Duluth, MN

Community Development Committee.

The Duluth Community Development Committee meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Room 155, City Hall, 411 West First Street. The agenda includes approval of the August 18, 2026 meeting summary and review of 2027 funding applications in three areas: economic development, public services, and homelessness. No specific dollar amounts, applicants, or decisions are listed in the agenda text provided.

• Review of 2027 funding applications for economic development
• Review of 2027 funding applications for public services
• Review of 2027 funding applications for homelessness
• Approval of the August 18, 2026 meeting summary (CDC26-6)

Library Board.

The Duluth Library Board meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Main Library Gold Room. Members will review reports, then take up old business including safety updates, the Main Library facility and regional library services district, the 2027 library budget, the library manager hiring process, and the 2027 meeting schedule. Under new business, the board will consider a City Council resolution to accept a $7,500 grant from the Northland Foundation.

• Council resolution to accept a $7,500 grant from the Northland Foundation (LB60)
• 2027 Library Budget discussion (LB42)
• Library Manager Hiring Process (LB48)
• Main Library Facility/Regional Library Services District (LB16)
• 2027 Meeting Schedule (LB61)

Commission on Disabilities.

The Duluth Commission on Disabilities meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM in the Lakeside Conference Room (Room 430) at City Hall, 411 West First Street. The agenda includes approval of minutes, an accessible parking update, public comment, commission collaboration, a library partnership, and a Parks and Rec report. Committee updates cover crosswalks, skywalks, and outreach, followed by current disability issues, old and new business, and adjournment. The agenda lists topics only and does not include specific proposals, dollar amounts, or decisions to be voted on.

• Accessible Parking Update
• Library Partnership discussion
• Parks and Rec Report
• Committee updates on crosswalks, skywalks, and outreach
• Two public comment periods

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission

Charter Commission.

The Charter Commission met to elect officers and review previous meeting minutes. The agenda includes discussions on even year election cycles and potential charter amendments.

• Election of Officers
• Even Year Election Cycle research
• Charter Amendment Ballot Question
• Section 38 Amendment Stollee Proposal
• Revisions to Chapter IV, Section 20

Parking Commission.

The Duluth Parking Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including on-street accessible parking zone requests, a presentation on the 2027 parking funds budget, and updates on the 4th Street redevelopment project. The agenda also includes updates on off-street and on-street parking, new business, and public comments. No final decisions are indicated in the agenda itself.

• On-street accessible parking zone requests (PKC321)
• 2027 parking funds budget presentation (PKC322)
• 4th Street redevelopment project update
• Off-street parking update
• On-street parking update

City Council

The Duluth City Council will consider resolutions proposing the 2027 property tax levies for general purposes, the special parks fund, the housing and redevelopment authority, and the Duluth Transit Authority. The council will also vote on a consent agenda that includes liquor licenses, commission appointments, a SNAP employment services contract, a utility easement vacation, a short-term rental moratorium clarification, affordable housing funding, and several grants. Additionally, the council will read ordinances for the first and second time, including one establishing a franchise fee for Minnesota Power and another amending lodging regulations.

• 2027 general property tax levy resolution
• 2027 special parks fund levy resolution
• 2027 housing and redevelopment authority levy resolution
• 2027 Duluth Transit Authority levy resolution
• Ordinance establishing Minnesota Power franchise fee

The Duluth City Council approved four resolutions proposing 2027 property tax sums for general purposes, the Special Parks Fund, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority taxing district, and the Duluth Transit Authority taxing district, each on 9-0 votes after being removed from the table. It also adopted an ordinance amending city code sections on lodging, and approved a first reading of an ordinance setting a Minnesota Power franchise fee. A resolution amending the council's Standing Rules to add a code of conduct remained tabled with no action taken.

• Approved 2027 general purposes tax levy resolution (9-0)
• Approved 2027 Special Parks Fund levy resolution (9-0)
• Approved 2027 HRA special taxing district levy resolution (9-0)
• Approved 2027 Duluth Transit Authority special taxing district levy resolution (9-0)
• Approved ordinance amending Chapter 50 city code sections regarding lodging (9-0)
• Approved ordinance revising Chapter 13 city code sections (9-0)
• Read for the first time ordinance setting Minnesota Power franchise fee (26-042-O)
• Standing Rules code of conduct resolution (26-0810R) remained tabled, no action taken

Duluth Citizen Review Board

The Duluth Citizen Review Board is holding a regular meeting with a standard agenda of introductions, public comments, minutes approval, a police liaison report, announcements, and board discussion. No specific policy decisions, contracts, or public hearings are listed on this agenda.

• Public comments period
• Police liaison report
• Approval of minutes

Duluth Economic Development Authority.

The Duluth Economic Development Authority is meeting to approve minutes and cash transactions for July and August 2026, and to consider a resolution authorizing a sixth amendment to a development agreement with LSC Flats, LLC. The meeting includes a public hearing period and time for public comment.

• Resolution authorizing sixth amendment to development agreement with LSC Flats, LLC (26D-20)
• Approval of July 2026 meeting minutes
• Approval of August 11, 2026 special meeting minutes
• Approval of cash transactions for July 1-31, 2026
• Approval of cash transactions for August 1-31, 2026

Indigenous Commission.

The Duluth Indigenous Commission is meeting to plan the Indigenous People's Day event for October 12 and discuss ongoing business including Orange Shirt Day on September 30. The commission will also hear a tentative update from the city's Sustainability Officer and receive task updates from commissioners. Subcommittees will briefly discuss changes, covering topics such as AI surveillance dangers for the Indigenous community, housing, education, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR).

• Indigenous People's Day Event Planning (October 12)
• Orange Shirt Day and Park Point (September 30)
• AI surveillance and possible dangers for the Indigenous community (Bowman)
• Tentative update from Annaka Peterson, Sustainability Officer
• Subcommittee discussions on housing, education, MMIWR, and Ojibwe language and art project

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission

The Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission will consider a request for a temporary liquor license expansion at the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community. The proposed expansion is scheduled for October 10, 2026.

• Temporary liquor license expansion for Zeitgeist Center at 222 E Superior St.

Duluth Public Utilities Commission.

The Duluth Public Utilities Commission will discuss the proposed 2027 utilities budget. The commission will also consider a resolution to establish fees for various utility-related services.

• 2027 proposed utilities budget
• Resolution establishing fees for various utility-related services

City Council

The City Council will consider several resolutions, including a three-year Microsoft enterprise agreement and a new tax increment financing plan for Legacy Housing. The meeting also includes public hearings for the Legacy TIF and multiple ordinance readings regarding lodging, short-term rentals, and city vacancies.

• Three-year Microsoft enterprise agreement totaling $1,484,611.80
• Public hearing for Legacy Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan
• Purchase of 2,000 tons of coal for $202,920.00
• Establishment of a bike lane on both sides of 4th Street from 5th Ave E to 6th Ave E
• Ordinance to regulate short-term rental licensing and permitting

The Council approved a Tax Increment Financing plan for the Legacy Housing District and various resolutions regarding utilities, engineering services, and software agreements. Several 2027 taxation proposals and a code of conduct amendment were tabled, while bike lane and no-parking resolutions for 4th Street were returned to Administration.

• Approved Legacy Housing TIF plan (8-1)
• Approved Microsoft Enterprise Agreement for $1,484,611.80 total (9-0)
• Approved purchase of 2,000 tons of coal for $202,920.00 (9-0)
• Approved engineering services for Canal Park Drive Rehabilitation ($102,495.00) (9-0)
• Approved engineering services for Cross City Trail Phase 6 (not to exceed $89,990.00) (9-0)
• Approved 2027 collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services 538 (9-0)
• Tabled 2027 taxation proposals for general purposes, parks, HRA, and transit (9-0)
• Tabled amendment to standing rules to include a code of conduct (9-0)

Heritage Preservation Commission.

The Heritage Preservation Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for the LSMR Bridge replacement at Mud Lake. The meeting also includes a Section 106 consultation regarding Canal Park Drive resurfacing.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for LSMR Bridge Replacement at Mud Lake
• Canal Park Drive Resurfacing Section 106 Consultation
• Priley Circle/5th Ave Mall presentation

Duluth African Heritage Commission

The Duluth African Heritage Commission is meeting to discuss community updates, plan for Juneteenth 2027, and define its role as a community resource. The commission will consider whether to hold a planning session during the September meeting or separately, and how to engage Black-led and BIPOC-led organizations. Old business includes voter engagement for the November election.

• Discussion on convening Black-led and BIPOC-led organizations for Juneteenth 2027 planning
• Consideration of AHC's role as convener, facilitator, planning partner, or coordinator
• Exploring ways to build awareness of AHC and create a resource database
• Voter engagement and community outreach for the November election
• Next meeting scheduled for October 8, 2026, 6-7:30 pm

Duluth Human Rights Commission

The commission will conduct routine business including committee reports and approvals of minutes. The agenda includes discussions on voter integrity and reports from the Human Rights Office.

• Committee reports from Executive, Findings, Communications, and Policy committees
• Discussion regarding Voter Integrity
• Identity Based Commission Attendee Report Out
• Human Rights Office Report

Planning Commission.

The Duluth Planning Commission will consider a consent agenda including an interim use permit for mining at 3340 Oak Street, a vacation of easement at 4931 Wyoming St, and a variance at 228 W Lewis St. A public hearing will address proposed amendments to Chapter 50 regarding lodging. The commission will also receive a completion determination for the Tallas Bay dredging environmental assessment and reports from the Land Use Supervisor and Heritage Preservation Commission.

• Interim use permit for continuation of mining, extraction, and storage at 3340 Oak Street by Greg Kunst
• Vacation of easement at 4931 Wyoming St by Mat Gilderman
• Variance from dimensional standards at 228 W Lewis St by Michael Pothast
• Public hearing on lodging amendments to Chapter 50 of the Duluth Legislative Code
• Completion determination for Tallas Bay dredging Environmental Assessment Worksheet

Parking Commission.

The Parking Commission will discuss a proposal to implement year-round fees for off-street parking lots in Canal Park. Members will also review a proposal to reconfigure parking on the 1500 block of West Michigan Street and receive updates on off-street and on-street parking.

• Proposal for year-round fees in Canal Park off-street lots
• Proposal to reconfigure parking on the 1500 block of West Michigan Street
• Off-street parking update
• On-street parking update

The Duluth Parking Commission approved a proposal to implement year-round fees in City and Duluth Economic Development Authority surface parking lots in Canal Park, with seasonal rates about 50% lower than busy season rates. The Commission also approved reconfiguring parking on the 1500 block of West Michigan Street to Alternate Side Parking from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Both motions passed 6-0. Updates were given on off-street and on-street parking operations, and the Parking Services Division's 2027 budget proposal will be presented in October.

• Approved year-round fees in Canal Park off-street parking lots (6-0)
• Approved parking reconfiguration on 1500 block of West Michigan Street to Alternate Side Parking 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. (6-0)
• Approved August 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)

Natural Resources Commission.

The Natural Resources Commission will meet to conduct routine business, including the election of officers and discussion of the Mission Forestry Project. The agenda also includes old business regarding NRC visibility and staff written reports.

• Nomination and election of officers
• Mission Forestry Project discussion
• NRC visibility discussion
• Staff written reports

Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission

The Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission will review several applications, including new liquor licenses, a license transfer, temporary expansions, and a gambling permit. These are decisions or discussions on permits for local businesses and events.

• New on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Elite Food & Beverage LLC at 4510 W 1st St.
• New on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Masa Japanese Steak House at 4929 Decker Rd.
• Liquor license transfer for The Wick at 508 E Superior St.
• Temporary expansion for Duluth Cider at 2307 W Superior St. on October 10, 2026.
• Application to conduct excluded bingo at the DECC, 350 Harbor Dr., on October 22, 2026.

The Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission approved all agenda items except one, which was tabled. Approved items included minutes, a bingo application, two temporary expansions, two new liquor licenses, and a liquor license transfer. The temporary expansion for Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community was tabled because no representative was present.

• Approved minutes of 8/5/2026 (7-0)
• Approved excluded bingo application for MN Financial Worker and Case Aide Association at DECC on 10/22/2026 (7-0)
• Approved temporary expansion for Duluth Cider at 2307 W Superior St. on 10/10/2026 (7-0)
• Approved new on-sale liquor license for Elite Food & Beverage LLC at 4510 W 1st St. (7-0)
• Approved new on-sale liquor license for Masa Japanese Steak House at 4929 Decker Rd. (7-0)
• Approved liquor license transfer for Wick Inc. at 508 E Superior St. (7-0)
• Tabled temporary expansion for Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community at 222 E Superior St. (7-0)

Commission on Disabilities.

The City of Duluth Commission on Disabilities will hold a standard meeting on September 2, 2026. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items, including roll call, approval of minutes, and public comment periods. The only specific substantive items listed are an update on accessible parking and a report from Parks and Recreation.

• Accessible Parking Update
• Parks and Rec Report

Library Board.

The Duluth Library Board will review reports on library usage and staff updates. The meeting includes discussions regarding the 2027 library budget and recommendations for the 2027 fee schedule. The board will also receive updates on the library manager hiring process and facility safety.

• 2027 Library Budget discussion
• 2027 Fee Schedule Recommendations
• Library Manager hiring process update
• Main Library Facility/Regional Library Services District update
• Safety updates

Duluth Economic Development Authority.

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

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

The council approved a resolution amending the city's comprehensive plan to reclassify areas of Lester Park Golf Course, following two unanimous amendments. The council also approved a 22-item consent agenda covering contracts, grants, and appointments, and read several ordinances for the first time, including one to regulate short-term rentals.

• Approved Lester Park Golf Course comprehensive plan amendment (9-0)
• Approved consent agenda with 22 resolutions (9-0)
• Approved $1.75M HUD grant for library and community health services planning
• Approved $270,835.44 contract for Morgan Park Community Center roof improvements
• Approved $99,540 sole source purchase of water meters from Badger Meter
• Approved $750,000 EPA grant for Cody Street stormwater filtration basin
• Approved appointment of Luke Medis to Building Appeal Board (7-2)
• Approved ordinance reducing Building Appeal Board membership to seven (7-2)

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

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

The Commission voted unanimously to table resolution 26PUC-002 regarding the 2027 utilities budget. The meeting included a presentation of the proposed 2027 utilities budget by staff. No other substantive decisions were made during the session.

• Approved June 16, 2026 meeting minutes
• Tabled resolution 26PUC-002 approving and recommending 2027 utilities budget (unanimous)

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

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

The Duluth Indigenous Commission approved corrections to the April meeting minutes, elected Commissioner Houle as Chair and Commissioner Smith as Vice Chair, and discussed ongoing event planning for Indigenous People's Day and Orange Shirt Day.

• Approved corrections to April meeting minutes (Gegit-All)
• Elected Commissioner Houle as Chair and Commissioner Smith as Vice Chair (Gegit-All)

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 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.

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

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)