamentary term for refusing to vote either in support or in opposition to a motion or proposal. Abstentions may be counted for purposes of quorum, but not for the outcome of a particular decision.
Abstract Property
The evidence of the ownership of property is typically contained within a document called an “abstract” which guarantees an unbroken 40-year chain of title.
Acclamation
With the unanimous approval or support of the Council, typically the election of officers or appointment of members to subordinate boards and commissions are made in this fashion.
Act
See Official Act.
Adjournment
The official end to a meeting.
Adopt
Parliamentary term for favorable action on a recommendation or report on any matter or the passage (positive enactment) of a legislative measure.
Agenda
An outline of matters to be presented during a specific meeting, usually structured according to an established order of business.
Amend
Parliamentary term connoting an alteration to a motion, either by addition, deletion, or substitution, that improves the pending question or provides a suitable alternative.
Appropriation
A specific sum of money allocated by formal action for expenditure by a specific entity, from a specific source, and for a specific purpose.
Approved by the Mayor
All actions of the City Council affirmed by the Mayor and, thus, deemed "official acts" of the City of Minneapolis pending legal publication, as required pursuant to City Charter Article IV, §4.4(c).
Arterial
A roadway that serves or is designed to serve heavy flows of traffic, which is used primarily as a street route for traffic between communities and/or other heavy traffic generating areas.
Assessment, Special
Charges applied to a property owner for improvements to streets, sewer, and/or water utilities, generally paid over a specified period.
Author
The Council Member introducing a legislative measure; also known as the measure's sponsor.

B

Block Grant
A federal grant to be spent within general guidelines but not designated for a specific purpose.
Bond
A certificate of indebtedness issued by the government in return for money it has borrowed. There are several types of bonds, including:
General Obligation Bonds (GO Bonds)
Bonds secured by the “full faith and credit” of the issuing government and backed by taxing power.
Industrial Revenue Bonds
Bond proceeds used to finance the purchase or construction of facilities or equipment to be leased to a private corporation. The bonds are backed by the revenue generated by the lease payment and ultimately by the credit of the corporation.
Tax Increment Finance Bonds (TIF)
Bonds sold to investors to raise capital for development activities. Interest paid to bond purchasers is usually exempt from state and federal taxation, although TIF bonds can also be sold to investors with no interest exemption from state and federal taxes.
Budget
The city government's principle policy document, it is both an official statement of fiscal, economic, and social policies and a spending plan for a specific fiscal year. Pursuant to the City Charter, the Mayor is responsible for submitting a proposed budget by no later than August 15 each year.

C

Cadastre
A public record of the surveyed dimensions and value of land parcels used to record ownership and calculate taxes.
Categorical Grant
A federal grant of money for use in a narrowly defined functional area such as sewage treatment plants, housing, law enforcement or other activities.
Chair
Common term referring to the presiding officer of a meeting body.
Chief Elected Official
The Mayor of the City of Minneapolis.
City Charter
The legal document enacted pursuant to the Minnesota Constitution Article XII §4 and first adopted by public vote in November 1920 which establishes the City of Minneapolis as a municipal corporation of the first class within the State of Minnesota. The City Charter embodies the fundamental principles of the the municipal corporation; describes its legal parameters; defines its powers, duties, and boundaries; and guarantees certain rights to the people. It is analogous to the constitutions of the federal and state governments.
City Council
The legislative and chief policy–determinant body of the City of Minneapolis as provided pursuant to Article IV of the Minneapolis City Charter. The City Council is composed of thirteen members, each elected from separate wards of roughly equal population, serving concurrent four–year terms.
Code of Ordinances
The official, published compilation of municipal law, policies and regulations, organized and arranged by subject matter.
Collector Street
A street which serves or is designed to serve as a traffic way for a neighborhood or as a feeder to a major roadway.
Commendation
A formal expression of appreciation or gratitude or a tribute that is offered by the City Council.
Commercial
A land use classification that describes commercial/retail business uses.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
A collection of federal grant programs administered by HUD that awards funds to state and local units of government for qualifying housing and economic development efforts.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
An annual accounting report that explains and analyzes the financial activity of the city.
Comprehensive Plan
A compilation of goals, policy statements, standards, programs, and maps for guiding the physical, social, and economic development of a community or region.
Condemnation
The act of a public agency in taking property for a public purpose under the power of eminent domain (see Eminent Domain)
Conditional Use or Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
A use of property which may be appropriate within a specific zoning classification, but is not listed as a permitted use because conditions may be needed to ensure that no negative impacts result. The City may require any reasonable conditions contingent to permitting a conditional use.
Conflict of Interest (COI)
A conflict arising from any interest, pecuniary or otherwise, that interferes with an individual's ability to properly perform his or her official duties, or one which creates the appearance of such a conflict.
Confirmation
The process of approving a mayoral appointment to certain executive (charter) departments.
Consent Agenda
A separate docket (agenda) composed only of matters deemed to be routine and non–controversial; the consent agenda is considered under a single motion. If a Council Member wishes to have further discussion on any matter listed on the consent agenda, it can be removed and set aside for further consideration.
Constituent
A resident of a specific ward (or district) of the community.
Council Cycle
The two-week period which culminates with the meeting of the full City Council at which time formal action is taken on all matters referred by its standing committees. The standing policy committees meet during the two-week period prior ro each regular meeting of the full City Council.
Council Member
A person elected from one of the thirteen specific wards to represent its interests, needs, and priorities as a voting member of the City Council, the legislative body of the City of Minneapolis. Also referred to as Member.
Council Rules
The set of principles and corresponding regulations governing the organization and operation of the City Council and its committees and the introduction, consideration, and transaction of business. The City Council has adopted Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised as its parliamentary authority.
Cumulative Supplement
A supplement to the current edition of the Code of Ordinances, published annually, that identifies all new material that has been codified.
Covenant
A contract between two or more individuals, which constitutes a restriction of a particular use of a particular parcel or parcels.
County State Aid Highways (CSAH)
Roadways maintained by MN DOT or a county department of transportation.

D

Debate
Formal discussion about a proposal or subject matter pending action by a decision-making body during a duly constituted meeting of its members.
Density
A number expressing the relationship of the number of dwellings to an acre of land.
Down Zoning
Changing a district from a higher to a lower intensity use.

E

Easement
A grant by a property owner for use of a strip of land by the public or any person for any specific purpose or purposes of construction and maintaining utilities and/or roadways.
Effective Date
The date an official act takes legal effect. The effective date is based on publication in the City’s official newspaper, pursuant to City Charter, Article IV, § 4.4 (d). The standard timeline for legal publication is eight days after final action by the City Council, unless a separate effective date is specified within the act.
Eminent Domain
The right of a governmental unit to take private lands for a public use or purpose upon payment of just compensation.
Enabling Legislation
Legislation, by federal or state governments, which confer power upon the city government. In the adoption of a resolution, the enabling legislation, if any, is generally cited or referenced.
Enacting Clause
A short paragraph, or series of connected paragraphs, giving legal effect to the text which follows. The enacting clause—sometimes referred to as an ordaining clause—is a required element in every ordinance. The enacting clause is: “The City Council of the City of Minneapolis do ordain as follows:”
Enactment Date
The date when an official act is approved by the Mayor, or, in the alternative, the date when the City Council approves an official act by overriding the Mayor’s veto on a two-thirds vote.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Analysis and evaluation of the potential effect of a project on the environment.
Executive Committee
Created in 1984 pursuant to charter referendum, the Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the City government. Members include the Mayor, the Council President and three Council Members (one of the minority party).

F

Feasibility Report
Includes a description of proposed street and/or utility improvements, a cost estimate for the project, project schedule, and a preliminary assessment roll.
File
Every legislative measure, proposal, or subject matter introduced to the City Council or referred to or from one of its standing committees is organized, presented, and tracked as a legislative file. Each file is assigned a unique number for tracking purposes, knows as its File Number.
First Reading
Formal introduction, subsequent to notice, of a proposed legislative measure, after which the measure is generally referred to the proper standing committee having subject matter jurisdiction for public hearing and recommendation. Pursuant to City Charter, Article IV, § 4.4 (b), each ordinance must be given two separate readings before final action, except by unanimous consent of the full City Council.
Fiscal Year
The defined, twelve-month period for transaction and computation of budgetary and accounting purposes. In Minneapolis, the fiscal year runs concurrent with the calendar year (January to December).
Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
A unit of measurement to account for the number of positions authorized to departments.

H

Hearing
A meeting, or portion of a meeting, to investigate, gather information, and accept public testimony on a specific matter or matters pending consideration by the City Council or its standing committees.
Home-Rule Charter City
Home-rule charter cities, such as Minneapolis, operate under a city charter as opposed to statutory cities, which operate under the statutory city code.
HUD
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is a federal agency that administers several grant programs related to community development and affordable housing development.

I

Improvement Projects
The construction or re-construction of streets, sidewalks, sanitary sewer, water main, or storm sewer.
Introduction & Referral Calendar
A list of new legislative measures that, pursuant to previous notice, are formally introduced, given a first reading, and referred to the standing committee(s) having subject-matter jurisdiction.

J

Journal
The record of acts, orders, and judgments made by the City Council. The journal provides a parliamentary chronology of all actions taken, including motions, amendments, and votes; all committee reports; the processing of all measures, from introduction through final action; and other proceedings.

L

Land Use Plan
That part of a comprehensive plan which deals with the interrelationship between the different land uses.
Legislative Intent
The purpose for which a specific measure is passed or adopted as well as the meaning of any specific provisions.
Legislative Oversight
The function of reviewing and evaluating the performance of administrative agencies and departments.
Local Government Aid (LGA)
Minnesota Statutes §477A.013, Financial assistance from the State of Minnesota for municipalities. Allocation of these funds are based on complex formulas considering population, household size, city tax capacity, employment per capita, and many other factors.
Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program (LLEBG)
A federal program that provides a specific amount of funds to local police departments based on crime rate to subsidize special enforcement activities.

M

Mayor
The chief elected official of the City of Minneapolis, elected from a single district comprising the entire geographic boundary and the entire population of the city. Pursuant to City Charter, Article VII, § 7.1 (b), the Mayor is charged with general oversight of the City enterprise and its operations.
Mayor’s Budget
The financing plan prepared and presented by the Mayor which outlines strategies to fund ongoing operations and activities of the City of Minneapolis.
Meet Minneapolis
Official Convention and Visitor’s Association.

Meeting Types—

Adjourned Meeting
A meeting that is a continuation of a previous meeting.
Closed Meeting
A non-public meeting for considering quasi-judicial functions involving disciplinary procedures, strategy for labor negotiations, and litigation strategy with legal counsel.
Regular Meeting
A scheduled meeting that follows set with dates and times according to an adopted calendar.
Special Meeting
Any meeting other than a regular, adjourned, or emergency meeting. Written notice, posted and mailed/delivered a minimum of three days before the meeting, is required. No other business may be transacted other than as designated in the call for the special meeting.
Metropolitan Council (Met Council)
A regional planning organization appointed by the Governor of Minnesota which operates a regional transit system, collects and treats wastewater, produces population forecasts, distributes funding for several funding programs, produces regional planning documents, reviews local planning documents, and manages regional aviation transportation systems.
Metes and Bounds
A way to describe a parcel of land by starting at a known point and describing the bearings and distances of the line forming the boundaries of the property.
MNDOT
Minnesota Department of Transportation is responsible for funding and maintaining highway and aviation infrastructure.
Motion
Parliamentary term connoting a formal proposal for certain action.
Municipal Building Commission (MBC)
A separate legal entity composed jointly of Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis which owns and operates the historic City Hall/Courthouse Building.

N

Non–conforming Use
A use of land, building, or structures lawfully existing when a zoning ordinance or amendment is passed by the City Council, where the existing use does not comply with all regulations of the new ordinance or amendment.
Nuisance
Conditions of property or uses that pose a threat to public safety, general welfare, diminish property values, or conflict with lawful uses of other properties.

O

Oath of Office
The loyalty oath required under Minnesota law and the Minneapolis City Charter which must be subscribed to by all elected officials and certain appointed officers prior to assuming the office or position and performing official duties.
Open Meeting
MN Statute 471.705 covers all meetings that transact official public business (if a quorum is present) to discuss, decide, or receive information. Votes are required to be recorded and all printed material is to be available for public review.
Order of Business
The framework within which all matters and measures are presented for consideration by the City Council; it includes: Call to Order; Reports of Standing Committees; Reports of Special Committees; Introduction & Referral Calendar; Resolutions; Motions; Unfinished Business; New Business; Announcements; and Adjournment.
Ordinance
An official act of legislative character which is general or permanent in nature and is intended to have the effect and force of law, generally prescribing penalty provisions for any violation. An ordinance is comparable to a municipal statute.
Organizational Meeting
The first convening of the City Council in January following a general municipal election at which time the Members elect a President and other officers and organize themselves for the transaction of business.

P

Pass–through Grants
Grants and other financial assistance received by a governmental entity to transfer to, or spend on behalf of, a secondary recipient.
Plat
A map or drawing which graphically delineates the boundary of a land parcel for identification and record of title, which is recorded as a legal document.
Pollution Control Agency
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA or PCA) is a state agency which monitors environmental quality, offers technical and financial assistance, enforces environmental regulations, finds and cleans up spills or leaks, and conduct environmental education.
President
The Council Member elected by City Council to serve as its presiding officer.
Public Hearing
A legal requirement giving citizens an opportunity to comment on issues.
Public Land
Land owned or operated by municipalities, school district, county, state, or other governmental unit.
Public Nuisance
Any action or existence of any activity that unreasonably annoys, injures or endangers the general health, safety, welfare or public peace such that the comfortable enjoyment of life or property is disrupted or which is offensive or has a blighting influence on the community.

Q

Quorum
Parliamentary term referring to the minimum number of Members who must be in attendance to constitute a public meeting for the transaction of business.

R

Recess
An intermission within a meeting without closing, or adjourning, the official proceeding.
Reconsideration
A parliamentary mechanism that allows any question previously acted upon to be returned for additional or further consideration. The motion must be made by a Member who voted in the prevailing side of the first motion, and accepted by a majority of those present and voting.
Redistricting
The process of redrawing political boundaries to ensure equity in representation.
Repeal
Parliamentary action to revoke or annul a prior legislative enactment.
Rescind
Parliamentary action to nullify effect of any prior action that is not a legislative enactment; legislative enactments are repealed.
Residential
A land use classification that describes activities related to dwellings.
Resolution
A written expression of policy or policy intent, or the opinion or will of the municipal corporation as determined by the Mayor and City Council which is administrative and not legislative in character.
Results Minneapolis
A management tool that systematically tracks and reports performance.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
An invitation to contractors, companies, or agencies to contract to provide a service or materials to the City. A RFP may be open to sleeved bidders or to all.
Request for Committee Action (RCA)
A memorandum from a department to initiate action by City Council.
Right–of–way
The area on, below, or above any real property in which the City has an interest including, but not limited to, any street, road, highway, alley, sidewalk, parkway, park, or any other place, area, or real property owned by or under the control of the City.
Roll Call Vote
A voting method in which a Member and his or her vote on a specific question are registered in the official record. Under a roll call vote, the clerk calls each Member’s name aloud and Members vote by responding when their name is called: aye (affirmative); nay (negative); or abstain. At the conclusion of the roll call, the clerk announces the total number voting on each side of the question. The presiding officer is always called last in a roll call. This voting method is also called voting by the Yeas & Nays.

S

Seniority
The rank of Members based on their continuous length of service in office.
Setback
The minimum horizontal distance between a structure and the lot line, road, highway, high watermark, or another structure.
Standing Committees
Standing Committees consider legislation and other matters and study specific areas of concern and report findings and recommendations to the full City Council.
Subdivision
The division or re-division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots either by platting or metes and bounds description.

T

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
TIF is a development tool utilized by government agencies to encourage development that otherwise would not be financially feasible. Financing is secured by the anticipated incremental increase in tax revenue, resulting from the redevelopment of an area.
Truth in Taxation (TNT)
Notices and public hearings required by the State of Minnesota to disclose how property taxes are determined, address any disputes to property evaluation, explain City Budget appropriations, and encourage public participation in setting spending priorities.

V

Vacation of Easement
The removal of an easement from a property, generally in reference to a utility and drainage easement.
Variance
The waiving of the provisions of the zoning chapter in instances where the strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration. Self-imposed hardships are never eligible for variances.
Veto
Authority of the Mayor to disapprove action by the City Council. The Council can override the Mayor's veto by a two–thirds vote.
Voice Vote
A voting method in which Members orally declare their position on a specific question and the presiding officer determines the majority and declares the outcome. In contrast to a roll call vote, the record reflects only whether a question passes or fails and not individual votes of the Members. Voice votes are the standard voting method used in committee; roll call votes are the standard voting method in the full City Council.
Vote
The formal declaration by a Member registering support, opposition, or abstention with regard to a specific proposal or question under consideration.

W

Ward
A specific territory, or area, within the City that is represented by a Council Member. There are thirteen wards in the City of Minneapolis.
Watershed
The area drained by the natural and artificial drainage system.

XYZ

Zoning Code
A document, adopted by the City Council, that defines zoning classifications within the city and prescribes the regulations associated with structural and architectural designs of the buildings and the use of those buildings within each zoning classification.
Zoning Districts
A zoning district may be either a primary district or an overlay district. The current districts are outlined briefly below. For more information on the definitions and requirements associated with each district, please consult the Municipal Code, Title 20.
Primary Zoning Districts
A primary district is any of several residence, office residence, commercial, downtown, or industrial districts. All property within the city is included within a primary zoning district. In the municipal code, these districts are described in chapters 546-550.
Residence Districts
R1Single-family District (low density)
R1ASingle-family District (low density)
R2Two-family District (low density)
R2BTwo-family District (low density)
R3Multiple-family District (medium density)
R4Multiple-family District (medium density)
R5Multiple-family District (high density)
R6Multiple-family District (high density)
Office Residence Districts
OR1Neighborhood Office Residence District
OR2High Density Office Residence District
OR3Institutional Office Residence District
Commercial Districts
C1Neighborhood Commercial District
C2Neighborhood Corridor Commercial District
C3ACommunity Activity Center District
C3SCommunity Shopping Center District
C4General Commercial District
Downtown Districts
B4Downtown Business District
B4SDowntown Service District
B4CDowntown Commercial District
Industrial Districts
I1Light Industrial District
I2Medium Industrial District
I3General Industrial District
Overlay Zoning Districts
An overlay district is any of several additional districts established by the zoning regulations that may be more or less restrictive than the primary zoning district. Where a property is located within an overlay district, it is subject to the provisions of both the primary zoning district and the overlay district. Where the provisions are in conflict, the overlay district governs. In the city’s municipal code, these districts are described in Chapter 551.- Overlay Districts.

PO Pedestrian Oriented Overlay District
LH Linden Hills Overlay District
IL Industrial Living Overlay District
TP Transitional Parking Overlay District
SH Shoreland Overlay District
FP Floodplain Overlay District
MR Mississippi River Critical Area Overlay District
DP Downtown Parking Overlay District
B4H Downtown Housing Overlay District
DH Downtown Height Overlay District
NM Nicollet Mall Overlay District
HA Harmon Area Overlay District
NP North Phillips Overlay District
AP Airport Overlay District
UA University Area Overlay District
WB West Broadway Overlay District

Acronyms

501c3
Non-profit organization
AA
Affirmative Action
ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act
ADEA
Age Discrimination in Employment Act
ADR
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADT
Average Daily Traffic
AFL-CIO
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
AFR
Applicable Federal Rate
AFSCME
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
AGI
Adjusted Gross Income
AHRI
American Heritage River Initiative
AIA
American Institute of Architects
AIBDC
American Indian Business Development Corporation
AICP
American Institute of Certified Planners
AMI
Area Median Income
AMM
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
ANA
Armatage Neighborhood Association
ANA
Audubon Neighborhood Association
APA
American Planning Association
ARIF
Affordable Rental Investment Fund (MHFA program)
BC
Battalion Chief (Mpls Fire Dept)
BCA
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
BCV
Bassett Creek Valley
BLS
Bureau of Labor Standards
BMNA
Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association
BMP
Best Management Practices
BMS
Bureau of Mediation Services
BNA
Bancroft Neighborhood Association
BNA
Bottineau Neighborhood Association
BNC
Beltrami Neighborhood Council
BNO
Bryant Neighborhood Organization
BOA
Board of Adjustment
BOMA
Building Owners & Management Association of Minneapolis
BW
Bench Warrant
CAC
Citizens Advisory Committee
CACHIE
Citywide Committee on Home Improvement Education
CAFR
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
CAO
City Attorney’s Office
CAP
Coordinated Action Plan
CAPRS
Computer Assisted Police Records System
CAT
Chemical Assessment Team
CBD
Central Business District
CBF
Common Bond Fund
CBO
Community-based organization
CCHT
Central Community Housing Trust
CCMT
Concerned Citizens of Marshall Terrace
CCP/SAFE
Community Crime Prevention/Safety for Everyone
CD
Community Development Committee
CDBG
Community Development Block Grant (federal funding)
CDC
Community Development Corporation
CDL
Commercial Drivers License
CEAC
Citizen Environmental Advisory Committee
CEDF
Community Economic Development Fund (a program of the MCDA)
CEE
Center for Energy and the Environment
CERCLA
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation & Liability Act, a.k.a Superfund
CFCs
Chlorofluorocarbons
CFL
Children, Family and Learning
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
CHAMP
Child Health Assessment & Monitoring Project survey
CHODO
Community Housing Development Organization (HUD term under the HOME program)
CHS
Community Health Services (state funds for public health)
CID
Central Investigations Division
CIDNA
Cedar-Isles-Dean Neighborhood Association
CIP
Capital Improvement Program
CIP
Citizen Inspection Program
CIP
Community Investment Program
CIT
Crisis Intervention Team
CJCC
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
CJIS
Criminal Justice Information System
CJS
Criminal Justice System
CLG
Certified Local Government
CLIC
Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee
CLPC
Citizens for a Loring Park Community
CLSR
Center for Local Self Reliance
CM
Council Member
CMP
Comprehensive Municipal Plan
CNA
Cleveland Neighborhood Association
CNAP
Coordinated Neighborhood Action Plan
CNIA
Central Neighborhood Improvement Association
CNO
Corcoran Neighborhood Organization
CO
Certificate of Occupancy, issued at completion of new construction/remodeling when occupancy has changed
COC
Continuum of Care
CODEFOR
Computer Optimized Deployment-Focus On Results
COPS
Community Oriented Policing Services
COW
Committee of the Whole (City Council)
CP
Command Post
CPC
City Planning Commission
CPD
(HUD’s office of) Community Planning and Development
CPED
Community Planning and Economic Development
CPNA
Columbia Park Neighborhood Association
CPS
Crime Prevention Specialist
CPT
Captain, a rank in the Police or Fire Department
CPTED
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
CRA
Civilian Review Authority
CRA
Community Revitalization Act
CRT
Community Response Team
CSA
Community Services Administration or Act
CSAH
County State-Aid Highways
CSBG
Community Services Block Grant
CSC
Civil Service Commission
CSH
Corporation for Supportive Housing
CSL
Convention Sports and Leisure
CSO
Combined Sewer Overflow
CSO
Community Service Officer
CSR
Civil Service Rules
CSWG
Contaminated Sites Working Group
CUE
Committee on Urban Environment
CUED
Committee on Urban Economic Development
CUP
Conditional Use Permit
CURA
Center for Urban and Regional Affairs
CWA
Clean Water Act
CY
Calendar Year
DAP
Domestic Abuse Project
DARE
Drug Awareness Resistance Education
DCR
Debt Coverage Ratio
DEP
Deputy Chief, a rank in the Police or Fire Department
DMNA
Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association
DOER
Department of Employee Relations
DOT
Department of Transportation
DP
Decision Package
DTC
Downtown Council
DTED
(Minnesota) Department of Trade and Economic Development
EAC
Employee Advisory Committee
EAP
Employee Assistance Program
EAW
Environmental Assessment Worksheet
EC
Enterprise Community
ECT
Environmental Coordinating Team
EDA
Economic Development Administration (federal)
EDA
Economic Development Agency (city or county)
EDAM
Economic Development Association of Minnesota
EEO
Equal Employment Opportunity
EEOC
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
EHFNA
East Harriet-Farmstead Neighborhood Association
EIP
Employee Involvement Programs
EIRA
East Isles Residents Association
EIS
Environmental Impact Statement
EMS
Emergency Medical Services
EMT
Emergency Medical Technician
EMV
Estimated Market Value
ENG
Engine (Mpls Fire Dept)
EOC
Emergency Operations Center
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA
Equal Pay Act
EPIC
East Phillips Improvement Coalition
EPNI
Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc.
EQB
Environmental Quality Board, formerly known as EQC
EQC
Environmental Quality Council, now known as EQB
ERT
Emergency Response Team
ERU
Emergency Response Unit
ESB
Emerging Small Business
ESG
Emergency Shelter Grant (Federal funding for transitional housing)
ESL
English as a Second Language
ETOP
Employment Training Opportunities Program
EVP
Emergency Vehicle Priority
EZ
Empowerment Zone (federal funding)
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FHA
Federal Housing Administration
FHF
Family Housing Fund
FHLB
Federal Home Loan Bank
FIFO
First In First Out
FLSA
Fair Labor Standards Act
FMLA
Family and Medical Leave Act
FMR
Fair Market Rent
FMV
Fair Market Value
FNA
Folwell Neighborhood Association
FNA
Fulton Neighborhood Association
FNMA
Federal National Mortgage Association (FannieMae)
FRB
Federal Reserve Bank
FRNNG
Field-Regina-Northrop Neighborhood Group
FTE
Full Time Equivalent
FTO
Field Training Officer
FY
Fiscal Year
GA
General Assistance
GASB
Government Accounting Standards Board
GBA
Gross Building Area
GIS
Geographic Information Systems (for mapping)
GLBT
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender
GMCVA
Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association
GMDCA
Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association
GMHC
Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation
GNMA
Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae)
GO
General Obligation Bonds
GPOG
GIS Program Owners Group
GRH
Guaranteed Ride Home
HABS
Historic American Building Survey
HACA
Homestead Agricultural Credit Aid
HACC
Hawthorne Area Community Council
HAP
Housing Assistance Plan
HazMat
Hazardous Materials
HCADC
Hennepin County Adult Detention Center
HCFC
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
HCGC
Hennepin County Government Center
HCMC
Hennepin County Medical Center
HCRRA
Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority
HCSO
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
HH
Household
HHW
Household Hazardous Waste
HNA
Harrison Neighborhood Association
HNIA
Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association
HOME
Not an acronym, refers to federal Home Investment Partnerships Program
HOPE
Home Ownership for People Everywhere (federal housing funds)
HOPWA
Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (federal funding)
HOV
High Occupancy Vehicle
HOW
Home Ownership Works (a program of the MCDA)
HPC
Heritage Preservation Commission
HPDL
Hale, Page, Diamond Lake Community Association
HPO
Hiawatha Project Office
HR
Human Resources Department
HRB
Housing Revenue Bonds
HRS
Health Related Services (Minneapolis Public Schools)
HTF
Housing Trust Fund (MHFA funding program)
HUD
Housing and Urban Development
IAFF
International Association of Firefighters
IAU
Internal Affairs Unit
IC
Incident Commander (Mpls Fire Dept)
IDB
Industrial Development Bonds
IDIS
Integrated Disbursement & Information System (reporting system for CPD)
IGR
Intergovernmental Relations Committee (or Division)
IMLA
International Municipal Lawyers Association
IR&CA
Immigration Reform and Control Act
IRB
Industrial Revenue Bonds
ISO
Incident Safety Officer (Mpls Fire Dept)
ISTEA
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (replaced by TEA-21)
ITE
Institute of Transportation Engineers
ITS
Information and Technology Services Department
JACC
Jordan Area Community Council
JDC
Juvenile Detention Center
JJS
Juvenile Justice System
JTPA
Jobs Training Partnership Act
KFNA
Kingfield Neighborhood Association
KIAA
Kenwood-Isles Area Association
KNA
Kenny Neighborhood Association
KSF
Thousand Square Feet
LBNA
Lind-Bohanon Neighborhood Association
LBP
Lead Base Paint
LCA
Livable Communities Act
LCC
Longfellow Community Council
LCDA
Livable Communities Demonstration Account (Met Council funding)
LCTBRA
Livable Communities Tax Base Revitalization Account program
LCTS
Local Collaborative Time Study (Medicaid management funds)
LEAA
Law Enforcement Assistance Administration
LEAP
Labor, Education, Advancement Program
LGA
Local Government Aid
LHENA
Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association
LHRI
Lowry Hill Residents Inc
LIF
Leveraged Investment Fund
LIFO
Last In First Out
LIHEAP
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LiHNC
Linden Hills Neighborhood Council
LIHTC
Low Income Housing Tax Credits
LIMS
Legislative Information Management System
LISC
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
LMC
Labor Management Committee
LMC
League of Minnesota Cities
LMV
Limited Market Value
LNA
Lyndale Neighborhood Association
LOA
Leave of Absence
LOS
Level of Service
LPHA
Local Public Health Association
LPNA
Logan Park Neighborhood Association
LRP
Lot Reduction Program (a program of the MCDA)
LRT
Light Rail Transit
LUST
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
LYNAS
Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association
MAC
Metropolitan Airports Commission
MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
MAHCO
Minnesota Association of Housing Code Officials
MALHFA
Minnesota Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies
MAO
Minnesota Age and Opportunity Center
MAPSI
Municipal Animal Patrol Services, Inc
MARIF
Minnesota Families ARIF fund (MHFA program)
MASAC
Metropolitan Aircraft Sound Abatement Council
MBC
Municipal Building Commission
MBE
Minority-owned Business Enterprise
MCAA
Minneapolis Community Action Agency, now known as CAM
MCC
Minneapolis Convention Center
MCCD
Minneapolis Consortium of Community Developers
MCCR
Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights
MCDA
Minneapolis Community Development Agency
MCES
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
MCH
Maternal and Child Health
MCS
Metro Commuter Services
MCTO
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (1995, 1996)
MCWD
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
MDCR
Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights
MDH
Minnesota Department of Health
MDHR
Minnesota Department of Human Rights
MECC
Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center
MEDA
MN Economic Development Association
MERB
Municipal Employees Retirement Board
MERF
Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund
MERLA
Minnesota Environmental Response Liability Act
MERSC
Minnesota Employee Recreation & Services Council
METP
Minneapolis Employment & Training Program
MFD
Minneapolis Fire Department
MFIP
Minnesota Family Investment Program
MHFA
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
MHNA
Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association
MHRA
Minnesota Human Rights Act
MHS
Minnesota Historical Society
MILES
Minneapolis Industrial Land and Employment Strategy
MIP/DAP
Minneapolis Intervention/Domestic Abuse Project
MIS
Management Information System
MMI
Metropolitan Median Income
MMRWMO
Middle Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization
MMS
Minneapolis Multicultural Services
MMSW
Mixed Municipal Solid Waste
MNCIS
Minnesota Crime Information System
MnDOT
Minnesota Department of Transportation
MNDTED
Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development
MNSCU
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
MOA
Memorandum of Agreement
MOU
Memorandum of Understanding
MOV
Multiple Occupancy Vehicle
MPCA
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
MPD
Minneapolis Police Department
MPEA
Minneapolis Professional Employees Association
MPHA
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
MPL
Minneapolis Public Library
MPOF
Minneapolis Police Officers Federation
MPRA
Minneapolis Police Relief Association
MPRB
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
MPRB
Minnehaha Park Recreation Board
MPS
Minneapolis Public Schools
MPWEA
Minneapolis Public Works Engineers Association
MRCC
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
MRCC
Mississippi River Coordinating Commission
MRT
Management Review Team for the NRP
MSA
Municipal State Aid
MSCA
MN Shopping Center Association
MSFC
Metropolitan Sports Facilities Committee
MSFCA
Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association
MTN
Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
MUPS
Municipal and Utility Package System
MVNA
Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency
NAACP
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
NAB
National Alliance of Business
NAHRO
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
NCIS
National Crime Information System
NDP
Neighborhood Development Project
NEA
National Endowment for the Arts
NEC
Neighborhood Environment Committee
NEDF
Neighborhood Economic Development Fund (a program of the MCDA)
NEF
National Equity Fund (tax credit investor)
NELC
Neighborhood Early Learning Center
NEN
Neighborhood Employment Network
NENA
Nokomis East Neighborhood Association
NEPNA
Northeast Park Neighborhood Association
NFA
National Fire Academy
NFPA
National Fire Protection Agency
NGO
Non-governmental Organization
NHCN
Neighborhood Health Care Network
NHPA
National Historic Preservation Act
NIEBPAC
Nicollet Island-East Bank Project Area Committee
NIMBY
Not In My Back Yard
NLA
Net Leasable Area
NLC
National League of Cities
NNHS
Northside Neighborhood Housing Services
NNO
National Night Out
NOW
National Organization for Women
NPDES
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
NRP
Neighborhood Revitalization Program (Mpls funding program for neighborhoods)
NRRC
Northside Residents Redevelopment Council
NWIP
North Washington Industrial Park
OCU
Organized Crime Unit
OEA
Office of Environmental Assistance
OIC
Opportunities Industrialization Center
OJT
On The Job Training
OMB
Office of Management and Budget
OPR
Off the Payroll
OSC
On Scene Commander
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSTC
Occupational Skills Training Center
PAA
Project Analysis Authorization
PAB
Personnel Advisory Board
PAC
Precinct Advisory Council
PAL
Police Athletic League
PARIF
Preservation ARIF Funds (MHFA program)
PCA
Pollution Control Agency
PD
Police Department
PD
Public Defender
PELRA
Public Employment Labor Relations Act
PERA
Public Employees Retirement Association
PHAC
Public Health Advisory Committee
PILOT
Payment in Lieu of Taxes
PIO
Public Information Officer
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
PPERRIA
Prospect Park-East River Road Improvement Association
PPF
Preliminary Planning Fund
PPL
Project for Pride in Living
PPNA
Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association
PRC
Permanent Review Committee
PRC
Project Review Committee
PRG
Powderhorn Residents Group
PSC
Public Service Center
PSF
Public Service Facility
PSP
Public Space Partners
PSR
Public Service Request
PSRS
Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee
PTE
Part-Time Equivalent
PW
Public Works Department
QAP
Qualified Allocation Plan (for low income housing tax credits)
QAU
Quality Assurance Unit
QRC
Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant
QRC
Qualified Rehabilitation Coordinator
REAC
Real Estate Assessment Center (HUD multi-family department)
RFP
Request for Proposals
RFQ
Request for Qualifications
RGU
Responsible Government Unit
RIF
Rehabilitation Incentive Fund
RLF
Revolving Loan Fund
RLIC
Rental Licensing
ROCCI
Repeat Offenders Code Compliance Initiative, now known as City Wide Initiative
ROE
Return on Equity
ROP
Repeat Offender Program
RSVP
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
RTF
Rich Text Format (Windows)
RTW
Return to Work Program
SAENA
St. Anthony East Neighborhood Association
SAFE
Safety for Everyone
SAOIC
Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center
SBA
Small Business Administration
SBC
School-based clinics
SBCD
State Building Codes Division
SBE
Small Business Enterprise Program
SCNA
Shingle Creek Neighborhood Association
SECIA
Southeast Como Improvement Association
Section 106
Federal historic preservation regulations
Section 3
Federal regulations for economic opportunities for local residents & businesses
Section 42
IRS codes for LIHTC
SEED
South East Economic Committee
SEMI
Southeast Minneapolis Industrial Area
SENA
Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association
SHAPE
Survey of the Health of Adults, the Population and the Environment
SHP
(HUD) Supportive Housing Program
SHPO
State Historical Preservation Office
SID
Special Investigations Division
SIP
Subject in Progress
SISP
Strategic Information System Plan
SLUC
Sensible Land Use Commission
SNG
Seward Neighborhood Group
SNHS
Southside Neighborhood Housing Services
SNO
Sheridan Neighborhood Organization
SOV
Single Occupancy Vehicle
SRC
Staff Review Committee
SRO
Single Room Occupancy (dwelling unit)
SSCO
Stevens Square Community Organization
SSI
Supplemental Security Income
SSO
Sanitary Sewer Overflow
STAWNO
St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization
STS
Sentencing to Serve
SUBP
Small and Underutilized Business Enterprise Program
SW&R
Solid Waste and Recycling Division
SWIM
Safe Water in Minneapolis
SYEP
Summer Youth Employment Program
SYETP
Summer Youth Employment & Training Program
TAB
Transportation Advisory Board (of the Met Council)
TAC
Technical Advisory Committee
TAD
Third Avenue Distributor
TBRA
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
TCED
Twin Cities Economic Development Group
TCMA
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
TCMC
Twin Cities Metropolitan Council
TDD
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf
TEA-21
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (replaces ISTEA)
TEA3
The anticipated reauthorization of TEA-21
TIC
Traveler Information Center
TIF
Tax Increment Financing
TISH
Truth-in-Sale of Housing
TIVA
Towing of Inoperable Vehicles
TMO
Transportation Management Organization
TMP
Transportation Management Plan
TNA
Tangletown Neighborhood Association
TOD
Transit-Oriented Development
TOH
This Old House
TPW
Transportation and Public Works Committee
TRA
Tenants Remedy Act
TRI
Toxic Release Inventory
TSC
Technology Steering Committee
TTD
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, a.k.a. TTY
TTD
Temporary Total Disability
TTY
a.k.a. TTD
UDAG
Urban Development Action Grants
UEC
Urban Ecology Coalition
UMO
University of Minnesota Opera
URA
(Federal) Uniform Relocation Act
URAP
Urban Revitalization Action Program
USEPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
USFA
United States Fire Administration
VA
Veteran’s Administration
VB
Vacant & Boarded
VBR
Vacant Building Registration
VIC
Voluntary Investigative Cleanup (MPCA Program)
VINA
Victory Neighborhood Association
VISTA
Volunteers in Service to America
VO
Vacant & Open
VPIC
Voluntary Petroleum Investigative Cleanup
VS
Vacant & Secure
W/MBE
Women/Minority Business Enterprise
WBCC
West Bank Community Coalition
WBE
Women-owned Business Enterprise
WC
Workers Compensation
WCC
Windom Community Council
WCNO
Webber-Camden Neighborhood Organization
WIC
Women, Infants & Children Food Supplemental Program
WIND
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development
WMEP
West Metro Education Project
WMO
Watershed Management Organization
WPCC
Waite Park Community Council
WPCIA
Windom Park Citizens in Action
YCB
Youth Coordinating Board
YETP
Youth Employment & Training Program

Budget terms

The accounts of the City are organized by fund types. A “fund” is a grouping of related accounts that is used to maintain control over resources that have been segregated for specific activities or objectives.

The operations of each fund are monitored with a separate set of self-balancing accounts that comprise its assets, liabilities, fund equities, revenues and expenditures/expenses. Following is a listing and description of all City funds.

General Fund
The General Fund is the general operating fund of the City. It is used to account for all financial resources except those that are required to be accounted for in another fund.
Enterprise Funds
The Enterprise Funds are used to account for those activities of the City which are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises where expenses, including depreciation, are recovered principally through user charges. The City operates eight enterprise funds, including the Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department:
Water Works Fund
This fund is used to account for the operation, maintenance and construction projects related to the water delivery system. This fund also accounts for the operations related to the billings for water, sewage and solid waste fees.
Sanitary Sewer Fund
This fund will be used to account for the operation, maintenance and construction projects related to the sanitary sewer system.
Stormwater Fund
This fund will be used to account for the operation, maintenance and construction projects related to the stormwater utility system.
Solid Waste and Recycling Fund
This fund is used to account for the revenues and expenses for solid waste collection, disposal and recycling activities.
Municipal Parking Fund
This fund is used to account for the operation, maintenance and construction of the City's parking facilities as well as on-street parking and the Municipal Impound Lot.
Park Operations Fund
This fund is used to account for operation, maintenance and construction of projects related to the Park Board, especially golf courses.
River Terminal
This fund is used to account for the operations of the public terminal facility located on the Mississippi River.
Internal Service Funds
Internal Service Funds are similar to Enterprise Funds in that they are used to account for those City services which are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises, however, the customer is typically other City departments instead of the public. The City operates six Internal Service Funds:
Engineering Materials and Supplies
This fund is used to account for the operations of the City's asphalt plant and paving products laboratory. The paving products laboratory provides in lab and on-site testing and soil boring services to ensure quality control of asphalt and soils for projects.
Intergovernmental Services
This fund is used to account for business information services, central mailing and printing services, and the City's telecommunication operations.
Property Services
This fund is used to account for the physical management and maintenance of fire stations, police precinct buildings, the Minneapolis Public Service Center, and various other City office locations, except for the City Hall/County courthouse building, which is accounted for in the Municipal Building Commission Special Revenue Fund.
Permanent Improvement Equipment
This fund is used to account for the ownership and operation of radio communications equipment and a fleet of motorized equipment and vehicles. The fund operates as a rental agent to various departments to support the construction and maintenance of city infrastructure, fire protection services, and police services.
Public Works Stores
This fund is used to account for the centralized procurement, warehousing, and distribution of stocked inventory items, and the purchase of special goods and services.
Self-Insurance
This fund is used to account for administrative costs employee benefit programs. The fund also accounts for occupational health services, severance payments to employees who have retired or resigned and who meet minimum eligibility requirements, a tort liability program, and a workers' compensation program.
Park Self-Insurance and Internal Service Funds
This fund is used to account for park employees’ medical, dental, and life insurance benefit programs and the programs' administrative costs. The fund also accounts for occupational health services, severance payments to employees who have retired or resigned and who meet minimum eligibility requirements, a tort liability program, and a workers' compensation program. The Park Board also has an internal service fund for charges within its programs.
Special Revenue Funds
Special revenue funds are used to account for the proceeds of revenue sources that are restricted by legal and regulatory provisions to finance specific activities. The City has thirty-four Special Revenue Funds, including community and economic development funds. These funds are used to account for the City’s planning and community development goals, most of which are financed through property tax increment financing.
Arena Reserve Fund
This fund is a holding fund for various finance plan revenues to be used for future cost relating to the acquisition and capital maintenance of the downtown sports, entertainment and health complex.
Board of Estimate and Taxation Fund
This fund is used to account for the operations of the Board of Estimate and Taxation which issues and sell bonds, and establishes the maximum levies for the City, its boards and commissions.
Community Development Block Grant
This fund is used to account for the federal grants received under the Federal Community Development Block Grant provisions. Convention Center. This fund is used to account for the ownership, maintenance, and operation of the Minneapolis Convention Center, and the proceeds of the local sales and use tax.
Convention Facilities Reserve
This fund is a holding fund for parking and sales tax revenues to be used for future capital maintenance needs of the existing Convention Center.
Employee Retirement
This fund is used to account for the tax levy proceeds and other sources of revenue for the Minneapolis Employee Retirement Fund (MERF), Minneapolis Firefighters’ Relief Association (MFRA), and Minneapolis Police Relief Association (MPRA) retirement programs for some city employees.
Grants – Federal
This fund is used to account for all federal grants, except for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which is accounted for in a separate fund.
Grants – Other
This fund is used to account for grants received from the State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, local government units, and private funds.
Municipal Building Commission
This fund is used to account for the cost of operating and maintaining the City Hall/County Court House building.
Police Special Revenue
This fund is used to account for the revenues and expenditures related to federal and state administrative forfeitures and the revenues and expenditures related to the regulation of lawful gambling in the City.
Park Operating Fund
This fund is used to account for revenue and expenditures related to the cost of operating and maintaining the Minneapolis Parks system.
Capital Projects Funds
The Capital Projects Fund is used to account for financial resources and expenditures applied to the construction of capital facilities and major purchased items for governmental fund types:
Community Planning and Economic Development
This fund is used to account for the capital project activities of the department of Community Planning and Economic Development.
Municipal Building Commission (MBC) Capital Fund
This fund is used to account for the capital project activities of the MBC, a component unit of the City of Minneapolis.
Permanent Improvement Capital Fund
This fund is used to account for capital acquisition, construction, and improvement projects including bridge construction, sidewalk construction, street construction, energy conservation projects, infrastructure projects, and many Business and Information Services (BIS) projects.
Park Board Permanent Improvement Capital Fund
This fund is used to account for the capital project activities of the Park Board.
Debt Service Funds
The Debt Service Funds are used to account for the accumulation of resources for, and the payment of, general long-term debt, principal, interest, and related costs. Included in the Debt Service Funds are:
Community Development Agency Debt Service Fund
This fund is used to account for the debt service activities of CPED and includes the Arena Acquisition Project (Target Center) Series A and B bonds, Tax Increment Bonds of 1990, and Tax Increment Revenue Notes.
Development Debt Service Fund
This fund is used to account for the debt of projects supported by property tax increments, transfers of sales tax revenues from the Convention Center Special Revenue Fund for related debt, and a state grant relating to the completion of the Convention Center.
General Debt Service Fund
This fund is used to account for General Obligation Bonds supported by a property tax levy, Management Information System debt supported by the City's General Fund, Great River Road Bonds, Edison Hockey, Community Health, Xcel Power-Revenue, and Section 108 HUD Revenue Notes.
Special Assessment Debt Service Fund
This fund is used to account for debt supported by special assessments with the exception of the Park Diseased Tree debt.