 On May 30, Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell was killed in the line of duty while protecting the community. He was a beloved father, son, fiancé, and two-year veteran of the MPD. He was also a hero. Officer Mitchell’s death is a tragedy for the community and has been felt deeply across our city.
A memorial service will be held for Officer Mitchell tomorrow, June 11 at 11 a.m. at Maple Grove Senior High School. Additional information about the service will be shared publicly today.
“The City of Minneapolis lost a hero. Officer Jamal Mitchell was a father, a son, a fiancé, and a beloved member of our Minneapolis Police Department. He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of others. His life–and his service–will never be forgotten.
Our hearts go out to Officer Mitchell’s family and loved ones–and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy.
To our Minneapolis police officers–yours is an honorable profession and an extraordinary police department. You’ve worn that uniform and badge through the toughest of times and you’ve continued to show up. It’s your strength that helps us get through.
To the families of the victims–we stand with you and our city will wrap its arms around you.
And to our Minneapolis community–we are strong, we are resilient, and we will lean on one another during this difficult time,” said Mayor Jacob Frey.
Last week, Mayor Frey and the City of Minneapolis announced a tentative agreement for a 2023-2025 collective bargaining agreement with the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis. Following a 301-63 vote from its members, the POFM has advanced a contract agreement that would deliver a historic boost in pay for Minneapolis police officers and significant reforms.
The 21.7 percent pay increase over the three years of the contract would make the MPD among the highest-paying departments in Minnesota by 2025. The contract also includes reforms that would enhance transparency, strengthen managerial oversight, and equip MPD management with essential tools to better deploy limited resources and run the department.
“This is a good deal for Minneapolis residents who are counting on this local government to do everything possible to replenish our ranks and deliver on change,” said Frey.
“After months of hard work, our negotiating team has struck a balanced agreement that will make the department a more competitive employer and provide our chief with the necessary managerial control. This was an all-hands-on-deck effort, and I am hopeful that my Council colleagues will support the agreement.”
 Mayor Frey joined the City’s Health Department last week to announce an investment of more than $315,000 for several different community-led projects tackling climate change. The funding, made possible through the City’s Climate Legacy Initiative, is going to 16 Homegrown Minneapolis community projects related to urban agriculture and preventing food waste.
The organizations are building healthier communities by addressing one or more of the following areas:
- Growing food using sustainable production methods
- Reducing wasted food through distribution to food shelves and other programs
- Using energy-efficient controlled environments to extend the growing season
“From fostering urban gardens to preventing food waste, these groups are making a real difference. Together, we're building a more sustainable future for Minneapolis,” Frey said.
 Mayor Frey joined Minneapolis Animal Care and Control to launch their new Fido Field Trip Program, which invites community members to take adoptable shelter dogs out for a day of adventure and companionship.
The initiative helps animals in need by reducing kennel stress for dogs in MACC’s care and increasing a dog’s chance of successfully being adopted. Participants can gain valuable insights about a dog’s personality and behavior while enjoying a commitment-free day of hiking, playing, or snuggling.
"Everybody wins. You get to hang out with a dog for a few hours. That dog gets to reduce their anxiety and it is far more likely that that dog is going to end up getting adopted," Frey said. "You win, the dog wins, our city wins."
You can sign up to volunteer for the program on the City's website.
This weekend, Mayor Frey joined local and state elected officials and leaders from the City, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and Mississippi Watershed Management Organization to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Upper Harbor redevelopment site in North Minneapolis. The project connects the northside to the Mississippi River.
The infrastructure includes a newly constructed roadway network on site with the creation of West River Road and reconstruction of 33rd Ave. N. and Dowling Ave. N. into the McKinley neighborhood, underground water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, signage, and signals.
The park features a five-acre plaza and lawn area, improved bike and pedestrian trails, a new naturalized shoreline, and beautiful landscapes.
“Minneapolis is unified by the mighty Mississippi River – but a beautiful riverfront doesn’t mean much if it’s not easily accessible to all our residents,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “What was once a barge shipping terminal is now a beautiful recreational space for residents to enjoy—and this is just the beginning. Thank you to all our local and state partners who helped make this park a reality.”
This is only Phase 1 of the Upper Harbor Terminal Project. Future plans include affordable housing, living wage jobs, a health and wellness hub, and a community performing arts center.
Mayor Frey and the City of Minneapolis are proposing to redevelop the property located at 3000 Minnehaha Ave., the site of the former 3rd Police Precinct, to house a new democracy center to expand access to the ballot box and provide a large space for community use.
City experts reviewed the physical space, operational fit and feedback gathered throughout the last several years. As a result, the City is proposing to relocate its Elections and Voter Services, which is currently leasing industrial space in Northeast Minneapolis, into the building at 3000 Minnehaha Ave. Additionally, more than 8,000 square feet of the space would be used for community use, which is roughly two thirds of the ground floor of the existing building. The City’s proposed timeline would have the site open as early as 2026.
The City is taking steps to ensure 3rd Precinct residents can be part of shaping the future use of the space by hosting an open house tonight. This will begin a several-month-long engagement process that will ultimately guide the next steps of the project.
Community Open House
Monday, June 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E Franklin Ave
Information will be presented in Spanish and interpreters will be available.
Residents can provide input through an online survey at minneapolismn.gov/minnehaha-3000.
Downtown Minneapolis is ready for another jam-packed summer. Over the next few months, there will be more than 1,800 events across the corridor – including concerts, sporting events, and festivals.
From Twin Cities Pride to the Taste of Minnesota, to Downtown Thursdays, there is something for everyone.
“The place to be this summer is downtown Minneapolis,” said Mayor Frey. “Just on Nicollet Mall, you’ll be able to find shopping, food trucks, music, and games every week. Grab your family, friends, and coworkers – and come be part of the momentum we’re seeing downtown.”
You can learn more about the events on the Minneapolis Downtown Council's website.
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