MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the city is wrapping up a “historic” year full of “significant progress,” and pointed to more affordable housing, public safety projects, more green space and proactive climate initiatives as proof of its achievements.

“I’m optimistic. I’m more optimistic than I’ve been before,” Frey said.

Frey is getting ready to seek a third term in 2025, but he spent much of Monday reflecting on 2024, looking back on what he calls progress and challenges. As in previous years, police recruitment remains a top priority. 

“Recruitment and applications are up by 45%. And we are looking to capitalize on that going into next year,” said Frey. 

As he did earlier this month, Frey talked about his disappointment that the nearly $2 billion budget passed by the Minneapolis City Council slashed officer recruitment funding. 

“But we are still going to make it happen and I think in 2025, notwithstanding what happened at the city council, we are going to continue this trajectory of really bringing officers in,” said Frey. 

Frey said he’s also concerned the new budget — and included cuts — could delay street repairs and projects in 2025. But the mayor says the city is making strides when it comes to affordable housing and even tourism. 

“The city is coming back. You don’t need to take my word for it. Look at the objective numbers,” said Frey. 

Frey said foot traffic has increased downtown, and the North Loop thrived in 2024 thanks to new restaurants, and the recent successes of sports teams like the Vikings, Timberwolves and Lynx. 

“Has it changed? Of course it’s changed, the world changes. Cities change. They evolve. But we are changing with it and we are going to set the tone for others to follow,” said Frey. “I’m really optimistic for 2025. I feel a lot of potential coming.”

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Derek Ronning, a lifelong Vikings fan and Minneapolis native, passed away earlier this month after a drawn-out battle with pancreatic cancer. His impact on the lives of those around him remains profound.

Minnesota veteran honored at Vikings game

What they’re saying: “He would give you the shirt off his back. He opened up his home to people when they needed it,” Ronning’s colleague Amanda Arndt said.

According to his obituary, Ronning graduated from Montevideo High School in 1986. He went on to touch the world by helping those around him.

“There’s parts of Derek with everything we do. Every day, every part of work, he was the best of the best. There was no other Derek Ronning, and nobody will fill those shoes. It’s something that we treasure and take with us every day of work, and every day outside of work.” Arndt said.

Ronning served in the United States Air Force for 26 years, retiring as a senior master sergeant. He then went on to work as a 911 dispatcher in South Dakota.

On Sunday, at the Vikings’ final regular season home game, Arndt made sure Ronning was there – at least in spirit. She wore a custom jersey with Ronning’s name on the back to the game. “He was a huge Vikings fan. He grew up as a Vikings fan and lived as a Vikings fan. That was one of the last things he did—watch the Vikings game before he passed,” she said.