Request for Committee Action
A briefing memo explaining the purpose, background, and impact of the requested action.
Contract amendments with various immigration legal services providers (RCA-2025-01262)
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
To Committee(s)
| # | Committee Name | Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administration & Enterprise Oversight Committee | November 10, 2025 |
Action Item(s)
| # | File Type | Subcategory | Item Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Action | Contract/Agreement | Authorizing an increase to contract COM0007519 with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, in the amount of $95,000 for a total amount not to exceed $275,000, and an extension through December 31, 2026, for immigration legal services. |
| 2 | Action | Contract/Agreement | Authorizing an increase to contract COM0007507 with International Institute of Minnesota, in the amount of $25,000 for a total amount not to exceed $85,075, and an extension through December 31, 2026, for immigration legal services. |
| 3 | Action | Contract/Agreement | Authorizing an increase to contract COM0007516 with Volunteer Lawyers Network, in the amount of $95,000 for a total amount not to exceed $271,000, and an extension through December 31, 2026, for immigration legal services. |
| 4 | Action | Contract/Agreement | Authorizing an increase to contract COM0007517 with Advocates for Human Rights, in the amount of $70,000 for a total amount not to exceed $234,000, and an extension through December 31, 2026, for immigration legal services. |
Previous Actions
Ward / Neighborhood / Address
| # | Ward | Neighborhood | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | All Wards |
Background Analysis
In 2017, the City Council first allocated funding towards immigration legal services to support city resident efforts to achieve greater safety and security through accessing free immigration legal information and representation. In 2023, as a result of a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, Council approved establishment of a pool of five (5) immigration legal service providers. In 2024, contract amendments were completed for three (3) providers to include an extension of time, amendment of scope and increase in contract amounts. A second set of contract amendments extending time, amending scopes and increasing contract amounts was completed in 2025 for all five (5) providers.
This request includes contract amendments for the following providers:
· Mid Minnesota Legal Aid
· International Institute of Minnesota
· Volunteer Lawyers Network
· Advocates for Human Rights
Continued services ensure providers meet the objective of ensuring that the non-US born resident population is able to quickly access immigration legal information and services in convenient and welcoming spaces that are already familiar to them, including welcoming spaces hosted by the City of Minneapolis.
The contracts continue to meet the needs of residents such as:
1) Representing individuals including children in detained and non-detained immigration court proceedings;
2) Supporting residents interested in obtaining citizenship in the United States;
3) Legal consultation and representation on a broader category of immigration related legal matters;
4) Providing orientation on family preparedness especially for individuals at risk of immigration enforcement;
5) Hosting and expanding in person community hours;
6) Offering support in rapid-response type situations involving large scale immigration enforcement; and
7) Participating in virtual and in-person events to ensure the Minneapolis community is well-informed on immigration related topics and knows how to access competent legal services.
These amendments ensure continuity of service in a moment when access to this support is critical to community safety.
Enterprise Review
- Meets the City’s Equity and Inclusion goals for contracts over $100,000. all 4 AAPs are current and non-expired