The DMNA Safety and Security Summit at the Mill City Museum on Tuesday night was attended by over 200 residents from across all four downtown neighborhoods, which is a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement.
The summit brought together residents with community and neighborhood organizations, the business community, elected and public officials, and law enforcement for a comprehensive discussion on enhancing public safety and reducing crime in our city.
There were information tables hosted by 13 neighborhood and community organizations, a welcome by Mayor Jacob Frey, and a panel of nine civic leaders from the City of Minneapolis, the MPRB, Metro Transit, Hennepin County, and the MDC/DID that was moderated by Jason DeRusha from WCCO Radio.
Key Themes and Discussions
1. Community Policing and Crime Prevention Strategies
One of the central themes of the summit was community policing. Panelists from local law enforcement agencies discussed their commitment to building stronger relationships with the community. They emphasized the importance of transparent communication and community involvement in shaping public safety policies.
The panelists commended the neighborhood safety walks that are taking place in the Loring Park, North Loop, and the Mill District neighborhoods. They also talked about the newly established partnership facilitated by Council Member Rainville between the Minneapolis Police Department, 21 Days of Peace, and Somali Youth Link that is successfully addressing crime and safety concerns on the Stone Arch Bridge on weekends (https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/stone-arch-bridge-dinkytown-see-weeks-without-rowdy-teenage-crowds-city-credits-moms-elders/).
2. Drug Addiction, Mental Health and Homelessness
The summit also addressed the complex issues of drug addiction, mental health, and homelessness in our community. The panelists shared insights on how to better support individuals experiencing these crises while ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
3. Economic Development
The panelists recognized that a thriving downtown area depends on both safety and economic vitality. Discussions revolved around ways to support local businesses and create job opportunities to improve overall neighborhood well-being.
The DMNA Safety and Security Committee will be reviewing everything that was discussed at the Summit and determining the next steps. If you have an interest in getting involved in the committee’s work, please send an email to [email protected].
In conclusion, the DMNA Safety and Security Summit was a remarkable event that showcased our community’s commitment to creating a safer, more secure, and more vibrant Downtown Minneapolis. We encourage all residents to stay informed and get involved by attending community meetings, volunteering, or contributing their ideas. Together, we can make our downtown neighborhood an even better place to live, work, and play.
* The DMNA Safety and Security Summit was not video recorded, but there is an audio recording. If you have an interest in listening to it, please send an email to [email protected]. It is a large file, so it would have to be sent via Dropbox.
