Steve Cramer Announces Retirement From mpls downtown council and Mpls DID

Via an April 19 e-announcement

The mpls downtown council (mdc) and Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) announced today that Steve Cramer, president and CEO, will be retiring from the organization in December.

Steve CramerSteve Cramer has been a long-time champion and advocate for our city and community. He joined the organization in 2013 and has since led many important initiatives for downtown. He will wrap up his work later this year, but until then continues to remain focused on downtown’s next season.

Cramer has been a steady force behind many development and public realm projects, expanded community partnership to improve downtown conditions, advocated for common sense business regulations, and provided visible leadership over the challenging past few years.

“I have enjoyed working with Steve during my time on the mdc-DID board of directors. He has brought clear direction and focus to our collective work for downtown during an unprecedented season. Prior to that he helped our downtown reach new heights and levels of momentum,” said Karin Lucas, board chair of the mpls downtown council and Downtown Improvement District. “Steve has grown and positioned the organization for the future. We will certainly miss his leadership and wish him well in retirement.”

 “My bet is on downtown Minneapolis!” - Steve Cramer

During Cramer’s tenure, the organization along with roughly 450 members, hundreds of stakeholders, and ratepayers, have played a key role in advocating for downtown, ensuring downtown continues to thrive and maintain its trajectory of attracting new businesses, employees, residents, and investment. There are now 56,748 downtown residents within downtown’s five neighborhoods. More than 8.5 million patrons attended events last year downtown. All while providing a consistent presence within the 120-block district to keep downtown greener, cleaner, and safer.

“It’s been a privilege and pleasure to lead the mdc-DID, working with a talented and dedicated staff, hundreds of committed board members, and community leaders. This organization has charted the course forward for downtown over many decades, and that work will continue for the duration of my tenure and long into the future. I’m confident the path we are on will lead to renewed vibrancy after the historic disruptions of the last three years,” said Steve Cramer, president and ceo. “My bet is on downtown Minneapolis!”

Cramer’s impact on the downtown community will be marked by many contributions. Namely his work and dedication to improving downtown for business and community alike.

Cramer participated in the development of major public realm and infrastructure projects to enhance our downtown:

• The Commons Park
• A re-designed Nicollet
• Peavey Plaza renovation
• Hennepin Avenue reconstruction 

Cramer expanded community partnerships to improve social and security conditions downtown:

• Expanded privately supported outreach programs
• Added two embedded social workers focusing on downtown
• Launched the community storage program

Cramer advocated for common sense strategies to support our downtown:

• Business regulations
• Transportation infrastructure and funding
• Developments from affordable and luxury housing to new office buildings
• Public safety policies focused on a both/and approach

Cramer provided visible leadership for downtown stakeholders throughout the Covid pandemic and civil unrest.