 A multi-pronged recruiting effort to boost the ranks of the Minneapolis Police Department is showing positive results. So far in 2024, applications have increased by 45% compared to 2023. Last year, there were 697 applications submitted. This year, the City has already received 1014 applications. MPD also currently has 570 sworn officers, which is eight more personnel than the department ended with in 2023.
These positive numbers come on the heels of several cross-departmental recruitment strategies across the City. In March, Mayor Frey announced a significant investment in a new, focused effort to bring talented, community-oriented leaders to be part of MPD. The Imagine Yourself campaign, combined with an enhanced boots-on-the-ground effort led by MPD’s internal recruiting team and a historic police union contract, has shown an increase in interest in joining the department.
"We set a plan to recruit more police officers and that plan is working," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "Serving in the Minneapolis Police Department is a prestigious role, and I’m proud to witness an increasing number of individuals eager to contribute to the safety and well-being of our city. Thank you to our incredible Commissioner, Chief, and all our City leaders whose hard work has made this progress possible.”
 Mayor Frey and Council President Payne were joined by City and business leaders last week to announce affordable trees for sale through the City Trees program. This year, the City committed $855,000 to the program to purchase 3,700 trees to support the tree sale and pickup event.
From now until Sept. 30, residents and businesses can purchase shade, fruit, flowering, or evergreen trees for $30. Trees provide shade, lower utility bills, increase property values, clean the air, provide habitat for wildlife, and collect stormwater.
“Planting a single tree can yield countless benefits,” said Mayor Frey. “Through our City Trees program, we’re not just making trees affordable; we’re enhancing air quality, beautifying our neighborhoods, and helping residents reduce utility costs. Minneapolis remains at the forefront of climate action, and this initiative is another way we’re leading the charge.”
Since the program began in 2006, the City Trees program has provided more than 20,000 low-cost trees for planting on private property and provided thousands of trees to commercial businesses, organizations and property owners of five or more units.
 Mayor Frey recently attended the kick off of Open Streets 2024 on Lyndale Avenue. The events allow local businesses, artists, and community groups to transform streets into a place where people can gather and celebrate the diversity and creativity of the city while walking, biking, and rolling. Since the first event in 2011, Open Streets events have drawn more than 680,000 people.
The next two Open Streets events are:
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September 21: W Broadway between Lyndale Ave. N and N Penn Ave.
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September 28: Nicollet Ave. between W 31st St. and W 46th St.
“Open Streets is Minneapolis at its best,” said Mayor Frey. “These events bring together thousands of people to celebrate our great city – and the businesses, parks, and people who all make Minneapolis so unique. We are thrilled to kick off another year of Open Streets, and I am so grateful to our City staff and neighborhood partners who have worked tirelessly to set these events up for another successful year.”
 Photo from the 2019 Battle of the Badges event
On Saturday, Mayor Frey will join local and state law enforcement partners at the 2024 Battle of the Badges! The Minneapolis Police Department, the Minneapolis Fire Department, the Minneapolis Park Police, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will host the 8th Annual BBQ event at North Commons Park.
This free event features "friendly" competition between first responders as they battle for the title of Best Ribs in the City. With the goal of bringing our entire community together, the event will feature teams of officers, firefighters, and deputies, who will use their best rib recipes to impress the judging panel, which Mayor Frey will be part of.
The event is free and open to the public.
 Mayor Frey hopes everyone was able to get out and enjoy the Minnesota State Fair! The mayor visited the fair a couple of times, including for an MPR interview alongside St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. Some of the mayor's favorite activities include eating fried pickles, going down the giant slide, and taking a ride on Ye Old Mill.
Several Minneapolis restaurants made a splash this year with new food offerings, including Afro Poppers from Afro Deli, Ba’bacon Sour Cream + Onion from Baba’s, Blazing Greek Bites from Dino’s Gyros, Crab Boil Wings from Soul Bowl, Deep-Fried Halloumi Cheese at Holy Land Deli, Grilled Purple Sticky Rice at Union Hmong Kitchen, and Shroomy “Calamari” from French Meadow Bakery & Café.
Minneapolis continues to top national lists -- this time voted as the third best city in America to retire in. WalletHub said the City of Lakes has one of the most "elderly-friendly" job markets in the nation, along with great hospital systems and a friendly environment.
Other accolades Minneapolis has received lately include:
- Best rebound activity downtown
- Happiest City in America
- Best spot for recent college grads
- Top five for accessibility
- Nation-leading parks and bikes systems
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