Duluth, MN

City Council

The Duluth City Council is meeting to vote on a consent agenda of resolutions and to hold public hearings on ordinances. Key items include accepting a $1.75 million HUD grant for library and community health services planning, amending the comprehensive plan to reclassify areas of Becks Road and Lester Park Golf Course, and introducing ordinances on short-term rental licensing and Piedmont Trail zoning. The meeting also includes first and second readings of several ordinances, including one to regulate short-term rentals.

• Resolution accepting $1,750,000 HUD grant for library and community health services planning
• Resolution amending comprehensive plan to reclassify Becks Road land use study area
• Resolution amending comprehensive plan to reclassify Lester Park Golf Course
• Ordinance (first reading) to regulate short-term rental licensing and permitting
• Resolution authorizing $750,000 EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant for Cody Street stormwater filtration basin

Duluth Citizen Review Board

The Duluth Citizen Review Board will hold a procedural meeting at the Evergreen Senior Center. The agenda includes the approval of minutes, a report from the police liaison, and a specific discussion on the DPD CORE Team. Residents may provide public comment on these items with a three-minute limit per person.

• Discussion of the DPD CORE Team
• Police Liaison Report
• Approval of Minutes

Community Development Committee.

The Community Development Committee will hold public hearings on the FY 2027 Community Needs Assessment and a 2025 Substantial Amendment to the Action Plan, and will hear a presentation on housing and community needs. The committee will also discuss funding priorities for the 2027 application and elect officers.

• Public hearing: Community Needs Assessment for FY 2027 (CDC26-4)
• Public hearing: 2025 Substantial Amendment for the Action Plan (CDC26-5)
• Presentation: Housing and Community Needs for FY 2027
• Discussion: Funding Priorities Allocation 2027 Application
• Election of officers

Duluth Public Utilities Commission.

The Duluth Public Utilities Commission is meeting to review the proposed 2027 utilities budget and consider a resolution to approve and recommend it. The agenda also includes approval of the June 16, 2026 meeting minutes and routine items like public comment and staff updates.

• 2027 proposed utilities budget presentation
• Resolution 26PUC-002 approving and recommending 2027 utilities budget
• Approval of June 16, 2026 DPUC meeting minutes

City Council

The Duluth City Council is meeting on August 18, 2026, with the primary item being a closed session to discuss litigation strategy and confidential attorney-client communications related to a lawsuit against the city (court file 69DU-CV-26-562). The agenda contains no other substantive business, only roll call, pledge, and adjournment.

• Closed session under MN Statutes §13D.05 subd. 3(b) for attorney-client privileged discussion of lawsuit 69DU-CV-26-562

The Duluth City Council met on August 18, 2026, and immediately voted unanimously to enter a closed session. The closed session lasted from 5:34 p.m. to 6:28 p.m., after which the council adjourned without taking any public votes or actions.

• Closed the meeting to the public via unanimous vote
• Adjourned after the closed session without further action

Indigenous Commission.

The Duluth Indigenous Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear a presentation on the YouthBuild program, and plan upcoming events including Indigenous People's Day, Feast and Forum, and Orange Shirt Day. They will also hold elections for the executive team and receive updates on subcommittees covering topics like AI surveillance, housing, and MMIWR.

• Indigenous People's Day event planning (Monday, October 12)
• Elections for Executive Team
• True North Goodwill presentation on YouthBuild Program (tentative)
• Ojibwe language and art project: research on funds and communication
• Subcommittee updates: AI surveillance, housing, MMIWR, Sobriety Feast

Duluth African Heritage Commission

The Duluth African Heritage Commission (AHC) will discuss convening Black-led and BIPOC-led organizations to begin planning for Juneteenth 2027, including the session's purpose, timing, and which groups to invite. The commission will also explore ways to increase awareness of its role, how residents can reach it with concerns, and what issues it can address directly versus referring to other agencies. Additionally, the agenda includes updates on current events affecting Duluth's Black community and voter engagement for the upcoming election.

• Juneteenth 2027 planning: Consider holding a session with Black-led and BIPOC-led organizations in September to discuss purpose, timing, and invitees.
• AHC as a community resource: Discuss building awareness of the commission's role and creating a resource database for referrals.
• Voter engagement and community outreach for the November election.
• Community updates on current events and issues affecting Duluth’s Black community.

Planning Commission.

The Duluth Planning Commission is holding a special meeting to consider several land-use items, including a bank review, comprehensive plan amendments for the Lester Park Golf Course and Becks Road areas, and a housing TIF district conformance. The consent agenda includes a minor subdivision, a coffee shop drive-through special use permit, and a street vacation. Public hearings will be held for the bank and the two comprehensive plan amendments.

• Minor subdivision at 575 W Wabasha St by Robert and Roberta Sawyer
• Special use permit for a coffee shop drive-through at 1 Calvary Rd by Blue Sky Coffee
• Vacation of streets, avenues, alleys, and piers near 40th Ave W & Oneota St
• MU-C planning review for a bank at 4088 Haines Rd by HTG Architects
• Comprehensive plan amendments for Lester Park Golf Course and Becks Road land use studies

Duluth Human Rights Commission

The Duluth Human Rights Commission is meeting to approve minutes, receive committee reports, and hear a presentation from ISD 709. No votes on ordinances or contracts are listed.

• ISD 709 presentation at 5:30 PM

Parks and Recreation Commission.

The Duluth Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to approve June minutes and receive informational updates on the Duluth Community Garden Program, the Lester Park Land Use Study, and the Lakewalk and Coastal Improvements Project. No formal votes on these items are listed; the agenda is largely informational and procedural.

• Approval of June 10, 2026 meeting minutes
• Duluth Community Garden Program update (informational)
• Lester Park Land Use Study presentation by Bolton & Menk (informational)
• Lakewalk and Coastal Improvements Project update (informational)
• August 2026 Division Report

Duluth Economic Development Authority.

The Duluth Economic Development Authority is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation on the Lester Park Golf Course Land Use Study & Vision Plan. The agenda includes a presentation followed by discussion, with no formal decisions listed.

• Presentation of Lester Park Golf Course Land Use Study & Vision Plan
• Discussion of the land use study and vision plan

Heritage Preservation Commission.

This is a procedural meeting of the Duluth Heritage Preservation Commission. The main actions are approving the June 8, 2026 meeting minutes and receiving updates on the NAPC 2026 conference and a Planning Commission liaison report. No substantive decisions or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of June 8, 2026 meeting minutes (HP26-03)
• Update on NAPC 2026 conference
• Planning Commission liaison update

City Council

The City Council will consider a resolution to put the Lester Park Initiative ordinances before voters in a November 3, 2026 special election. The consent agenda includes $7.2 million in grant anticipation notes, liquor licenses, lead service line replacement loans, and a YMCA lease for Woodland Community Center. Several ordinances are up for second reading, including a Minnesota Power franchise renewal and concurrent use permits for outdoor seating.

• Resolution to submit Lester Park Initiative ordinances to voters on Nov. 3, 2026 (item 18)
• Issuance of $1,534,500 and $5,666,728 taxable grant anticipation revenue notes (items 2-3)
• Application for a forgivable loan from Drinking Water Revolving Fund for lead service line replacements on N 40th Ave W (item 10)
• Three-year lease agreement with Duluth Area Family YMCA for Woodland Community Center upper level (item 13)
• Acceptance of $150,000 Federal Recreational Trail Program and $300,000 Regional Trail Program grants for Cross City Trail (items 16-17)

The Duluth City Council approved a consent agenda including two taxable grant anticipation revenue notes totaling $7,201,228, a liquor license for C&D App/Sister Cities, a lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry, a no-cost office space agreement with Lake Superior College, a lead service line replacement loan application, a contract amendment for the Denfeld project, a temporary use permit from St. Louis County, a YMCA lease for the Woodland Community Center, an OEM parts contract increase, and two grants for the Cross City Trail. The council also tabled three appointment confirmations, approved removal of a national emergency use provision on airport property (8-0, one abstention), and passed several ordinances on second reading, including a Minnesota Power franchise (8-0, one abstention). The Lester Park initiative ordinances remain tabled with no action.

• Approved $1,534,500 taxable grant anticipation revenue note, Series 2026A (9-0)
• Approved $5,666,728 taxable grant anticipation revenue note, Series 2026B (9-0)
• Approved liquor license for C&D App, Sister Cities (9-0)
• Approved lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry (9-0)
• Approved no-cost office space agreement with Lake Superior College (9-0)
• Approved application for lead service line replacement loan (9-0)
• Approved $25,666.50 increase to LHB contract for Denfeld lead service line project (9-0)
• Approved three-year YMCA lease for Woodland Community Center (9-0)

Parking Commission.

The Duluth Parking Commission will meet to discuss and vote on proposals to remove parking from one side of 4th Street and create an accessible parking zone on the 500 block of West Superior Street. The commission will also receive updates on on-street and off-street parking conditions.

• Proposal to remove parking from one side of 4th Street (PKC317)
• Proposal to create an accessible parking zone on the 500 block of West Superior Street (PKC318)
• On-street accessible parking zone requests (PKC316)
• On-street parking update
• Off-street parking update

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission

The Duluth Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission will review and decide on three license applications: a lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry, a one-day temporary consumption and display permit for Duluth Sister Cities International, and a theater liquor license transfer for Alhambra Cocktail Lounge. The meeting will also include a roll call and procedural items.

• Lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry (902 Mall Drive)
• One-day temporary consumption permit for Duluth Sister Cities International (835 West College St.)
• Theater liquor license transfer for Alhambra Cocktail Lounge (321 N Central Ave.)

The Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission approved a lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry Inc. and a one-day temporary consumption and display permit for Duluth Sister Cities International. The commission tabled a theater liquor license transfer for Alhambra Cocktail Lounge at 321 N Central. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved lawful gambling application for Little Saints Street Ministry Inc. (motion by Nelson, seconded by Stolee)
• Approved 1-day temporary consumption & display permit for Duluth Sister Cities International at 835 West College St. on 10/17/2026 (motion by Weiland, seconded by Stolee)
• Tabled theater liquor license transfer for Alhambra Cocktail Lounge at 321 N Central (motion by Stolee, seconded by Willmore)

Natural Resources Commission.

Library Board.

The Library Board will meet to review usage reports and discuss the 2027 library budget. The agenda includes updates on safety and the Main Library facility.

• 2027 Library Budget
• Main Library Facility/Regional Library Services District updates
• Safety Updates
• Library Usage Report June 2026
• City of Duluth Board and Commission Training

City Council

The City Council will consider several infrastructure contracts, grant acceptances, and right-of-way vacations. Key items include road salt procurement, sewer construction on Roslyn Avenue, and concurrent use permits for outdoor seating at Canal Park and East Superior Street.

• Contract for Lakewalk and Coastal Improvement Project to Rachel Contracting, LLC for $9,884,980.33
• Purchase of 11,750 tons of road salt from Morton Salt, Inc. for $839,063
• City share of $2,502,524.32 for 40th Avenue W reconstruction and intersection improvements
• Concurrent use permits for Vitta Pizza, Inc. for outdoor seating at 307 Canal Park Drive and 107 East Superior Street
• Grant acceptance of $8,196,234 from the U.S. Department of Transportation for Lakewalk improvements

The City Council approved a $9.8M contract for the Lakewalk and Coastal Improvement Project and accepted over $10M in related grants. The Council also decided that two initiative petitions regarding land use at the former Lester Park Golf Course are preempted by state law and will not be placed on the ballot. Various infrastructure contracts and right-of-way vacations were also adopted.

• Awarded $9,884,980.33 Lakewalk and Coastal Improvement contract to Rachel Contracting, LLC
• Accepted $8,196,234 USDOT grant and $2,049,752 state grant for Lakewalk project
• Decided Lester Park land use initiative petitions are preempted by state law and will not be on the ballot (7-2)
• Approved $2,502,524.32 city share for 40th Avenue W reconstruction
• Approved $839,063 purchase of 11,750 tons of road salt from Morton Salt, Inc.
• Approved $164,735.93 guardrail repair contract with H&R Construction
• Confirmed appointment of Lynne Williams to Spirit Mountain Recreation Area Authority (9-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Scott Soderberg to Sanitary Sewer Board of Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (9-0)

City Council

The Duluth City Council will read for the first time two ordinances proposed by initiative petition. Each ordinance would require a majority of voters to approve any rezoning of a specific parcel near the former Lester Park Golf Course. The first ordinance covers the 37.5‑acre Lake 9 parcel, and the second covers a 230‑acre parcel. Both aim to limit rezoning to park, open space, or conservation unless approved by voters.

• Ordinance 26-033-O: 37.5‑acre Lake 9 parcel of former Lester Park Golf Course – rezoning to park/open space requires voter approval
• Ordinance 26-034-O: 230‑acre parcel near Lester Park Golf Course – rezoning to private residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, or mixed‑use requires voter approval

The City Council tabled two resolutions concerning the land use and zoning of parcels near the former Lester Park Golf Course. Two initiative petitions to rezone the area were read for the first time, but no final action was taken on them.

• Tabled Resolution 26-0679R regarding state law preemption of Lester Park petitions (9-0)
• Tabled Resolution 26-0681R regarding a special election for Lester Park ordinances (9-0)
• Read Ordinance 26-033-O for the first time
• Read Ordinance 26-034-O for the first time

Duluth Economic Development Authority.

The Duluth Economic Development Authority will discuss a development agreement with Historic Duluth Armory, LLC for the Armory Arts and Music Center. Members will also consider a resolution supporting the city’s downtown development strategy, a second amendment to an agreement with Portland Land Co., LLC, and a memo on the Lester Park Golf Course. The agenda lists routine approvals for recent meeting minutes and monthly cash transactions.

• Resolution 26D-18: Development agreement with Historic Duluth Armory, LLC for the Armory Arts and Music Center
• Resolution 26D-13: Support for the City of Duluth’s Downtown Development Strategy
• Second amendment to development agreement with Portland Land Co., LLC
• Monthly cash transaction approvals for May and June 2026
• Discussion of the July Lester Park Golf Course memo

Charter Commission.

The Duluth Charter Commission will consider and potentially vote on proposed amendments to the city charter, including shifting municipal elections to even-numbered years and revising Section 4. A ballot question for the even-year election cycle is also under discussion.

• Amendment to Section 4 of Duluth City Charter
• Even Year Election Cycle ballot question proposal
• Section 38 amendment proposed by Commissioner Stolee

Planning Commission.

The Duluth Planning Commission will review a consent agenda of permits and variances, including outdoor seating and wireless facilities, and hold a public hearing on rezoning the Piedmont Trail System.

• Concurrent Use Permits for outdoor seating at Vitta Pizza (307 Canal Park Dr) and Duluth Coffee Company (101 E Superior St)
• Concurrent Use Permit for a wireless facility at 827 E 1st St
• Variance requests from floodplain and setback standards at 2517 Minnesota Ave
• Variance requests from shoreland and accessory structure standards at 3825 W 7th St
• Public hearing on rezoning Piedmont Trail System parcels from RR-1 to P-1

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission

The Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission will consider approving the transfer of an off-sale intoxicating liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc. at 4507 E Superior Street. Also on the agenda is a temporary on-sale liquor license for Grandma's Marathon's Park Point 5-Miler event. The meeting will start with approval of the June 3, 2026 minutes.

• Transfer of off-sale liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc. at 4507 E Superior Street
• Temporary on-sale liquor license for Grandma's Marathon - Park Point 5-Miler event
• Approval of June 3, 2026 meeting minutes

The Commission approved the June 3, 2026 minutes. They approved the transfer of an off-sale intoxicating liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc. at 4507 E Superior Street. They also approved a temporary on-sale liquor license for Grandma's Marathon's Park Point 5-Miler event.

• Approved June 3, 2026 minutes
• Approved transfer of off-sale liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc.
• Approved temporary on-sale liquor license for Grandma's Marathon Park Point 5-Miler

City Council

The Duluth City Council will consider second readings of ordinances authorizing up to $7.7 million in taxable grant anticipation revenue notes for water utility improvements and amending the official zoning map for former districts. The consent agenda includes appointments, liquor licenses, grants, contracts, and settlements. First readings include an ordinance to repeal certain city code sections and one to dedicate land to Downer Park.

• Resolution confirming Karla Culhane as city administrator and authorizing employment contract
• Resolution accepting $465,830 MnDOT grant for Blatnik Bridge community liaison workforce
• Resolution authorizing development agreement for Harbor Highlands First Division plat north of Harbor Highlands Drive
• Resolution awarding $1,376,662.99 contract for citywide CIPP sanitary sewer lining project
• Second reading of ordinance authorizing up to $7,701,228 in grant anticipation revenue notes for water utility improvements

The City Council approved several resolutions including city administrator appointment, liquor licenses, and infrastructure contracts. Two personnel appointments were tabled, while one appointment was approved after being removed from the table.

• Approved Karla Culhane as City Administrator (8-0)
• Approved various liquor licenses (8-0)
• Accepted $465,830 MNDOT grant for Blatnik Bridge project (8-0)
• Approved Harbor Highlands development agreement (8-0)
• Approved election judges for August and November 2026 elections (8-0)
• Approved $18,443.83 settlement to Mai Kim (8-0)
• Awarded $1,376,662.99 contract to Insituform Technologies USA, LLC (8-0)
• Awarded $224,212.00 contract to MJ Companies, LLC (8-0)

Heritage Preservation Commission.

The Heritage Preservation Commission meeting scheduled for July 13, 2026 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered or decided. The agenda listed typical items such as approval of minutes, commission action considerations, and updates, but none were acted upon.

Parking Commission.

The Duluth Parking Commission will review requests for on-street accessible parking zones and receive updates on off-street and on-street parking. Public comments will be heard and followed up on.

• On-street accessible parking zone requests (PKC315)
• Off-street parking update
• On-street parking update
• Public comments follow-up

The Parking Commission approved the June 2026 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. It also approved two on‑street accessible parking zone requests: one for 6209 Raleigh Street and another for 5818 Elinor Street, each by a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved June 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved on‑street accessible parking zone at 6209 Raleigh St (5-0)
• Approved on‑street accessible parking zone at 5818 Elinor St (5-0)

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission

The Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission will review applications to transfer an off-sale liquor license from Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc. and consider a temporary on-sale license for the Grandma's Marathon Park Point 5-Miler.

• Approval of June 3, 2026, commission minutes
• Transfer of Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License (Lakeside Liquors to SHB Liquor Inc.)
• Grandma's Marathon - Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Park Point 5-Miler
• Review of PP5M Finish Area Layout (2025)
• Meeting at City of Duluth Council Chambers, 411 West First Street

Commission on Disabilities.

The Duluth Commission on Disabilities is holding a regular meeting with updates on accessible parking, committee reports, and a Parks and Rec report. Public comment is scheduled twice. No specific proposals or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Accessible Parking Update
• Parks and Rec Report
• Committee Updates
• Current Disability Issues and Announcements

The Commission reviewed a presentation on the 4th St. Revitalization project involving ADA accessibility upgrades. The Parking Commission has tabled approval of the 4th St. Project. Updates were provided regarding upcoming accessible parking installations at 5818 Elinor St and 6209 Raleigh St.

• Approved meeting minutes (George/Michelle)
• Tabled 4th St. Project via Parking Commission
• Adjourned meeting (Ashlie/Michelle)

City Council

The council will hold public hearings on the Lincoln Park Special Service District and a sanitary sewer assessment. It will consider a consent agenda with numerous resolutions, including $1.2M for Tischer Creek resilience, $58K for Medical District lighting, and $50K for employment training, plus many easements and agreements. On the regular agenda, they will vote on a new salary for the police chief, the downtown development strategy, and first-reading ordinances for $7.7M in water utility grant anticipation notes and a zoning map amendment.

• Public hearing on Lincoln Park Special Service District
• First reading of ordinance for $7,701,228 in water utility grant anticipation revenue notes
• Resolution amending police chief Michael Ceynowa's employment contract with new salary
• Resolution adopting downtown development strategy
• Resolution imposing service charges in Lincoln Park Special Service District

The City Council approved a first amendment to the Police Chief's employment contract regarding salary and benefits. The council also passed a large volume of consent agenda items including infrastructure agreements, easements, and park plans. One appointment to the Entertainment and Convention Center Authority was confirmed, while another remains tabled.

• Approved first amendment to Police Chief Michael Ceynowa's employment contract (7-2)
• Approved Park Point Recreation Area Plan
• Approved $1.2M partnership agreement for Tischer Creek Tributary 7 Resilience Project
• Approved $172,006.85 agreement for an ATV route study
• Approved $58,330 agreement for Medical District lighting improvements
• Approved appointment of Gerry Goldfarb to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Authority (9-0)
• Tabled appointment of Matt Massman to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Authority
• Approved multiple permanent easements and licenses for the Chester Park-UMD neighborhood

Duluth Citizen Review Board

The Duluth Citizen Review Board is holding a regular meeting to elect board officers, receive a police liaison report, and plan for an August community meeting. The agenda is largely procedural with public comments and approval of minutes.

• Election of board officers
• Police liaison report
• Planning for August community meeting

Duluth Economic Development Authority.

This meeting of the Duluth Economic Development Authority scheduled for June 24, 2026, has been canceled. No items will be discussed or decided.

Duluth African Heritage Commission

The Duluth African Heritage Commission will primarily discuss final plans and funding for Juneteenth 2026, including a series of events from June 14-21. New business includes presentations on voter engagement, maintenance of the Clayton-Jackson-McGhie Memorial, and the YouthBuild program by True North Goodwill.

• Juneteenth 2026: funding and schedule updates for 7 events including gravesite memorial, day of remembrance, elders luncheon, and street dance
• Voter engagement presentation for November election by Lee Stuart (Indivisible)
• Clayton-Jackson-McGhie Memorial site maintenance discussion with Kim Green
• True North Goodwill YouthBuild Program presentation by Rena Hilleshiem
• Subcommittee report on ACH activities for Juneteenth