Council adopts emergency ordinance restricting immigration enforcement staging, establishes HR department, appoints HRA commissioner
At a glance
Quick context to catch up fast.
The Richfield City Council met January 27, 2026 at the Richfield Municipal Center. Council unanimously (5-0) approved an emergency ordinance limiting use of city-owned off-street property for civil immigration enforcement staging, approved consent items including rezoning and creation of a Human Resources Department, ratified participation in a municipal prosecutors’ amicus brief, appointed Brett Stursa to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and allocated $50,000 in emergency rental assistance. Seventeen residents spoke during an extended Open Forum (50 minutes).
Committees mentioned
Open the committee coverage hubs tied to this summary.
Topics discussed
Was this summary helpful?
Your feedback helps us prioritize what to improve next.
Key decisions
Follow the major takeaways from this briefing.
- Adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 2026-03 limiting the use of city-owned off-street property for civil immigration enforcement staging purposes (motion carried 5-0).
- Approved consent calendar items including: (a) disbursements/claims, (b) second reading of rezoning and related permits for parcels near 76th Street and Morgan Avenue to facilitate a new learning center for Minnesota Independence College & Community, and (c) second reading and summary publication of Ordinance No. 2026-02 creating a Human Resources Department and Human Resources Director position (motion carried 5-0).
- Approved extension of Open Forum from 30 to 50 minutes and granted an ADA accommodation extending an individual’s time limit to four minutes (motion carried 5-0).
- Approved Resolution 12407 ratifying the city's participation in a Municipal Prosecutors’ Amicus Curiae Brief (motion carried 5-0).
- Approved the Mayor’s appointment of Brett Stursa to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for a five-year term beginning March 1, 2026 and expiring February 28, 2031 (motion carried 5-0).
- City Manager reported actions including posting Council statements condemning ICE actions and allocating $50,000 in emergency rental assistance funding through VEP to support residents facing housing instability.
Timeline & follow-ups
Action items flagged by the community.
No follow-ups have been shared yet. Add one in the community board below.
Meeting information
Details and records from this meeting.
Recent documents
Fresh records from this municipality.
Civic leadership
Know who to contact about the decisions that matter.