 Mayor Frey joined members of the Latino business community last week to offer his support in the wake of declining sales due to the Trump administrations campaign against immigrants. Speaking at the Colonial Market on E Lake St., Mayor Frey offered his support to all Minneapolis immigrants who make the city a better place and called on shoppers to patronize immigrant-owned businesses.
The Trump administration’s ICE raids have caused many immigrant families—regardless of immigration status—to stay at home out of fear. This has taken a toll on immigrant-owned businesses, with Colonial Market owner Daniel Hernandez citing a 50% drop in sales over the last month, resulting in a $100,000 loss.
"Imagine dropping your kid off at daycare in the morning and not knowing whether you're going to see that kid at night. That's the kind of fear that so many people in our community are presently experiencing,” said Mayor Frey. "What this is is a call to action, and that call to action could not be easier for you all to take up. What I'm telling you to do is go support these incredible Latino-owned businesses that are in Minneapolis."
Minneapolis is a Welcoming City, dedicated to supporting and empowering immigrant families. The City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs continues to ensure residents born outside the US are connected to legal services and other important resources.
On Tuesday, Mayor Frey and City and community leaders unveiled a draft Development Framework for the highly anticipated New Nicollet Redevelopment project at the former Kmart site. Thousands of community members helped shape the vision through 14 events, 2,245 survey responses, and 520 in-person interactions.
“Reconnecting Nicollet Ave. has been a decades-in-the-making vision, and we are going to get it done right,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “For far too long, this space has separated our communities rather than united them, and this community-driven process is bringing them back together. Opening it up with people, a park, and public realm improvements will drive life into a place that everyone will want to be.”
The New Nicollet Redevelopment site spans 10 acres of land between the Midtown Greenway trail, Lake Street, First Avenue, and Blaisdell Avenue. The City’s plan includes reconnecting Nicollet Avenue, with opportunities for:
- Housing options for all income levels
- A new park and green spaces for community gathering areas
- Local businesses to meet the needs of residents
- Incorporating sustainable design opportunities
The project team will seek approval of the Development Framework from the City Council and the mayor this spring. Construction on Nicollet Avenue is expected to begin later this year.
 Downtown Minneapolis has recovered from the pandemic faster than any other urban center in the country, and the momentum is building. As workers return to their offices, residents are also eager to live downtown, with the population increasing by 3.7% from the prior year. Several factors have positively contributed to this growth, including:
- A City ordinance making it easier to convert vacant office space into housing
- Programming that activates the streets
- Strong partnerships with business and community leaders
In October, Mayor Frey unveiled his Downtown Action Plan, a bold, comprehensive strategy to elevate downtown Minneapolis to the next level. The plan builds on the success of the area as a vibrant, 24/7 destination for residents, visitors, and businesses. It will turn ideas into action, solidifying downtown as the region’s premier spot for entertainment, nightlife, dining, sports, business, and the arts.
 Last week, Mayor Frey vetoed a City Council legislative directive that would pause the community-supported development at George Floyd Square in order to explore a permanent closure of the intersection, which has been strongly opposed by area residents and businesses.
The Council’s move dismisses years of community engagement that landed on a “flexible-open” concept for the intersection at E 38th St. and Chicago Ave. S—which would allow traffic and transit to continue to flow while maintaining the ability to close the square to vehicles for public events. The Council’s decision further delays long-awaited infrastructure improvements at the memorial site.
“It’s time to move forward and these repeated delays are unacceptable,” said Mayor Frey. “Residents and businesses in the area have told us time and again that they want action, and this vote stalls the progress yet again. While the delay is frustrating, we won’t be deterred in our efforts to deliver this for the community.”
In addition to creating a memorial that could be closed to traffic for public events, the flexible-open concept—originally set for construction this fall—included critical infrastructure upgrades to the area, including:
- Green stormwater systems.
- Upgraded street lighting.
- New sidewalks and bike lanes.
- Replacement of lead drinking water pipes.
- Green spaces and planted boulevards.
- Restored Metro Transit service on one of the city’s busiest routes.
- Expanded areas for future memorials and art installations.
 Stable Homes Stable Schools Event in September 2024
Housing has long been a top priority for Mayor Jacob Frey, and one of his most impactful initiatives to connect people with stable housing is Stable Homes Stable Schools. Since its launch in 2019, the program has provided housing or housing assistance to over 5,600 Minneapolis students and their families.
"When students have a roof over their heads, they can focus on what matters most: learning, building relationships, and growing into their full potential. That’s why we created the Stable Homes Stable Schools program—because no child should ever have to worry about where they’ll sleep at night," said Mayor Jacob Frey.
The City of Minneapolis is proud to partner with Hennepin County, Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, YMCA of the North, and the Pohland Foundation in our shared mission to ensure that every child has access to safe, stable, and permanent housing.
Minneapolis property owners can now enter the City Trees Lottery through March 14. Don’t be left out of the shade by missing the chance to purchase up to three low-cost trees at just $30 each.
Enter the lottery by March 14. There are over 15 varieties of shade and evergreen trees that range from 3 to 7 feet tall. Your purchase also includes one bag of mulch and information about how to plant and care for your trees.
“Trees are more than a source of shade, they bring people together, beautify our neighborhoods, lower energy costs, and provide a lasting environmental impact,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Through the Climate Legacy Initiative, we’ve nearly doubled the number of trees available to residents in 2024, making it possible for more people to plant trees that will prosper for generations. We’re building a more climate-resilient and equitable Minneapolis—one tree at a time."
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Mayor Frey has a new and updated website reflecting his priorities and initiatives for the coming year! Check it out on the City's website. |
 15th Annual Gala4Goals with the Sanneh Foundation
 Minnesota United FC's 2025 kits
 Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Candidates
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