Resilient Minneapolis
This project was completed prior to JFG Cities. Images are the property of Perkins&Will. Text is adapted from the final project report.
Preparing the City to Thrive
Minneapolis is a vibrant and growing city, yet its long term resilience is shaped by deeply embedded inequities. Persistent stresses such as climate related pressure on infrastructure, social unrest, and a legacy of structural racism continue to affect communities across the city and influence its ability to adapt and thrive over time.
Because Minneapolis is defined more by chronic stresses than sudden shocks, meaningful progress requires sustained, systemic responses. The city’s Resilience Strategy, developed through the 100 Resilient Cities program, approaches these challenges through a long term perspective and emphasizes coordinated, equity focused actions that strengthen Minneapolis’s social, economic, and physical systems.
Stakeholder brainstorms during one of the Minneapolis 2040 Plan engagements
A snapshot of some of Minneapolis Resilient moments
Minneapolis’ Resilience Strategy is organized around three guiding ideas: Minneapolis looks after People, Minneapolis critically reflects on Itself, and Minneapolis looks to the Future. Together, these principles frame resilience as an ongoing commitment to equity, adaptability, and long-term civic health.
Resilient Minneapolis 1.0 emerged from a collaborative process that brought together residents, community organizations, and public leaders to identify shared challenges and priorities. The strategy highlights where resilience principles and practices can have the greatest impact across policies, programs, and physical systems, providing a flexible framework for change at multiple scales.
“Building resilience is a team effort, and true resilience can never be established in silo.”
— Ron Harris, City of Minneapolis Chief Resilience Officer
Minneapolis top Shocks and Stresses as identified by stakeholders
Graphic depicting the approach to the Minneapolis Resilience Strategy and its multiple layers
Minneapolis Discovery and Impact Areas. Discovery Areas are areas of focus for the city moving forward.
Minneapolis Resilience Strategy: Summary of proposed programs and actions
My role: Project Manager
Client: Minneapolis, as part of the 100RC (100 Resilient Cities) network
Images Credit: Perkins&Will