 Under Mayor Jacob Frey’s leadership, Minneapolis is seeing meaningful progress in addressing unsheltered homelessness. The City’s latest encampment report shows fewer closures, less encampments, more people accepting shelter, and a dramatic 81% drop in closure-related costs compared to the previous report. At the same time, 911 and 311 calls related to encampments are down significantly—by 85% and 87%, respectively.
“Encampments have never been the answer—safe, stable housing and a dignified place to sleep at night have been,” said Mayor Frey. “Thanks to the hard work of our Homeless Response Team, we’re seeing real results: more people indoors, fewer emergency calls, and lower costs to the public. The work isn’t done—but we’re on the right track.”
Mayor Frey has prioritized housing stability as key to community safety, livability, and opportunity. This quarterly report demonstrates the results of a collaborative, compassionate approach. City departments are working together with county and state partners to get more people into shelter, treatment, and long-term housing.
Through initiatives like the Homeless Response Team, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and Stable Homes Stable Schools, Mayor Frey and the City are continuing to invest in safe and stable housing in homelessness.
 A major milestone for North Minneapolis: Mayor Jacob Frey joined community partners to break ground on the all-new North Commons. This once-in-a-generation investment—powered by a strong coalition of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, local leaders, the Parks Foundation, and state and federal funders—is finally becoming a reality.
The project includes a brand-new waterpark, a three-gym fieldhouse, a renovated rec center, and original public art. The City is proud to be a key funder and even prouder of what this transformative space will mean for the Northside.
The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
 Photo credit: MPHA
Big day in Seward: On Tuesday, Mayor Jacob Frey joined partners to cut the ribbon on Wadaag Commons—a 100% affordable, family-focused development designed to meet the needs of large families in Minneapolis. As the final piece of the Seward Commons vision, Wadaag Commons stands as a testament to what’s possible when the community leads the way.
The City of Minneapolis invested more than $14 million in the project, working alongside Noor Companies, Redesign Inc., and key State and County partners to bring this vision to life. It’s another example of the City’s continued commitment to expanding affordable housing that actually works for families.
Cities succeed when people feel safe right outside their front doors. And in Minneapolis, we’re making real progress.
According to a new CBS report, violent crime across the Twin Cities is dropping—homicides, carjackings, and robberies are all down compared to last year. That’s not by chance. It’s the result of strategic policing, strong community partnerships, and rebuilding our department with over 600 sworn officers.
Over the past year in Minneapolis, we’ve:
✅ Cut violent crime, gun violence, and carjackings
✅ Boosted MPD recruitment — up 135% in applications
✅ Improved 911 response times
✅ Cleared more than 73% of the police conduct review backlog
The City's work isn’t done, but we’re on the right track—and we’re staying the course.
 Minneapolis’ “Sex Trafficking Thrives in Silence” campaign just won gold at the 2025 Digital Health Awards—national recognition for a life-saving effort. Developed by the City’s Health and REIB departments in partnership with local agency Russell Herder, the campaign was designed to reach those most at risk of being trafficked and raise public awareness.
“Sex trafficking is a crisis that must be met with urgency, compassion, and clarity—and that’s exactly what this award-winning campaign delivered,” said Mayor Frey. “Thank you to our Health Department and partners for helping drive awareness and save lives.”
Learn more and access campaign materials on the City’s website.
 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.
One of the best parts of summer in Minneapolis is back—Open Streets kicks off this Saturday, August 2!
Each event turns a city street into a car-free community celebration where folks can walk, bike, roll, and connect with neighbors. From music and art to food and small businesses, Open Streets puts the spotlight on what makes each neighborhood unique.
Here’s where you’ll find us:
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Aug. 2 – Central Ave (Lowry to 14th Ave) | Hosted by Audubon Neighborhood Association
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Aug. 17 – Cedar & Riverside Aves | Hosted by West Bank Business Association
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Sept. 6 – West Broadway (Logan to Lyndale) | Hosted by West Broadway Business & Area Coalition
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Sept. 20 – Hennepin Ave (26th to 36th St) | Hosted by the Uptown Association
Come for the fun, stay for the community. Mayor Frey looks forward to seeing you out there!
 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.
 Black Business Week in Minneapolis
 Sister City meeting with Eldoret, Kenya delegates
 Jacob and Sarah at Aquatennial Celebration
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