In his eighth State of the City Address, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is prioritizing housing reform and economic growth, but also acknowledged the difficulties they face.
"The state of our city is strong. But if we don't get serious, our trajectory will not be."
Frey opened his State of the City Address focusing on a number of challenges facing Minneapolis including Operation Metro Surge, the federal immigration crackdown across the state.
But he also shines light on positives, including an over 200% increase in applications to become Minneapolis Police Officers, with the city still below the minimum staffing number required in the city charter.
"In 2023, we had 665 total applicants. In 2025, we had 2,328," Frey shared.
The increase comes as questions linger about whether or not the Minneapolis City Council will approve Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara's re-appointment. His term ends later this summer, and Frey has voiced his support for O'Hara to continue as chief.
"We're currently sitting at 642 officers, up from around 550, and next year we're hoping to reach our charter number of 733, with goals of exceeding that to reach more than 800 before I leave office," Frey added.
The speech took place at the Swedish Institute in south Minneapolis where Frey called for a return to basics in the city. He also talked about the need to properly fund the police department.
"Staffing that police department and paying for it looks different," says Frey. "The cost of an officer today is higher than it was just a few years ago. We train more; we expect more; and yes, because of that, it costs more. That’s why our safety leaders are doing the work to put a dollar amount on what that investment needs to be, so we budget accordingly."
Another priority for Frey is overhauling the city's permitting system and expanding affordable housing into higher income neighborhoods is needed. He also unveiled plans to fast-track office to residential conversions downtown, and called for relief for small businesses and homeowners in the city.
"Costs are up, interest rates are high, and it's harder for families to buy, rent, or stay where they are," Frey said. "That's not acceptable and we need to do our part to make it better. And so our goal is really straightforward. Make it easier to build, improve, and stay in our city, and this will be a main focus of mine over the next few years."
Frey concluded by saying that while Minneapolis has endured the significant economic and social strain of Operation Metro Surge, the city's future strength relies on transitioning from mere survival to a disciplined, serious pursuit of shared growth citywide.
2026 State of the City Address by Lindsey
City Council Members respond to State of the City
Minneapolis City Council members are calling for deeper collaboration following the mayor’s address.
A small group of council leaders responded to the address by urging the administration to pivot from the recent string of vetoes toward a partnership that prioritizes working-class residents.
Council President Elliot Payne says he agrees with most of the mayor’s "back to basics" focus on public safety and business growth, but highlighted the need for more attention on things like expanded rental assistance.
"Back to basics to me means living in a house that you can afford and live with dignity," Payne said. "Back to basics to me means a living wage that doesn't force you into poverty just to make ends meet."
This comes as the city is set to enter a high-stakes budget cycle where they must reconcile different visions for property tax relief and the future of city programming.
