Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey convened a “Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup” this week following a string of recent high-profile closures.
“Cities that see the most success post-pandemic won’t cling to the old ways that are now changed forever,” Frey said in a press release. “Here in Minneapolis, we will step boldly into the future, guided by the top experts in our region, prepared to innovate and adapt. Minneapolis has always been a hub of commerce and innovation, and I am confident that this workgroup will help ensure we continue carrying that legacy forward.” …
Frey said the workgroup will “examine retail market dynamics, storefront space inventory and occupancy, barriers to existing retail success, and opportunities for inclusive economic development of storefronts.” He hopes to find “unique and comprehensive ways to shift the storefront model in downtown.”
Both Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack recently announced the closure of their department stores in downtown. Ties Lounge & Rooftop, a restaurant specifically created to “revitalize” the downtown area, closed earlier this month.
[Minneapolis is dying from the slow suicide of misguided criminal justice “reform” that has made the environment too unsafe for retail investment. You don’t need a “Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup” to figure that out. What Minneapolis actually needs is a city council made up of responsible adults and a mayor with more steel in the backbone. — Ed]
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