In recent years, Uptown Minneapolis residents observed that empty storefronts, crime and open drug use have begun to characterize their neighborhood.

Much of this change can be traced back to the upheaval of 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic and riots that occurred in response to the murder of George Floyd. More common factors may have also played a part in Uptown’s current state, such as road reconstructions and the already present difficulties in sustaining local businesses.

ACT OF ADVOCACY

Junior Rachel Guo has noticed this flux state in Uptown during her commutes. “There’s a lot of construction in the place that I rehearse [for orchestra],” she said.

Nov. 26, 2025, fed up with the challenges that Uptown had faced, resident of South Uptown Kevin Norman sent an email to Mayor Jacob

Frey and Council Member Aisha Chughtai calling for “immediate, concrete steps to restore dignity and safety on Hennepin,” in response to Uptown’s decline.

BRAINSTORM BLITZ

This is not the first instance of a call for urban revitalization in Uptown. In May 2025, students at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management researched possible solutions to the decline of Uptown. Student Tristan Spillane specifically cited the Twin Cities’ beloved singer-songwriter Prince’s lyric: “Everybody’s going uptown, it’s where I want to be,” as inspiration as well as an indication of what the neighborhood used to be in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.

Even with a certain level of awareness, there was little actual intervention from the city in response to these students’ presentation of their proposals, and Uptown remained in need of advocates.

Guo looks forward to the restoration of Uptown’s thriving businesses. “I’m excited because I am also going [Uptown] for orchestra next year, so I’ll be there every week,” she said.

EMAIL’S EVOLUTION

Norman’s original email developed into what is now “Uptown United.” As a community organized group, that focuses their efforts largely on achievements possible within the community.

His inciting email exemplified actions that require the listening ear of someone in power. Norman took the step of reaching out to the local government to ask for more crackdown on drug use and further support for Uptown business owners.

However, these requests alone do not capture the full motivations of the concerned residents of Uptown.

TURNING BACK TIME

While much of the language surrounding the Uptown revival movement refers to “returning to” or “bringing back” a version of Uptown in its heyday, many community members are focused on moving forward with what Uptown could become in the future, and setting attainable goals for its improvement.

AMBASSADOR IMPACT

Within the effort, Uptown United has incorporated a program of Community Ambassadors, the qualifications being that an ambassador is someone who cares deeply about the Uptown community and making the neighborhood a safe, connected and enjoyable place to live and visit.

The day-to-day action that Community Ambassadors take part in are community walks. On Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m., they invite all community members, or anyone in support of their cause, to join a volunteer-based walking group.

The aim is to foster connection and replicate the lively energy that many wish to “bring back” to Uptown. Often, as part of these walks, participants are encouraged to patronize the local businesses and pick up litter around the neighborhood.

DOES IT WORK?

Sophomore Eli Kardasis Sturtz commends Uptown’s community-based efforts. “I think it’s really cool, and it’s good for the community, because it is bringing a place that was kind of neglected back to life,” he said.

Similar projects have been put in motion to combat the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Ramsey County officially approved the plan “Building Stronger Together,” with the goal of revitalizing Downtown St. Paul. The plan encompasses many projects regarding safety, community parks, and creating housing.

LOOKING FORWARD

Unlike Uptown United, the first steps towards St. Paul’s goals were established by the government. However, that is not to say that Downtown St. Paul did not want change.

Uptown reflects residents and business owners coming together, many volunteering as community ambassadors and taking the concrete steps they wished for. From this sprouted a growing movement and official city involvement.