 This week, Mayor Jacob Frey officially signed the contract to launch Minneapolis’ first-ever traffic safety cameras, marking a major milestone in the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries. The action follows City Council approval and clears the way for a September rollout of speed enforcement cameras at five locations across Minneapolis.
“Minneapolis is taking commonsense steps to protect lives on our streets,” said Mayor Frey. “With these traffic safety cameras, we’re making clear that speeding and reckless driving won’t be tolerated—especially near our schools and areas with lots of foot traffic. This pilot program is about saving lives, not writing tickets, and I’m proud to have signed the contract to get this work moving.”
The cameras will be installed in neighborhoods across the city, including Downtown, Near North, Northeast, Ventura Village, and King Field/Tangletown. Additional locations are already being considered for future expansion based on community feedback and traffic data.
 Photo credit: MPR
What was once slated for demolition is now one of Minneapolis’ most beloved and walkable streets. This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Milwaukee Avenue Historic District in the Seward neighborhood, and to honor the occasion, Mayor Frey proclaimed July 13, 2025, as Milwaukee Avenue Historic District Day.
Originally built as worker housing in the 1880s, the street faced demolition in the 1970s—until neighbors rallied to preserve its character and history. Their efforts turned Milwaukee Avenue into a national model for historic preservation and community-led revitalization.
“There is this kind of camaraderie here that you don't often feel just anywhere in the country. Well, we have it here in Minneapolis, and you most definitely have it here on Milwaukee Avenue. And so, I'm just so grateful to all of the people over many decades and many generations that have made such a jewel in the city like this possible,” Mayor Frey said.
 Thanks to Mayor Frey’s Downtown Action Council, Nicollet Mall is about to be filled with fire trucks, snowplows, semis, and more for the City’s first “Minneapolis Moves: The Big Honking Truck Parade” on July 31. Designed to bring families and energy back into the heart of downtown, this new event is the latest effort to make Nicollet Mall a fun destination for residents of all ages.
“From fire engines to snowplows, residents of all ages know that Minneapolis is the best trucking city ever!” said Mayor Frey. “So, we thought, ‘Why not bring them all together for a big parade downtown?’ It’s a fun way for families to connect with the people and equipment that keeps our city trucking. And it’s one more way we're bringing Nicollet Mall to life."
The parade, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m., will feature City vehicles and heavy machinery from local businesses, with a vendor market and food offerings along the Mall from 4–8 p.m.
 It's been nearly five years since Mayor Frey and the City launched the Ownership and Opportunity Fund-- and in that time, it's helped more than 25 local entrepreneurs, many from communities historically excluded from commercial ownership, buy their buildings and begin building generational wealth. With nearly $13 million invested, the fund is delivering real results in neighborhoods across Minneapolis.
From Wenrich Construction to countless other small businesses, the fund is turning renters into owners and supporting the local economy from the ground up.
This week, Mayor Frey and the City of Minneapolis announced $700,000 in funding through the 2025 Cultural District Arts Fund—supporting 65 artist-led projects across the city’s seven cultural districts. From dance and storytelling to puppetry, music, and public art, these projects will bring creativity and cultural connection to every corner of Minneapolis.
“Minneapolis is a city where culture, creativity, and community go hand in hand—and the Cultural District Arts Fund is proof of that,” said Mayor Frey. “From dance and storytelling to puppetry and public art, these 65 projects reflect the best of who we are. Thank you to our Arts Department for finding unique ways to bring the arts to life in every corner of our city.”
The awards will support festivals, pop-up activations, workshops, and cultural celebrations in neighborhoods including 38th Street, Cedar Avenue South, Central Avenue, East Lake Street, Franklin Avenue East, Lowry Avenue North, and West Broadway.
A full list of recipients and more details are available on the City’s Arts & Cultural Affairs website.
 As part of the City’s continued investment in a growing downtown arts scene, Mayor Frey and the City of Minneapolis have recommended a new operator for The Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts: a collaboration between local organizations Arts’ Nest and Zenon Dance Company and School.
"Investments in arts and culture are a critical part of our Minneapolis comeback, so forming partnerships to showcase Minneapolis as the regional dance hub it is, is not optional,” said Mayor Frey. “With Arts’ Nest and Zenon partnering with us to bring The Cowles Center back to life, we’re bringing more talent to the stage, more bodies to the seats, and more chances for everyone to experience the magic of dance right in our downtown."
The recommendation follows a robust public process and reflects the City’s commitment to equity, education, and access in the performing arts. Together, Arts’ Nest and Zenon will activate the space with expanded programming, affordable rentals for local dance groups, and artist-driven events that uplift community and creativity. The proposal now moves to City Council for formal consideration.
 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.
 Taste Music Hear Food podcast with Ed Porter
 Mayor Frey visiting the Amplifon team downtown
 Celebrating the City's first Chief Communications Officer, Adam Fetcher
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