Uptown Minneapolis Residents Demand Safer Neighborhood

Community members and business owners meet to address rising crime and livability concerns in the once-thriving Uptown area.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:21am

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Over 100 Uptown Minneapolis residents, business owners, and local officials gathered for a meeting to discuss growing safety and livability issues in the neighborhood. Concerns were raised about increased assaults, car thefts, robberies, and gun violence since the start of the year. Residents and a new community group called Uptown United are taking action, organizing neighborhood patrols and rallying local leaders for change.

Why it matters

Uptown has long been considered one of Minneapolis' most vibrant and desirable neighborhoods, but recent crime trends have led to a decline in foot traffic and business activity. Residents and business owners are worried the issues could spiral if not addressed, impacting the overall character and appeal of the area.

The details

The meeting was held at a soon-to-open restaurant, The Arizona Taco Company, whose owners say they want to help revitalize the neighborhood despite the challenges just outside their doors. Attendees included the Uptown Association and a new grassroots group called Uptown United, led by resident Kevin Norman. They discussed initiatives like community walking patrols to deter illegal activity. Minneapolis police also said Uptown is a focus area for their directed patrol unit.

  • Since the start of 2026, the Uptown area of Minneapolis (Ward 10) has seen more assaults, car thefts, robberies, and calls for gunshots compared to the same time period last year.
  • The community meeting took place on Thursday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Marcos Ayala

Owner of the soon-to-open Arizona Taco Company restaurant in Uptown, who wants to help revitalize the neighborhood.

Kevin Norman

Resident of the Uptown neighborhood who founded the new grassroots group Uptown United to address safety and livability concerns.

Uptown Association

A local organization focused on supporting the Uptown neighborhood and its businesses.

Minneapolis Police Department

The city's 5th precinct police force, which has identified Uptown as a focus area for directed patrols to address the rise in crime.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to come in here and support the community.”

— Marcos Ayala, Owner, Arizona Taco Company

“People have been avoiding this area. A place for homeless people to gather, open drug use, and as a result of that, people don't feel safe here.”

— Kevin Norman, Resident, Uptown United founder

What’s next

The Uptown United community group plans to organize regular neighborhood walking patrols to deter illegal activity and promote a positive presence in the area. Minneapolis police have also pledged to maintain a heightened focus on Uptown through their directed patrol unit.

The takeaway

The issues facing Uptown Minneapolis highlight the delicate balance between maintaining a vibrant, desirable neighborhood and addressing public safety concerns. Residents, businesses, and local officials will need to work together to find sustainable solutions that restore the community's sense of safety and livability.