Minneapolis Officials and Native Leaders Address Open-Air Drug Use in Cultural Corridor
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, alongside Native leaders, has announced a coordinated effort to combat open-air drug markets in the city's Native American cultural corridor, specifically the area spanning 11th Avenue S. to Cedar Avenue, and Franklin Avenue to 26th Street E. This initiative, described as an "all-hands-on-deck approach," combines law enforcement with social services. The plan involves increased patrols by the Sheriff’s Office, city police, parks police, and Metro Transit police, along with the installation of more security cameras. Concurrently, the city’s Homeless Response Team and Mobile Medical Unit will offer housing and treatment services. This marks a shift in approach from solely harm reduction to incorporating law enforcement, though harm reduction services will continue. The decision comes after community members, including Jolene Jones, expressed concerns about the spillover effects of rampant drug use, such as a child being injured by a discarded needle. Native leaders have previous... 
