Weekly Update from Mayor Frey - May 15

Mayor 2022

Update from Mayor Jacob Frey | May 15, 2025

Mayor Frey, City Install New Narcan Vending Machine

Narcan vending machine 2

Mayor Frey and Council Member Vetaw

Mayor Frey, the City’s Health Department, and Hennepin County unveiled the first Narcan (naloxone) vending machine on the Northside this week—an important step in expanding access to life-saving resources that reverse opioid overdoses.

Located at Fire Station 14 (2002 Lowry Ave. N.), the vending machine is:

  • Available 24/7
  • Stocked with over 100 boxes of Narcan, each containing two doses
  • Free and accessible to the community with no barriers to use

Fire Station 14 also serves as the City’s Safe Station—a welcoming space where individuals struggling with addiction or substance misuse can connect with peer recovery specialists and other support resources.

This is the City’s second Narcan vending machine. The first, located at Fire Station 21 in South Minneapolis, has already dispensed more than 1,700 boxes since its launch last year.


Mayor Frey Helps Unveil The River Hub at Graco Park

Graco Park

Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board

This week, Mayor Frey joined neighbors and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of The River Hub at Graco Park—a state-of-the-art, Net Zero energy park building on the Northeast riverfront.

Part of Minneapolis’s award-winning park system, The River Hub showcases what makes our public spaces truly special: access to nature, creative opportunities for youth, and community connection. Located in the heart of the new nine-acre Graco Park, the building features riverfront event space, public amenities, and the City’s fourth Spark’d Studios—a multimedia learning space offering youth access to tools like a recording booth, laser cutter, 3D printer, and more.

“This park, a work in progress for the last 10 years, creates an uninterrupted trail along the Mississippi, and will be the hot spot for frisbee throwers and sunbathers all throughout the summer,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “What separates Minneapolis from everywhere else is our beautiful riverfront, and Graco Park highlights it in a magnificent way. I remember working on this project 10 years ago—and working together, we all made it happen.”

This project also supports the City's climate goals through solar power, geothermal systems, and bird-safe design, further proof that Minneapolis is leading the way in building sustainable, inclusive public spaces.


Minneapolis Invites Community to Share Stories Ahead of George Floyd’s 5-Year Anniversary

StoryCorps

StoryCorps mobile booth

Ahead of the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, Mayor Jacob Frey and the City of Minneapolis have launched Minneapolis Your Story, a powerful new partnership with StoryCorps Studios. This initiative invites residents to share their personal experiences of the events of 2020, racial discrimination, and the ongoing journey toward justice.

The StoryCorps mobile sound booth is currently in Minneapolis at Powderhorn Park, offering community members the opportunity to record their stories now through May 22. These powerful narratives will be preserved in the national StoryCorps archive and may be shared by the Library of Congress or the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

Residents can also upload their stories online through May 31, and contribute to a lasting archive of voices that will continue to inform Minneapolis’s work for racial healing.


Doors Open Minneapolis Returns this Weekend!

Doors Open

It's finally here! Doors Open is back this weekend. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of Minneapolis' most iconic buildings during the annual event, happening Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event invites residents and visitors to explore public and private spaces across the city, offering a unique opportunity to see how the city works up close.

A special highlight this year is the first public tour of the newly renovated Minneapolis City Hall, a historic landmark that’s undergone a $34 million renovation. Experience the mayor’s new office, the press room, and the green roof—all while learning fun trivia about the building’s past.

“Doors Open is your once-a-year opportunity to take a look behind the curtain to see how the city is run,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Join me at City Hall to explore the newly renovated spaces and say hi!”

Other participating City locations include the Minneapolis Eastside Maintenance Facility, Fire Station 1, Traffic Management Center, and more. Visit the Doors Open website for more details and an interactive map to plan your weekend tour.


Let’s Howl! Minneapolis Celebrates Wolves Playoff Success

Go Wolves

Mayor Frey is fired up to see the Minnesota Timberwolves back in the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row after a dominant showing against the Golden State Warriors!

To celebrate the team’s electrifying playoff run, the City of Minneapolis is showing some serious Wolves pride. “Go Wolves” is now painted on the street outside the Target Center, and some downtown street signs have been updated with the Timberwolves logo.

Mayor Frey also sat down with FOX 9 to talk about what this playoff energy means for downtown—from packed restaurants to a stronger sense of community pride. Let’s keep the momentum going. Go Wolves!

Wolves painting

Celebrate 30 Years of Art-A-Whirl in Northeast Minneapolis

Join us this weekend for the 30th annual Art-A-Whirl, the nation's largest open studio tour, hosted by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association. Over 1,600 artists, galleries, and businesses will open their doors across more than 100 locations throughout Northeast Minneapolis.

Event Details:

  • Friday, May 16: 5–10 PM
  • Saturday, May 17: 12–8 PM
  • Sunday, May 18: 12–5 PM

"Art-A-Whirl is peak Northeast Minneapolis—bold, creative, community-powered, and unlike anything else in the country," said Mayor Frey. "It’s the largest open-studio art tour in the U.S., and it’s happening right here in Minneapolis this weekend. Support our artists. Explore every floor. And don’t miss the chance to experience NE at its best."

Explore studios, enjoy live music, participate in interactive art activities, and discover unique works from local artists. This free, family-friendly event is a great chance to support our vibrant arts community and experience the creativity that defines Northeast Minneapolis.


Join Mayor Frey on BlueSky!

BlueSky

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.


Photos of the Week

Cardozo Society dinner

Cardozo Society dinner with the Minneapolis Jewish Federation

2025 National Youth Employment Coalition Forum

2025 National Youth Employment Coalition Forum

Annual meeting

Bryn Mawr Annual Neighborhood Meeting

minneapolismn.gov/mayor

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