Thank you for standing with Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, and in the midst of our community’s ongoing struggles for justice.

Signing onto our petition was the first step and it is making a difference. We know we have thousands of supporters like you with us, and now our City Council members need to hear directly from you.

In this moment, we need visionary leadership from the City’s elected officials. Although the Mayor and City Council have condemned the murder of George Floyd, and Derek Chauvin has been arrested, the conditions that led to his murder are unchanged. 

As you know, we are calling on the Minneapolis City Council to stop putting our money into the systems that are killing Black people and to prioritize the critical resources that can keep our communities safe and healthy. 

Council Members are warming up to the idea of cutting the MPD budget, but they have not stepped up with meaningful commitments yet. They need to hear from you directly to demand that they move urgently.

Here is the Petition:

Dear Minneapolis City Council Members,

As I write this, Minneapolis is still on fire. Our people are still hurting. And Black communities continue to be denied health and safety in the midst of a global pandemic. 

Minneapolis remains in desperate need of visionary leadership that meets the gravity of this moment. 

Derek Chauvin has been arrested, but Minneapolis communities targeted by the police deserve so much more. MPD meets vulnerable people already in crisis with violence. If there was ever any question about this, this week we’ve seen it on display over and over as MPD (along with other armed forces like the National Guard) escalate with war tactics on crowds of mostly young, Black protestors as they express their grief over George Floyd’s murder. 

More than ever, we need you to lead.  I’m writing to ask you to make clear that you stand for true health and safety for your community by signing onto the following pledge:

I pledge to be a visionary leader for Minneapolis and defund the Minneapolis Police Department. In doing so: 

1. I commit to never again vote to increase the police department’s budget.

2. I commit to propose and vote for a $45 million cut from MPD’s budget as the City responds to projected COVID-19 shortfalls. 

3. I commit to protect and expand investment in community-led health and safety strategies, instead of investing in police.

4. I commit to doing everything in my power to compel MPD and all law enforcement agencies to immediately cease enacting violence on community members.

Thank you,
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