Mayor Rybak Announces Special Project to Honor Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton
February 7, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak today announced a special project to honor former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton.
At Mayor Rybak’s initiative, the City of Minneapolis will renovate the landmark, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired bridge on Third Avenue South over Interstate 94 and rededicate it as the “Sharon Sayles Belton Bridge.” The plaza at the foot of the north side of the bridge will feature a new public artwork that will honor Mayor Sayles Belton’s historic accomplishments.
A formal rededication of the bridge, along with the unveiling of the public artwork in Mayor Sayles Belton’s honor, will take place in the fall.
Mayor Rybak, Chief Harteau Meet with President Obama in Minneapolis in Fight Against Gun Violence
February 4, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Police Chief Janeé Harteau met with President Obama in Minneapolis today to discuss Minneapolis’ record of reducing gun violence and youth violence, and to offer their support of his common-sense proposals for ending gun violence.
Mayor Rybak and Chief Harteau joined President Obama for a roundtable discussion that included U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Governor Mark Dayton, members of Congress and a variety of grassroots, community and law-enforcement stakeholders in the fight to end gun violence.
Mayor Rybak: Governor Dayton Listens to Mayors
January 22, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak released the following statement about Governor Mark Dayton’s budget proposal:
"Today, Governor Dayton showed that he listens to Minnesota’s mayors.
“For too many years, mayors from both parties and every community tried to make our voices heard at the Capitol about the need to rein in property taxes, stabilize Local Government Aid and stop lurching from deficit to deficit — but frankly, we had little success and business went on as usual.
“But Governor Dayton changed course: he and Commissioner Myron Frans formed the Mayors Tax Reform Advisory Group, which I was proud to co-chair with St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis, and brought mayors to the table to listen to our ideas about how to reform our tax system while keeping our communities safe, strong and vibrant.
At White House, Mayor Rybak Supports President's Gun Proposal
January 16, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak was at the White House today for President Obama’s announcement of his comprehensive proposal to fight gun violence. Mayor Rybak said:
"As mayor of a community that has witnessed far too much gun violence, I’m deeply thankful to President Obama for his courage, which will make all communities safer. I'm especially encouraged by the President's proposal to eliminate barriers on the ability of federal and local law enforcement to work together to solve gun crime and trace where illegal guns come from.
“On behalf of so many people who grieve lost lives, I call on Congress to pass this legislation and save lives."
Mayor Rybak, Milwakee Mayor Barrett Host Daylong Regional Gun Summit
January 10, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Mayor R.T. Rybak and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, along with the cities of Minneapolis and Milwaukee, hosted a daylong Regional Gun Summit in Minneapolis today.
Around 100 participants from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri — mayors and city council members, police chiefs and officers, prosecutors, state and federal law enforcement, judges and advocates, along with national researchers — shared information, best practices, common opportunities and challenges in the fight against gun violence and illegal guns.
Mayor Rybak, Judy Dayton Invite Public to Community Celebration of Minnesota Orchestra Grammy Nomination
January 9, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Mayor R.T. Rybak and Minnesota Orchestra benefactor Judy Dayton today invited the public to a community celebration that they are hosting on Friday evening, February 1 to mark the Minnesota Orchestra's nomination for a Grammy Award. The celebration will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The Minnesota Orchestra has been nominated for Best Orchestral Performance at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards for its recording of Jean Sibelius’ Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5, conducted by Osmo Vänskä and released by the Swedish label BIS Records. The winner in the category will be announced on February 10.
Mayor Rybak Pays Up on Friendly Wager with Green Bay Mayor
January 7, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak today paid up his end of his friendly wager with Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt on the outcome of last Saturday’s NFC wild-card game, which the Green Bay Packers won against the Minnesota Vikings.
Mayor Rybak has sent Mayor Schmitt house-made sausages from Minneapolis restaurant Butcher and the Boar, recently named Restaurant of the Year by the Star Tribune. Mayor Schmitt had wagered Green Bay cheese, root beer and candy.
Crime in Minneapolis Remains at Lowest Levels in Decades
January 4, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Police Chief Janeé Harteau today released statistics showing that violent crime in 2012 was at the second-lowest level since 1983, and only slightly higher than the recent low of 2011. In addition, Part I crime (violent and property crime together) remains at low levels comparable to the mid-1960s.
“It takes a whole city to keep a whole city safe,” said Mayor Rybak. “Much of our progress in 2012 in keeping crime at historically low levels is due to effective partnerships between police and community. As we look ahead, we will meet the same challenges in 2013 with the same kind of collaboration.”
Mayor Rybak, Green Bay Mayor Schmitt Place Friendly Wager on Saturday's Wild Card Game
January 3, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt announced today have placed a friendly wager on the outcome of Saturday’s NFC wild-card game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers.
Mayor Rybak will wager house-made sausages from Minneapolis restaurant Butcher and the Boar, recently named Restaurant of the Year by the Star Tribune. Mayor Schmitt will wager BelGioioso cheese, along with Sno-cap Root Beer from Titletown Brewing Company and Beernsten’s Candies, all from Green Bay.
Mayor Rybak, City Council Approve 2013 Budget that Invests in Roads, Safety, Growth and Reform
December 12, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the City Council today unanimously approved a 2013 budget of $1.085 billion for the City of Minneapolis that makes major investments in infrastructure, public safety, economic growth and reform, particularly of the Department of Regulatory Services.
City of Minneapolis spending will decrease by approximately 3 percent in 2013 compared to 2012.
Seventy percent of Minneapolis homeowners will feel no increase, or even a decrease, in their City property taxes in 2013.
Mayor Rybak, Local Residents Join Call with President Obama, U.S. Mayors on Importance of Renewing Middle-Class Tax Cuts
December 12, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak was joined by metro-area residents in his office today as they joined a call with President Barack Obama and other U.S. mayors about the importance of renewing middle-class tax cuts, reducing the deficit in a balanced manner, and keeping the economy growing by keeping an average of $2,200 in the pockets of every middle-class American family.
Without an agreement on the “fiscal cliff” by the end of the year, taxes on middle-class families in Minnesota will increase by an average of $2,200. If a balanced agreement is reached, however, taxes will not rise for 98 percent of American families and 97 percent of small businesses.
Janee' Harteau Sworn in as Police Chief
December 4, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Janeé Harteau was sworn in today as Minneapolis’ 52nd chief of police. Chief Harteau was pinned with the chief’s badge by her 13-year old daughter, Lauren, at a ceremony that 300 people attended in the City Hall Rotunda. A photo is attached. Video highlights of the ceremony are available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNrrMqrV_SQ.
Mayor R.T. Rybak said, “This job needs someone to command a rank from the top and lead officers. That’s an inside job. The job also requires someone who can go inside the community, who can understand pain and suffering and celebration in the community with the experience and the perspective of those from the outside
Mayor Rybak, City Council Approve Janee' Harteau as Police Chief
November 30, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak today signed the City Council’s unanimous confirmation of Mayor Rybak’s nomination of Assistant Police Chief Janeé Harteau as Minneapolis’ new chief of police.
Chief Harteau will be formally sworn in on Tuesday, December 4 at 12:30 p.m., in a ceremony in the City Hall Rotunda.
Mayor Rybak to Meet with Vice President Biden, Congressional Leaders to Urge Balanced Approach to Deficit Reduction
November 15, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will join a series of meetings at the White House and on Capitol Hill today with Vice President Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders to urge Congress to adopt a bipartisan, balanced approach to deficit reduction that avoids harmful sequestration cuts, promotes economic growth in America’s metropolitan areas and preserves middle-class tax cuts.
Mayor Rybak will be joined by a dozen other mayors from across the country as part of a delegation of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. They will also meet with House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Senator Mark Begich, chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.
Target Center Implementation Committee to Hold First Meeting
October 18, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — The City of Minneapolis’ Target Center Implementation Committee will hold its first meeting today. While negotiations between the City, the Minnesota Timberwolves and other partners about the scope and costs of Target Center renovation are ongoing, the Implementation Committee will begin the process of setting the City’s priorities for the design of the renovated Target Center and improvements to the public realm in the surrounding area.
The committee will meet from 4:30–6:00 p.m. today in Hospitality Rooms A and B at the Target Center.
Mayor Rybak, Downtown Hospitality Industry Announce 'Purple Path' for Vikings Fans
September 19, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak was joined by representatives of downtown Minneapolis’ hospitality industry and the Minnesota Vikings today in announcing the “Purple Path,” the rebranded stretch of Fifth Street South between the Warehouse District and the Metrodome that will be the site of an enhanced game-day experience for Minnesota Vikings fans and many others.
“We have promised an enhanced, urban, game-day experience for Vikings fans downtown, and today, we’re starting to deliver,” Mayor Rybak said. “With this first step of connecting the main game-day nodes along the new Purple Path, we’re highlighting the great entertainment options that Minneapolis offers fans, and taking the opportunity to add to them.”
Mayor Rybak's 2013 Budget Invests in Roads, Safety and Reform
August 15, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak today released his recommended 2013 budget for the City of Minneapolis, with significant investments in infrastructure, public safety and reform, as well as in housing and economic development.
Mayor Rybak’s budget delivers these investments with a 1.7 percent property-tax increase. This below-inflation increase is half of what it would have been if the Mayor and City Council majority had not secured and passed the Vikings stadium deal, which gave Minneapolis full control for the first time of a set of hospitality taxes that help reduce the property-tax burden of Target Center. Mayor Rybak thanked the City Council majority that passed the stadium deal, which will reduce pressure on property taxes for years to come.
Youth Violence Prevention in Minneapolis Moves Forward
July 30, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis’ successful youth violence prevention efforts took two steps forward today, with the release of an anti-gun-violence public-service announcement and the announcement of a five-year review of Minneapolis’ youth-violence prevention efforts.
Mayor R.T. Rybak released a public-service announcement with NFL player E.J. Henderson in which Henderson calls on people to keep youth safe by reporting illegal guns and threats or acts of gun violence. The PSA, produced by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, of which Mayor Rybak is an active member, can be viewed at www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/football.
Mayor Rybak, Council Member Goodman Praise Council Confirmaition of Jeremy Hanson Willis as CPED Director
July 20, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and City Council Member Lisa Goodman praised the City Council’s confirmation today of Jeremy Hanson Willis as director of the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED).
“In his many contributions to the City of Minneapolis, Jeremy has shown that he has exceptional focus and drive, and knows how to get the best out of people. He is already getting results at CPED and is providing strong direction of our ongoing efforts to grow jobs and business in Minneapolis and make our region highly competitive in the global economy,” said Mayor Rybak.
Mayor Rybak, Council President Johnson Propose Additional Appointments to Stadium Implementation Committee
June 27, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and City Council President Barbara Johnson have proposed a diverse set of additional appointments to the City’s Stadium Implementation Committee.
On June 15, David Wilson, managing director at Accenture, and Thomas Fisher, dean of the University of Minnesota’s College of Design, were named Stadium Implementation Committee co-chairs. The City Council also appointed Mayor Rybak, Council President Johnson and Council Members Kevin Reich, Diane Hofstede, Sandy Colvin Roy and Betsy Hodges to the committee.
Mayor Rybak Appoints Barbara Butts Williams, Bill McCarthy to Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority
June 13, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak today appointed Dr. Barbara Butts Williams, a Capella University dean, and Bill McCarthy, president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, to the newly-formed Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. The authority will build, own and operate the new stadium in downtown Minneapolis. By statute, Mayor Rybak appoints two members of the five-member authority.
“We now have the opportunity to transform a key district of downtown Minneapolis and build a place that will bring people together for a generation, with the new authority charged with leading Minnesota through this process,” Mayor Rybak said. “Barbara Butts Williams and Bill McCarthy bring strong qualifications and important voices to the table, and will represent Minneapolis residents, taxpayers, workers and visitors very well.”
Mayor Rybak Signs Minneapolis’ Approval of Stadium
May 25, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak this afternoon signed the City Council action that passed earlier today to grant local approval to the State legislation that will build a new stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The legislation also gives the City of Minneapolis the resources and flexibility for the first time to ensure the competitive future of two other important City-owned assets, the Minneapolis Convention Center and the Target Center, and to meet other economic-development and infrastructure needs.
Busting Myths About the Stadium
May 24, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — In advance of Minneapolis City Council votes on Thursday and Friday on final approval of the stadium bill, it is important to bust several myths and misleading claims about the new stadium that have surfaced in recent weeks. These claims do not hold up in the face of the facts.
Mayor Rybak Names Jennifer O'Rourke as Chief of Staff
May 23, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced today that he has selected Jennifer O’Rourke to serve as his office’s chief of staff.
For the past 11 years, O’Rourke has worked at the League of Minnesota Cities, a statewide organization that serves more than 800 member cities through advocacy, education and training, and policy development. As the League’s governmental relations representative, she advocates for League priorities at the Legislature, state agencies and congressional offices. In that role, she has worked in depth on policy issues of vital importance to the City of Minneapolis, including property taxes, Local Government Aid and economic development.
Mayor Rybak Nominates Paul Aasen as City Coordinator
May 1, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced today that he will nominate Paul Aasen, the current commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, to be the next city coordinator of the City of Minneapolis. Mayor Rybak will make the nomination at the meeting of the City’s Executive Committee on Wednesday, May 2.
Mayor R.T. Rybak said, “Paul Aasen follows in the tradition of Steven Bosacker in bringing top-notch professionalism in public service to the critically important role of city coordinator. He brings a wide range of experience across many fields to a job that requires it. I’m also especially pleased that he brings a deep environmental background to a city with deep green values and proven results in enhancing our sustainability.”
Mayor Rybak Will Nominate Assistant Chief Janee' Harteau as Next Police Chief
April 30, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced today that he intends to nominate current Assistant Chief Janeé Harteau to serve as Minneapolis’ next chief of police beginning in 2013, following the retirement of Chief Tim Dolan at the end of 2012.
“I am pleased to announce without hesitation that I will nominate Assistant Chief Janeé Harteau to serve as Minneapolis’ next chief of police. For many years, I have seen Janeé Harteau make our city safer, including during some of our toughest crises. She has succeeded at every step: on the street, at the downtown command and in our top administration.
Mayor Rybak: Minneapolis Dramatically Safer Under Chief Dolan’s Innovative Leadership
April 25, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and City Council members today strongly praised Police Chief Tim Dolan’s leadership in significantly reducing crime and making Minneapolis dramatically safer. Chief Dolan, who has led Minneapolis’ police force since 2006, announced today that he will not seek a third full term as chief and will retire at the end of 2012 after a 29-year career with the Minneapolis Police Department.
Mayor Rybak said, “Tim Dolan stepped in as chief in the middle of a public-safety crisis and immediately began to spearhead a significant, multi-year decrease in crime. It wasn’t an accident: we worked closely together for months and years on a series of smart strategies that engaged every community in our city and made every part of Minneapolis dramatically safer.”
Last updated Feb. 7, 2013