 Credit: FOX 9
This week, Minneapolis is grieving the tragic loss of several community members in multiple shootings. These senseless acts of violence have deeply affected us all, especially our Native community. The mayor's heart is with those impacted, and the City and Minneapolis Police Department are working tirelessly to investigate these incidents and support the neighborhoods impacted.
On Thursday, Minneapolis Police announced the arrest of a suspect in the mass shooting on East 25th Street earlier this week that left four people dead. The arrest was made by the U.S. Marshals North Star Fugitive Task Force, with support from the FBI SWAT team.
In response to the violence, Mayor Frey directed the Office of Community Safety and MPD to deploy every available resource to bring those responsible to justice and support impacted communities. MPD continues to work in close coordination with its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners—including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office—on all related investigations.
The mayor and City leaders are also working directly with the Native community to address their needs, increasing patrols in the Phillips neighborhood and assessing additional trauma response services and technical support.
These shootings are a reminder that while the City has made progress in reducing violence, much work remains. Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those we’ve lost.
Anyone with information on the shooting is encouraged to email policetips@minneapolismn.gov or leave a voicemail at 612-673-5845. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.CrimeStoppersMN.org.
 This week, Mayor Frey and the City of Minneapolis announced the return of a beloved citywide student dance program—bringing dance education to every Minneapolis Public Schools site serving pre-K through 12th grade and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s recreation centers.
After the closure of the Cowles Center for Dance Education in 2024, the city’s dance community rallied for something new—something bold—and this program delivers, providing equitable arts access for youth across the city.
“I grew up with dance, and I deeply understand the beauty and importance of the artform,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “After the Cowles Center shut its doors, the dance community spoke up loudly and clearly. They organized, they advocated, and we, as a City, listened. Together, we’re now delivering a program that will reach every corner of Minneapolis, no matter your zip code, because all students deserve access to the arts.”
Through a proposed contract with local nonprofit Young Dance, the program will include:
- Dance classes in every MPS elementary school (Pre-K through 5th grade)
- Dance companies in residence at MPS secondary schools (grades 6–12)
- Dance programming at every Park Board recreation center
 Minneapolis is making history in the fight against climate change with the groundbreaking of the first City-owned and operated biochar facility in North America. The facility, located in Northeast, will process over 3,000 tons of wood waste annually, producing more than 500 tons of biochar. This biochar will help sequester nearly 3,700 tons of carbon dioxide—equivalent to removing 789 cars from the road.
Biochar, a specialized charcoal made from wood waste, offers multiple environmental benefits, including:
- Reducing waste
- Improving soil health
- Sequestering carbon
- Supporting community gardens
- Stormwater management
- Adding green jobs
“Today is about more than just a historic groundbreaking, it’s about using everything at our disposal to take on climate change and protect our future," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "By transforming wood waste into biochar, we’re accelerating our path to carbon net neutrality by 2050, and we’re kick-starting the industries of the future while creating the green jobs that come with them.”
The biochar facility is part of Minneapolis’ ongoing commitment to the 2023 Climate Equity Plan and its goal to achieve carbon net neutrality by 2050. The project has received support from community and government partners, including Xcel Energy, which will provide wood waste for production.
The facility is set to begin production in the fall.
 Mayor Frey joined Minneapolis Animal Care & Control and rescue partners this week to transform City Hall into Pittie Hall and bring attention to pit bull adoptions and other furry friends in need of a home. The event was full of adorable, adoptable dogs, and attendees had the chance to meet them and learn about adoption resources.
The highlight of the event was the dog art contest, where pups showcased their spring-themed masterpieces. After a public vote on the City’s social media channels, the top vote-getters were announced by Mayor Frey and proudly received a special “key to Pittie Hall” as a symbol of their victory!
Minneapolis is one of two cities in the country to receive the 2025 Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award from the National Center for Safe Routes to School.
Now in its eighth year, the Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award honors cities, counties, and tribal governments working to eliminate severe injuries and deaths among children walking and biking.
Minneapolis was recognized for prioritizing youth transportation safety by focusing on policy changes, improving transportation infrastructure, and cultivating strong partnerships.
"Our kids need to be focused on what they're learning in school, not whether or not they're going to get there safely," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "This award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating safer streets, where every child and every adult can walk and bike without worry."
Read more about the award.
Every day is Neighborhood Day in the City of Minneapolis, but there is a special day set aside every year where all neighborhood organizations come together to increase engagement with all Minneapolis residents. The majority of the 84 organizations will celebrate Neighborhood Day on Saturday, May 3, with various events—from board officer elections and clothing drives to garage sales and tool swaps.
“I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Our neighbors are our City’s most important asset,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “When we show up for our neighbors, we're investing in the relationships that keep Minneapolis strong, resilient, and just a fun place to live. Get out to a Neighborhood Day event, meet someone new, and let's build community."
Residents and visitors to the City are encouraged to use this interactive map to see what their neighborhood organization has planned for Saturday. There are plenty of family-friendly events around town.
 Doors Open 2023
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.
Watch the mayor's Doors Open PSA!
 Save the Date! In less than a week, Mayor Frey will deliver his 2025 State of the City Address, and you can watch it live online on the City's YouTube channel.
From filling potholes to saving lives, important work is happening across all of Minneapolis. The mayor is excited to share all that has been accomplished together in the last year. See you on May 6!
 As the saying goes... better late than never! Mayor Frey is officially on Bluesky. Follow him at @mayorjacobfrey to stay up to date on all things Minneapolis.
 Groundbreaking of new mixed-use development at the American Indian Cultural Corridor
 Cheering on the Wolves!
 The Minnesota Orchestra's Symphony Ball
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