 As we welcome warmer weather and longer days, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting and tangible progress in North Minneapolis. Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant decrease in violent crime, particularly gun-related incidents, thanks to the hard work and collaboration of community partners and law enforcement. This reduction is not just a number; it represents real change and improvement in the safety of our neighborhoods.
When I first saw the challenges facing North Minneapolis, I knew that reducing crime would require a collaborative approach, bringing together key partners who could make a difference. That’s why I brought together coalitions, including the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Transit Police, Minneapolis Police, and community trauma response and violence interruption groups. Together, we’ve worked to build a united front against crime, and the results speak for themselves.
One key initiative I advocated for was more focused attention on problem properties. I made it clear to the Fourth Precinct leadership that this was a priority, and I’m proud to say that, as a result, we are now the only precinct in the city with dedicated problem property officers. This is just one example of how our proactive efforts are making a real impact on public safety.
The numbers back up our progress:
- Gunshot wound victims decreased nearly 20% from 2023 and are now back to pre-pandemic levels.
- Gunshot incidents decreased 25% compared to the previous year.
- ShotSpotter activations fell by 16%, with nearly 500 fewer activations in 2024.
- The number of rounds detected by ShotSpotter dropped 13%, with nearly 1,500 fewer rounds fired.
- Automatic gunfire dropped by 28%.
- The overall “Gun Crime Index,” which tracks gun-related calls, dropped by 14%.
The drop in crime is even more significant when compared to previous years:
• ShotSpotter activations are down 60% from 2021.
• Rounds detected are down 59% from 2021.
• The Gun Crime Index has decreased 54%.
Even though crime typically drops in the winter months, these positive trends are continuing into 2025, with reductions in assaults, homicides, and burglaries. These are encouraging signs, and I’m optimistic about what the future holds for our community.
This success is the result of the collective efforts of law enforcement, community organizations, businesses, and residents all working together. We’ve built trust, increased awareness, and worked side by side to address our public safety challenges. As someone who lives and serves in North Minneapolis, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished these last few years.
I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our Fourth Precinct Inspector Charlie Adams for his outstanding leadership. This progress is a direct reflection of his commitment to our community. It’s clear that when we collaborate, we see results.
But our work is far from over. Every resident deserves to feel safe and secure in their neighborhood, and we will continue to push forward to make even more progress in the coming warmer months. I remain committed to supporting our law enforcement and community leaders, so that North Minneapolis continues to thrive as a vibrant and thriving place to live.
 With the early warmup, some people may want to tidy and rake up their yards. But pollinators nest in the broken stems of plants and overwinter in leaf piles. To protect them, please do not rake any leaves or clean up your yard until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees.
Yard waste collection will begin the week of April 7.
For the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual Fix a Leak Week this month, take time to see if there’s a leak in your home plumbing. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other easy fixes. Stopping leaks can help conserve water and save money on your water bill.
Nationwide, more than a trillion gallons of water are wasted every year because of household leaks.
Resources Find a checklist, a video and instructions on the City website for steps you can take to fix leaks in your home plumbing.
Help us understand how you use tap water. This survey will guide us as we plan for a sustainable future that meets human needs and protects the environment.
When you take the quick survey, you'll get the chance to enter into a raffle to win an iPad. Your answers will stay anonymous and will only be used to help with planning. Take the five-minute tap water survey from the City of Minneapolis and the Water Research Foundation.
The public is invited to a brief presentation and discussion March 24 to learn more and share input on a planned METRO station. The Met Council’s Blue Line Extension Project is seeking community feedback on an updated design for the light rail station planned for the intersection of Lowry and West Broadway avenues in north Minneapolis.
Your feedback will help shape the final design of the station.
Minneapolis Lowry Avenue Station Design Workshop 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 24 Sanctuary Church, 2018 Aldrich Ave. N. If you have questions or need help to attend this meeting, email the Blue Line Extension team. Learn more about the Blue Line Extension Project.
Minneapolis is making history by becoming the first city in North America to own and operate a biochar facility. The City will process wood waste from Xcel Energy’s tree trimming around power lines. The facility will transform the wood waste into biochar, a specialized charcoal that holds onto carbon dioxide. This helps clean the air while also serving as an extremely powerful soil amendment for growing plants and trees. Read more about the plan for biochar on the City website.
The City Council has passed a resolution honoring Women’s History Month. The resolution commemorates the achievements of women and pledges to continue efforts to promote gender equity, celebrate diversity, and support the empowerment of all women in our community.
The resolution also:
· Recognizes that all women are leaders, regardless of their formal roles or leadership positions.
· Supports opportunities within our organization where women, especially Black women, Indigenous women, transgender women, and women of color, are equitably represented and thriving across departments and roles.
City staff and elected officials met with other cities’ leaders and with our congressional delegation at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. At the conference, city leaders discussed shared goals for working with the federal government, heard from key Washington leaders, and solidified ways to work together better.
City Intergovernmental Relations staff and five City Council members met with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Tina Smith, and Rep. Ilhan Omar to thank them for their work and to discuss Minneapolis’ needs and concerns. The work our congressional delegation members do on behalf of Minneapolis includes supporting grant applications for important infrastructure projects, securing congressionally directed spending for City projects, and protecting important federal funding. That funding supports the City and residents with affordable housing, homelessness response, emergency management, public safety and transportation.
The City will continue to engage with members of the congressional delegation throughout the year as we face uncertainty in Washington. You can find out more about the City Intergovernmental Relations team’s work at both the state and federal levels on the City website.
The City of Minneapolis has launched an initiative aiming to move the Minneapolis community toward a future grounded in racial equity and justice by harnessing the power of conversations to heal racial divisions. "Minneapolis Your Story,” a partnership with independent nonprofit StoryCorps Studios, will create an archive of community-centered stories focused on racial healing.
Now through May, people can record their perspectives in their own words and archive them as part of this special partnership. The community archive will include stories about the history of racial discrimination and injustice in Minneapolis, George Floyd’s murder, the civil unrest that followed, and the ongoing efforts to reform the Minneapolis Police Department.
The City will then host a community listening session to hear selected recordings. Read more about StoryCorps and share your story on the City website.
The Vibrant Storefronts pilot program is expanding to offer rental support for artist spaces in new parts of Loring Park, Downtown and Uptown. Bringing property owners and artists together ensures stable tenants for the owners and furnishes space for the local creative community.
The first three awardees from November have opened their doors in the Harmon Place Historic District: Black Business Enterprises, Blackbird Revolt and Pride Cultural Arts Center. The two remaining awardees will open this spring. The Vibrant Storefronts pilot is a part of Minneapolis 2040. Applications open March 14. The City will hold site visits April 11, 12 and 19. Interested artists can learn more and apply by May 16 on the City website.
APPLY HERE |
