 CM Jenkins and CM Chavez presenting the resolution honoring Douglas Ewart.
Dear Neighbors,
Like you, I am heartbroken by the level of gun violence that has tragically impacted our communities. I, once again, offer my sincerest and deepest condolences to the families of the Annunciation School and faith community and to the victims of so many other gun related deaths and injuries that have created deep fear in our city. Beyond our borders, the nation has been rocked by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. To be clear, I in no way support his rhetoric and vitriol and believe it contributed to a culture of violence. However, in no way is that an excuse for the horrific murder of him or anyone else. We must tone down the political dialogue that demonizes and dehumanizes each other. Having been personally attacked for my own political positions, particularly by folks who claim to be on the same team, it is beyond unsettling and downright frightening.
One of the first things I worked on at the beginning of the year was research on an ordinance that would have created consequences for gun owners that improperly stored their weapons and those firearms being used in the commission of crimes and suicide, but we were told by our policy and research team and city attorneys the ordinance would run counter to State law. So deflating. This week the Council drafted and sent a letter to Governor Walz to convene a special session to seriously address this epidemic of gun violence. Hopefully, this simple measure will be part of that conversation.
I was really thrilled to offer a resolution honoring a community treasure, Douglas Ewart. Douglas is an extraordinary musician and community leader that lives in the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood, and he will be performing at the Walker Art Center on Saturday, September 13th.
Yesterday, over 2000 Minneapolitans had dinner on Nicollet Mall, as well as Target welcomed their employees back to the office downtown. I say all of this to say that Downtown is coming back baby! Additionally, the Minnesota Lynx will kick off their playoff run this Sunday at the Target Center. Go Lynx!
Love,
Andrea
The City is currently evaluating the feasibility of a pedestrian mall concept layout along Chicago Avenue between 37th and 38th streets. The proposed layout would restrict through traffic and create a cul-de-sac and public plaza near 3744 Chicago Ave. (also known as The Peoples’ Way).
See the concept and renderings for the potential pedestrian mall alternative on the City website.
Next steps
The engagement feedback and findings of this evaluation will be presented to the City Council’s Climate and Infrastructure Committee to consider Dec. 4.
To learn more about the City's efforts at George Floyd Square, visit the program webpage.
 A standing ovation at the 2025 Trans Equity Summit with a video play button.
Nearly 400 people came together in community for the 2025 Trans Equity Summit Aug. 11. This year’s theme was Trans Equity and Intergenerational Power: Strengthening the Future by Honoring Our Past. The City of Minneapolis partnered with community members to organize and plan the all-day, free event that provided space to connect on social, legal and health issues important to the trans and gender non-conforming community.
The sold-out 10th Trans Equity Summit featured the keynote speaker Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, iconic transgender activist and veteran of the 1969 Stonewall riots. The summit also included breakout sessions, performances, a career and resource fair and onsite community health and wellness resources.
The Trans Equity Summit organizing team would like to thank the guests, partners, volunteers, and organizing team and looks forward to seeing everyone again in 2026.
Watch the event recap
See the Instagram reel.
Watch on YouTube.
 Community care flyer.
Join us at “Community Care: Mental Health Resources,” an event co-hosted by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office and Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley (District 4).
Please join us at Powderhorn Park Rec Center, 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407, on Tuesday, September 16th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm (food provided beginning at 5:30pm)
This event is a great opportunity to learn about the role of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, mental health resources available to our community, and the intersection of mental health and the justice system.
Please use the link below to register for this event:
Community Care: Mental Health Resources · Hennepin County Attorney's Office
Minneapolis celebrates Transit To Work Day. As tens of thousands of daily riders already know, public transit is rapidly getting more frequent, faster, and safer in Minneapolis. That's real progress worth celebrating and experiencing.
There are two ways you can participate: Pledge to commute by transit Sept. 17. And then come celebrate transit before your afternoon commute at a Car Free MSP event:
Transit to Work Day event 4-6 p.m. Sept. 17 Commons Park downtown
There will be snacks, activities, giveaways, and demos for new riders. All are welcome.
Transit to Work Day is a part of As You Go MPLS to promote the many ways to get around Minneapolis without a car.
 Fall Expungement Clinic flyer.
Fall Expungement Clinic on Wednesday, September 17th from 10:00am – 4:00pm at The Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
This expungement clinic is being co-hosted in partnership with the Minnesota Somali Community Center and is designed to expedite the process for individuals with adult felony convictions originating from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. This prosecutor-initiated expungement service demonstrates a commitment to facilitating a fresh start for those seeking to rebuild their lives. (Somali and Oromo interpreters will be available).
PRE-REGISTER for a 30-minute time slot with an attorney: Hennepin County Attorney's Office Expungement Clinic · Hennepin County Attorney's Office
By registering in advance, you are guaranteed a meeting with an attorney and will skip the line. Walk-ins will be available on a first come, first served basis.
 An example of what the New Nicollet site might look like.
Share your feedback on the City’s draft requirements for the first phase of building at the New Nicollet site, the former Kmart site. This draft is based on the approved New Nicollet Development Framework, which calls for this phase to include buildings with affordable housing and ground level spaces for retail, nonprofit services, and Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board space. The draft explains what the City will ask developers to include in their development proposals.
City staff will give a short presentation, then lead small group discussions. If you live near the project area, we especially encourage you to come.
6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 Whittier Recreation Center, 425 W. 26th St.
Light snacks will be provided. Free Somali and Spanish interpreters will be available.
See the New Nicollet Development Framework (PDF) on the City website.
 An “I will vote” stickers.
Voters have several options for how to cast their ballots in this year’s municipal election, and any voter is allowed to vote early starting Sept. 19 or on Election Day, which is Nov. 4 this year.
The Early Vote Center opens Friday, Sept. 19, for early voting in person 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Voters can also cast their ballot by mail or by dropping off a ballot. More locations and hours will open up over the election season.
For more details and updates, to request a mail ballot, to register to vote and more, visit the City website.
 Open streets flyer.
Join your community for the last Open Streets Minneapolis of the season. The City’s popular summer event series continues Sept. 20 on Hennepin Avenue South.
Open Streets transforms major business and commercial corridors into car-free fairs for all ages to enjoy and connects all of its neighbors to enjoy culture, entertainment, activities and local vendors. Watch a video about Open Streets 2025.
Open Streets Minneapolis 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 Hennepin Avenue between West 26th and 36th streets
Lasting change
As a part of the West Broadway Open Streets event this year, the West Broadway Business Coalition and partners planted 26 trees along West Broadway. West Broadway Avenue needed the shade and the greening, and every time it rains hundreds of tons of stormwater washes downstream into the Mississippi, carrying pollution with it. Planting trees helps soak up some of that water before it runs into our stormwater drains.
Find details about the 2025 Open Streets on the City website.
The Lake Street Safety Center is hosting another open house Sept. 24 to connect with residents, workers and local businesses. Join us to meet our service providers, explore available resources, and learn how the center can support you and your community.
At the center
The Lake Steet Safety Center serves as a collaborative space of government and community-based services and resources. It offers services including:
- K-12 school enrollment and education-related resources.
- Resources for victims or survivors of crimes.
- Help with safety concerns or resolving conflicts.
- Housing services, like rental help or rapid rehousing.
- Support recovering from substance use disorder.
- Resources for the area’s businesses and property owners, like help with graffiti issues, lighting concerns, and registering security cameras.
- Connecting to social services and case managers.
- Free naloxone and fentanyl test strips are always available at the safety center – no questions asked. Pick up these resources to protect yourself and others.
We’ll have tables set up outside the center so you can stop by, ask questions, and find out how to connect with these services during regular office hours.
At the open house
- Learn how you can file non-emergency police reports at the center.
- Get your blood pressure or sugar levels checked by HEMS Bridge team and Hennepin Healthcare.
- Find out more about the City’s new Community Safety Ambassador pilot program in the Lake Street area.
Lake Street Safety Center open house 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24 2228 E. Lake St.
Learn more about the Lake Street Safety Center on the City’s website.
Feel free to share or post these flyers in English, Spanish and Somali.
Serving on a City board or commission is your chance to directly shape policies that affect daily life, like housing, transit and public safety. Your voice brings fresh perspective and drives transparency in City decisions.
Most boards meet monthly, and it’s a great way to gain valuable skills, build relationships with community leaders, and grow your understanding of local government.
Right now, Minneapolis is accepting applications for several boards. Opportunities include:
- The Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights works to promote and enforce civil rights across the city.
- The Heritage Preservation Commission safeguards the city’s historic and cultural legacy.
- The Workplace Advisory Committee advises City leaders on employee and workplace issues.
Ready to get involved? Explore current openings, and apply Sept. 1-30.
Update on the 35th & 36th Streets Reconstruction project planned for construction in 2027.
After completing Phase II, the project team has been working to develop a recommended concept layout that incorporate the feedback received and will share it for community feedback this Fall. This third round of engagement will include an open house, business door knocking, online comment map, office hours, and update presentations to Lyndale Neighborhood Association and Kingfield Neighborhood Association. Dates for these engagement events include:
- Open House, September 23rd , 6-8pm at the Blaisdell YMCA
- Office Hours at Hosmer Library
- Thursday, October 2nd from 4-5 pm
- Friday, October 3rd from 9-10 am
 Two people in conversation over microphones.
Join us Sept. 25 for a powerful online gathering that celebrates storytelling, memory and community healing.
At this event, we’ll debut three StoryCorps conversations. These are short, evocative narratives captured through the Minneapolis Your Story initiative, a partnership between the City of Minneapolis and StoryCorps Studios.
Earlier this year, the StoryCorps Mobile Booth was stationed at Powderhorn Park, where community members recorded reflections on the murder of George Floyd, the civil unrest that followed, and what those events meant for our city. From those powerful conversations, three moving stories have been transformed into audio cards that will premiere at this event:
This event is open to all: community members; educators; artists; civic leaders; and anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to foster empathy, racial healing and connection.
2-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 Online via Microsoft Teams Register now.
The Minneapolis Your Story initiative is building a living archive of stories that reflect our shared journey toward equity and belonging. These audio cards are designed to move listeners, spark dialogue, and deepen our understanding of one another.
Learn more about Minneapolis Your Story.
We’re still collecting stories. You can go online any time to record your story or interview a family member, friend or loved one using the StoryCorps virtual recording booth.
 The national Welcoming Week logo.
Welcoming Week 2025 is now on, and this year’s theme is Stories We Share.
The City of Minneapolis is a Welcoming City. Each year we celebrate Welcoming Week, an annual opportunity for communities across the country to celebrate community diversity, promote mutual understanding and foster a sense of belonging for all. Because Citizenship Day and Constitution Day take place during Welcoming Week, the City also hosts annual events focusing on the importance of U.S. citizenship and how to apply to become a citizen through naturalization.
2025 events
Check out the City of Minneapolis Welcoming Week page, where you’ll find Welcoming Week events to join including:
- A community celebration and litter pickup
- A job fair
- An immigration forum
- A storytelling game
- A citizenship workshop
Show your support
All of us make the City of Minneapolis a more Welcoming City. For Welcoming Week 2025, you can show your support by joining a community- or City-sponsored event, sharing information about the City’s All Are Welcome Here campaign, and so much more.
Learn more about Welcoming Week, and thank you for all you do to foster a sense of belonging in our Minneapolis community.
The cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul host a biweekly immigration forum to offer immigration-related updates to the community. Topics include:
- Federal immigration news and resources.
- City, community and advocacy organization updates.
- Other topics important to immigrant, refugee and new American communities.
Find dates on the events calendar. Get a link to the meeting series by emailing the Minneapolis Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs.
Check the events calendar for community office hours.
Find more resources on the City website.
 Minneapolis DataSource
An interactive tool has fully launched that offers regular updates on the City’s public safety, recruitment and retention, climate action, opioid response, economic inclusion, and homelessness response.
The City’s Mayoral Dashboard is a first-of-its-kind public tool providing regular updates on several of Minneapolis’ top priorities.
The dashboard is designed to make government more transparent, accountable and data-driven.
Read more about the dashboard on the City website.
The City of Minneapolis is urging people to avoid buying street food from anyone who is not licensed. The risk of getting food poisoning is highest when buying from an unlicensed vendor. These sellers are often not trained in food safety. Licensed vendors follow basic food safety practices that help prevent foodborne illness through:
- Handwashing
- Keeping foods at safe temperatures
- Buying food and ingredients from approved sources
- Making food in a licensed kitchen or restaurant
Reporting foodborne illness
If you believe you became ill from eating at an unlicensed street food vendor, you can call the Minnesota Department of Health at 1-877-366-3455.
How to recognize licensed food vendors
The City requires licensed vendors to display a current license on their cart. If you don’t see a City of Minneapolis sticker, ask the vendor to show it.
Following a successful pilot last year, the City’s Vibrant Storefronts initiative expands in year two. Eight more local artists and creative entrepreneurs will bring culture and creativity to vacant retail spaces across Minneapolis. This year’s roster of Vibrant Storefronts awardees includes Evergreen Audio, Modern Day Me, Grainline, Strange Loop Laboratory, Center for People and Craft, Zoma House, True North Studios x Curioso Coffee, and Cruise.
In its first year, the fund subsidized rental costs for five creative entrepreneurs in vacant spaces in the Harmon Place Historic District. Events included grand openings, open-mic nights, live art and fashion shows, concerts and more. This year, the program continues in Harmon Place and Loring Park while expanding to First Avenue North and into Uptown. Each will feature dynamic quarterly programming, transforming vacant to vibrant in Minneapolis.
Read more on the City website.
 Police officer walking kids to bus stop.
Minneapolis Police officers stood by a promise to support the families of our fallen heroes as three of Officer Jamal Mitchell’s children started their new school year. With hugs, encouragement and some back-to-school supplies, Police colleagues made sure Officer Mitchell’s kids had a safe and special sendoff.
Officer Mitchell’s legacy continues through both the community he served and the care his colleagues show his family.
Minneapolis continues to grieve after the tragic shooting at the Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27. As a community, we are in mourning together with the Annunciation families, friends, and neighbors whose lives have been forever changed. We hold space for healing and commit to caring for one another during this painful time.
In partnership with neighborhood organizations, state, and county partners, we hosted a Neighborhood Community Support & Resource Center at Lynnhurst Park on Aug. 31-Sept. 2. We are deeply grateful to the more than 300 people who joined us to gather in community and heal together.
Whether impacted directly or indirectly, community members have benefited from resources and recovery services, including mental health services, spiritual care, victim services, applications for financial assistance, therapy animals, and more.
While the center is now closed, this support continues. If you are a community member who needs support, please call 311 or you can find resources on the City’s website.
Acknowledging the broader impact of gun violence
The Annunciation shooting is just the latest example of gun violence in Minneapolis and the devastating impacts it brings for many across our city. Mayor Frey has renewed strong calls for meaningful gun reform. On Sept. 2, marking the first day back to school for many students across the state, Mayor Frey and other Twin Cities mayors joined Moms Demand Action at the Minnesota State Capitol to call for urgent legislative action to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
And – if state lawmakers can’t find agreement on meaningful gun reform, the mayors called for authority to pass their own common-sense reforms — something that isn’t currently possible and would require a change in state law.
These calls to action are part of the City’s legislative agenda, which includes banning the sale of assault weapons, bump stocks, silencers, and extended magazines, along with other measures to reduce gun violence and keep communities safe.
Read more about what the mayor and gun reform allies are calling for on the City’s website.
Resources and support for those impacted
The Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program provides financial help to victims, witnesses, and their families for losses incurred as a result of this incident. It can cover expenses like medical expenses, dental expenses, counseling expenses, lost wages, mileage to and from appointments, funeral and burial costs, survivor's benefits, home health care, and replacement childcare. Learn more about the reimbursement program from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs.
Mental health support
The events of Aug. 27 may be difficult to process for children, parents, caregivers, and all residents. Mental health resources and the Disaster Distress Helpline are available on the City’s website.
Ways to help
Financial donations are the best way for members of the community to support the victims. The Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund is organized by the Catholic Community Foundation. The Minneapolis Foundation is supporting this effort with their text-to-give function.
Providing information
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to email policetips@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-5845. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at Crime Stoppers Minnesota.
Strength and resilience in response
City officials discussed the heroic acts, community response, and the City’s commitment to preparation for mass incidents at a news conference held on Aug. 29. The effective coordination between the City, state, county, and community partners reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency management and crisis response since 2020. Training, procedures, and communication channels helped ensure the right people and resources were in place when needed. Read more about the City’s response on the website, or watch the news conference.
Standing together
This tragedy deeply affects not only Annunciation parish and school, but the entire city. We encourage anyone who needs help to reach out to 311 for support information. Let’s continue to show up with care and compassion for one another and encourage strength in the face of tragedy.
The City of Minneapolis recently re-applied for Bicycle Friendly Community certification with the League of American Bicyclists. Minneapolis was last awarded a Gold-level certification in 2019, and a lot has changed since then.
The next step in the application process rests with you. The league has opened a survey (about 10 minutes to complete) for all Minneapolis bicyclists. Your anonymous response will be factored into the City’s eventual certification and eventually shared with the City as feedback. Simply by responding you can help demonstrate the strength, knowledge and dedication of the Minneapolis bicycling community.
Fill out the survey and share with your fellow bicyclists.
Read more about Bicycle Friendly Community certification.
 Minneapolis budget update.
Find all the details about the proposed 2026 budget including an easy-to-read summary now on the City website. This budget is the City’s financial plan for making Minneapolis a strong and healthy city for years to come. Our main goal is to deliver the essential services you count on every day.
To plan better for the future, Minneapolis uses a two-year budget cycle. Last year, we created a plan for 2026, and this year we make any necessary adjustments.
The budget summary includes:
- Budget priorities
- Trends and accomplishments
- Public safety reform
- Supporting City workers
- The property tax shift
- The spending plan and income
- Understanding your property tax and what it pays for
Read more about the 2026 budget proposal on the City website.
 The City’s Mobile Medical Unit vehicle.
The City of Minneapolis’ first-ever Mobile Medical Unit is officially on the streets, bringing important healthcare services, addiction treatment and recovery resources, and connections to primary preventive care directly to neighborhoods with limited access to healthcare.
The vehicle will offer care in a private, respectful space. Services will include:
- Basic health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)
- Mental health counseling and referrals
- Youth health services (physical exams, dental care, wellness checks)
- Medications for opioid use disorder
Read more about the City’s mobile medical unit on the City website.
The City is responding to a widespread rash of vehicle damage and theft over the last month with more than 580 vehicles damaged or rummaged through. The most recent occurred overnight Aug. 19 affecting 118 vehicles across the city. Together, these crimes have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
The City’s focus is on disrupting and ending these crimes and arresting the people responsible for them. With 911 calls reporting the suspicious activity and officers patrolling impacted areas Aug. 19, the Police Department realized a crime wave was happening and took an all-hands-on-deck approach. Officers have so far recovered two vehicles believed to be involved in some of the recent damage and arrested three people, who are booked for auto theft. Two dozen community service officers were assigned to affected neighborhoods to gather evidence, speak with residents and help victims complete police reports.
What you can do
The City asks our community to stay vigilant and keep calling 911 immediately for suspicious activity. Provide details if you can: describe the clothing, direction of travel, vehicles and license plates. And share video evidence if you have it. Report damage on your vehicle if you have it. Community reports are helping make the difference.
The inaugural Bridge Fund for Dance will support 41 projects across three funding categories. The fund invests in Minneapolis and Minnesota-based choreographers, dance companies, event producers, and performing arts organizations to create new and existing dance and choreography projects in and around downtown Minneapolis.
The funding was created largely in response to the temporary closure of the Cowles Center and the growing demand for financial support. It builds on last month's announcement of a new collaboration to operate the Cowles Center, and represents another direct investment in the City’s creative future – building stronger communities, a more vibrant downtown, and better quality of life for all through culture and creativity.
Read about the dance projects supported by the Bridge Fund for Dance on the City website.
 National Night Out celebration with a police officer, children, balloons, goats and sheep.
Neighbors across Minneapolis joined together this month to celebrate the city’s National Night Out events. Almost 1,200 official events had registered across the city.
Block parties and gatherings throughout the city connected community members with each other and with MPD officers, community service officers, Hennepin County social workers, Metro Transit PD, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department, Park Police, the Minneapolis Fire Department and City elected officials. Together they enjoyed a night of community, and of food, fun and conversation.
National Night Out promotes community policing and enhances relationships between residents and officers. The City of Minneapolis wants to thank the communities that participated, welcomed us and helped make the event a success.
Looking forward to next year, National Night Out – always the first Tuesday in August – falls on Aug. 4. Event registration opens April 1, 2026.
Read more about National Night Out on the City website.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara has been honored with the 2025 International Citizen Award, presented by the LaJune Thomas Lange International Leadership Institute.
The prestigious award recognizes people who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting understanding, cooperation, friendship and development across international and community boundaries.
Chief O’Hara was selected for his commitment to building meaningful relationships both in Minneapolis and beyond, as well as his efforts to foster trust and transparency in law.
For the second year in a row, all three bond rating agencies have assigned the highest credit rating possible to the City of Minneapolis. The AAA rating by S&P Global, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s is yet another sign that the state of the City’s finances, credit standing and revenue recovery are on solid footing.
The AAA ratings affirm Minneapolis’ position at the center of a strong and diverse regional economy, low long-term liability and a sound financial profile. In fact, only a handful of cities and towns across the country maintain the top ratings for several years in a row.
Read more about the City’s credit ratings on the City website. |
