The Minneapolis press conference today drew attention from across the Twin Cities as Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and several department heads addressed the city’s priorities for 2026. Speaking at City Hall on the morning of January 7, 2026, officials focused on three central topics — public safety, housing, and the city’s response to recent severe winter storms that disrupted transportation and services across the metro area.
Residents tuned in through the city’s livestream and local media to hear what steps Minneapolis is taking to maintain safety, rebuild community trust, and strengthen essential infrastructure as the year begins. The briefing was part of the city’s ongoing effort to keep residents informed and engaged on key issues shaping life in Minneapolis.
Safety and Community Confidence Take Center Stage
Mayor Frey opened the event by emphasizing that improving safety and trust between residents and police remains his administration’s top priority for 2026. The mayor cited measurable progress in reducing violent crime and credited both law enforcement and community-based initiatives for the city’s improvement over the past year.
“We’re not just counting statistics; we’re building confidence,” Frey said. “People deserve to feel safe in every part of this city.”
Police Chief Brian O’Hara followed with updated data showing a continued decline in major crimes. Homicides dropped by 14% in 2025, robberies by 15%, and carjackings by nearly 25%. The department’s next challenge, he said, is maintaining that progress while deepening relationships in neighborhoods that have historically experienced strained interactions with police.
The 2026 plan includes:
- Expanding Community Safety Engagement Units citywide.
- Assigning more officers to neighborhood patrols focused on non-emergency interactions.
- Increasing transparency through quarterly community forums and online data dashboards.
O’Hara also announced an expansion of the Behavioral Crisis Response Team, which sends trained mental health professionals instead of officers to certain nonviolent calls. This program handled over 12,000 calls in 2025 and will receive additional funding to reach more residents this year.
The police chief added that recruitment efforts remain strong, with 60 new officers completing training this spring, and a goal of reaching 700 active officers by early 2027.
Winter Storm Recovery and Infrastructure Readiness
The Minneapolis press conference today also addressed the aftermath of the powerful snowstorm that blanketed the metro area last weekend. Public Works Director Margaret Anderson Kelliher reported that more than 9 inches of snow fell in under two days, forcing emergency crews into 24-hour operations.
“We’ve cleared over 2,000 lane miles since Saturday,” Kelliher said. “Our first priority was keeping emergency routes open, and we’re now focused on side streets and pedestrian access.”
As of this morning, all major roads are open, though snow removal continues in residential areas. The city expects full cleanup to be completed by Wednesday evening, January 8. More than 400 employees are currently deployed, using a combination of plows, graders, and sidewalk-clearing machines.
Kelliher urged residents to follow parking rules to prevent towing and support efficient plowing. During the storm response, over 1,000 vehicles were cited for violating snow emergency rules. To improve compliance, the city plans to introduce real-time digital alerts through the MyMinneapolis app and new signage on priority routes before the next major snow event.
The city’s 2026 Winter Readiness Plan also includes improved coordination with Metro Transit, ensuring public transportation stays operational even during severe weather. Heated bus shelters, mobile warming centers, and snow-shuttle services for essential workers are among the new measures announced.
Public Transportation Improvements
Transit reliability and safety were also key topics during the Minneapolis press conference today. Metro Transit officials joined city leaders to outline upgrades planned for the Blue and Green light rail lines and major bus routes.
Recent storms caused delays on both rail systems due to snow buildup and mechanical issues. Maintenance crews have since repaired overhead power lines and cleared tracks, restoring normal service.
The city and Metro Transit are introducing several enhancements this year:
- Installation of heated platforms and improved lighting at select stations.
- 24-hour safety patrol teams on light rail trains.
- An expanded Night Owl Service connecting downtown to major neighborhoods after midnight.
- Free fare days during declared snow emergencies to ensure residents can travel safely.
Mayor Frey emphasized that reliable transportation is essential to both economic opportunity and equity, especially for residents who depend on public transit for work and school.
Economic Growth and Budget Updates
The city’s financial outlook was another focal point of the Minneapolis press conference today. Mayor Frey provided an overview of the 2026 operating budget, which totals approximately $1.8 billion.
He reported that the local economy remains stable, with the unemployment rate at 3.2% and business occupancy in downtown Minneapolis reaching 81%—its highest since 2020.
Frey outlined major budget allocations for the coming year:
- $25 million for affordable housing construction and preservation.
- $12 million for small business grants, especially for minority- and women-owned enterprises.
- $15 million for digital infrastructure and high-speed internet expansion.
Economic Development Director Erik Hansen noted that the city continues to attract investment in renewable energy and tech innovation. Several new projects are underway in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s innovation district, aiming to make Minneapolis a regional leader in clean energy development.
Public Health and Winter Wellness
City Health Commissioner Damōn Chaplin addressed public health during the Minneapolis press conference today, focusing on seasonal illness prevention and mental health programs.
Influenza activity remains high across the Twin Cities, and respiratory viruses continue to strain hospitals. Chaplin assured residents that healthcare systems are prepared and that vaccination rates are strong—over 70% of Minneapolis residents have received flu shots this season.
Ongoing initiatives include:
- Free mobile vaccination clinics operating in schools and community centers.
- Distribution of at-home testing kits for influenza and COVID-19.
- Funding for mental health crisis response programs, with expanded services available through 311.
Chaplin encouraged residents to take precautions during cold weather, such as using public warming shelters and checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
“Public health isn’t just about medicine—it’s about community care,” he said.
Housing and Homelessness Response
One of the most significant updates from the Minneapolis press conference today came from Mayor Frey’s housing team. The city is expanding its “Home Together Minneapolis” initiative to provide long-term solutions for homelessness.
Frey confirmed that 2,000 individuals transitioned from shelters into permanent housing during 2025. For 2026, the goal is to house 2,500 more residents, with an emphasis on families, veterans, and seniors.
The plan includes:
- Building three new affordable housing complexes near public transit lines.
- Increasing rent support programs for low-income residents.
- Incentives for developers to create mixed-income housing in gentrifying neighborhoods.
The city is also working with Hennepin County to improve coordination among emergency shelters, mental health services, and job training programs.
“Stable housing is the foundation for safety, health, and opportunity,” Frey said. “We are committed to ensuring every Minneapolis resident has a place to call home.”
Police Reform and Community Oversight
Public safety reform remains a central issue for Minneapolis in 2026. During the Minneapolis press conference today, Chief O’Hara discussed ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Department of Justice review conducted last year.
These reforms focus on accountability, training, and community engagement. Key actions include:
- Launching an early intervention system to monitor officer conduct.
- Continuing mandatory de-escalation and cultural competency training.
- Publishing an online database for police use-of-force incidents and complaints.
The department has also strengthened partnerships with neighborhood organizations, focusing on restorative justice programs that address minor offenses without formal arrest.
Community leaders attending the conference acknowledged progress but emphasized the need for continued transparency. O’Hara agreed, noting that “trust is earned through consistency and honesty, not just reform.”
Climate Initiatives and Environmental Planning
The city also addressed climate goals during the Minneapolis press conference today, linking environmental policy with public health and infrastructure. Sustainability Director Kim Havey presented updates on the city’s 2030 Climate Action Plan, which includes new targets for energy efficiency and renewable power adoption.
Key measures for 2026 include:
- Transitioning 40% of city-owned vehicles to electric power.
- Expanding green roofs and tree planting along major corridors.
- Replacing older streetlights with energy-efficient LED fixtures.
- Strengthening recycling programs to reduce landfill waste by 25% within three years.
Havey highlighted Minneapolis’ recent ranking among the top five U.S. cities for urban sustainability, saying that progress will continue through public-private collaboration.
Resident Concerns and City Response
During the open Q&A session, residents asked questions about rising property taxes, snow emergency communication, and the city’s long-term housing plans.
Mayor Frey acknowledged concerns about affordability and confirmed that the city is reviewing property tax structures to reduce the burden on middle-income homeowners. Officials also promised clearer and earlier snow alerts before major storms.
Residents also raised issues about streetlight outages and pedestrian safety, prompting Public Works to commit to accelerated repair timelines in 2026.
main topics
1. What were the main topics discussed during the Minneapolis press conference today?
The Minneapolis press conference today covered several key priorities for the city as it enters 2026. The main focus areas were public safety, winter storm recovery, and housing initiatives.
Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted progress in reducing violent crime and announced new funding for community-based safety programs. Police Chief Brian O’Hara discussed continued reform efforts, expanded behavioral health response teams, and ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust.
Public Works Director Margaret Anderson Kelliher outlined the city’s snow cleanup progress following last weekend’s major storm, noting that all main roads are now clear. Mayor Frey also presented Minneapolis’ 2026 budget priorities, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and sustainable infrastructure development.
2. How is Minneapolis addressing public safety and police reform in 2026?
During the Minneapolis press conference today, Police Chief O’Hara provided detailed updates on police reform and community engagement. The city continues to implement recommendations from the 2025 Department of Justice review, including greater accountability, transparency, and training within the police department.
Key steps include:
- Launching a new early intervention system to monitor officer conduct and prevent misconduct.
- Expanding Behavioral Crisis Response Teams that handle nonviolent calls involving mental health concerns.
- Requiring ongoing de-escalation and cultural competency training for all officers.
- Publishing quarterly public reports on use-of-force incidents and complaints.
Mayor Frey reaffirmed that police reform and rebuilding trust remain central to the city’s safety strategy for 2026, with community collaboration guiding much of the work ahead.
Looking Forward
In closing, Frey said Minneapolis has endured challenges but continues to show resilience. He thanked residents, first responders, and city workers for their dedication and stressed that collaboration remains the key to progress.
“Minneapolis is a city that listens, learns, and leads,” Frey said. “Our work in 2026 will set the tone for the next decade—stronger neighborhoods, safer streets, and opportunity for everyone.”
The press conference concluded shortly after noon, with city leaders reaffirming their pledge to remain transparent and accountable throughout the year. Video replays and official transcripts are now available through the city’s public communications office.
The Minneapolis press conference today highlighted a vision built on safety, equity, and resilience. As 2026 begins, city leaders are uniting to make Minneapolis stronger, smarter, and more connected than ever.