Minneapolis city leaders are unveiling a new 10-year plan to improve the downtown area.
It's called “Downtown by Design" which they say will create a vibrant hub for all, focusing on fostering a sense of connection, and building on the city's cultural and artistic momentum.
Adam Dunnick heads up the Minneapolis Downtown Council and he told WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman there are a lot of good things happening, but there's still room to transform the city.
"Downtown, commercial real estate has been as hard hit, not just in our city, in downtowns around the country, around the world," he says.
Duininck says while there are pockets of vibrancy, there's still a perception that downtown is not safe.
"We need to continue to have the business community work with MPD, working with private security where we have that opportunity, working with Metro Transit Police," says Duininck. "The entities that are responsible for policing need to be resourced, supported, and that just hasn't always been the case the last few years."
The plan recognizes that society has adjusted to post-pandemic realities such as work-from-home, and that many across the Twin Cities now enjoy a more livable and convenient life without the daily commute.
"But we’ve also learned, through significant engagement across the spectrum of downtown users, that the work-from-home landscape lacks authenticity, connection, and ambition," it says inside the plan. "We can and are evolving accordingly, becoming the downtown that addresses that lack, fills the infrastructure gap, and lifts the quality of life for everyone in the region."
What has been working for Minneapolis? Converting former office and business spaces to residential, and hosting big events. In fact, the city saw some of its largest months ever when it comes to hotel revenue and visitors during 2024.
Duininck says there are a lot of good things happening but there are challenges as well.
"Downtown commercial real estate has been as hard hit, not just in our city, in downtowns around the country, around the world," Duininck says.
You can see more of what is in Minneapolis' 2035 plan and "Downtown by Design" here.