 Mayor, local leaders demand stronger gun laws
Mayor Jacob Frey is celebrating 2025 as a defining year for Minneapolis—one marked by measurable progress, effective governance, and renewed confidence in the City’s ability to deliver results.
Through strong partnerships, disciplined investment, and a focus on core services, Minneapolis made major strides in affordable housing, public safety, downtown revitalization, economic inclusion, climate action, and public health—demonstrating that local government works when it delivers for people.
“2025 was a year where Minneapolis saw progress towards a great comeback,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “From expanding affordable housing and reducing unsheltered homelessness, to hiring the most officers we’ve had in years and reinvigorating downtown, this was a year of momentum. And we’re entering 2026 clearly on the upswing.”
The following highlights reflect key accomplishments from 2025:
 Minneapolis continued to lead the nation in housing production, preservation, and homelessness response:
- Invested more than $14 million in direct housing funding and $1.7 million in housing tax credits—supporting nearly 600 affordable homes citywide.
- Financed 123 new permanent supportive housing units, helping people move from homelessness into stable housing.
- Added 126 new shelter beds, expanding capacity across the city.
- Reduced unsheltered homelessness by 33%, continuing a multi-year decline.
- Served more than 6,700 students and families through Stable Homes Stable Schools, helping keep kids housed and learning.
 MPD promotion ceremony
Minneapolis made significant progress in safety, staffing, and reform:
- Hired the most police officers in many years—bringing the department to more than 600 officers and creating the most diverse force on record.
- Continued implementing reforms under the MDHR settlement agreement and consent decree, strengthening accountability and constitutional policing.
- Saw continued declines in violent crime citywide, including a 10-year low on the North Side.
- Made real strides to make Minneapolis safer for residents and visitors to this city, including:
- Homicides down 16%
- Vehicle thefts down 26%
- Robberies down 33%
- Carjackings down 36%
- Shots fired down 21%
- Gunshot wound victims down 18%
- Restarted MinneapolUS violence interrupter contracts, restoring community-led safety strategies.
 Dinner du Nord
Economic recovery and inclusion accelerated across Minneapolis, with downtown and neighborhood corridors seeing renewed activity:
- Expanded the Ownership & Opportunity Fund, which has closed 27 loans totaling $13.6 million since 2020—helping local entrepreneurs own commercial property and build generational wealth.
- Downtown’s residential population surpassed 60,000 residents for the first time ever.
- Cleared all remaining hurdles for the Upper Harbor Terminal Community Performing Arts Center, locking in design, financing, and approvals.
- Brought new energy downtown with events like Winterapolis, the Big Honkin’ Truck Parade, and Dinner du Nord—drawing thousands of residents and visitors.
- Named eight new Vibrant Storefronts awardees in 2025, bringing the two-year total to 13 and activating vacant spaces with arts, culture, and small businesses.
- Awarded 41 Bridge Fund for Dance grants, strengthening Minneapolis’ nationally recognized dance scene and attracting artists and audiences downtown.
 Signing carbon fee
The City advanced bold climate and health initiatives with tangible results:
- Broke ground on Minneapolis’ first-ever biochar facility, turning waste into a climate solution.
- Launched the City’s first Mobile Medical Unit, bringing care directly to people who need it most.
- Installed additional Narcan vending machines, expanding access to lifesaving medication.
- Quadrupled participation in the Green Cost Share program, supporting more than 1,000 pollution-reduction projects for residents and businesses.
- Continued investing in clean energy, green jobs, and healthier neighborhoods citywide.
 Stone Arch Bridge reopening
Major public works and infrastructure improvements strengthened safety, mobility, and quality of life:
- Advanced a flexible-open design for George Floyd Square through Council approval, setting construction up to begin in 2026.
- Completed the Hennepin Avenue reconstruction, reopening Uptown with a quieter, greener, safer street.
- Opened the METRO B and E Bus Rapid Transit lines, improving access through a multi-agency partnership.
- Installed traffic safety cameras to slow speeding and improve safety on dangerous corridors.
- Reopened the Stone Arch Bridge ahead of schedule, restoring a beloved Minneapolis landmark.
- Made major progress eliminating streetlight outages caused by copper theft—restoring nearly 300 lights and replacing wiring to prevent future outages.
As Mayor Frey heads into 2026 and his third term, he has reaffirmed his commitment to building more affordable housing, strengthening public safety, accelerating climate action, revitalizing downtown and neighborhood corridors, and delivering responsive, effective city services – all while continuing to build a successful and well-coordinated enterprise under the new government structure.
“Minneapolis showed in 2025 what’s possible when we govern with urgency and purpose,” said Mayor Frey. “The work continues—but our direction is clear, our momentum is real, and a great city is rising.”
Learn more about the mayor’s priorities online.
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