Recap of the February 19 Minneapolis Downtown Council 70th Annual Meeting

Civic Leaders Showcased 2025 Accomplishments and What’s Next in 2026

Yesterday, February 19, the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District hosted its 70th Annual Meeting at The Armory. With approximately 1,000 guests in attendance, civic leaders relayed the collective wins of 2025, revealed key data points, and set the stage for what’s next for Minneapolis - fueling growth and building a stronger, more dynamic and thriving downtown.

Speakers included Adam Duininck, President and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District; Matthew Caldwell, CEO of Timberwolves and Lynx; Tom Pohlad, Minnesota Twins Chair; and Isaac Thompson, CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra. The event was emceed by WCCO Radio’s Vineeta Sawkar with entertainment provided by Ashley DuBose. 

Per Adam Duininck, “What we heard at today’s meeting is exactly why downtown Minneapolis must be the place. When business leaders, residents, and community partners come together, momentum follows. Downtown is not standing still - we are advancing foundational safety, accelerating residential growth, and amplifying our cultural vitality. As the world watches what Minneapolis does next, they will see a community building downtown by design - with intention, with partnership, and with an irresistible vibe.” 

Below are key messages and data points shared during the event: 

Investments and Leadership

• More than $230 million in new construction permits were issued.
• Key investment examples included updates and redevelopment at U.S. Bancorp Center, Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown, Loring Green Condominiums, SPS Tower, and LaSalle Plaza. Additionally, the 20 Washington and 365 Nicollet buildings were sold.
• The reimagining of the First Avenue entertainment district will include a $30 million investment, reinforcing downtown’s position as a premier arts and culture hub.
• Downtown Minneapolis experienced nearly 60 ribbon cuttings and new business openings in 2025 as well as the appointment of eight new CEOs leading downtown companies. 

Return-to-Office and Growing Foot Traffic

• Sixteen of the 20 largest downtown employers now have return-to-office policies in place, with Tuesdays through Thursdays as the busiest days.
• Downtown workday foot traffic has climbed to approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels. 

Transit Investment

• The METRO E Line marked a $60 million investment in public transit, delivering service that is 20% faster.

Cultural Vitality and Major Events

• In 2025, more than nine million people attended sports, concerts, and special events in Downtown Minneapolis. Highlights included:
  • U.S. Bank Stadium hosted 162 events, drawing 1,032,877 attendees.
  • The pre-Broadway debut of Purple Rain at the State Theatre, the first pre-Broadway launch in Minneapolis since 1997.
  • Twin Cities Pride welcomed 650,000 attendees.
  • The Taste of Minnesota hosted 125,000 guests.
  • The St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned to Nicollet Mall for the first time since 2019.
  • Other events that collectively drew hundreds of thousands of visitors included North Loop Christkindl, Luminescence, Stone Arch Festival, Dinner du Nord, and the Warehouse District Live Block Party.

Safety and Social Impact

• A new First Precinct location opened.
• The addition of late-night ambassadors (7pm–3am) in the warehouse district decreased violent crime by 55%.
• The Minneapolis Police Department hired more than 100 new recruits, cadets and transfers while also adding 68 community service officers.
• Our Downtown Ambassadors provided 80,000+ hospitality assists.
• More than 3,700 livability wellness checks were conducted.
• 24,000 youth were supported by services.
• Medica invested in emergency short-term food relief, activating hundreds of community members to pack enough food for 10,000 meals, while also supporting long-term systemic change efforts.

Residential Stability and Public Enhancements

• Downtown’s residential base remains strong with 60,689 residents living downtown, holding steady over 2024. 
• Leaders are exploring ways for downtown residents to have a formal voice in the Downtown Improvement District through a Residential Expansion Project.
• Green spaces in downtown received a $5.1 million investment to sites including Elliot Park, Franklin Steel Park and North Loop Park. Plus, more than 18,000 trees and flowers were planted.