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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

501c3

Non-profit organization

a.k.a

also known as

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

d.b.a.

doing business as

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, f.k.a. AFDC

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

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.