Mayor Frey, Meet Minneapolis Welcome Visitors to Support Local Businesses and Experience the City

Mayor 2022

Update from Mayor Jacob Frey | March 18, 2026

Mayor Frey Welcomes Visitors to Minneapolis

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Today, Mayor Frey and Meet Minneapolis are encouraging people from across the country to visit Minneapolis and support the city’s restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and small businesses.  

A new City video highlights the incredible people, businesses, and organizations that call Minneapolis home – and showcases the city has a destination for anyone. The message is simple:  Minneapolis is open for business and ready to welcome visitors. 

Recent federal immigration enforcement actions have affected many local businesses and neighborhoods, especially those owned and operated by immigrant entrepreneurs who are integral to Minneapolis’ local economy. In January alone, Minneapolis saw roughly $203.1 million in economic losses, including more than $80 million in lost revenue for small businesses and hotel cancellations totaling about $5 million per week. 

While people across the world have continued to show support for Minneapolis, Mayor Frey said one of the most meaningful ways to help right now is simply visit the city and support its local businesses.  

“Minneapolis residents have shown the world their heroism. Now it’s time for visitors to experience Minneapolis, witness our city’s unbreakable spirit, and enjoy amazing food by a lake, in a park, or anywhere in our city,” said Mayor Frey. “Once you experience Minneapolis, like me, you may just want to move here forever.” 

Tourism and local spending help sustain small businesses and communities that make the city one-of-a-kind. Minneapolis is home to just under 100,000 businesses – from Fortune 500 headquarters to small, family-owned restaurants, neighborhood shops, and local startups. From its renowned dining scene and vibrant arts community to its lakes, parks, and neighborhoods, Minneapolis offers visitors a wide range of experiences year-round. 

“Minneapolis is defined by creativity, culture and community, and there has never been a better time to experience it,” said Melvin Tennant, President and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “From the walkability of our compact downtown footprint to the rich diversity of our neighborhoods and cultural districts, visitors will find Minneapolitans are welcoming and inviting. There’s energy, and discovery, around every corner and we invite visitors to come see for themselves what makes Minneapolis so special.” 

For help planning trips, attending events, exploring neighborhoods, and supporting locally owned businesses, visit www.minneapolis.org

Watch the video

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minneapolismn.gov/mayor

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please call 311 at 612-673-3000.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

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