The Minneapolis press conference today brought together city leaders to discuss key issues affecting residents as the city moves into 2026. Speaking from City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and Public Works Director Margaret Anderson Kelliher outlined new plans addressing public safety, infrastructure, and storm management in the wake of the severe winter weather that hit the Twin Cities this week.
The briefing lasted just over an hour and focused on restoring public confidence in city services, strengthening community safety initiatives, and preparing Minneapolis for the ongoing challenges of a long winter season. Reporters and local residents tuned in both in person and online through the city’s official livestream.
Table of Contents
Focus on Safety and Community Trust
Mayor Frey opened the Minneapolis press conference today by reaffirming the city’s commitment to community-based safety and transparent policing. He emphasized that while violent crime rates dropped in Minneapolis during 2025, the administration remains focused on long-term stability and public trust.
“We’ve made progress, but there’s more to do,” Frey said. “Public safety is not just about numbers—it’s about how people feel in their neighborhoods.”
Police Chief Brian O’Hara shared updated crime statistics, noting that overall violent crime decreased by 18% from 2024 to 2025. The reduction includes a 25% decline in carjackings and a 15% drop in robberies. However, property crimes and catalytic converter thefts continue to be a concern across several precincts.
O’Hara announced that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) will expand its Community Safety Engagement Units in 2026. These units focus on relationship-building and non-emergency interactions with residents in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Key initiatives discussed:
- Doubling the number of officers assigned to neighborhood liaison teams.
- Expanding youth mentorship and after-school programs in coordination with local nonprofits.
- Increasing public reporting transparency through quarterly community forums and open data dashboards.
Frey reiterated that rebuilding trust between residents and law enforcement remains a top priority for 2026, adding that funding for community mediation and mental health response programs will increase by 20% under the new city budget.
Read Also-What Happened in Minneapolis Today: Key Events and Community Updates
Winter Storm Response and Infrastructure Readiness
With the Twin Cities experiencing one of the most intense early January snowstorms in recent years, a large portion of the Minneapolis press conference today focused on storm recovery and infrastructure updates.
Public Works Director Margaret Anderson Kelliher provided a detailed overview of the city’s snow response operations. Over 9 inches of snow fell within 36 hours over the weekend, causing widespread travel disruptions and delays in public transit.
Kelliher confirmed that:
- More than 400 city employees have been working in rotating shifts to clear priority routes.
- All major roads and emergency lanes are now open.
- Side street plowing is expected to be completed by Wednesday morning, January 8.
The city is also deploying additional resources for pedestrian safety, including sidewalk clearing in high-traffic areas and around schools.
Kelliher reminded residents to observe parking rules during snow emergencies to avoid fines and towing. Over 1,000 citations were issued during the latest snow emergency, a number the city hopes to reduce through better communication and signage.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our residents,” Kelliher said. “Our crews are working around the clock, and safety remains our top concern.”
Public Transportation and Mobility
Transit accessibility was another major topic during the Minneapolis press conference today. Metro Transit representatives joined city officials to provide updates on ongoing service disruptions and improvement plans for 2026.
While bus and light rail service resumed normal operations this morning, delays were reported on several Blue and Green Line routes due to weather-related mechanical issues. Crews are inspecting rail switches and overhead power lines to prevent further interruptions.
The city also announced a new Winter Mobility Initiative, aimed at improving reliability for essential workers who depend on public transit during severe weather. This includes:
- Adding temporary warming shelters near key transit hubs.
- Installing additional lighting at bus stops for nighttime safety.
- Coordinating with local organizations to provide free ride passes during declared snow emergencies.
Mayor Frey praised the resilience of Minneapolis residents and transit staff for their handling of recent weather challenges.
Economic Development and 2026 Budget Outlook
Shifting from weather to economics, the second half of the Minneapolis press conference today addressed the city’s 2026 financial priorities. Mayor Frey presented the first-quarter update on Minneapolis’ $1.8 billion operating budget, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and inclusive growth.
Frey stated that the city’s economy remains stable, with unemployment rates at 3.2%, below the national average. Downtown business occupancy has climbed back to 81%, marking the strongest recovery since 2020.
Major budget highlights for 2026 include:
- $25 million for affordable housing initiatives, including the preservation of existing rental properties.
- $12 million for small business grants targeting minority-owned and women-led enterprises.
- $15 million dedicated to improving digital infrastructure and expanding broadband access in underserved neighborhoods.
Economic Development Director Erik Hansen noted that Minneapolis continues to attract new investment in clean energy and technology sectors, including multiple projects in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s innovation hub.
“Minneapolis is a resilient city,” Hansen said. “We’re building an economy that supports innovation, fairness, and opportunity.”
Public Health Updates
City Health Commissioner Damōn Chaplin also spoke during the Minneapolis press conference today, providing updates on public health trends as the city enters the winter season.
Flu and respiratory virus activity remains elevated across the Twin Cities, with local hospitals operating at near 85% capacity. However, COVID-19 hospitalizations remain relatively low compared to last winter.
Chaplin encouraged residents to stay updated on vaccinations and take preventive measures during peak flu season. He confirmed that:
- More than 70% of Minneapolis residents have received their annual flu shot.
- The city’s mobile vaccination clinics will continue to operate at community centers and schools through February.
- Air quality monitoring programs are being expanded to address increased respiratory issues during winter months.
He also addressed mental health concerns, highlighting new funding for community-based counseling and crisis intervention programs supported through the 2026 health budget.
Housing and Homelessness Initiatives
Another major topic during the Minneapolis press conference today was the city’s ongoing strategy to address homelessness and affordable housing shortages. Mayor Frey announced progress on several projects under the Home Together Minneapolis initiative.
In 2025, the city successfully transitioned over 2,000 individuals from temporary shelters to permanent housing. For 2026, the goal is to increase that number to 2,500 through new developments and expanded partnerships with nonprofits.
The 2026 housing plan includes:
- The construction of three new low-income housing complexes near transit corridors.
- Expansion of rent assistance programs for seniors and veterans.
- New city ordinances to encourage mixed-income developments in growing neighborhoods.
Frey emphasized that housing remains one of his administration’s top priorities, calling it “the foundation of community stability and safety.”
Community Relations and Policing Reform
The Minneapolis press conference today also revisited the city’s ongoing work on police reform and community oversight. Chief O’Hara reported that the MPD continues to implement recommendations outlined in the Department of Justice review completed in mid-2025.
Reforms currently underway include:
- A new early intervention system to identify potential officer misconduct.
- Mandatory training on cultural competency, crisis de-escalation, and bias recognition.
- A public database tracking police use-of-force incidents and citizen complaints.
O’Hara said recruitment remains a challenge, with the department currently at 612 sworn officers—below the city’s pre-2020 staffing level of 888—but efforts to rebuild the workforce are showing results. The MPD expects to hire 80 new officers by the end of 2026.
Community leaders who attended the press conference voiced cautious optimism about the city’s direction, emphasizing the importance of consistent engagement and accountability.
Resident Questions and Closing Remarks
During the Q&A session, residents and reporters asked about a range of issues, including traffic enforcement, snow emergency communication, and property tax increases. Frey acknowledged that while progress is being made, the city must continue improving how it serves residents day to day.
In his closing remarks, Frey emphasized unity and optimism for the year ahead:
“Minneapolis has faced extraordinary challenges over the past few years, but our community continues to show strength, compassion, and determination. 2026 is a year of renewal, and we’re committed to making sure every resident feels that progress.”
The press conference concluded shortly after noon, with city officials remaining available for follow-up questions and interviews. Recordings of the event are now available through the Minneapolis City Communications Office and its official social media channels.
The Minneapolis press conference today reaffirmed the city’s focus on safety, transparency, and equitable growth. As 2026 begins, Minneapolis leaders are setting