11/29/2024 -- Minneapolis unveils 2035 Plan

Government

Minneapolis Downtown Council Unveils “2035 Plan” 🏙

The Summary: The “Downtown by Design” plan outlines ambitious goals to reshape Minneapolis’ urban core by 2035. Key proposals include an outdoor ice rink, consistent skyway hours, expanded housing, and redeveloping the riverfront post office. The strategy targets neighborhood cultivation, foundational safety, streamlined systems, and vibrant attractions to draw residents and visitors alike.

Major Goals

• Residential Growth: Increase downtown population from 58,000 to 100,000 by converting 3M sq. ft. of commercial space into housing.

• Improved Accessibility: Standardize skyway hours and simplify permitting for redevelopment.

• Enhanced Safety: Strengthen the emergency response network with a new downtown safety communications center.

Public Spaces and Attractions

• Nicollet Mall: Push for pedestrian-only access with park-like redesign.

• Winter Events: Expand programming like Holidazzle and the Great Northern Festival.

• Michelin Star: Pursue funding to bring Michelin guide reviewers to Minnesota.

Challenges and Next Steps: Execution will require significant public-private investment, possibly reaching billions. The Downtown Council plans to engage more stakeholders through surveys and workgroups.

“There has never been more energy about downtown than now.” -Adam Duininck, Downtown Council CEO. 

Politics

❯ No Re-Election For Ellison: Minneapolis City Council Member Jeremiah Ellison announced he will not seek reelection in 2025 after nearly a decade representing Ward 5. In his announcement he cited pride in his work addressing issues like police reform, affordable housing, and food deserts.

❯ Election Challenge: Minnesota House Republicans plan to challenge the narrow victory of DFL Rep. Brad Tabke in District 54A after a recount showed he won by 14 votes, citing 21 unaccounted absentee ballots under investigation. If successful, the challenge could lead to a special election; otherwise, the Minnesota House will be evenly split between Democrats and Republicans in January.

❯ Residency Lawsuit: Republican Paul Wikstrom is contesting Democrat Curtis Johnson's election win in Minnesota House District 40B, alleging Johnson does not meet residency requirements, despite Johnson claiming he has lived in a district apartment since March. If the courts revoke Johnson’s election certificate, a special election could occur.

Education

Anoka-Hennepin School Board Approves Central Office Cuts to Address Budget Shortfall 💲

The Summary: The Anoka-Hennepin School Board voted unanimously to cut hundreds of central office jobs to address a $26 million budget shortfall. These reductions aim to save the district millions while protecting teaching positions in the short term. However, the district anticipates revisiting potential cuts next year to balance the budget further.

Shortfall Causes: The district's financial challenges stem from several factors, including limited revenue growth, the expiration of pandemic relief funds, inflation, and the lack of additional funding from state or federal sources.

Proposed Options: Superintendent Cory McIntyre presented three options: make all necessary cuts immediately, delay some reductions while using district savings, or focus on central office reductions while delaying staff cuts elsewhere. The board chose the third option, cutting $9 million from central services and eliminating approximately 202 jobs.

What Else We’re Reading…

Patrick Reusse Picks His Turkey Of The Year

One of the great Minnesota traditions is Patrick Reusse’s column in the Star Tribune on Thanksgiving Day that lists, in brutally honest fashion, his picks for the Turkey Awards. This year should come as no surprise that he picked the Joe Pohlad as his Grand Turkey winner after the Twins season collapse and their subsequent announcement that they would be selling the team.

Read the full column (possible paywall)

GAME: Wordle

Play the Wordle

Sports 🏒

Minnesota Frost Kick-Off Title Defense 🏒 ❄

A Championship Defense in the Making: Fresh off their inaugural Walter Cup victory, the Minnesota Frost are preparing to defend their title in the PWHL's second season after an offseason of changes and challenges.

The Returners: The Frost’s core roster remains intact, featuring stars like Taylor Heise, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Lee Stecklein. Heise, the Gopher alum, was named the Walter Cup MVP.

Offseason Changes: The offseason was marked by controversy as general manager Natalie Darwitz, a Minnesota hockey icon, was relieved of her role. Melissa Caruso, a former AHL executive, stepped in as GM, while Ken Klee remains the head coach.

Season Opener: Catch the Minnesota Frost in action as they kick off the season on Dec. 1 at home against the New York Sirens. The Frost will play their home games at the Xcel Center but you can also watch them on Fox9+. Buy tickets here.

Other Sports

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves extended their losing streak to four games after their latest loss to the Sacramento Kings. Anthony Edwards had some fiery words after the game to the media.

🏀 The Gopher Men’s Basketball lost in overtime to Wichita State. They held a three point lead before the Shockers hit a three-pointer as time expired to force overtime.

🏈 The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Daniel Jones from the New York Giants to their practice squad. .

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ The downtown side of the Stone Arch Bridge is set to close in December (KSTP)

❯ The U of M has installed fencing on the Washington Avenue Bridge to prevent suicides (Kare11)

❯ Minneapolis will pay more than $224K to fill empty storefronts (WCCO)

The Final Word: Many Thanks

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever and however you celebrated. I am thankful for all 5,214 of you who have subscribed and read this newsletter. It has truly been such a blast writing it each week and I am grateful that people actually take the time to read it.

Have a great rest of the holiday weekend and I’ll see you in your inbox on Monday! 

-Patrick