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Only two cities in the United States can boast about being among the happiest in the world. According to the Institute for Quality of Life’s 2025 Happy City Index, Minneapolis is one of them. The Institute ranks 200 of the globe’s most joyful cities in gold, silver and bronze categories based on several factors like strong economies, inclusive policies, climate initiatives and more.  

“Of course Minneapolis is one of the happiest cities in the world—that’s no surprise to those of us who call it home,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Where else can you launch a startup in the morning, bike the Chain of Lakes at lunch and catch a game or a show at night? We’ve got big-city energy with backyard access to nature, and that makes life here pretty hard to beat.” 

Being happy is more than just a smile on the street or a friendly neighbor. The Happy Index, as it turns out, is quite serious. Ranked 30th out of the gold category’s 31 worldwide cities, 150 independent researchers worked since August to judge Minneapolis on six robust rubrics that essentially lead right back to happy people: 

• Education & Innovation – The Index touts the honor that 25 percent of Minneapolis residents hold master’s degrees, and 20 percent are considered proficient in at least one foreign language, contributing to a “diverse and globally connected workforce” and community.  

• Governance & Transparency – Minneapolis is once again praised for its high voter turnout in local elections, including this past November’s races. The Index also applauds the convenience and efficiency of the City’s e-services like online payments and appointment scheduling.  

• Health & Well-Being: Minneapolis can be proud of its long life expectancies and 92 percent medical insurance coverage rates. City residents might also be happy to know we have some of the more robust mental health initiatives in the world.   

• Mobility & Transport: The Happy City Index also hails the “highly developed,” safe and efficient public transportation system. 

• Environment & Sustainability: Researchers confirmed that Minneapolis’ environmental efforts are a priority for its residents in terms of air quality, efficient electricity usage and renewable energy. The Index also lauds our beautiful City parks.  

• Economy & Business: Minneapolis is an “attractive destination for professionals and entrepreneurs alike” thanks for the 474 businesses per 1,000 residents – and the low unemployment rate.  

“Every year has its highs and lows, and the past year was no exception – from debates related to AI (artificial intelligence) to various hot and cold conflicts…and aftershocks of the pandemic,” the Index cited. “Minneapolis is a thriving urban center. The economy…is robust and business friendly. Local governments have a direct and significant impact on people’s everyday lives and, consequently, their happiness.” 

The top five happiest cities in the world, in order, are Copenhagen, Zurich, Singapore, Aarhus and Antwerp.

Mayor Jacob Frey announced his priorities for 2025, laying out a progressive agenda that will drive the City's policy and budget decisions. The priorities build on the work already underway and focus on key areas that will shape Minneapolis’ future: building out a comprehensive safety ecosystem, expanding affordable housing, creating economic opportunities, advancing climate action, and ensuring good governance. These priorities aren’t just about policy—they reflect a commitment to building a Minneapolis that’s stronger, more equitable, and more sustainable for everyone.

"Our vision for 2025 is clear: provide the most important City services with excellence,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. "We want to see safe streets, affordable housing, good paying jobs, and equal access to opportunity regardless of zip code.”

“Setting priorities for the City is a roadmap for the work ahead. It provides the strategic direction for City staff to dig in and work on behalf of Minneapolis residents,” said City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “Doing the work of the City is like running a well-oiled machine. When we all work together for the good of the City, that’s when real change happens. We appreciate Mayor Frey setting the tone for 2025 and beyond.”

“The Office of Community Safety’s vision of a safer Minneapolis is aligned with Mayor Frey’s priorities,” said Community Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette. “We have generated significant momentum in our first responder recruiting efforts and continue to build out the foundation of our expanded response services through the Safe and Thriving Communities plan. We are fully engaged in the work laid out by the MDHR Settlement Agreement and while there is much to be done, we are committed to delivering the community safety ecosystem that our community expects and deserves.”

“The City is committed to the important work of police reform and building upon efforts that have already been implemented in the Minneapolis Police Department,” said City Attorney Kristyn Anderson. “The community has spoken loud and clear that this is a priority for the City not just for this year, but for years to come.”

Mayor Frey’s key priorities for 2025

Community safety and police reform

• Build on record police recruitment in 2024 to continue rebuilding the Minneapolis Police Department and expand the number of community safety professionals.
• Use the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement and the federal Department of Justice consent decree to implement reforms that guarantee equitable outcomes in all law enforcement encounters.
• Strengthen the community-safety ecosystem, providing a broad, equitable and bias-free range of services to meet people’s needs in critical moments.
• Support a comprehensive network of accessible treatment and recovery options for substance use disorder, with a specific focus on fentanyl.

Affordable housing and homelessness response

• Continue Minneapolis’ nation-leading affordable housing work, creating more affordable housing and preserving deeply affordable rental housing.
• Increase housing stability for Minneapolis Public Schools elementary students and their families through the Stable Homes, Stable Schools program, which has already benefitted 5,600 students and their families.
• Reduce racial disparities in homeownership, allowing for the growth of generational wealth.
• Stay on track to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Minneapolis by 2035.
• Continue efforts to reduce homelessness and address the impact of encampments, supporting both encampment residents and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Economic inclusion and recovery

• Help Black and Brown small-business owners build generational wealth and own real estate through the Ownership and Opportunity Fund and the Business/Developer Technical Assistance program, which has already supported dozens of BIPOC entrepreneurs.
• Advance transformational projects and build resilient, sustainable infrastructure including:
  • Re-envisioning George Floyd Square.
  • Redeveloping the former 3rd Precinct building at 3000 Minnehaha.
  • Pedestrianizing Nicollet Mall.
  • Transforming the Warehouse District into the entertainment capital of the North.
  • Beginning construction at the former Kmart site to reconnect Nicollet Avenue between West Lake Street and the Midtown Greenway.
• Reimagine and maintain a vibrant, safe, economically sound downtown Minneapolis, using strategies formulated and executed by the Downtown Action Council and building on our nation-leading post pandemic recovery work.
• Continue to streamline the process of converting vacant commercial space into housing, specifically in empty office spaces downtown.

Climate action

• Drive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the City’s 2050 climate goals, promoting positive health outcomes.
• Pilot a block-by-block home weatherization initiative through our Green Cost Share program, lowering residential energy bills.
• Partner with community organizations via Green Careers Exploration to train people for careers in solar energy, electric vehicles, and the other green jobs of the future.
• Expand the urban tree canopy, continue development of the nation’s first biochar site, and enhance the City’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Good governance

• Under the new government structure, continue providing excellent core public services while exploring opportunities to diversify or increase non-property tax revenue.
• Improve outcomes through data-driven decision making, and develop or refine metrics to track program delivery and racial equity.

The City of Minneapolis has unveiled a draft Development Framework for the highly anticipated New Nicollet Redevelopment project, guided by input from thousands of community members. Through 14 in-person and virtual events, 2,245 survey responses, and 520 in-person interactions, the community’s voice is represented and shaping every aspect of this project.

During an open house at Whittier International Elementary School, the project team celebrated the public’s engagement and shared a bold vision for transforming the former Kmart site into a thriving hub of green space, a variety of housing options, and small business opportunities.

“Reconnecting Nicollet Ave. has been a decades-in-the-making vision, and we are going to get it done right,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “For far too long, this space has separated our communities rather than united them, and this community-driven process is bringing them back together. Opening it up with people, a park, and public realm improvements will drive life into a place that everyone will want to be.”

Ideas abound for the site

The New Nicollet Redevelopment site spans 10 acres of land between the Midtown Greenway trail, Lake Street, First Avenue and Blaisdell Avenue. The City's plan includes the reconnection of Nicollet Avenue and creates more opportunity for

• Housing options for individuals and families of all income levels
• A new park and green spaces for community gathering areas
• Local businesses to meet daily needs of residents
• Incorporate sustainable design opportunities

“Residents are at the center of the New Nicollet Redevelopment project, which is a generational investment in our community. Thousands of residents have offered their feedback as part of the extensive community engagement guiding the project,” said Minneapolis City Council Vice President Aisha Chughtai. “I’m committed to ensuring impacted residents have a seat at the table and their vision guides every decision in this development.”  

A few of the top resident priorities emerging from community engagement include enhanced public spaces, a variety of housing choices for households at all income levels and a new grocery store.

"Whittier Alliance has been thrilled to partner with the City and other local community organizations to drive community engagement on this project. We know that effective planning happens when community members' voices are heard,” said Anna Schmitz, executive director of Whittier Alliance. “It's exciting to see the results of that engagement in this Development Framework--and, crucially, we know that engagement work can't stop here. We look forward to continuing to bring community members to the table as this project continues to move forward."

A win for community-driven planning

"The New Nicollet Redevelopment is a testament to the power of inclusive, community-driven planning. Thanks to the dedication of our planning staff and the thousands of residents who shared their ideas, we are creating a vision that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in this area,” said Community Planning and Economic Development Director Erik Hansen. “This project will bring new housing, green space, and economic opportunity to the heart of Minneapolis, and we are excited to continue this work together."

The project team will seek approval of the Development Framework from City Council and the mayor this spring. Construction on Nicollet Avenue is expected to begin later this year.