Weekly Update from Mayor Frey - November 13

Mayor 2022

Update from Mayor Jacob Frey | November 13, 2025

Minneapolis Records Highest Municipal Voter Turnout

FOX 9 voting pic

FOX 9

Minneapolis voters made history this year. Across all 13 wards, a record-setting 55% of registered voters — 147,702 people — cast ballots in the 2025 Municipal Election, surpassing the previous record of 54% turnout set in 2021. Mayor Frey celebrated the news, saying: 

"The time and commitment so many people dedicated to our election on Tuesday is not lost on me.

Hundreds of volunteers made sure voting was smooth and accessible for neighbors.

Our Elections and Voter Services team spent months preparing—making sure people knew where to go and how they could vote.

And thousands of people took the time to show up—setting a record for our city and proving once again that Minneapolis leads the way on voter turnout.

Thank you."

According to national comparisons, Minneapolis continues to stand out as one of the most civically engaged cities in the country — far exceeding turnout rates in other large U.S. cities.

View official election results.


New Minneapolis Traffic Cameras Show Early Success

Street camera

Unveiling the new traffic safety cameras

Early data from the City of Minneapolis’ traffic safety camera pilot program shows clear progress: speeding is down across all five camera locations in the program’s first month.

Compared to before installation, the number of drivers going 10+ mph over the limit dropped nearly 30%, and those going 20+ mph over dropped 76%. Most drivers — 98% — are following the speed limit.

On Friday, November 7, the pilot moved from its warnings-only phase to issuing citations. First-time violators will continue to receive warnings, while repeat offenses will result in a $40 fine (or $80 for driving 20+ mph over). Drivers can also opt to take a free traffic safety class instead of paying their first fine.


One Year of Progress at the Lake Street Safety Center

Lake Street Safety Center

Mayor Frey is celebrating one year of the Lake Street Safety Center, a welcoming hub that connects South Minneapolis residents with vital resources and support.

Since opening last November, the center has helped hundreds of visitors access city, county, and community services all in one place — from housing and education support to free NARCAN, fentanyl test strips, and non-emergency police assistance.

Mayor Jacob Frey called the center “proof that local government can listen, act, and deliver results that matter,” crediting collaboration among City staff, community organizations, and neighbors for its success.

Located at 2228 E. Lake St., the center continues to expand partnerships and programs, including the new Community Safety Ambassador initiative that offers wellness checks and resource connections along Lake Street and Franklin Avenue.


New Native Housing Opens in East Phillips, Ventura Village

Native housing grand opening

Today, community partners and residents celebrated the grand opening of Oshki-Gakeyaa, a 24-home permanent supportive housing community led by the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC). Located in the East Phillips and Ventura Village neighborhoods, the development provides safe, stable homes paired with culturally grounded, trauma-informed support services for Native individuals and families.

The $14.1 million project—made possible through a strong public-private partnership between the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota Housing, and many others—marks a major step forward in addressing housing disparities and promoting long-term stability.

“Oshki-Gakeyaa demonstrates what’s possible when communities work together toward shared goals,” said Mayor Frey. “For too long, Native families have faced some of the greatest barriers to safe, stable housing. Projects like this change that story — they create space for healing, opportunity, and hope. When we invest in people and in partnerships like this, we build a city where everyone has the chance to succeed.”

Oshki-Gakeyaa is one of four new housing projects opening in the final months of this year to expand access to shelter and permanent homes. Altogether, these developments will add 126 new shelter beds and 122 new permanent housing units by the end of the year — a major boost in the city’s ongoing work to reduce homelessness and create more stable housing options for residents.


Frey Directs $150K to Feed Minneapolis Families

Food shelf

Mayor Frey at Shiloh Cares Food Shelf

As the federal government shutdown disrupts food assistance programs, Mayor Jacob Frey announced that the City of Minneapolis is directing $150,000 to six local nonprofit partners providing free, healthy food to residents.

The funding, through the Minneapolis Health Department’s Homegrown Minneapolis program, is helping food shelves restock and meet rising demand as more than 60,000 Minneapolis residents face uncertainty around delayed SNAP (food assistance) benefits.

“When Washington stalls, Minneapolis acts,” said Mayor Frey. “We’re stepping up to keep families fed — but this is a stopgap. The federal government needs to do its job.”

The City continues to coordinate with Hennepin County and state partners as the situation evolves. Residents can find or support a local food shelf online, or participate in local food drives like the one below:

Agate Housing

Southwest High Girls XC Capture First State Title

Southwest HS

Big congratulations to the Southwest High School girls cross country team, crowned state champions for the first time in school history! Mayor Jacob Frey joined the team for a workout and presented an official proclamation celebrating their outstanding season.

Minneapolis is proud of these champions!


Minneapolis Shines with Purple Rain Musical Premiere

Purple Rain

Minneapolis lit up the past week as the world-premiere of the Purple Rain musical opened downtown! Prince’s hometown took center stage, drawing thousands of visitors and highlighting the city’s creative energy and economic vitality.

The show runs through November 23 at the Orpheum Theatre, and tickets are available online.

"Go see the show and celebrate this incredible moment for Minneapolis," said Mayor Frey. "Thanks to Hennepin Arts and the Purple Rain Pre-Broadway World Premiere for making it happen."


"Winterapolis" Comes to Minneapolis for First Time

Winterapolis

"Winterapolis" announcement

Minneapolis is launching Winterapolis, a citywide seasonal celebration designed to make the city “America’s Winter City.” The festivities begin Nov. 28 with a downtown lighting ceremony, marking the start of activities across the city — from Dayton’s Holiday Market downtown to Holidays on Hennepin in Uptown.

Winterapolis will continue through February, wrapping up with a Valentine’s Day pop-up. Celebrate the season, support local businesses, and enjoy all the magic Minneapolis has to offer this winter!

Explore all the events on the Meet Minneapolis website.


Photos of the week

Dias de los Muertos celebration

Día de los Muertos celebration in Minneapolis

Lena Smith street renaming

Mayor Frey at street renaming for trailblazer Lena Smith

Hennepin Avenue S reopening

Celebrating with neighbors at Hennepin Ave S reopening


minneapolismn.gov/mayor

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