 Mayor Frey and the City of Minneapolis are making significant strides in getting more people into safe and stable housing. Over the past few months, the number of individuals living in encampments has dropped dramatically. This progress is a result of the work of the City’s homeless response teams, community partners, service providers, and public safety officials, all dedicated to getting people off the streets and into housing and shelter.
As of Thursday morning, there were 14 small encampments in the city with 21 people—down from over 200 individuals living in encampments last year. Some key statistics include:
- The largest encampment the city is aware of currently houses five people.
- 311 and 911 calls near encampments have decreased by nearly 80%.
- Violent crime around encampments, as well as overall crime, has significantly decreased in Minneapolis.
- In 2024, over 2,500 people transitioned out of homelessness and into permanent housing through the County’s shelter system.
- Minneapolis continues to lead the nation in affordable housing, producing 8.5 times the amount of deeply affordable housing compared to before 2018.
“It is a world of difference,” said Mayor Frey. “We have an HR Team, a homeless response team, that is going out and both providing shelter and housing options. We’re producing more deeply affordable housing than we ever have before by a longshot.”
The mayor remains committed to working alongside the County and community partners to ensure that people have access to shelter and housing, while prioritizing the safety of residents both in and around encampments.
Minneapolis is one step closer to a Nicollet Mall open to pedestrians and closed to traffic, becoming “the main street of Minnesota” and the gateway to the western half of the country. A cornerstone of the mayor’s Downtown Action Plan is to create a 24/7 space for year-round events, retail, dining, small businesses, new housing, art installations, and more. All while improving the speed and reliability of downtown transit.
While Nicollet Mall is one of the busiest public-transportation corridors in the state, it is also one of the least reliable. The Mall’s single-lane street design means that buses cannot pass each other, move slowly, often at 5 mph, and frequently pile up as drivers wait for stops to clear. By using data and community input to adjust the routes, the City plans to improve the ways people get into and out of downtown.
"Nicollet is going to be a playground, a gathering spot, a location for parades and dinners and festivals,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. "It’s going to be where our city comes to celebrate, and we’re going to make it as easy as possible for innovative and exciting events to take place and for people to gather."
Other improvements in the Downtown Action Plan include a Warehouse District positioned as the entertainment capital of the North, converting more vacant office space into housing, and more programming and events across downtown year-round.
 Mayor Frey and his daughter Frida had a great time celebrating Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins! As part of their annual tradition, the two attended Breakfast on the Plaza with Twins staff, where hundreds of fans gathered to enjoy hot dogs, music, and all the excitement that comes with Twins fanfare.
This season, fans can look forward to exciting new food options like brat platters and dill pickle pizza, as well as new technology to make entering the field smoother and more convenient. The mayor is excited to see everyone out in downtown Minneapolis supporting the Twins this year. Go Twins!
 The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) is back for its 44th year, bringing over 200 films from across the globe to the Twin Cities! The annual event is a must for film lovers -- featuring a diverse mix of documentaries, narratives, and experimental films.
The 12-day celebration also gives attendees a chance to speak with filmmakers and special guests, while showing off some of the most unique theatres across the region.
"Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time attendee, MSPIFF has something for everyone," said Mayor Frey. "Don't miss out on one of the year's top events in a city that lives and breathes the arts!"
 Doors Open 2024
Save the Date! Doors Open Minneapolis is back on May 17 and 18. Doors Open is a unique, free event offering behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most iconic and hidden buildings, from historic landmarks to modern architectural gems. It's a celebration of all things Minneapolis, where visitors can learn from building owners, community leaders, and guides about the spaces that shape our city.
Sign up to be a volunteer or open your doors as one of this year's sites!
 Taste of Minnesota 2023
We thought it couldn’t get any better than the record-setting Taste of Minnesota 2024—but we were wrong! The 2025 food and entertainment fest will be better than ever, featuring performances from Ludacris, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, and more. And what better way to enjoy great music than with some of the best food from across the state?
Mark your calendars for July 5-6 and come see what make downtown so special.
Building healthier communities requires the dedication of community members committed to improving the well-being of our city. Since 2011, the Minneapolis Health Department has cherished the tradition of honoring these invaluable contributions. This year, we're thrilled to invite you to our annual Local Public Health Heroes award ceremony and resource fair.
The awards and ceremony are one way the department recognizes the vital role community members play in building healthier communities and supporting the department’s vision. Healthy lives, health equity, and healthy environments are the foundations of a vibrant Minneapolis now and into the future.
Local Public Health Heroes award ceremony and resource fair
- Wednesday, April 17
- Resource fair: 11 a.m. to noon
- Award ceremony: Noon to 1 p.m.
- Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 100
 Mayor Frey's team back at City Hall
After more than a year, the Mayor's Office is officially back in City Hall after major renovations! The people behind the scenes at City Hall have been working hard to bring the 1889 building into the 21st century.
The years-in-the-making project includes improvements to the historic building’s electrical and mechanical infrastructure, a remodeled City Council chamber, and a new space for Mayor Frey and his team. While the building—which was added to the Nation Register of Historic Places in 1974—has undergone various renovations throughout the years to meet the demands of the City, this is only the third time in Minneapolis history that the mayor’s office has moved.
 Honoring Minneapolis Pastor Curtis Farrar
 Acme Comedy Club 30 Year Celebration
 Dunwoody College Aspire Scholars graduation
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