Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey gave his third State of the City address today taped from his office, not at a city park in front of residents as he had planned. Frey started out his address by saying that he was looking forward to the party that would have surrounded his address, but that the novel coronavirus had kept him inside his office recording his message in front of only a few staffers. He continued his opening statement by saying "So you ask, what is the state of the city? The state of the city is unbowed."
"I know this has been difficult for you. It's been tough for me too," the Mayor said."The novel coronavirus and still evolving threat of COVID-19 have fundamentally altered our lives and our livelihoods. It has reshaped Minneapolis, but it will not define us. Minneapolis has, and always will be defined by its people, their spirit, their fortitude, their compassion."
Frey continued about how to take on COVID-19 with data and science rather than burying its heads in the sands of ignorance. Frey praised the city as having one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the nation.
"I am imploring our state and federal leaders to act. Give us the resources to execute on emergency relief. Help us stem the tide. Help us mitigate the damage. Give cities the resources necessary to keep the pilot light burning now."
The Minneapolis Mayor says that while these issues are going to be tough to overcome, he offers two promises.
“If you take away anything from this speech, let it be these two promises: our core city services will continue to be delivered with excellence, and we will prioritize first those who are struggling the most.”