City Seeks Community Input on Future of George Floyd Square

Minneapolis, MN - Minneapolis city officials held a public engagement session today at George Floyd Square, inviting residents and business owners to weigh in on proposed designs for a permanent memorial and pedestrian mall at the intersection where George Floyd was killed in 2020.

The pop-up event forms part of an ongoing effort to reimagine the two-block stretch of Chicago Avenue between East 37th and 39th Streets, balancing traffic access, public safety, and memorial space in what has become a global site of reflection.

Community Engagement Drives Design Process

City planners presented three concepts-full closure, cul-de-sac with limited access, and flexible shared-street design-highlighting impacts on emergency vehicle routes, transit service, and local businesses. Attendees reviewed poster boards, discussed concerns over delivery access and snow removal, and submitted feedback via comment cards and digital kiosks.

Memorialization and Safety in Focus

• Residents emphasized the importance of preserving existing murals and artworks at the site while ensuring safe, walkable spaces for visitors.
• Business owners raised questions about freight deliveries and parking reroutes onto adjacent residential streets.
• Public safety advocates pressed for clear pedestrian pathways and lighting improvements to address recent crime incidents in the area.

Next Steps

City staff will compile feedback from today’s session and two forthcoming open-house meetings scheduled in October and November. A draft master plan is expected by year’s end, with construction beginning in mid-2026. The permanent design will seek to honor Floyd’s legacy, support neighborhood vitality, and maintain necessary vehicular access under a community-driven framework.