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Over the last several months, Mayor Jacob Frey has spent time meeting with business owners, workers, families, and community leaders affected by Operation Metro Surge. This week, the City released a new assessment showing the full scope of that impact: nearly $700 million in economic damage and disruption across Minneapolis.
The assessment estimates:
- $607 million in lost income and economic activity, including $445 million in lost business revenue and $152 million in lost wages.
- $63 million in housing-related impacts and rent assistance needs.
- $9 million in increased food security needs.
- $7 million in mental health impacts.
- Significant disruptions to education, including nearly 441,000 fewer meals served through Minneapolis Public Schools.
"Throughout Operation Metro Surge, I saw both the hardship and the resilience of our city," said Mayor Frey. "Businesses fought to stay open, neighbors looked out for one another, and communities came together during an incredibly difficult time. Now it's our responsibility to continue investing in the people and neighborhoods that carried the burden of it."
To support those impacted, the City has already put forward more than $10 million for rent relief and small businesses, but Mayor Frey has cautioned that Minneapolis will need additional support from federal and state partners.
 Months ago, Mayor Jacob Frey convened an immigration task force made up of community leaders, business owners, City staff, and law enforcement partners to help ensure Minneapolis' immigrant communities have access to timely, accurate information and support.
The task force became especially important during Operation Metro Surge, helping connect residents with trusted information, identify emerging community needs, and strengthen coordination between the City and community organizations during a period of uncertainty and fear for many families.
"Minneapolis is proud of our immigrant neighbors," said Mayor Frey. "They are part of what makes our city strong. We value them, we stand with them, and we'll continue showing up for them every day."
 This week, Mayor Frey joined project partners to break ground on Seven Points, a transformational redevelopment of the former Calhoun Square site that will bring 228 new homes to the heart of Uptown.
The project is the largest new development to move forward in Uptown since before the pandemic and includes 46 affordable homes for residents earning at or below 50% of area median income. It is also the City's first new-construction Inclusionary Zoning Tax Increment Financing project.
Seven Points will add hundreds of new residents to one of Minneapolis' most iconic neighborhoods, helping support local businesses, activate sidewalks, and bring new energy to Uptown's commercial core.
"Uptown is moving forward," said Mayor Frey. "We're seeing new businesses open, more people spending time here, and renewed investment in the neighborhood. Seven Points brings more neighbors, more activity, and more opportunity to the heart of Uptown—and that's exactly the kind of momentum we want to keep building."
Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2027.
 Mayor Jacob Frey joined more than 1,500 local leaders from across the country at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Summer Meeting in Long Beach, California, where he shared Minneapolis' successes, learned from peers, and helped shape national conversations on housing, public safety, and community resilience.
During the conference, Mayor Frey highlighted Minneapolis' nationally recognized Stable Homes Stable Schools program, which has helped more than 7,500 students remain stably housed, and shared lessons learned from Operation Metro Surge and the Annunciation School shooting to help other cities strengthen their emergency preparedness efforts.
While there, Mayor Frey also received the Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award from the Latino Leaders Network in recognition of his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Minneapolis' Latino community.
"One of the greatest strengths of this conference is the opportunity to learn directly from other mayors facing many of the same challenges and opportunities," said Mayor Frey. "Cities are often where the best ideas start, and bringing those lessons back to Minneapolis helps us continue delivering results for residents."
 Meeting Danny Trejo at conference
For the first time in its nearly 40-year history, the Hispanic Heritage Awards will be held outside of Washington, D.C. — and Minneapolis has been selected as the host city.
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation announced that the 39th annual awards ceremony will take place at Orchestra Hall on September 10, where the people of the Twin Cities will receive the Humanitarian Award in recognition of their resilience, compassion, and commitment to supporting one another during times of crisis.
The Hispanic Heritage Awards are considered among the highest honors for Latinos by Latinos and have recognized some of the nation's most influential artists, leaders, advocates, and changemakers.
"Our Latino neighbors have helped shape Minneapolis into the city we know and love today," said Frey. "Their contributions strengthen every part of our community, and this recognition reflects the impact they've had on our city and beyond. It's especially meaningful to see them honored alongside some of the most influential Latino leaders, artists, and advocates in the country. This is a proud moment for Minneapolis."
The week will also include community events, leadership convenings, and youth-focused programming hosted by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation in partnership with local organizations across the Twin Cities.
 Mayor Jacob Frey proclaimed June 1–7 as Prince Celebration Week in Minneapolis, and this weekend thousands of people gathered downtown to honor the artist who changed music forever and helped put Minneapolis on the global stage ahead of what would have been his 68th birthday.
From the inaugural Prince Sing Along to celebrations across the city, residents and visitors came together to celebrate the music, creativity, and community spirit that Prince embodied. Few artists have shaped Minneapolis' identity as profoundly as Prince, whose influence continues to be felt throughout our music scene and creative economy.
"Prince taught the world that Minneapolis is a place where creativity, individuality, and love thrive," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "This weekend, thousands of people came together to celebrate that spirit. It was a powerful reminder that what brings us together will always be stronger than what tries to divide us."
 The Uptown Farmers Market is back.
After a successful inaugural season last year, the market returns every Thursday from 4-8 p.m. through September 24, bringing more than 40 vendors, local food, live music, and community activity to the heart of Uptown near the Lagoon Theatre.
Mayor Jacob Frey joined Council Members, community leaders, local businesses, and neighborhood partners this week to help kick off the season and continue supporting Uptown's comeback.
"Uptown is building momentum, and events like the Farmers Market are a big part of that story," said Mayor Frey. "When people come together to shop local, support small businesses, and spend time in the neighborhood, it helps create the energy and vibrancy that make Uptown special."
The market is organized by the East Isles Neighborhood Association and seven neighboring associations, with a focus on supporting local farmers, entrepreneurs, artists, and small businesses—including many women- and minority-owned vendors.
 2025 Big Honkin' Truck Parade
One of Minneapolis' most beloved summer traditions is back.
The Big Honkin' Truck Parade returns to Nicollet Mall on June 18, bringing together the vehicles that help keep Minneapolis running every day—from fire trucks and police vehicles to concrete mixers, sanitation trucks, and more.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with music, activities, and local vendors at Mich's Market. The parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and travels down Nicollet Mall before wrapping up with a Touch-a-Truck experience from 6-7:30 p.m., giving attendees an up-close look at many of the vehicles on display.
"The Big Honkin' Truck Parade is one of those uniquely Minneapolis events that brings families together while showcasing the people and equipment that serve our city every day," said Mayor Frey. "It's fun, it's educational, and it's a great reminder of all the work happening behind the scenes to keep Minneapolis running. A special thanks to Lisa Goodman for all her work on this event."
 The World Cup is here, and Minneapolis is ready.
According to Axios, fans can catch matches throughout the tournament at free watch parties on Nicollet Mall, where Minnesota United FC is hosting game broadcasts, food trucks, live music, and giveaways. Local favorites like The Local and Brit's Pub will also be showing matches, alongside soccer hotspots including The Black Hart, Kieran's Irish Pub, Merlin's Rest, North Loop Green, Ninth Street Soccer & Coffee, and La Doña Cervecería.
Whether you're cheering for Team USA or your family's home country, there will be plenty of opportunities to join fellow fans and celebrate the world's game right here in Minneapolis.
 Downtown Minneapolis has a new business that's bringing a little extra sweetness to the theater district.
Mayor Jacob Frey recently stopped by Confetti Blossom, Minnesota's first Swedish candy pick-and-mix store, which recently opened its storefront in LaSalle Plaza.
The family-owned business was inspired by founders Aaron and Colleen Hanauer's daughter, Ivy, whose love of Swedish candy sparked an entrepreneurial journey that has quickly grown into a downtown destination.
Go check the store out! They're open Monday through Friday from 11-3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
 National Independent Venue Association conference
 NFL Draft Celebration with Council Members Rainville, Vetaw
 Giant pencil sharpening at the Lake of the Isles
 Pack at the Park with Feed my Starving Children
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