Minneapolis approves final George Floyd Square plan
The Minneapolis City Council on Dec. 11 approved a final “flexible open street” plan for George Floyd Square at 38th & Chicago, keeping the intersection open to traffic while prohibiting vehicles from crossing the precise memorial location. Construction is slated to begin in 2026 and includes major infrastructure upgrades and restoration of Metro Transit service on Chicago Avenue, with city leaders saying the design centers healing, unity and neighborhood vitality.
📌 Key Facts
- Council approved a flexible open street design that keeps traffic flowing but blocks vehicles from crossing the memorial point at 38th & Chicago.
- Construction starts in 2026 and adds sidewalks, planted boulevards, green stormwater systems, pedestrian lighting, off-street bikeways and more trees.
- Metro Transit’s Chicago Avenue service will be restored under the plan; Mayor Jacob Frey and CM Andrea Jenkins backed the approach.
📊 Relevant Data
In the Central neighborhood of Minneapolis, which includes George Floyd Square, the population breakdown is 39.0% White, 23.8% Black, 24.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Asian, 4.5% American Indian, 5.7% Two or more races, and 0.6% Some other race.
Central neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota (MN), 55407, 55408, 55409 subdivision profile — City-Data.com
Businesses near George Floyd Square sued the city of Minneapolis for $30 million over lost revenue and access issues since 2020, though the lawsuit was dismissed.
Judge dismisses $30M George Floyd Square lawsuit — Minnesota Lawyer
In Minnesota, Black people are arrested for violent crimes at a rate 10.7 times higher than White people based on 2022 data.
Minnesota Criminal Justice Data Snapshot — Justice Reinvestment Initiative
In Minneapolis, police officers use force against Black people more than eight times as often as against White people.
Twin Cities police use physical force at rates well above national average — Minnesota Reformer
Crime in Minneapolis increased 16.6% from 2019 to 2020.
Minneapolis Crime Rate [2025] — The Move Crew
In Minnesota, the violent victimization rate for Black people is 7.0 times higher than for White people based on 2022 data.
Minnesota Criminal Justice Data Snapshot — Justice Reinvestment Initiative