 January 2025
Minneapolis is standing up in court alongside 15 other cities and counties in a pivotal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s attempts to withhold federal funds from cities that refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. The lawsuit, led by San Francisco and Santa Clara County, argues that the federal government has no legal right to force local jurisdictions into immigration enforcement.
A preliminary injunction hearing for the lawsuit was held Wednesday in U.S. District Court, where Minneapolis and other plaintiffs asked the court to block the federal government from the unlawful withholding funds.
“Minneapolis is proud to stand with immigrant families — not just in words, but in court,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “We will not be bullied into violating the Constitution or compromising the trust between our residents and local government. No one in our city should have to fear that seeking help or calling 911 could lead to deportation. That’s what our welcoming policies protect, and that’s what we’re fighting to defend.”
Minneapolis is a safe and welcoming city, one that fosters inclusivity, respect, and safety for all, regardless of immigration status. The City wants every resident to feel safe reporting crimes, sending their kids to school, and accessing health care without fear of being targeted.
Welcoming city policies, like Minneapolis’s separation ordinance, do not protect criminals — they simply ensure local law enforcement can focus on fighting crime and serving residents, not acting as immigration agents. Studies show welcoming cities like Minneapolis are safer, not more dangerous, and these protections build stronger, more connected communities.
 Last week, Mayor Jacob Frey signed new franchise agreements with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy—marking a major step toward a more sustainable, equitable, and carbon-neutral Minneapolis. These first-of-their-kind agreements in the U.S. set city-specific decarbonization goals that bring Minneapolis closer to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Both utility companies have committed to exceed their own corporate targets in recognition of Minneapolis’ ambitious local climate policy:
- Xcel Energy will reduce community-wide emissions from electricity consumption in Minneapolis by 93% by 2035.
- CenterPoint Energy will cut weather-normalized greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas use by 20–30% by 2035.
“This kind of partnership is exactly how we meet the urgency of our climate goals—together,” said Mayor Frey. “Thank you, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, for your work on this!”
Beyond emissions reductions, the agreements also secure:
- Improved accessibility in the right-of-way
- $200,000 annually in utility permit fees for enhanced oversight
- Stronger collaboration and information sharing between the City and utilties
These agreements set a national example for how cities and utilities can work hand-in-hand to deliver on climate action and environmental justice.
 We all know Minnesota has two seasons: winter and construction! Mayor Frey and City leaders are gearing up for a busy 2025 construction season with more than $225 million in planned infrastructure improvements. These projects will impact everything from travel times to water quality. Led by the City’s Public Works Department, 66 capital projects will get underway this year, representing a major investment in safer streets, more reliable utilities, and more vibrant neighborhoods.
This year’s projects include:
- 9.3 miles of streets resurfaced
- 1.6 miles of streets reconstructed
- 2 Greenway bridges reconstructed
- 823 lead water service lines replaced
- 16 miles of water main rehabilitated
“This year, we are laser focused on the core infrastructure people in the city use everyday,” said Mayor Frey. “It is a daily luxury to not think about whether our water is clean enough to drink, whether the potholes will be filled on your commute or if the sidewalk is easy enough for your kid to navigate. The work done by our amazing Public Work employees will connect people in every corner of our city with safe drinking water, calmer streets, and easier connections to the places we love.”
From storm sewers and sidewalks to bridges and bikeways, these projects will strengthen the city’s foundation and improve the quality of life for residents across Minneapolis. To keep the public informed, the City is also launching a new online construction dashboard with real-time updates on project timelines, traffic impacts, and key milestones.
Minneapolis is gearing up for a safe and vibrant summer, with a focus on public safety as the city hosts major events for residents and visitors. Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette and City leaders have outlined a comprehensive safety plan for this summer, including a significant drop in violent crime. In fact, the first two months of 2025 saw a notable reduction in violence, with a roughly two-month period free of homicides – the longest streak since 2015.
“Minneapolis just saw its longest stretch without a homicide in nearly a decade. That’s not luck, that’s progress,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “As we head into summer, we’re doubling down on our work. Through strong partnerships with law enforcement and community leaders, we’re delivering safer streets, neighborhood by neighborhood – so every resident feels safe, no matter their zip code.”
The City's public safety strategy includes increased police presence and community safety programs, aimed at keeping crime rates low during summer activities such as Pride, the Saloon Block Party, the Twin Cities Marathon, and more. Minneapolis Police have reported a decrease in homicides (down 60%), gunshot victims (down 35%), and carjackings (down 33%) compared to last year.
Additional efforts include boosting Neighborhood Safety programs, enhancing Fire and EMS staffing, and increasing 911 readiness during high-traffic events. The Office of Community Safety is ready to coordinate efforts with both internal teams and external partners to ensure Minneapolis remains a safe, welcoming city for everyone.
 Big news for the City of Lakes—Minneapolis has been ranked one of the happiest cities on the planet, according to the Institute for Quality of Life’s 2025 Happy City Index. Out of 200 global contenders, only two U.S. cities made the gold category, and Minneapolis proudly claims a spot.
Mayor Jacob Frey puts it best: “Where else can you launch a startup in the morning, bike the Chain of Lakes at lunch, and catch a show at night?”
The ranking reflects more than smiles—it’s built on serious metrics like education, health, sustainability, and governance. With high voter turnout, strong mental health resources, world-class parks, and a thriving startup scene, it’s no wonder we’re on the list. Life in Minneapolis? Pretty hard to beat.
 Doors Open 2024
Save the Date! Doors Open Minneapolis is back on May 17 and 18. Doors Open is a unique, free event offering behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most iconic and hidden buildings, from historic landmarks to modern architectural gems. It's a celebration of all things Minneapolis, where visitors can learn from building owners, community leaders, and guides about the spaces that shape our city.
Watch the mayor's Doors Open PSA!
 Save the Date! In less than two weeks, Mayor Frey will deliver his 2025 State of the City Address— and you can watch it live online on the City's YouTube channel.
From filling potholes to saving lives, important work is happening across all of Minneapolis. The mayor is excited to share all that has been accomplished together in the last year. See you on May 6!
Looking for a new tree for your home or business? The rest of the trees for sale in the spring City Trees Sale can be ordered until April 30, while supplies last.
- Choose from shade or evergreen trees.
- Only $30 per tree.
- Order up to three trees per planting address.
- Trees must be planted on private property, not on the boulevard (area between street and sidewalk) or City right of way.
Order your trees today!
 As the saying goes... better late than never! Mayor Frey is officially on Bluesky. Follow him at @mayorjacobfrey to stay up to date on all things Minneapolis.
 20th Annual Hmong National Development Conference
 Signing in the City's first Deputy Safety Commissioner, Jared Jeffries
 10th Annual Bee Run and river cleanup
 Hennepin Technical College Cops & Community Brunch Event
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