Minneapolis will go forward with its application for a federal program that aims to improve services and neighborhoods in low-income areas.
Ten members of the City Council voted Friday in support of the city's application for a Promise Zone designation, while two, Council President Barb Johnson and Council Member Lisa Goodman, abstained from the vote.
The council did not discuss the issue before voting. But at a committee meeting earlier this week, Johnson and Goodman expressed concerns about supporting a initiative similar to others that have failed in the past. Johnson, who represents part of north Minneapolis -- including areas included in the proposed Promise Zone -- said the city needs to do more to improve schools, parks and crime rates through existing programs.
The city must submit its application by next week.
