join us
about the mpls downtown council
mpls downtown council is a member-supported business organization focused on creating an extraordinary downtown for all who live, work, play and explore our city. We collaborate with public, private and non-profit organizations to create a vibrant atmosphere in our city’s core, advocate for initiatives that promote growth and stability, and forge a strong, inclusive 21st Century city.
join our membership
Our members are in the heart of the action. The mpls downtown council currently has more than 450 member organizations ranging from Fortune 500s to start-up companies both downtown and throughout the Twin Cities. Members work together to achieve a vital and thriving central business and residential district. We offer dozens of member events each year (most are free for members to attend!) designed to inform you about important topics within our downtown community, and provide opportunities to build networks and engage with colleagues, clients and peers.
how to join
Is your organization interested in learning more about mpls downtown council membership? By becoming part of the mpls downtown council, you’ll have an opportunity to help create an extraordinary downtown with us while making invaluable business connections within our local community. For more information, contact our Membership Director, Marybeth Weisberg, at mweisberg@mplsdowntown.com.
our history
60 years strong
The mpls downtown council is one of the most historic central business associations in the nation. Founded in 1955, we continue to evolve and grow as an organizations—and we realize downtown continues to change through the years as well. Our mission is to continue ensuring downtown Minneapolis is competitive nationally, making it a city that attracts and retains top talent to live, work and play here.
key initiatives
Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan is our most recent 15-year work plan focused on downtown development, adding greening and public realm, enhancing the overall downtown experience, growing transportation options, ending street homelessness and establishing a festival of ideas. Our 300 volunteers help lead these initiatives, making us a strong group of workers advocating for downtown’s overall growth and vitality.
successes
The mpls downtown council is active in collaborating to create free and low-cost activities and events in Downtown Minneapolis, including Aquatennial, Holidazzle, Pianos on Parade, Go Outside with Hennepin County and many more annual favorites. Our work advocates, collaborates and leads in efforts to add investment, development, residential growth, transit options, green space and overall downtown vitality.
downtown matters
Downtown Minneapolis encompass five neighborhoods extending to University and Plymouth avenues to the North, I-35W to the East, and I-94 to the South and West. Our neighborhoods include the Central Business District, East Town, Loring Park, North Loop and North East. We have more than 216,000 workers and roughly 56,000 downtown residents who make up this area of our city each day. Our metropolitan area typically welcomes 33 million visitors each year, many of whom enjoy downtown Minneapolis for entertainment, sports, dining, arts, exploring or simply taking in the sights. We are the economic engine for our region, and our efforts help create an extraordinary experience for those who live, work and play here.