Mpls Downtown Improvement District

There are a lot of resources available to those who live, work and play in downtown mpls on a regular basis that help highlight what makes this such an extraordinary downtown for all of us. Whether you know it or not, there is an entire community in the downtown area comprised of public, private and non-profit entities that are working hard to make sure you have the best experience as possible whenever you are here in one of our neighborhoods.

So I thought on this first Monday in April, as we’re gearing up for another work week and in the more broader sense preparingfor the warm, spring weather right around the corner, that it might be useful for you to have a crash course refresher on some of the websites and information out there highlighting some of the things you can use to learn more about downtown, attract talent for your business or simply add to your knowledge about this great city we call home.

Mpls Downtown Improvement District

Let’s start with the Mpls DID, an organization that is committed to helping keep downtown greener, cleaner and safer. DID is a wholly-controlled subsidiary of the mpls downtown council—in 2013, the two organizations aligned their governance structure. MDID is likely best known for its ambassadors, which not only offer assistance to pedestrians but also keep an eye out for your safety as well as maintain some of the greening efforts in the downtown area.

The DID website is full of resources that you can use to learn more about some of the initiatives and programs available. For more info on how DID works to keep downtown Green, Clean and Safe, visit each of these respective pages. If you are interested in learning a bit more about Tactical Urbanism, which is a DID initiative built around the idea that low-cost environmental changes can enhance an area’s real and perceived safety as well as its vitality, stop by and visit the TacticalUrbanism page.

Tactical Urbanism, like DID’s safety initiatives and cleaning operations, are all impacted by the annual Perception Survey. This is a really important tool, because it listens to what the general public sees as concerns for downtown and tailors programs to help with those issues. I strongly encourage everyone to take this survey, because it is an opportunity to have your voice heard and to initiate change. DID also has its annual Greening Awards, which allows the public to vote on their favorite green spaces around downtown. This is a way to get recognition for helping add greening and taking pride in our city’s vitality, and last year there was a record-setting number of individuals who participated in the online vote.

If you’re interested in quick downtown numbers and fast facts, DID’s website has a page dedicated to information that you can use to help tell the story of what makes downtown such a thriving and vibrant place. It also has page dedicated to safety links that connect to the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Transit Police Department—everything from tip lines and crime prevention tips are included.

Of course, you can also learn about the most recent DID projects and initiatives by visiting the news page, and you can also read any of DID’s Annual Reports or Operating Plans by visiting the reports page.

Be In Business

The Be In Business website was created to help showcase the great amenities and opportunities available for businesses that are either already located downtown or looking to move here. It is a one-stop hub of information that organizations can use to help attract new employees or inform their current employees as they make the move downtown. You can hear from local executives about how their businesses are thriving due to their location downtown, browse through the neighborhoods, learn about all the entertainment and dining options, check out all the modes of transportation, and even get a glimpse into the numbers behind who makes up the downtown community. There are also news articles linked through Be In Business that show some of the major stories surrounding downtown development.

Explore Downtown Living

Explore Downtown Living fits into the Be In Business site in that it is a way for people to see what it’s like to live in a downtown neighborhood firsthand. This event kicked off in 2015 and was a big success as it allowed people to view residentialcommunities all over downtown while also taking advantage of discounts at local restaurants and retail shops. This year’s first event takes place Saturday, May 21 from 10 am to 5 pm and will include 30 residential communities in five downtown neighborhoods: Central Business District, Downtown East/Mill District, Loring Park, North Loop and Northeast. It’s a free event and a lot of fun. Don’t miss out: Sign up today.

mpls downtown council

You can find information about the mdc organization as well as happenings around downtown by checking out our website, mplsdowntown.com. The mdc has news that keeps you informed about what’s going on downtown, and we also have resources that help you find places to shop, dine, stay and explore. You can learn more about what we do, who is part of mdc's membership, and how all of the organization's leadership, collaboration, advocacy and innovation works toward completing the 2025 Plan's initiatives. Plus, you can stay up to date with mdc's downtown events, including the upcoming Go Outside with Hennepin County series.

There are a lot of great things happening in downtown mpls right now, and there are great resources available to make sure you know what’s helping create an extraordinary downtown.