New Year, New Leader - A Discussion with Hoang Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of People Serving People

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Hoang MurphyHoang Murphy has a vision for People Serving People (PSP) honed from personal experience and from his founding of Foster Advocates. With him at the helm, this essential organization will continue to thrive in downtown and provide services to those experiencing homelessness. We talked about how he will lead the organization in 2024 and the ways you can help (size 6 diapers and volunteers are  needed right now!). 

Q: What inspired you to take on the role of CEO at People Serving People, and what are your initial impressions of the organization?

A: I was inspired to take on the CEO role at People Serving People because of my deep commitment to healing families and transforming communities. As someone with lived experience in foster care and homelessness, I know that children and families must have a seat at the table. With that experience, I have worked to ensure that those impacted by current inequities have a voice in making decisions and crafting solutions. Families know what’s best for them. We encourage our guests to work towards their vision of their families’ futures, using the support of staff, volunteers, and partners.

My initial impression is that PSP is a deeply committed and extremely thoughtful organization. Our work is only possible because of our dedicated staff and volunteers. I am impressed by the innovative thinking and strategic planning currently underway. I look forward to collaborating with the talented individuals here and continuing to drive positive and transformative change for our families and anyone who has experienced homelessness.

Q: Can you share any personal experiences or stories that have shaped your commitment to the mission of People Serving People?

A: Growing up I faced homelessness and housing insecurity in greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities. I went to school for the first time when I was eight, and this experience literally saved my life. A teacher triggered the systems in place to protect children like me; two days later, I entered foster care. I survived. And since then, I have been determined to make my life matter. I know that I got lucky. I was given an opportunity when, for so many others, this was the end of their story. The belief that every child, no matter the circumstances, deserves to have the opportunities I went on to have is the reason I wanted to be the leader of People Serving People

Q: What do you believe are the most pressing challenges facing families experiencing homelessness today, and how do you plan to address them in 2024? 

A: Homelessness remains complex, and the specific challenges vary by region and time. Still, there are several common denominators when it comes to challenges faced by families experiencing homelessness:

●  Lack of affordable housing: The scarcity of affordable housing is a major challenge. Rising rent and limited affordable housing options make it difficult for low-income families to secure stable housing.

●  Economic Inequality: Income inequality and job insecurity is a significant contributor to homelessness. Families may struggle to cover basic living expenses or choose between medicine, food or rent, all leading to housing instability.

●  Family Separation: Homelessness can lead to the separation of families as they seek shelter in different places. This disrupts family stability and makes it challenging for parents to care for their children.

●  Mental Health: Many individuals and families experiencing homelessness face mental health issues such as substance abuse disorder, which can complicate efforts to find and maintain housing.

●  Education Disruption: Homelessness often leads to children changing schools frequently or missing school altogether, which has long-term effects on their education and outcomes.

Prioritizing affordable housing, mental health services, and job assistance should be our priorities in preventing homelessness. Providing safe emergency shelters with supportive programming, high-quality childhood education, and advocating for system and policy change at the city, county, and state.

Q: You’re new to the role, but can you share with our readers how you plan to collaborate with staff, board, members, and volunteers to create a more effective and impactful organization?

A: We are faced with an unprecedented demand for our emergency shelter and services. That means that everyone is working harder and capacity is stretched. It means we are serving more meals, our education programs are full, families may need to wait longer to see their advocate, and we are going through more supplies, like diapers and formula.

I’ve started by holding all-staff meetings and listening sessions to encourage inclusive decision-making, regular feedback loops, and alignment of goals. Being a resource for families needing someone in their corner means all hands are on deck. My responsibility is to ensure our staff is supported in healing vicarious trauma and that their basic needs are fully met. I want to work to ensure a collective effort among all the stakeholders at People Serving People to serve our families in the most effective and impactful ways.

Q: Are there any new programs or services you plan to introduce, or existing ones you intend to expand, to better serve homeless families?

A: For the past 40 years, PSP has done life-saving work; my mandate is to continue that excellent practice while exploring ways to do life-affirming work. Our strategic goal and primary driving question as we move into 2024 is, “How can we continue to build stability for our families today and in the future?”. This will be achieved by investing in our staff and facilities to best serve families now and supporting our families as they chart the pathway for systems change.

People Serving People is located at 614 3rd Street S

Q: For those of us making New Year resolutions to volunteer more, how may we get involved with People Serving People? How may we follow your news?

A: I am so glad that you asked. There are so many ways to get involved with People Serving People - You can volunteer or donate (either financially, with your time, or with items in need). We have a current high need for size 6 diapers and volunteers interested in working with children. Following us on social media and signing up for our newsletter are all fantastic ways to engage with us. You can find all this information and more on our website: peopleservingpeople.org.

New Year, New Leader - A Discussion with Ward 7 Council Member Katie Cashman

Article by Becky Fillinger, Photos provided

Katie Cashman has energetic goals to work collaboratively on the Minneapolis City Council. We talked to her about the motivation to run for office, key priorities and how she will gather input from her constituents in Ward 7.

Q:  Congratulations on winning the Ward 7 seat on the Minneapolis City Council. For those who may not know you yet, what motivated you to run for office? 

A:  I have been a public servant for my entire career, but it wasn’t until our 26-year Council Member announced she wasn’t running for re-election that I decided to run for office. I saw the opportunity to represent our Ward 7 community in a new way. I felt compelled to step up and help move our city forward and represent the future of Minneapolis, bringing more people into that conversation. Our community is eager for meaningful changes to our public safety model, eager for a plan to revitalize our local economy and eager for investments in climate resiliency. We’ve had a challenging few year in Minneapolis. Meeting this moment requires energetic and collaborative public leaders to get work done. I’m ready.

Cashman and volunteers gathered for a rally on Election Day before their Get Out the Vote efforts.

Q:  What are your top priorities for the first few months in office? 

A:  In my first few months in office, I’ll be focusing on providing top tier constituent services for the residents of Ward 7. It’s really important to me to build trust with community and to deeply understand the housing, public safety and public works issues that families and individuals face at the neighborhood level. This work will help me advance meaningful policy that addresses real needs. The city council recently passed a powerful 2024 budget and I want to help our city build up its capacity to equitably deliver on the budget as well. That will include additional community safety resources, great streets funds to support small business investments, clean energy investments through the green cost share program, municipal snow and ice clearing pilot projects and so much more. 

Q:  How do you plan to engage with and represent the diverse interests of our Minneapolis communities? 

A:  The diversity of the City Council represents the diversity of our city. I look forward to learning from my colleagues about how we can collectively address the challenges in our various communities. In Ward 7 it’s important for me to proactively seek input from all constituents. Renters, homeowners, elders, children, people with disabilities, immigrants and people of varied different lived experiences will be able to share their perspectives with me.

Q:  What is your collaboration style? How do you plan to collaborate with other council members to address the needs of the community? 

A:  I’m a very good listener and I value authenticity. I’ll always put Ward 7 first and will find ways to advance shared goals with other council members.

Q:  What steps do you intend to take to increase transparency and communication between the City Council and the community? 

As a Council member, it is important to work with the media to share stories with the public. I look forward to communicating the solutions we are bringing forward as a council and how Minneapolis residents can be involved. 

Q:  Wonderful – we look forward to helping you in that goal. How will you involve Ward 7 citizens in decision-making processes or seek their input on important issues?

A:  I plan to host office hours at Ward 7 coffee shops and will also doorknock in Ward 7 in neighborhoods and apartment buildings before big votes. I really loved doorknocking throughout my campaign as I met tens of thousands of people. Doorknocking is the best tool we have for gathering truly representative input. Many folks don’t email and call City Hall, so I have to find ways to solicit their input more proactively.

Q:  How may we follow your news in the new year?

A:  I’ll be launching an email newsletter where folks can follow along about City Hall happenings. I also love social media and will post about our progress at City Hall.

New Year: New Leader - A Discussion with Scott Duimstra, Library Director of the Hennepin County Library System

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided 

Scott DuimstraScott Duimstra brings a ton of energy and ideas to his new role as Library Director of the Hennepin County Library system. We talked to him about engaging more students with the library system, library renovations, expanding access to the libraries and more. Did you know that 2.8 million people visited our library system in 2023? Keep reading to learn more about his ideas and ways to engage with one of the best library systems in the country.

Q: Congratulations on your new position as Library Director of the Hennepin County Library! What attracted you to this position, and even before that, what motivated you to become a library director? 

A:  Thank you. I’ve been a librarian for 20 years, earning my Master’s of Science in Information from the University of Michigan. I’ve held several positions in libraries and my goal was never to be a library director, it just happened as I moved up. Once I was the Executive Director for the Capital Area District Libraries, I loved it. I saw how the position could positively impact the entire library system. I also enjoyed being the face of the library in the community.

For what attracted me to the Hennepin County Library system, it was an easy decision for me. The Hennepin County Library system is known nationally as one of the premier library systems. From their staff to their buildings, to their collections, they are one of the best. Regarding the process, a library director search firm contacted me to see if I’d be interested in applying for various director positions. I told them that I was happy with my current position, but if the Hennepin County Library director position ever opened, to let me know. Well, they did, I applied, went through three rounds of interviews and here I am. I’m overjoyed to be here as the Library Director.

Q:  In your previous position as Executive Director of the Capital Area District Libraries in Lansing, MI, you spearheaded a program called Student Success Initiative. Could you tell us about the program and do you believe it could transfer to the Hennepin County Libraries? I know it’s early, but what is your vision for the library's role in the community over the next few years?

A:  The Student Success Initiative was one of my proudest achievements at the Capital Area District Libraries. When we looked at our library card holders, students were the group that had the least amount of library cards. In researching it, there were barriers to students getting library cards because their parents had to bring them to the library. What I did was to reach out to each superintendent for the schools in our service area to see if it was possible to add every student to our library system if they wanted a library card. The goal was to not only get library cards to students, but to also show how their card could be used to help them achieve academic success. For these cards, the students just used their student name or number. We made it as easy as possible. The program was a huge success and each year we hear from students about how their library cards positively impacted their lives.

Regarding your question as to whether the Student Success Initiative would work in Hennepin County, it most certainly would. We are already working on a similar program. Our Let’s Read initiative will start in 2024, and the focus is on K-5th grade reading support through tutoring, building home libraries with free books, and getting students library cards.

My vision for the role of the library in the community is to follow our vision statement and be a shared spaced for enrichment and connection. That enrichment and connection is different for many people and the library develops services, collections, and partnerships so as to fulfill our mission. For some individuals and families, the library is a place to start and continue their literacy journey, for others it’s a place to work and collaborate through access to technology, for others it’s a place where they can be comfortable and get access to community resources.

Q:  Do you have plans to collaborate with local schools, universities, and other community organizations to strengthen educational partnerships? 

A:  Yes. Whether it’s through a similar initiative like getting students library cards, or other initiatives, like increasing reading proficiency in our students, the Hennepin County Library is a natural partner for schools, universities, and community organizations that have a similar mission to ours which is “to inspire, facilitate, and celebrate lifelong learning.”

Q: Similarly, do you have ideas for expanding the library's reach and increasing accessibility to its resources? 

A: Expanding the library’s reach and increasing accessibility is a major part of our strategic plan for the coming years. We continue to look at our services, our collections, and our policies so as to reduce barriers to library use and see how we can ensure that library services are open to all residents of Hennepin County. The accessibility might be the layout of our spaces, it might be sending materials to an individual’s home, it might be ensuring that the materials and formats we have can be accessed by a variety of age groups.

Q:  Can you discuss plans for updating or renovating library facilities to meet the changing needs of patrons? 

A:  We have a number of renovations planned for the future. Currently, our Rockford Road Library and Sumner Library are being renovated and are scheduled to reopen in 2024. Our Westonka Library and Southdale Library have major renovations coming in the next couple of years.

Through any of our renovations, we look at how the spaces are currently being used along with balancing how they’ll be used in the future to develop libraries that our communities will enjoy. In 2023, 2.8 million people have visited our libraries. Through those visits, they use our spaces to browse our collections, access technology, connect with their family, play in the children’s area, study in our spaces, and use our meeting rooms. Our libraries are as dynamic as the many ways in which individuals and families use them.

Q: What role do you believe the library should play in promoting cultural awareness and celebrating the Hennepin County’s history and heritage? 

A: I believe the library should play a large role in promoting cultural awareness and recognizing the history and heritage of Hennepin County. At the Hennepin County Library, we have a wonderful Minneapolis and Hennepin County collection that covers the history of the area. Along with these collections, we have exhibits at our spaces. Currently, through our TransFabulous program, we have the exhibit Gender in Community at our Minneapolis Central Library.

Q:  What are you reading at this time? Do you have a favorite author?

A:  I’m currently reading “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks to get ready for the author to join us at the Pen Pals event on March 14 and 15. For my favorite author, that’s a difficult question. I read across genres for whatever fits my mood at the time. Some of my favorites are Marcel Proust, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Geraldine Brooks.

Q:  How may we stay current with library news?   

A:  Check out our website hclib.org, follow us on social media – Facebook, X, Instagram and make sure to visit one (or all!) of our 41 libraries and talk to our fantastic staff.

New Year, New Vision for the MPLS Downtown Council

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Adam DuininckA discussion with Adam Duininck, President and CEO of the MPLS Downtown Council

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What plan does Adam Duininck have for heading up the MPLS Downtown Council? Plenty, and with enthusiasm to match his goals! We talked to Adam about immediate goals, fostering community in downtown and how to stay up to date with events. 

Q:  Congratulations! You’ve been on the job for about two months. What inspired you to take on the role of President and CEO for the MPLS Downtown Council?

A:  Thank you! I am motivated by a challenge and I am passionate about our downtown, our city, and our region. We have faced significant challenges in the last few years but our challenges are also our opportunities as we consider the revitalization of our downtown. 

Downtown Minneapolis is a special place. We have tremendous assets from Fortune 500 companies and their incredible workforce, first-class theater, cultural, arts district, award-winning chefs and restaurant scene, amazing hotels and hospitality, community focused and highly competitive sports teams, as well as a growing downtown residential population. When you look at our strengths and opportunities, it motivates me to work toward leveraging them into the best downtown we can be.

Q:  Do you have a list of immediate goals to tackle for 2024? 

A:  Build relationships with our members and partners. This is always an ongoing goal for me as it is how we collaborate and build meaningful connections to our downtown community.

Reimagine Holidazzle from a planning and fundraising perspective. Holidazzle is such an integral part to downtown and to our brand that I want to make sure 2024 is a successful return.

Lastly, work diligently on the 2035 Plan which charts our organization’s vision for the next 10 years. If planning is done right, the relationship building will happen here too and we’ll begin to put forward a vision that balances life, work, and play in a way that both reflects the changes we’re seeing in downtown today with a plan for how we grow and thrive tomorrow.

Q:  How do you plan to support small and independently owned businesses in the downtown area, in addition to larger corporations? 

A:  That’s an important balance of any membership organization and it’s an area where we can grow. I think the MPLS Downtown Council does this well now, but there is always room for improvement. The best way to engage newer constituencies is to allow them a seat at the table - and I plan to do that myself and I want efforts like the 2035 Plan (coming soon!) to allow for input from all kinds of companies and businesses. 

Q:  Do you have any specific plans for fostering a sense of community and pride in the downtown district among its residents and visitors? 

A:  I think that goal must be top of mind in everything we do. When we are planning events like our annual meeting, Holidazzle, Aquatennial, as well as more regular activations, how are we building community? To me, community begins with safety and being together and the two go hand-in-hand. That’s my expectation for the MPLS Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District (DID). We are very mission-driven and I want to double down on that.

Q:  In what ways do you envision leveraging technology and digital platforms to benefit downtown businesses? 

A:  We have a plan to roll out some kiosks to improve wayfinding downtown that I am excited about. The event calendar that we have built so successfully can also be linked to other platforms in a way to help with distribution and the kiosks will be one way to get the word out, along with social media and other channels. 

Q:  Count Mill City Times in as a way to spread the word about your events. How may we stay up to date with the news from the MPLS Downtown Council?   

A:  Please follow along at www.mplsdowntown.com for upcoming events and happenings downtown as well as @mplsdowntown on social media, particularly Instagram.

New Year, New Leader - A Discussion with Ellen Reed, Executive Director of the Mississippi Park Connection

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Ellen ReedEllen Reed comes to the Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) as a leader ready to "get her feet wet" – so many ways to say that she is going to "jump right in" to take the organization to new heights. We talked about the accomplishments of the MPC in the last 16 years, her goals for the essential organization and how storytelling can enhance the contributions of a nonprofit leader.

Q:  Congratulations on your appointment as Executive Director of the Mississippi Park Connection. As a starting point, how do you plan to build upon the achievements of the MPC?

A: It is such an honor to take on the role of Executive Director at Mississippi Park Connection (MPC). Over the past 16 years, MPC has grown into a robust nonprofit organization serving the community and beyond through collaborative programming, partnerships, and education. Growing from a one-person staff, led by the incredible Katie Nyberg, MPC is now composed of a gifted team of ten highly qualified professionals dedicated to connecting people to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the national park located in the Twin Cities.

Building upon MPC’s achievements brings its own challenges, as the organization has already achieved so many successes in its history. For example, Mississippi Park Connection helped revamp the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the Minnesota Science Museum in 2016. Through the Plant for the Future campaign, MPC and its partners have planted over 18,000 trees in the park. Approximately 200,000 students have learned about the river through youth education field trips and programs. Topping that is going to be quite a feat! But with the support of all those who love the river and park, we can accomplish even more.

One way I see that happening is by expanding programming and engagement throughout the entire 72-mile park corridor and connecting people from all over to the Mississippi River. We are fortunate to have a national park right in the heart of the Twin Cities, and this river is one of the greatest in the world. If every person who experienced the Mississippi River at the park developed a passion for protecting it - whether they live here or elsewhere - imagine what we could accomplish!

Q:  Are there new initiatives, programs, or events you want to introduce to MPC in 2024?

A:  The upcoming year will bring growth not only in programming and education, but also in the MPC staff. We are hiring a new program manager who will help expand our ability to deliver programs throughout the entire corridor of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area from Dayton to Hastings, while also strengthening programs and events in the metro area.

In Summer 2024, we will be launching Paddle Share 2.0, which will improve the user experience and access for the self-serve kayak rental program MPC manages in partnership with the City of St. Paul, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Three Rivers District, City of Brooklyn Park, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, and the National Park Service. Paddle Share connects people to the river through a kayak sharing system in the Twin Cities metro area that lets you rent a kayak, paddle, and safety equipment so you can paddle to a destination downriver. By investing in upgrades to Paddle Share, more people will be able to get onto the river.

Q:  What are the most significant challenges you foresee in 2024, and how will MPC plan to address or mitigate their impact?

A:  As the charitable partner to the National Park Service, we bridge the gap between what the park needs to serve the community and what it receives through federal funding. When the park is faced with budget shortfalls or government shutdowns, it is our role to support however we can by remaining agile and responsive to the park’s needs while also being steadfast in delivering excellent programs for the many communities we serve. To address this challenge and plan for potential volatility, we rely on individuals who love the park to support MPC through annual membership gifts and contributions. Steady support from members ensures we have program resources in both times of uncertainty and stability.

Q:  Your online bio mentions your strengths in storytelling and communications. I really like that you've listed storytelling. Please tell us how you’ll apply these strengths in your role.

A:  When I was a young student, I struggled to pass my history tests. Memorizing dates and names proved to be nearly impossible for me and history became something I disliked. One night, my grandmother found me scribbling facts from World War II on index cards, holding them up, and failing to find the right answer. She took the cards from me and said, “I can tell you what I remember from 1942…” and told me stories about her time as a young woman experiencing war. The dates began to have context, and the names took shape as people. The stories brought history to life in my mind and from there I developed a passion for both history and storytelling.

We connect with the world through storytelling. It’s where the connection begins. We begin to actualize the abstract and contextualize the unknown.  I’ve used storytelling to encourage people who have never kayaked the Mississippi River to take the leap and try it. I tell them about my first time kayaking the river and how I was afraid, but also afraid to tell anyone I was afraid. I describe how the water moved and how it felt on my feet. I tell them how the kayak reacted when I got in, and how long it took for me to get a feel for the paddle. I’ve shown them a photo of me on the water, with my eager-yet-still-anxious smile, and then the victory photo of me at the end of my paddle - completely dry and giddy with a sense of accomplishment.

Ellen kayaking - this looks like peaceful and reflective time we all could use!

That is how I use storytelling in my role. I hope I can inspire others to find their connection to the river through the many stories we have to tell about it.

Q:  Is it a priority for MPC to enhance community engagement and outreach efforts in the new year?

A:  Absolutely. Connecting with the community is what we do.

Q:  Please tell us about ongoing or new partnerships or collaborations MPC will consider with local organizations, businesses, or government agencies to support your 2024 goals?

A:  Partnership is at the core of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and therefore is at the core of MPC. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is designated as a partner park, which means it accomplishes its purpose through partnerships with land managers, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and fellow agencies. Within the park’s corridor, there are hundreds of partner organizations we work with and many more beyond its boundaries. As we expand programming and engagement throughout the region, MPC will look to further strengthen existing relationships with our partners and will actively seek out new partnerships so we can work together to connect more people to the river.

Q:  You’re going to be a fantastic leader. How may we stay current with your news?  

A:  So many ways:

●        Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter at parkconnection.org

●        Become a member of Mississippi Park Connection at parkconnection.org/membership

●        Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin 

Ice Luminary Workshop at Water Works, February 10

Saturday, February 10, 3-6 pm

You don't need to be an expert - or even an adult - to make beautiful winter decorations for your home. Learn how to make a radiant ice luminary to add everyday sparkle to your home, both inside and out. In this introductory class, delve into the fundamentals of crafting captivating ice lanterns, exploring essential techniques such as design elements, textures, and lighting effects. Each participant will go home with a Fluted 5-gallon Ice Lantern Mold (5-gallon bucket not included). The class will be guided by experienced Ice Wrangler, Jennifer Shea Hedberg, of Wintercraft.

Tailored for beginners, this class provides an ideal entry point into the magical world of ice lantern creations. Suitable for ages 14 and above or accompanied by an adult. No prior experience is necessary! Optional Luminary DIY book, "Ice Luminary Magic" will be available for purchase during checkout.

Register online

This class is hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Visit minneapolisparks.org/register to search thousands of youth and adult programs across the park system. 

New Year Outlook: A Discussion with Mayor Jacob Frey

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided 

Mayor-Jacob-FreyWhat’s on the agenda for 2024 in Minneapolis? We talked to Mayor Jacob Frey about his top priorities for the new year – and it covers a wide range of topics - including community safety, climate action and economic inclusion, among others. We’re grateful for his time in sharing plans for the coming year with our downtown audience. Please take a few minutes to read about the Mayor’s plans for the new year. 

Q:  Please tell us your thoughts and wishes for 2024 in Minneapolis.

A:  Minneapolis has momentum and is in a rebound post-pandemic, but for us to truly succeed that momentum should not just be to going back to where we were before. I hope that we, as a city, embrace change: change in how our downtown attracts people, change in activating a beautiful riverfront and change in our approach to inclusivity. More specifically, we need to double down on foundational aspects that will help our great city continue to rise: safety must be a top priority, continued investment in affordable housing for people in need, economic inclusion and supports for local, small business owners, and a commitment to climate action and protecting our planet. Through these priorities, we will make sure our city is well-positioned to be a leader and to set an example that others can follow.

Minneapolis Public Housing Authoritie's (MPHA) family housing expansion project grand opening

Q:  What are the top priorities and goals for Minneapolis in 2024?

A:  My top priority areas for 2024 include:

• Community safety and Police Reform
• Economic Inclusion and Recovery
• Affordable Housing, Public Housing, and Homelessness
• Climate Action
• Good Governance

The City of Minneapolis is also going through one of the biggest government shifts in history. While the official change to the “strong mayor system” (also known as the normal mayor system) has happened, most of the work is still underway to shift the culture of how City Hall functions – a culture that has been baked into the walls of City Hall for years. This shift will be a critical item of focus this year as we continue to navigate our ability to provide more effective, efficient, and coordinated services to the residents of Minneapolis.

Q:  In terms of economic development, how will your office seek to attract new businesses, and promote job creation and workforce development?

A:  Minneapolis is a world-class city that can be a selling point in and of itself, but that’s not enough. My administration is going out affirmatively to recruit new businesses, large and small. We are doing this with a lens of inclusivity – focusing specifically on BIPOC-owned businesses.

The Chameleon Shoppes add unique shopping options Downtown.

Through our Ownership and Opportunity Fund (formerly known as the Commercial Property and Development Fund), we’ve invested more than $11 million into business owners since 2020. The Fund aims to fill significant funding gaps by providing forgivable patient debt capital for commercial real estate development and acquisition in the city of Minneapolis, with a focus on economically challenged areas.

We launched the program back in 2020...and since then 22 business owners in Minneapolis have been awarded funding, helping them buy commercial real estate – supporting wealth generation and allowing business owners to own the underlying real estate for their businesses. In the 2024 budget, we’ve allocated an additional $3 million to the Fund.

Also in the 2024 budget, we’ve included $750,000 in ongoing funding, to implement recommendations from the Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup – which has looked at ways to reinvent the storefront experience downtown (on street and skyway levels). The Workgroup presented its recommendations in the summer – including moving buses off of Nicollet Avenue and opening up pop-up shops in underutilized spaces Downtown to revitalize the corridor and give local artists a chance to showcase their talent and crafts.

Additional investments in the 2024 budget:

• Nearly $1.3 million for future planning and development of George Floyd Square, including art preservation and community engagement 
• Funding for Black Business Week and Latino Business Week in Minneapolis
• A direct investment of $420,000 in neighborhood organizations across the city, increasing the base budget for each neighborhood from $10,000 to $15,000 and ensuring that every neighborhood receives a minimum of $5,000 inequitable engagement funds 

Q:  What’s the 2024 plan for enhancing public safety in Minneapolis?

A:  It’s no secret Minneapolis needs more police officers. We’re down a couple hundred officers, and recruitment and retention plans will be key for us in 2024. We plan to launch a new marketing campaign in early 2024 – focused on hiring more police officers, and we have invested in the Charter-required funding for 731 officers in the Police Department.

But we also know our safety efforts cannot just be limited to police. We have invested nearly $3 million ongoing funding in the Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR) Program. The BCR program provides unarmed professionals to crises in Minneapolis, helping provide intervention, counseling, and other support services to residents who need it.

Mayor Frey with Hennepin County Chief Judge Todd Barnette at his swearing in as Community Safety Commissioner.

The City has also begun building out the foundation of the Minneapolis Safe and Thriving Communities Report - which provides a long-term vision and future recommendations for continuing to build out an ecosystem for safety beyond policing in Minneapolis. The report focuses on preventative, responsive, and restorative services – while also looking at comprehensive safety services that could be provided at a future Community Safety Center in the city.

The New York University School of Law’s Policing Project is helping the City implement the initial recommendations from the report. In the 2024 budget, we have also allocated funding for three new positions in the Office of Community Safety to help fulfill the safety innovation work recommended through the Report.

Finally, the City of Minneapolis is also in the process of implementing a settlement agreement with the State – and looking ahead to the imminent consent decree with the DOJ. We included roughly $16 million into this reform work through the 2024 budget – funding a team of more than 30 dedicated positions to MPD, Civil Rights, and Information Technology Departments.

Q:  Does Minneapolis have programs to address climate change? What are the environmental or sustainability Initiatives for this year?

A:  This past summer, we announced the creation of the Climate Legacy Initiative - an innovative plan to fund the City’s accelerated, equitable, and aggressive climate goals over the next ten years. Through the CLI, I hope Minneapolis becomes one of the most sustainable cities in the nation. 

Climate Legacy Initative (CLI) funding signing.

The formation of the CLI came together after working with various community leaders, grassroots advocates, unions and climate organizations, and City staff. The Initiative provides necessary funding to implement the City’s Climate Equity Plan, which provides a roadmap for climate work over the next decade. The community-wide plan sets a goal for Minneapolis to significantly reduce climate pollution by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. It also includes plans to weatherize all homes, reduce utility bills, promote green job training, and plant more trees. 

Kicking off the return of Taste of Minnesota - one of the many events that drew people Downtown in 2023.

The Big Tiny Show, a Juried Group Exhibition at Kolman & Reeb Gallery, January 13 – February 3, 2024

Artist Reception Saturday, January 20, 2024, 6:00pm–8:00pm

The Kolman & Reeb Gallery is excited to ring in 2024 by showcasing art created by over 50 artists from across Minnesota with a juried group exhibition, The Big Tiny Show, Saturday, January 13 through February 3, 2024.

From its inception, the Kolman & Reeb Gallery has focused on ways to support Minnesota artists. This juried group show allowed the prestigious Minneapolis gallery to expand on this mission with a call inviting artists to submit their work to be considered for this show regardless of subject matter, media, and expression. The tremendous response shows Minnesota artists are passionate to share their unique perspectives.

From tried-and-true oil on canvas to pine needles and artificial sinew, gallery patrons can expect an inspiring and diverse exhibition. Adopting its name from the guideline that no one piece of art can be larger than 12 inches, The Big Tiny Show involves a variety of subject matter and media. With the varied assortment, the depth of the show has allowed for an innovative and contemporary curation.

Per Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner, “What excites me about this show is the opportunity it provides the Kolman & Reeb Gallery to suspend its usual aesthetic and instead display artwork from a wide variety of Minnesota artists regardless of medium, subject, style.” 

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator and co-partner, added, “With this show Anita and I were eager to open the call to all media types and expressions. The results were overwhelming, and we received a significant response from Minnesota artists interested in showing their work. Our panel of judges was delighted by the superior quality of the art submitted. We’re eager for our patrons to come and view the diverse collection from across Minnesota. Opening the call to all types of media offered me a unique experience as the show’s curator."

All are invited to come and view this interesting blend of styles and range of talent from this large assortment of artists. All art on display during The Big Tiny Show will be available for purchase.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is in Studio 395, Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE.

Downtown Beneath Stone Arch by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Downtown Beneath Stone Arch

This is a composite of a photograph of the Stone Arch Bridge and a photograph of Downtown Minneapolis as seen from the University Walking Bridge. But of course this blended image is not what you see when you cross that bridge. The City, which abuts the Mississippi River is in the river in this image and the Stone Arch Bridge, which connects the City and St. Anthony Main, now stands over the City. Along the way of editing the images, I discarded two or three versions that just did not work well. I went through a lot of experimentation, applying various blend modes, different levels of opacity and a number of masks to get a look I was pleased with. It is colorful and it is busy. It draws me in.

You can see more of my work at ricrosowphotography.com and Price Krishnan Gallery.

Firefighters 12th Annual Gift Delivery to Hennepin Healthcare Burn Center Patients

For the 12th year in a row, firefighters and volunteers spread some holiday cheer by delivering gifts to Hennepin Healthcare Burn Center patients and provided meals for the frontline staff.

The Burn Center at Hennepin Healthcare is nationally recognized for its expertise in treating burn patients of all ages. Staffed by specially trained burn care nurses and physicians, the inpatient unit and ambulatory care clinic provide comprehensive burn care to patients from throughout the Midwest. 

On the morning of December 21, wrapped gifts for each Burn Center patient arrived via fire trucks. As volunteers lined the sidewalk to wave to the patients peering from the 4th floor windows, nurses and staff waited curbside with carts ready to transport gifts from the rig to the Burn Unit.

Above, the prep. Below, the delivery.

What a group of amazing human beings!

“This annual tradition of bringing gifts to the Burn Center patients started the year I was a patient in 2010,” explains former Minneapolis firefighter and burn patient Jake LaFerriere who is the Founder and Executive Director of Firefighters For Healing. “My world changed overnight when I survived a backdraft explosion. Those who helped me through the darkest days were my family, close friends, the nurses and fire community. The first Christmas Blessing in 2010 was my way to thank the nurses and Burn Center teams for all they do. It was a blessing to me to be able to pay it forward. I wanted to provide the burn survivors and their families with a reason to smile and feel joy. It truly aligns with the reason for the season and helps families know they are not alone.”

“Helping families through the multiple stages of grief and healing is what we do. Each year as this gifting event has grown and impacted more families and new frontline staff, they repeatedly tell us that this simple act of kindness means the world to them,” said Jake LaFerriere. “Donating to Firefighters For Healing supports our mission to support burn survivor families and injured firefighters. Visit firefightersforhealing.org.”

Firefighters For Healing supports burn survivors and helps firefighters and first responders pivot after a line of duty injury by providing emergency housing and support.They meet and serve families 24/7 and 365 days a year from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. This non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable organization thrives on community partnerships, volunteer support and fundraising events.

If you're not familiar with Firefighters for Healing, here are two short videos that will introduce you to the founder, Jake LaFerriere, as well as one of their numerous achievements, the creation of Camp Red.

Miller Lite’s Free Rides Program Returns to the Twin Cities for New Year’s Eve!

Molson Coors extends its 35-year commitment to responsible celebrations into 2024

Twin Cities residents are encouraged to plan their free ride before the countdown to midnight begins. Riders can visit http://metrotransit.org/ to review transit routes and make arrangements for their journey into 2024.

As anticipation builds for the countdown to midnight, Molson Coors is helping Twin Cities residents celebrate the holiday season by offering complimentary mass transit on New Year’s Eve through its 2023 Miller Lite Free Rides program. Partnering with Metro Transit, residents can enjoy fare-free rides on Sunday, December 31 from 6pm until the end of service on all Metro Transit routes and The Northstar Line.

“As we embrace the new year, Molson Coors remains committed to championing alcohol responsibility in the communities it serves. It’s an honor to contribute to the night’s festivities across the Twin Cities and welcome in 2024 together,” said Alison Hanrahan, community affairs manager, Molson Coors. “By partnering with Metro Transit our hope is to not only provide free rides, but to foster a sense of community and responsibility as we collectively celebrate this new chapter.”

Since its inception in 1988, the Free Rides program has been a cornerstone of Molson Coors' commitment to promoting responsible celebrations. Through collaborative efforts with local mass transit, the program has extended fare-free rides to more than 8 million individuals across the U.S., with more than 200,000 riders benefiting from the program in the Twin Cities alone.

During last year’s New Year’s Eve Free Rides in the Twin Cities, nearly 18,000 individuals took advantage of complimentary transit to welcome in the new year.

“Metro Transit is pleased to partner with Molson Coors to offer free rides across our system, providing loyal and first-time riders alike another reason to make transit a part of their New Year’s experience,” said Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras.

The New Year’s Eve Free Rides program concludes this year’s annual Free Rides initiative. This year, the program was offered in nine cities over the course of five events including St. Patrick’s Day, major holidays and professional sporting events. Molson Coors has expanded the Free Rides program over the past two years, providing increased access to free transportation options and reinforcing the company’s commitment to the communities it serves. 

Meet New Ward 7 Council Member Katie Cashman, January 16

A conversation with newly elected Ward 7 Council Member, Katie Cashman

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Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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8:00am - 9:30am at Minneapolis College.

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RSVP by January 15

December 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a December 22 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue reconstruction of the storm tunnel outlet at the Mississippi River; excavation activities are almost complete.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue construction of a concrete liner for the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue construction of a concrete liner for the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Lining progress

In November, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining, pouring about 1,450 cubic yards of concrete. To date 12,750 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is just under four times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 90% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• Northbound lane of Portland Ave will be periodically closed between Washington Ave and 2nd Closures will happen during the workday only.
  • Closure is for the placement of concrete into the tunnel.
  • East crosswalk across Washington and north crosswalk across Portland will be closed.
  • Sidewalks will remain open to businesses and residences.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park is closed for the winter.

• 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

What to expect

• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
• Working hours will vary in the coming weeks due to the holiday and scheduled training.
• The next project update will be in February 2024.

Stay Connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

C.R.E.A.M Cafe Announces December 26 Grand Opening in the Mill District

Mmmmm - yes, please!  Photo provided

C.R.E.A.M Cafe's Grand Opening is set for December 26

Soul Bowl founders Brittney and Gerard Klass are launching their two next concepts in the former Smith & Porter restaurant space at 428 S 2nd Street.

The first of those two endeavors is C.R.E.A.M Cafe. This coffee haven promises locals an immersive experience - blending the rich warmth of artisanal coffees, a medley of delightful teas, and an array of delectable food options.

Gerard Klass, photo credit Becky Fillinger

The Grand Opening celebration is set for December 26th. The Klass' welcome the community to join them for a day of festivities, exclusive tastings, and a chance to experience the lively spirit of C.R.E.A.M (Coffee Rules Everything Around Me) Cafe.

Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis' Mill District, C.R.E.A.M Cafe invites patrons to discover a refreshing and upbeat atmosphere tailored for those seeking a delightful escape from the daily grind. With a commitment to creating more than just a coffee destination, the space is designed to be a vibrant social hub for friends, family, and community members alike.

Honey Lavender Matcha, photo provided 

What will you experience at this new Mill District cafe?

Artisanal Brews Savor the rich and aromatic notes of carefully selected coffee beans, expertly brewed to perfection by skilled baristas. Fall in love with something new - a signature winter coffee flights. 

Tea Enthusiast's Paradise Immerse yourself in the custom combinations of shaken teas, from classic blends to exotic infusions. C.R.E.A.M Cafe's tea selection caters to both traditionalists and adventurous palates.

Culinary Delights Elevate your coffee experience with a menu curated to satisfy every craving. From local delectable pastries to savory bites, the culinary offerings complement an extensive beverage selection. Offering breakfast all day, plus a lunch menu with an array of soups, sandwiches, salads and flatbreads. 

Upbeat Atmosphere Bask in the vibrant and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for memorable conversations, relaxation, and shared moments. Perfect for a meeting, co-working, or a quick pick-me-up in the middle of a busy work day.

And...Stay tuned for more information on the Klass' second concept, Klassics Kitchen + Cocktails, launching early 2024!

Dramatic Sunrise by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Dramatic Sunrise

When I walked out into our living room on December 15th I saw this amazing sky. The upper sky was dark, with gray, purple and black tones. The lower sky red. The Mississippi River reflected the color in the sky. I ran to my office to get my camera, leaving the tripod behind and took a number of shots before the clouds and the entire sky changed. This time I was lucky. I wonder why I just don't leave the camera in the living room on its tripod.

You can see more of my work at ricrosowphotography.com and PriceKrishnanGallery.com.

Free Disaster Preparedness Training Offered at Central Library in January

Sign up now for a free two-day training in January to help make you more confident, prepared and secure in a natural or human-caused disaster.

In Ready Camp, you’ll learn about:

• Making an emergency preparedness kit
• Emergency alerts
• Severe weather
• Planning for medical needs
• Staying in contact with your family
• Protecting your pets

You will also learn ways to store water and emergency food supplies, create first aid and survival kits, make a list of affordable and recommended emergency items, and get examples of equipment and devices that can help in surviving a disaster.

Ready Camp will feature industry experts related to the fields of safety, health and wellness, and emergency preparedness. Food will be provided at no cost.

Plan to join both sessions:

Free two-day Ready Camp
4:45pm-8pm January 23-24
Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall

Register online

Here's What’s Happening in Downtown December 21-27

The mpls downtown calendar is packed with events and activities throughout the holiday season. Here is a preview of what’s ahead over the next week.

* * * * * Takeaways This Weekend * * * * * 

This holiday week is the perfect time to head downtown for a show! “A Christmas Carol” continues at the Guthrie, “Mrs. Doubtfire” is at Orpheum Theatre, “Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy” is at the State Theatre, and “All I Want for Christmas is You…to Elf Off” continues at the Dudley Riggs Theatre.

The Minnesota Timberwolves hope to take down the NBA In-Season Tournament Champion Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Plus, the Minnesota Vikings look to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

For those hoping to eat out over the holidays, check out our list of restaurants that will be open down below!

Don’t forget about Holidays on Nicollet! There are pop-up shops featuring nearly 70 locally owned small businesses, plus 10 window displays along Nicollet, featuring holiday designs created by local artists. The Holidays on Nicollet experience runs every weekend through January 5. Great visuals and interview opportunities all month. Plus, you can find great musical performances over the lunch hour on select dates at Capella Tower, IDS Center, City Center, and U.S. Bank Plaza.

The mpls downtown can help you plan your next visit during the holidays and beyond! Check out mdc’s holiday guide at mplsdowntown.com/guides_activities/celebrate-the-season-in-mpls-downtown/, and the events calendar at mplsdowntown.com/events.

* * * * * Don’t Miss * * * * * 

Winter Warm-Up – Thursday & Tuesday | U.S. Bank Stadium

Peabo Bryson & Haley Reinhart: Home for the Holidays – Thursday & Friday | Dakota

Timberwolves vs. Lakers – Thursday | Target Center

A Swingin’ Christmas w/ The Andrew Walesch Big Band – Saturday | Dakota

* * * * * Thursday, December 21 * * * * * 

A Christmas Carol | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater

Winter Warm-Up | 5 p.m. – U.S. Bank Stadium

Peabo Bryson & Haley Reinhart: Home for the Holidays | 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. – Dakota

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy | 7 p.m. – State Theatre

Mrs. Doubtfire | 7:30 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre

‘Art’ | 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theatre

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre

Timberwolves vs. Lakers | 8:00 p.m. – Target Center

* * * * * Friday, December 22 * * * * * 

A Christmas Carol | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater

Mrs. Doubtfire | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre

Peabo Bryson & Haley Reinhart: Home for the Holidays | 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. – Dakota 

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy | 7 p.m. – State Theatre 

‘Art’ | 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theatre 

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre

Emo Nite | 8 p.m. – First Avenue

* * * * * Saturday, December 23 * * * * * 

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy | 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. – State Theatre

A Christmas Carol | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater

‘Art’ | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theatre

Mrs. Doubtfire | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre

A Swingin’ Christmas w/ The Andrew Walesch Big Band | 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. – Dakota

* * * * * Sunday, December 24 * * * * * 

Vikings vs. Lions | 12 p.m. – U.S. Bank Stadium

Mrs. Doubtfire | 1 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre

Christmas Eve at Mara | 5 – 9:30 p.m. – Mara

* * * * * Monday, December 25 * * * * * 

Christmas Day at Mara | 11 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Mara

The Bad Plus | 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. – Dakota

* * * * * Tuesday, December 26 * * * * * 

A Christmas Carol | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater

Winter Warm-Up | 5 p.m. – U.S. Bank Stadium

The Bad Plus | 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. – Dakota

“Art” | 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theatre

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre

* * * * * Wednesday, December 27 * * * * * 

A Christmas Carol | 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater

The Bad Plus | 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. – Dakota

“Art” | 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theatre

All I Want for Christmas Is You…to Elf Off | 7:30 p.m. – Dudley Riggs Theatre

* * * * * Weekly Happenings * * * * * 

Winter Maker’s Market | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – The Dayton’s Project (Daily)

Holiday Music at Capella Tower | 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 4 p.m. – Capella Tower (Monday – Friday)

Holidays on Nicollet Pop-Up Holiday Stores | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Various Locations (Tuesdays through Saturdays)

Holiday Under Glass Concert Series | 12 – 1 p.m. – IDS Center Crystal Court (Tuesdays – Thursdays)

Live Holiday Music | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – U.S. Bank Plaza (Tuesdays – Thursdays)

Farmer’s Market | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Lyndale Avenue (Saturdays and Sundays)

Nordic Village Market | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis (Saturdays and Sundays)

Handmade Holiday Market | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Lakes & Legends Brewing Company (Saturdays and Sundays)

* * * * * Restaurants Open During the Holidays * * * * * 

Mara | Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day

Giulia | Christmas Day

Manny’s Steakhouse | Christmas Day

Breva Bar & Grill | Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

Butcher & The Boar | New Year’s Eve

Spoon & Stable | New Year’s Eve

Borough | New Year’s Eve

Guacaya Bistreaux | New Year's Eve

Dakota | Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year’s Day 

Meet Minneapolis Clothing Drive in Support of Hennepin Healthcare Patients in Need - Accepting Donations thru January 12

Help to warm hands, feet and hearts!

Meet Minneapolis is hosting a clothing drive in support of Hennepin Healthcare patients in need. Some of these children and teens are foster children needing full outfits upon discharge, some adults need cold weather relief items or warmer layers than they arrived with. Our wish lists outline the new, tags on items being accepted.

“Clothing is one way we show compassion. We strive to ensure patients have the essentials they need.”                               Jess, Hennepin Healthcare Social Worker

Needed Items / Where / When / How:

For questions contact Ka Vang at 612-767-8156 or email kav@minneapolis.org

The Curtis Hotel: Where the Guest is King

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

During a time before giant hotel chains dominated the hospitality industry in major cities, Minneapolis was full of independent, successful hotels. There was The Nicollet, The West, The Drake and The Sheridan, but in this article, I will discuss one of the more iconic hotels, The Curtis Hotel.

This story starts with a family named Curtis from Portland, Maine. Theodore Lincoln Curtis, a ship builder, and Esther Curtis had seven children, the third of whom was Theodore F. Curtis, born in 1854. A year later, the Curtis Family moved to St. Anthony looking for more manufacturing work as the small village was quickly growing. The elder Theodore built very large flat-bottomed barges along a low spot on the Mississippi’s shoreline at what would later be known as Bohemian Flats. Among other construction jobs, he also worked on the first iteration of the Nicollet Hotel.

During this time, the younger Theodore worked his way through school at Central High. At the age of nineteen, his father passed away, and his mother sold the family lot, a block of property along Third Avenue North between Fourth and Fifth Streets, for $18,000, almost $390,000 after inflation. The developers who bought the land promptly split it up and sold the smaller lots for over $100,000 total, or over $2,150,000 today. This was an eye-opening experience for Theodore, and it was at that moment when he saw the real estate potential for the swiftly growing City of Minneapolis.

Once Theodore F. Curtis gained more wealth from buying land and building houses along the city’s border and apartments around downtown, he ventured into the lodging business. In the center of the block between Tenth and Eleventh Streets South and Third and Fourth Avenues South, Theodore bought a lot and constructed the first building of Curtis Court in 1903. Each suite featured a parlor room, bathroom, and kitchenette. Eight years later in 1911, Theodore bought more properties on the block and constructed the first of two towers. In 1919, he finally had the opportunity to purchase the last lot on the block, then owned by Alexander Boyd who bought it from Fred C. Pillsbury, and erected the second tower. In 1920, the name changed to The Curtis Hotel, and it would see much success for decades to come.

Postcard with a photo of the main restaurant taken in 1920

John Willy of The Hotel Monthly magazine wrote about his visit to The Curtis Hotel in 1924. “First of the kitchenette apartments has developed into a modern, first class, transient and residential hotel of more than eight hundred rooms; and to be still further enlarged.” After gloating about the amazing features of the hotel, he lists a typical menu with prices. Here are a few that stood out to me:

Bluepoint cocktail - 50¢

Green corn on the cob - 25¢

Half spring chicken, fried, country style - 90¢

Fried frog legs, breaded, julienne potatoes, tartar sauce - 75¢

Appetizing lamb chops, broiled, French fried potatoes - 75¢

Filet mignon, fresh mushroom sous cloche - $1.25

Fresh apple pie, Orange cream pie - All pies 15¢ per cut

The Curtis in 1940

Guests and a bellhop, 1948

The Curtis in 1958

At its peak, The Curtis Hotel featured the Mesabi Coffee Shop, barber and beauty shops, a gym, a post office, ballrooms, a luxurious dining room, and three music venues, to list a few. The Turquoise Lounge, the Garden Lounge, and the Cardinal Room showcased acts from pianists to big bands, including nightly performances by Dick Long’s Orchestra. In the 1950s, the hotel decided to open up the Curtis Motor Lodge, an inner-city suburban motel with two pools, one indoors and one outdoors.

The Curtis Motor Lodge, 1960

The Tropical Indoor Pool, 1970

By 1984, The Curtis Hotel had run its course. The Curtis family ran one of the more popular hotels in Minneapolis for over eight decades, but it was time for a new beginning.

The hotel complex was demolished and was replaced with an office building. It is currently the headquarters for Sleep Number. At least there’s some continuity. A city block that once housed a popular hotel with well over 800 beds is now home to one of the world’s most popular mattress brands.

Minneapolis Restaurants Are Here For You on Christmas Day!

Eater Twin Cities has compiled a list of Twin Cities restaurants who look forward to hosting your Christmas day meal: https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-open-christmas-day-minneapolis-st-paul. 

In Minneapolis, look for Mara Restaurant and Nordic Village at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, Nicollet Island Inn, Breva Bar & Grill, Manny's Steakhouse and more. Click on the above link for more details!