Minneapolis council leaders introduced an ordinance on Oct. 23 to create an enterprise risk management function intended to strengthen oversight of city programs, contracts and spending.

Council Member Aisha Wansley and Council President Elliot Payne described the measure as a systemic response to gaps revealed by audits and problematic contract administration. Wansley said the proposal stems from recommendations in a city auditor report that examined payments and oversight linked to a provider contracted to deliver homelessness services and related supports. “This proposed ordinance is a comprehensive response and solution to what is clearly a systemic issue throughout the enterprise,” Wansley said during floor remarks.

Council Member Andrew Chavez, who requested earlier information about the Helix contract and its audit, said the ordinance is a necessary step for better stewardship of city resources and asked to be added as a co‑author. Chavez noted the auditor identified duplicate and erroneous payments in a single contract, and he described the proposal as a tool to hold the mayor’s administration accountable for the actions of its vendors and contractors.

The ordinance was presented for introduction; sponsors said they intend to follow the introduction with a budget amendment during the normal budget-markup process to fund the position or office. The introduction was approved by the council for first reading and referral, and members who spoke urged staff and council colleagues to collaborate on drafting implementation details.