Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

A vibrant downtown makes a vibrant economy

Downtown Minneapolis is the economic engine and hub of activity for the surrounding region. 

• It provides an experience unique to anywhere in the state of Minnesota.
• Its vibrancy impacts not only the economy of the City, but the entire state. 

Partnering with experts and leaders across the city

Experts and leaders from across the city are working with us to create a vibrant, 24-hour downtown by:

• Laying the foundation for our Downtown Action Plan.
• Supporting our implementation of the plan.

A 24-hour downtown

We are developing a 24-hour downtown that includes:

• More housing.
• More businesses and services for people who live downtown.
• A business area that reflects many cultural backgrounds.

It will be a place where people come throughout the day, every day, to live, work, play and stay.

Get updates about Downtown Reimagined

Photo courtesy Meet Minneapolis

Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

Downtown Action Plan

In 2024, City staff created the Downtown Action Plan for creating a 24-hour downtown.

• It draws on earlier work and ideas from a diverse team of experts and leaders in our community.
• It aligns with the goals and policies of the Minneapolis 2040 Plan.

The Downtown Action Council, a diverse group of leaders, will help with:

• Public and private partnerships.
• Investment opportunities.
• Marketing strategies and opportunities.
• Legislative advocacy.

Read the Downtown Action Plan

Review the Minneapolis 2040 plan

Reports

The following reports are foundational to our work.

• 2022 Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Work Group report
• 2023 ULI-TAP recommendations for the Warehouse District
• 2024 Visible City recommendations for transforming downtown Minneapolis

Office to Residential Conversions Amendment

In September 2024, the Minneapolis City Council approved an ordinance to make it easier to convert nonresidential buildings into housing.

The ordinance affects two chapters of the zoning code.

• Chapter 550, Development Standards
• Chapter 555, Off-Street Parking, Loading, and Mobility

Learn more about the Office to Residential Conversions amendment