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Following Tuesday night's presidential election, Mayor Jacob Frey publicly addressed the results and what they mean for the city of Minneapolis moving forward:
"There is no denying the world looks different today than it did yesterday – and we’re seeing much of the country embrace values that feel antithetical to our values here in Minneapolis.
As a City, during this time of strife, and even fear, we will stand strong.
Minneapolis will remain a city of progress and a place of safety, stability, and care no matter who is in office.
Minneapolis is a place where people can be who they are – and we love them for it.
Our city is a refuge for trans people, a safe haven for reproductive rights, and a city that not only allows immigrants... we welcome them.
No matter who happens to reside in the White House, and regardless of what happens at the federal level, the City of Minneapolis will continue to deliver core services and meet the needs of our residents with the same care, expertise, and dedication that defines our team.
We have been through a Trump presidency, and we have made it through. We will make it through again.
To each of the 435,000 residents in our city, and many more that will come and go, we will face these challenges head-on together and we will work hand-in-hand to ensure that no matter what happens at the federal level or in the White House, in Minneapolis, we have a place you can be proud to call home."
 Mayor Jacob Frey recently announced his Downtown Action Plan, a bold, comprehensive strategy to bring downtown Minneapolis to the next level and build on its success as a vibrant, 24-7 destination for residents, visitors, and businesses. The plan will transform ideas into action and continue to elevate downtown as the region’s premier spot for entertainment, nightlife, dining, sports, business, and the arts.
The Downtown Action Council, chaired by Mayor Frey, will executive the plan. Comprised of nearly two dozen leaders from various sectors—including businesses, labor, nonprofits, real estate, the arts, and professional sports—the Council is dedicated to quickly and effectively implementing the initiatives outlined in the Downtown Action Plan.
“This plan isn’t just ideas, it’s about action,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “We’re bringing together a group of leaders that know how to execute and get things done, and we’re going to continue to transform downtown Minneapolis into a place where people—from all walks of life and from all places—want to be. I am grateful to every person who has stepped up to be a part of this work. Together, we are building the next phase of Minneapolis, and we’re doing it right.”
The Downtown Action Plan focuses on several new and existing initiatives that will position downtown as a national model for growth, urban vibrancy, and economic equity. Some of the most notable strategies include making Nicollet Mall a community-centered main street, transforming the Warehouse District into the entertainment district of the North, and making it easier for businesses to transform unused business space.
 On Monday, the Lake Street Safety Center officially opened its doors in South Minneapolis! The space will house a combination of community safety resources related to crime prevention, response, and restoration -- all under one roof.
The community safety center is central to building out the City's community safety ecosystem - a network of organizations, services, and programs that work together to address the causes of crime and safety issues in our communities.
“The Lake Street Safety Center is a terrific example of what we can achieve when we come together across departments and listen to our communities,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “True public safety is about building a network of resources that responds to the full spectrum of community needs—social workers, crime prevention specialists, 311, community navigators. Today’s opening shows our commitment to a safer, more connected Minneapolis for everyone.”
The Lake Street Safety Center is located at 2228 E. Lake St. and open Monday through Friday.
 Mayor Frey is excited to announce the City's first-ever Mobile Medical Unit. The state-of-the-art vehicle aims to bridge healthcare access gaps and reduce barriers in underserved communities. The new service will help reduce overdose deaths, increase access to treatment, promote long-term recovery, and expand access and delivery of medications for opioid use disorder.
“Every Minneapolis resident deserves access to healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Our new mobile medical unit is a true game-changer, bringing essential care and resources directly to those in need. With innovative initiatives like this, we’re breaking down barriers and paving the way to recovery. Thank you to our incredible Health Department for helping us take this vital step in our fight against the fentanyl crisis.”
The MMU can be used by anyone in the community but will be deployed to specific locations where access to care is challenging and needed most. The Health Department plans to have the vehicle out in the community by early 2025.
 Today, Mayor Jacob Frey joined Council Members, City leaders, Rep. Frank Hornstein, and local environmental advocates to sign a resolution urging the permanent closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) incinerator, one of the largest sources of air pollution in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is recognized nationwide for its waste reduction and recycling efforts. As part of its ambitious Zero Waste Plan, the City has set a goal to recycle or compost 80% of its waste by 2030. However, the continued operation of the HERC incinerator, which burns nearly 365,000 tons of waste annually, hinders the City’s transition to a zero-waste future.
By transitioning away from incineration, Minneapolis can move toward more environmentally responsible waste management practices that align with the City’s sustainability vision.
 Last week, Mayor Frey welcomed more than 20 new Community Service Officers (CSOs) to the City of Minneapolis. The CSO program prepares future officers with hands-on training as they complete their education, laying the groundwork for a career in community service and public safety.
"We're proud to support this diverse group of young leaders as they begin their journey in law enforcement," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "Their dedication, courage, and passion for our city are exactly what we need to continue building a safe and thriving Minneapolis. Congrats to all!"
The City of Minneapolis has been awarded $34.3 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration to rehabilitate the historic Nicollet Ave. bridge over Minnehaha Creek. The money will allow the City to replace and fix structural elements of the bridge and roadway.
“The Nicollet Ave. bridge has served our community for generations, and this funding will make sure it remains a vital connection for generations to come,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “We're not just dreaming big; we’re making those dreams a reality. With new bike lanes, wider sidewalks, accommodations for future bus rapid transit, and enhanced safety features, this grant will transform how we connect and move through our City. A huge thank you to our local, state and federal partners for their collaboration in securing this funding.”
Over the next several months, the City will finalize plans and complete state and federal project reviews. The bridge will be closed during construction, which is scheduled to begin in 2026. Crews will repair cracks, arches and other concrete deterioration, and the floor beams, deck, railings, drainage system, sidewalks and lighting will all be replaced. After construction wraps in 2028, the bridge will have six-foot protected bike lanes, eight-foot pedestrian sidewalks and two 11-foot traffic lanes.
Exciting developments are taking shape in South Minneapolis at the Unity Office Building -- an important step in Lake Street's economic recovery and growth. The project will create over 100 jobs and offer more than 21,000 square feet dedicated to BIPOC business owners and essential services such as a clinic.
The City of Minneapolis is proud to support Abe Demmaj and the Unity Project team with $800,000 from its Ownership and Opportunity Fund. The fund provides gap financing for small business owners to purchase and develop commercial properties, helping business owners to not just own their businesses, but the underlying real estate as well.
 Mayor Frey with the City's award-winning Elections and Voter Services team
 Mayor Frey visiting with SEIU MN
 Bryn Mawr Meadows grand opening
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