 In the immortal words of the Rolling Stones: "You can't always get what you want." That about sums up this week on the City Council.
Data Centers
As of yesterday, we have a moratorium on downtown data centers – but it could have been worse. As I outlined in my Star Tribune opinion piece, I’m opposed to any moratorium because it sends the message once again that Minneapolis is closed for business. Our sister city of St. Paul (who also has much vacant space) has no moratorium. The council, however, voted 8-5 to move forward with a six-month moratorium that includes an exception for new data center development downtown of up to 350,000 square feet per project. That is better than the original proposal, which would have imposed a year-long blanket ban across the entire city. Council Member Whiting and Council Vice President Osman both voted in support of the moratorium. The measure was referred to the Business Committee, with a public hearing coming mid-June and returning to the full council for action on by late June or early July. The moratorium is in effect in the meantime, and if it passes it will go to the mayor for his signature or veto. Thanks to all the union workers who showed up at our meeting to stand up for Minneapolis jobs and against the moratorium.
On a more encouraging note, the council unanimously passed a directive for our Legislative Research department to produce a comprehensive policy report on data centers – to define what they are, look at how they are regulated across the country, and examine what their economic, environmental, and land-use implications could mean for Minneapolis.
I also gave notice for the first piece of legislation I will be lead-authoring: an update to the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances that creates a new regulatory framework for data centers – which will provide exactly the kind of smart, targeted guardrails the public has been asking for. There will be ample opportunity for residents to engage and share their perspectives as this process moves forward. I'm hopeful that we can build a coalition across the ideological spectrum on the council, and that this effort can serve as a model for how we do substantive policy work going forward.
The Public Safety Training Facility
Next up, my perspective was overruled again in the vote to approve $6.1 million to purchase 5 acres in an industrial area of Ward 11 for a Community Safety and Wellness Facility – inaccurately but effectively labeled by its opponents as "Cop City." The resolution failed 6-7. Because we were repurposing bonding dollars, it required nine votes to pass. That threshold was never reached, and the result is a major step backward for police reform.
Some context matters here. When Minneapolis voluntarily entered into the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settlement Agreement, we hired Effective Law Enforcement For All (ELEFA) as an independent third party to oversee our progress on reform. ELEFA required a facilities analysis, which was completed by Wold Architects. The Wold report specifically recommended developing a new, ”one-stop shop” training facility, which ELEFA approved as part of the agreement. By voting against purchasing this land, the council stepped out of alignment with the reform commitments we made in the wake of George Floyd's murder.
Furthermore, I heard from my colleagues who represent North Minneapolis that this was another slap in the face to the Northside. The Northside has been demanding for years that we move training from its current location in a repurposed elementary school that sits right in a residential neighborhood. Once again, these entreaties were met with assurances that the council shares this same desire, but this is another case where actions – in this case inaction – speaks louder than words.
 The Pattern
Over the course of my term so far, I've noticed a thread running through the failure of the training facility vote and the denial of Commissioner Barnette's reappointment. The thread is this: while abolishing the police failed at the ballot box in 2021, the movement behind it did not die. It's the Zombie Abolish the Police movement – the voters thought they killed it at the polls, but these people won't let it stay dead. Whenever anything related to the police comes up – overtime, facilities, audits, legislative directives – the discussion isn't primarily about the matter at hand. It's about the fundamental divide on this council between the Zombie Police Abolitionists and the Reformers.
I am firmly in the Reformer camp. What I heard from residents throughout my campaign was clear: Minneapolis needs and deserves more and better public safety – and that includes MPD. I will continue to advocate for all of our first responders getting the resources they need to do their jobs and keep our streets safe for everyone. The structural change demanded by the public cannot happen without investment in the infrastructure needed to support it.
Red Cow
Finally, rounding out the things we didn’t want this week was the announcement that Red Cow on Hennepin is closing its doors after a successful 10-year run. This is the second high-profile restaurant shuttering on Hennepin in the past month and only underscores that while public safety is improving in the area, when it comes to Uptown’s economic revitalization we’ve got hard work ahead.
 Credit: Ryo Hamasaki
One of the big winners in the recently-concluded state legislative session was the beloved Berger Fountain (“the dandelion fountain”) in Loring Park, which was awarded $1.8 million to bring it back to life. For decades this fountain has served as a unique and welcoming entrance point to the park, but in recent years it had slipped into significant disrepair and no longer functioned. The work needed for these repairs is complex and expensive, and while years of committed fundraising had advanced the ball to a certain point, a large gap remained. Not anymore. Because of the legislature’s action, the project is now fully funded, and just yesterday we held a celebratory ceremony marking the event.
Not only will the fountain itself be restored, but a new plaza will be constructed as well, creating an entirely new entrance to the park. In the words of CLPC President Lee Frelich, "We aren't just fixing a fountain; we are reclaiming the front porch of Loring Park. The new plaza will become that. A safe, well-lit, and beautiful space where the community can gather, reflect, and heal.” While thanks are due to many, many individuals who have worked hard for years to bring this vision to reality, special thanks are due to state legislators, Sen. Scott Dibble and Rep. Katie Jones, for getting us over the finish line. Thanks also to former Representative Frank Hornstein who brought this forward before retiring. Thanks one and all – I can’t wait to see this landmark fountain back in action as part of the park’s new “front porch!”
 On Wednesday I was pleased to attend the Downtown Council’s press event announcing all the great activities happening in Downtown Minneapolis this summer. One of the events highlighted was the Minnesota United Football Club’s 2026 Soccer Celebration, to be held June 11-27 in conjunction with the 2026 World Cup tournament. World Cup matches will be live-streamed to an outdoor jumbo screen on Nicollet Mall, sandwiched between Brit’s Pub and Peavey Plaza (use the link above to get your free tickets before they are gone!). In addition to the live stream, there will be food carts, live DJ’s, and MNUFC special guests.
Prominently featured during this press event was Minnesota soccer legend and Ward 7 resident Manny Lagos, who now serves as MNUFC’s Chief Development Officer.
 Mike Krivit Photography, Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
In other exciting sporting news, the NFL announced on Tuesday that its 2028 draft will be held in Minnesota, anchored in Minneapolis at U.S. Bank Stadium. This is a major sporting event that will not only attract thousands of people to the area, but will showcase our city to the country and the world as well. Thanks to Wendy Blackwell, CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, and her team for all their hard work in securing this high-profile event.
“The 2028 NFL Draft represents a great opportunity to host one of the biggest and fan-friendliest events in sports,” said Gunjan Kedia, chairman and CEO of U.S. Bank and honorary co-chair of the 2028 NFL Draft Local Organizing Committee. “The Draft will create meaningful economic impact for local businesses and communities across the Twin Cities and region. Minnesota’s business and community leaders came together behind a shared vision of becoming a host, and I want to thank the NFL and the Vikings for all their support. We’re excited about what this opportunity will mean for our state.”
This year’s NFL draft in Pittsburgh drew 805,000 fans!
 Continuing with the theme of things to celebrate, I was present at Shiloh Temple in North Minneapolis for the graduation of no fewer than thirty four (!) new Minneapolis police officers – 27 new MPD officers, 6 lateral transfers, and one new Park Police officer. Thanks to each and every one of them for making the choice to serve and protect the residents of this city. The addition of these new members brings the MPD within double digits of the charter minimum of 731 officers. This is great news, even as we wait for the next classes of hired cadets to finish training. Thanks to all our sworn officers who have been working so hard to protect the public under truly challenging circumstances for years now.
 ¡Marquen sus calendarios para el *29 de mayo, de 5 a 7 p. m.!* ¡Esperamos que puedan acompañarnos en la celebración del centenario de Emerson y en la fiesta de reconocimiento a los voluntarios! Por favor, compartan con nosotros sus historias sobre lo que hace que Emerson sea tan especial.
Mark your calendars for *May 29th, 5-7 PM!* We hope you can join us for Emerson's 100 year celebration and volunteer appreciation party! Please share your stories with us of what makes Emerson so special.
I know that many of you were connected to Emerson during Operation Metro Surge, and they do have a need for volunteers to help with this event, so please reach out if you have the time and availability.
 For those of you who love Swedish fish and other Scandinavian treats, you no longer need to venture online or to NYC to get your fill. Confetti Blossom is now open for business in a new, permanent location at the skyway level in LaSalle Plaza, 800 LaSalle Ave., after a successful run in a temporary space across the street. It’s colorful, flavorful, and fun!
After their daughter discovered Swedish candy on YouTube back in 2024, owners Alex and Colleen (Ward 7 residents!) visited a storefront shop in New York during a spring break trip and were inspired to bring the concept here to Minneapolis. With free parking available on site (and shopping available online), you can pick-and-mix, buy bubs, bundles, or by-the-pound, with gluten-free and vegan options available. You can also find them at the Minneapolis Farmers’ Market. Co-owner Alex Hanauer says the downtown community has been great, and he and his family are excited to be a part of it. Be sure to join in that excitement next time you’re downtown!
 The seasons change, generations come and go, but utility work is eternal. One of this year’s themes is gas line work. Service line and gas meter replacement work is wrapping up in Lowry Hill, and CenterPoint will be starting up similar line and meter work shortly in East Isles. As you’ll see from the above map, the work area is pretty comprehensive; there’s a similar map for the southern portion of the neighborhood as well. Expect utility marking, work crews, pavement removals, and some heavy equipment use in the weeks ahead as this work progresses block-by-block. This happened with my own house a couple of months ago, and while it certainly is disruptive, it’s also necessary for a safe and reliable utility grid. So, please practice patience while this work proceeds, and feel free to reach out with any city issues. For more information about the project, please visit the CenterPoint homepage for this project and sign up for email updates.
Saturday, May 23: Stevens Square Community Organization, Community Discussion on Livability, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave.
Monday, June 1: Kenwood Neighborhood Organization monthly meeting, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Kenwood Rec Center, 2101 W. Franklin Ave.
Tuesday, June 2: Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association monthly board meeting, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the Kenwood Rec Center. Click here for more information.
Tuesday, June 9: West Maka Ska Neighborhood Council monthly meeting, 6 – 8 p.m., Bakken Museum Great Hall, 3527 Zenith Ave. S.
Tuesday, June 9: East Isles Neighborhood Association monthly meeting, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Grace Trinity Church, 1430 W. 28th Street. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, June 10: Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association monthly meeting, 6:30-7:30pm at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 420 Cedar Lake Road. Click here for more details.
Wednesday, June 10: : Cedar-Isles-Dean Neighborhood Association monthly meeting, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Jones Harrison Senior Living, 3700 Cedar Lake Avenue. Click here for full details.
Monday, June 29: Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association monthly meeting, 5:30pm, via Zoom. Click here for meeting link.
 Following a nationwide search, Mayor Jacob Frey announced the nomination of Dr. Reginald Freeman to serve as the next Chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department. If confirmed by the City Council, Freeman would lead a department with nearly 170 years of service to the people of Minneapolis.
Chief Freeman brings decades of leadership experience in fire service, emergency management, and public safety — leading departments in Oakland, CA, and Hartford, CT, among other key roles across the country and internationally. His career has centered on modernizing operations, investing in firefighters, strengthening community trust and preparing departments to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Learn more about Dr. Freeman.
City leaders announced the launch of the Minneapolis Police Department’s (MPD) Firearm Assault Shoot Team (FAST), a specialized investigative unit dedicated to solving non-fatal shooting cases across the city.
Historically, due in large part to the department’s staffing challenges, non-fatal shootings have been investigated by the MPD’s homicide investigators. By dedicating units to homicides and non-fatal shootings, MPD aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in both investigations.
FAST, which began operations on March 23, consists of one MPD Lieutenant, seven MPD officers, and personnel from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Transit Police, with officers from the Bloomington Police Department expected to join them in June.
The collaboration reinforces the City’s evolving approach to improving investigative outcomes, strengthening accountability and enhancing community safety, not only through law enforcement partnerships, but also by working with violence prevention partners and community members to improve investigative outcomes and build long-term public safety.
Learn more about the City’s approach to solving non-fatal shooting cases. |
