Future of Minneapolis Open Streets in Question

The city denied a request for funding and ended its contract with the organizing nonprofit, placing future events in jeopardy.

1 minute read

August 25, 2023, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction

Diverse people of all ages walking and biking at Minneapolis Open Streets event with temporary festival booths along the sides of the street

City of Minneapolis / Open Streets

The city of Minneapolis abruptly ended its partnership with Our Streets Minneapolis, the nonprofit that led the city’s Open Street events.

According to an article by Audrey Kennedy in Axios, “The announcement came a few weeks after Our Streets requested $851,000 in city funds to hold five events in 2024. The group's current contract was for $0.”

The popular Open Streets festivals drew over 100,000 people in 2022. Our Streets executive director José Antonio Zayas Cabán expressed optimism that the city council could still change the budget and allow the events to continue.

Kennedy adds, “Public works plans to launch its own event series next year focused on showcasing the city's recent investments in making walking, rolling and biking safer and easier, according to a statement provided to Axios,” but that series is “not intended to replace Open Streets.”

FULL STORY: Open Streets' future unclear after Minneapolis ends partnership with group that oversees it

Monday, August 21, 2023 in Axios

Land Use Transportation Minnesota Minneapolis Open Streets Our Streets Minneapolis Car-Free View More

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