Mayor Frey addresses city’s plan for busy weekend in downtown Minneapolis
The city of Minneapolis is expecting hundreds of thousands of people downtown this weekend and a plan is in place to keep people safe.
On Wednesday morning, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey discussed the city’s plan for hosting thousands of people in downtown Minneapolis this weekend. City leaders are calling this weekend “Operation Swift Summer.”
Between a nearly-sold-out Taylor Swift concert and the Twin Cities Pride Festival, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to downtown Minneapolis on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, according to a press release for the event.
With so many people flocking to downtown, safety is a number one priority.
During Wednesday’s announcement, Frey was joined by Minneapolis city and downtown leaders, including Cedric Alexander, Minneapolis’ city community safety commissioner, Heather Johnston, Minneapolis’ interim city operations officer, and others.
“We want people to come into the city and enjoy themselves and have a great time,” Alexander said.
Officials are expanding the city’s 311 non-emergency number so people can call after 7 p.m. on Friday. The hours are extended on Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Alexander said over 50 law enforcement partners throughout the region are ready to take swift action if needed.
“911 operators will be at full strength. Fire and EMTs will be key first responders if people have health situations,” he said.
People who work and live downtown are looking forward to a bustling city they once knew.
“I’m very excited. I have a lot of friends flying in from other places to come see Taylor Swift and come to Pride,” Amy Sicard, who works downtown, said.
This wave of events is just one piece of the bigger picture to bring life back to the heart of the city.
“I love Minneapolis. I hope that people can just get a better perception of it,” Sicard said.