Right now, change has hit Minneapolis in some unpleasant ways. COVID and teleworking have devastated downtown and many business districts. The riots that occurred following the murder of George Floyd have taken a toll on many retail streets. City efforts to make Minneapolis more walkable with bike lanes and bus lanes have unfortunately caused businesses to fail or move out of the city. Immigrants, who often come to city neighborhoods, are now in fear and many are leaving. And now, with the new administration in Washington, there is great uncertainty as federal workers lose their jobs and federal funds for cities are eliminated or cut drastically.
So, there is hope for this still-great city. Here are the four factors that can help this city revive and prosper.
Demographics
The current administration wants to deport all undocumented immigrants. The number of immigrants in the Twin Cities increased by 29.1% from 2010 to 2021. As of 2021, there were over 377,000 immigrants in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, which is about 12% of the total population. The immigrant communities in the Twin Cities will bring energy and strength and create new markets for business.
When I was growing up in the Northside, Minneapolis was mainly a “black and white” city, and there were few black-owned businesses. Now. the city is a veritable rainbow of ethnic groups. These groups have shown a strong propensity for entrepreneurship. Street-level retail will regain its vitality as ethnic businesses are formed and flourish, regardless of the actions of the new administration.
The Pragmatism of Experience
The Minneapolis City Council has been taken over by young people, with predictable results. They have approved policies grounded in the idealism of youth, like closing highways, magicking away garbage, and not needing police. Minneapolis government desperately needs the pragmatism, wisdom, and experience that folks in their 50s, 60s and older bring to the task of governance. This need will be exacerbated by the declining support to cities that the new administration appears to be bringing.
Also, a new business focus that meets the needs of all residents is needed. Older folks also have resources in terms of wealth that can be invested as start-up capital for younger entrepreneurs, along with the knowledge and experience to guide younger business owners. Not every restaurant or club needs to appeal exclusively to the Gen-X crowd. Businesses can adjust their offerings to the population mix of their communities by appealing to an older audience with the disposable income as well as parents with children.
Community Spirit
It is becoming increasingly clear that the new administration is acting to defund the social supports that have helped our communities survive. Children, low-income families, and vulnerable adults will become even more at risk as federal help declines.
This is coming at a time when the ties that used to bind us have become increasing unraveled. Civic engagement has cratered. Robert Putnam in his book, “Bowling Alone” chronicled the decline of America’s civic infrastructure. The Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, chronicled the epidemic of loneliness that Americans face today because we simply get together less and less. It is clear that we need to start actively and deliberately created communities of belonging to bring people together and to help those in need.
The Twin Cities has always been a region of joiners. We have really high numbers of people who golf, who bike, who volunteer. But now, we need to double down on this. We need to create more social organizations, more reasons to get together, and more reasons to help one another. Professionals such as doctors, dentists, lawyers and others will need to provide more “pro bono” services in the same way that “Doctors Without Borders” do in other countries. Local professionals will need to form collaborations to make assistance available to those who may no longer receive medical care. More people will need to volunteer to help youth. And we just need to put down our phones and get out and see each other. These actions at an individual level will create a community spirit that will buoy the City.
Third Places
We need more third places to have a strong civic infrastructure. What is a “third place”?
Third places are public spaces outside of your home (“first place”) and work (“second place”) where people can gather, socialize, and connect with others in a community. Everyone needs a place to relax and build relationships beyond the confines of their home life and work life like a coffee shop, bar, library, community center, or park. Third spaces are even more important if you work at home. Think of a pub where people know your name. Communities in Minneapolis need places to gather to relax and especially to meet and develop creative solutions to its common problems.
During the 1980s, I directed an organization called the Minneapolis Communications Center. We offered “back office” services to nonprofit and community organizations – everything from poster and brochure design and production to copying and printing services, help with community newspapers, and use of video equipment. But our building had a meeting room in front that served as a “third place,” a place where residents could meet informally for a cup of coffee and – conversation. Sometimes our staff would join in to connect the group with resources or offer advice. But “third places” could be any place – a coffee shop, the back room at a bar, a meeting room at a community center or library – just a comfortable place to meet and discuss. As we face the uncertainty of the new administration and its radical changes, we may have never needed these third spaces more.
Conclusion
As I talk with community residents and leaders, I hear the fear and uncertainty that many are feeling. It is a very scary time to be an American. Despite the massive changes, Minneapolis has always survived – through recessions, depressions, and epidemics. Not just survived but improved – because of its people. When people come together, they create community by sharing common interests, values, and goals, fostering connections, and creating a sense of belonging among one another. Now more than ever, it is time for us to come together. Minneapolis can once again be admired as a place that “does things right.”
Many good points, including “Minneapolis government desperately needs the pragmatism, wisdom, and experience that folks in their 50s, 60s and older bring to the task of governance.” But here’s what I would ADD to that. Those who are truly GOOD at serving in government office (elected or appointed) tend to do so for a career, or at least to serve in governing-adjacent roles like consultancy, etc. The required skill sets are unique! – Especially the skill set needed to win a contested election to an office in the first place. Speaking as a 69 year old who has worked on many political campaigns, I think what we need even more, is more pragmatic minded people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s getting involved. It is not true that only the young are (impractically) idealistic, and their elders are all (appropriately) experienced and pragmatic. My advice to my fellow elders is rarely that they should run for office, but always to be on the lookout (as I am) for younger folks who have what it takes to be good at that.