3/3/2025 -- Future of George Floyd Square

💲 Have you wondered what a $100k salary is worth these days in the Twin Cities? Well, a new study has the answer.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis City Council Overrides Mayor's Veto on George Floyd Square Plan

The Summary: The Minneapolis City Council voted 9-4 to override Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of a plan to explore creating a pedestrian mall at George Floyd Square. This decision marks the latest development in an ongoing disagreement over the future of the intersection.

Key Points of the Decision: The council will now pursue plans for a pedestrian-only plaza at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. The override was supported by Floyd's family, according to Council member Emily Koski. Construction plans originally slated for this year will likely be delayed until 2026.

Opposing Views: Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the decision as a "betrayal of the community's wishes" and a waste of taxpayer money. He argued that the move undermines years of community engagement. In contrast, some council members believe this is an opportunity to properly acknowledge the square's historical significance. Council member Robin Wonsley stated that welcoming the full return of traffic "is a signal of erasure."

Next Steps: City staff will now work on developing concepts for the pedestrian mall, an option previously ruled out.

Business

❯ Home Sales Decline: In the Twin Cities, home sales have declined by 5.1% in January, with statewide sales dropping by 4.9%, largely due to high interest rates averaging around 7% and persistent inventory shortages. The median home price in the Twin Cities stands at $370,000, with higher interest rates significantly increasing monthly mortgage payments.

❯ Twins Ownership Future: Justin Ishbia, previously considered a potential buyer for the Minnesota Twins, has withdrawn his bid and is instead focusing on increasing his stake in the Chicago White Sox. The Twins' ownership situation remains uncertain, with no other publicly identified suitors.

❯ Water Main Update: A major water main break on February 13th in south Minneapolis severely damaged businesses, including Terzo and Paperback Exchange, leaving them uncertain about reopening and seeking answers on liability for the damages. The city has not yet determined the cause of the break and is evaluating damage claims under Minnesota law.

What Else We’re Reading…

Minneapolis OKs $800K in Violence Prevention Contracts Despite Oversight Concerns

Despite ongoing concerns about mismanagement and oversight, the Minneapolis City Council approved $800,000 in violence intervention contracts for grassroots organizations, raising questions about how the funds are being tracked and utilized. Records show that some contractors previously submitted invoices without providing required documentation, leading to accusations of a broken system ripe for corruption. As part of a recent legal settlement, the city is now auditing past projects and implementing stricter contract requirements to ensure better transparency and accountability in violence prevention funding.

TRIVIA

Sports 🏒

🏀 The Gopher Men’s Basketball team picked up a clutch road win against Nebraska thanks to a game winning shot by Brennan Rigsby.

⚽ The Minnesota United Loons defeated Montreal over the weekend in a 1-0 shutout victory. It’s their first goal and first win of the season.

🏒 The brackets are set for the Minnesota boys high school state hockey tournament that kicks of this week at Xcel in St. Paul.

🏀The Minnesota Timberwolves lost back to back games to the Lakers and Jazz. Anthony Edwards was ejected in the former and suspended from the latter.

🏀 The Gopher Women’s Basketball team struggled against Michigan State to wrap up their regular season. They will play in the first round of the Big 10 basketball tournament on March 5.

🏒 The Gopher Men’s Hockey Team won a share of the Big 10 regular season title after splitting their series with Penn State on the road.

🏒 The Gopher Women’s Hockey Team defeated Minnesota State to move on to the semifinials of the WCHA playoffs.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ The St. Paul community is rallying behind an officer who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (Kare11)

❯ New renters rights laws are going into effect on March 1st in Minneapolis (Fox9)

❯ Neighbors were caught off guard by the demolition of the shuttered Smith Foundry (MPR)

❯ Pam Bondi put Minnesota on notice over trans athlete compliance (WCCO)

The Final Word: Gopher Women’s Hockey

I attended my first Gopher Women’s hockey game over the weekend and it was a double overtime thriller against Minnesota State Mankato. As a result of attending the game, I found out that the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four is being hosted at the U of M’s Ridder Arena later this month. Tickets can be purchased here and I already have mine secured for the semifinals!

-Patrick