 Mayor Jacob Frey recently signed two historic utility franchise agreements and two accompanying memoranda of understanding between the City of Minneapolis and utility providers Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, marking a major milestone in the City’s climate equity goals. The memoranda establish city-specific decarbonization goals—the first of their kind in the U.S. —bringing Minneapolis closer to its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
"Minneapolis continues to be a national leader when it comes to climate action, and these franchise agreements solidify that," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "We've secured Minneapolis-specific greenhouse gas reduction goals from both Xcel and CenterPoint—a first in the nation for any city served by these utility providers."
The two utility companies have committed to going above and beyond their own targets, recognizing the urgency of Minneapolis' local climate policy.
- Xcel Energy has committed to reducing community-wide emissions from Minneapolis electricity consumption by a 93% by 2035.
- CenterPoint Energy will reduce weather-normalized GHG emissions from natural gas use by 20-30% by 2035
The agreements also include key provisions to improve accessibility in the right-of-way, secure $200,000 annually in utility permit fees for enhanced oversight, and establish new measures for improved information sharing.
 The City of Minneapolis guarantees workers have access to paid sick leave, a minimum wage, and protection from wage theft. By investigating and enforcing these workplace protections, the City’s Civil Rights Departments has reached an important milestone: More than $2 million dollars have been recovered for Minneapolis workers. These previously unpaired wages and damages were returned to workers as a result of investigations conducted by the Labor Standards Enforcement Division (LSED) of the Civil Rights Department.
“The backbone of Minneapolis is, and always has been, our workers,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “When employers exploit labor, it’s not just workers who suffer—our entire community pays the price. Thank you to Director Phillips and our entire Civil Rights Department for standing united with our workers and ensuring economic justice isn’t a privilege, it’s a right.”
Since 2018, more than 1,000 labor standards complaints involving more than 16,000 workers have been processed by the Civil Rights Department resulting in 382 mediations or settlements.
 Minneapolis has been recognized as the second most affordable city in America for singles! Affordable housing is a top priority of Mayor Frey's. Since 2018, the City has invested more than $385 million into affordable rental housing and homeownership programs. Minneapolis is currently producing 8.5 times the amount of deeply affordable housing than before the mayor took office. Because of this work, we've been able to keep inflation and rent increases at some of the lowest rates in the country.
 Last week, the Minneapolis City Council voted to pause the community-supported development at George Floyd square in order to explore a permanent closure of the intersection, which has been strongly opposed by area residents and businesses.
The Council’s move dismisses years of community engagement that landed on a “flexible-open” concept for the intersection at E 38th St. and Chicago Ave. S—which would allow traffic and transit to continue to flow while maintaining the ability to close the square to vehicles for public events. The Council’s decision further delays long-awaited infrastructure improvements at the memorial site at least an additional year.
The permanent closure of the intersection the City Council is exploring is not supported by neighbors or business owners, making it infeasible under Minnesota state law which prevents a pedestrian plaza from being established if more than 50% of adjacent property owners object to the plan. So far, none have supported that plan.
“It’s time to move forward, and these repeated delays are unacceptable,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Residents and businesses in the area have told us time and again that they want action, and this vote stalls the progress yet again. While the delay is frustrating, we won’t be deterred in our efforts to deliver this for the community.”
In addition to creating a memorial that could be closed to traffic for public events, the flexible-open concept—originally set for construction this fall—included critical infrastructure upgrades to the area, including:
- Green stormwater systems.
- Upgraded street lighting.
- New sidewalks and bike lanes.
- Replacement of lead drinking water pipes.
- Green spaces and planted boulevards.
- Restored Metro Transit service on one of the city’s busiest routes.
- Expanded areas for future memorials and art installations.
Read Mayor Frey and Council Member Jenkin's Star Tribune commentary on George Floyd Square.
 On Saturday, Mayor Frey celebrated the opening of Twin Cities Pride's new Pride Cultural Arts Center -- a welcoming space dedicated to connection, creativity, and community! The LGBTQ+ center includes the Rainbow Wardrobe and programs such as art classes, gallery spaces, and cultural education.
"Given the changing landscape under the new administration, our LGBTQIA+ community needs our support now more than ever," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "We are proud to support Twin Cities Pride as they open the Pride Cultural Arts Center — a welcoming space where everyone is free to be themselves."
The new center is located downtown Minneapolis inside the former Aveda Salon.
 Mayor Frey was thrilled to partake in the inaugural Mayor's Cup hockey game with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter earlier this month. Mayor Frey was the proud captain of the Minneapolis Titans peewee hockey team as they competed against the St. Paul’s Edgecumbe Youth Hockey team. Both teams played their hearts out and the event was a huge success!
The hockey game was part of the lead up to the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Juniors Championship, which is being held across the Twin Cities later this year.
Minneapolis property owners can now enter the City Trees Lottery through March 14. Don’t be left out of the shade by missing the chance to purchase up to three low-cost trees at just $30 each.
Enter the lottery by March 14. There are over 15 varieties of shade and evergreen trees that range from 3 to 7 feet tall. Your purchase also includes one bag of mulch and information about how to plant and care for your trees.
“Trees are more than a source of shade, they bring people together, beautify our neighborhoods, lower energy costs, and provide a lasting environmental impact,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Through the Climate Legacy Initiative, we’ve nearly doubled the number of trees available to residents in 2024, making it possible for more people to plant trees that will prosper for generations. We’re building a more climate-resilient and equitable Minneapolis—one tree at a time."
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Mayor Frey has a new and updated website reflecting his priorities and initiatives for the coming year! Check it out on the City's website. |
 The 2025 Community Connections Conference
 Local elected officials and City leaders discuss impact of federal funding cuts
 Luminary Loppet
 Visiting Square Roots restaurant
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