The Minneapolis Edit
Hey crew, so I'm a day late (hopefully not a dollar short)... in full transparency I've been quietly building something new alongside this and my real estate business, AND I seem to have caught that ugly little cold bug going around. It slowed me down. What can I say.
This week, I'm bringing you the rent crisis, the events that matter, and something personal I've been building toward for a while. Let's get into it. xoxo - Jen
Feature Story
Minneapolis Has a $15.7 Million Rent Problem — and It's Getting Worse
Since Operation Metro Surge began in December, thousands of immigrant workers across the Twin Cities have stayed home out of fear. Not because they don't want to work — because going to work means risking detention. The economic fallout has been staggering. Minneapolis alone estimates $15.7 million in additional monthly rental assistance is needed to cover households that have lost wages. Statewide, rent debt tied to the enforcement operation is estimated between $27 million and $51 million.
Eviction filings in Hennepin County hit 631 in January — a 45% jump from the same month last year. Across Minneapolis and St. Paul combined, over 1,300 evictions were filed that month. And housing advocates say the worst may still be coming, since landlords are often required to give 14- to 30-day notice before filing.
The Essentials
THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES
🎸 Dropkick Murphys, Rage Tributes, and a Parking Lot Block Party: Your Weekend
This weekend's lineup in the Twin Cities feels like a moment. Here's what's happening.
TONIGHT (Thursday, March 5): Rage Against the Regime at Turf Club A Minneapolis-based Rage Against the Machine tribute band led by local vocalist and Current radio personality Diane takes over the Turf Club in St. Paul. Special guests include student 1 and Sean Anonymous. This one's a fundraiser for the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund. 8 p.m., 21+, tickets $20.11 via AXS.
FRIDAY (March 6): Abolish ICE — A Fundraiser for the People Dropkick Murphys headline a free all-day block party in the Black Forest Inn parking lot at 26th and Nicollet — across the street from the Alex Pretti memorial. The full music lineup runs 1–8 p.m., with the Murphys' acoustic set at 4 p.m. sharp. Local acts include Wild Colonial Bhoys, Kiss the Tiger, Danza Ketzal, Brass Solidarity, Sophie Hiroko, Chutes, Obi Original, Laamar, and the Shackletons. Can't make it? The show will be livestreamed at AbolishICE.live.
In lieu of tickets, organizers are asking for donations to four causes: Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Show Up for Eat Street, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and Rent Support for Bancroft Families.
The Black Forest Inn has been serving free coffee and tea to ICE observers and community members since January. If that doesn't tell you everything about Minneapolis, I don't know what does.
🎨 International Women's Day: Art, Brews, and Live Music
It's Women's History Month, and the Twin Cities are celebrating all weekend.
Saturday, March 7: International Women's Day Exhibition at Solar Arts Building The eighth annual IWD exhibition takes over Northeast Minneapolis' Solar Arts Building from 12–6 p.m. Expect open artist studios, a special gallery show, poetry readings by Lupe Castillo and Teresa Ortiz, appetizers by Margarita's, community art-making, and live music by Rumba Eterna from 4–5:30 p.m. Free. 711 15th Ave. NE.
Saturday, March 7: International Women's Day Showcase at Utepils Brewing B + The Spice Cabinet perform at Utepils Brewing. Utepils has a history of celebrating women in brewing — they've hosted collaborative brew days with women brewers from across Minnesota for years. 225 Thomas Ave. N.
Saturday, March 7: Boots and Needles at White Squirrel Bar For something cozier, catch Boots and Needles at White Squirrel Bar, 6–8 p.m. Cozy folk vibes, intimate space, perfect Saturday evening energy.
(And stay tuned — I'm planning a deeper dive into Women's History Month stories next week. There's so much more I want to spotlight.)
🎣 Northwest Sportshow (March 5–8, Minneapolis Convention Center)
The Midwest's largest outdoors expo is back all weekend. We're talking 60,000 square feet of RVs, walleye and musky fishing seminars from the pros, camping gear, boating, hunting — the works. New this year: an expanded hunting section with Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Minnesota DNR. Hours are noon–8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission for 60+ with ID. Tickets at northwestsportshow.com.
(And yes, if you're dreaming about lakefront property while browsing boats... you know who to call.)
From The Founder
$25,000 for Women's Rights and MN Housing Stability
Regenerative.
The first time I saw this word in the context of business, I welled up with tears. That usually means something. My inner knowing telling me to pay attention. There's something important here. Stay with it. Be curious.
And so I have.
These aren't new ideas. Nature demonstrates them beautifully. Cycles of reciprocity and regeneration, building soil health, biodiversity, and well-being. Some of the best models we can turn to for all of life.
One of the simplest ways I feel called to run my business is to give back 10% of my revenue — pre-tax, pre-expense — from every transaction I close. My clients get to choose which of two nonprofits their contribution supports. (This is actually part of something bigger I've been building, a community for values-driven professionals who believe generosity is a better business strategy than a bigger ad budget. It's called Onward Exchange, and I'll have a lot more to share soon.)
It's Women's History Month. And we have a housing crisis unfolding in our backyard. So the two organizations I'm spotlighting feel deeply right for this moment:
Equality Now — Founded by three female attorneys in 1992, Equality Now uses the power of law to fight for gender equality worldwide. From combating sex trafficking to closing legal loopholes that harm women, they've contributed to the reform of 130 discriminatory laws across the globe. They've had UN consultative status since year one and are top-rated for financial transparency. equalitynow.org
Stand with Minnesota — Stand with Minnesota is fighting for housing stability and the policies that make it possible, right here in our state. Families who were stable just weeks ago are now staring down eviction notices. They've launched a campaign focused solely on paying March rent for the most vulnerable families, and I'll be donating to their partner, the Wilson Foundation, which is offering matching donations up to $1.5 million to keep Minnesota families housed. standwithminnesota.com
On a median-priced home in Minnesota ($390K), that's over $1,000 per transaction. Higher price point? You do the math.
The goal: $25,000 donated. How fast can we get there?
If you or someone you know is considering a move — and you think I might be their kind of real estate professional — send me a message. I'm ready to help. ❤️
Because terrible puns are a public service
THIS WEEK'S BAD JOKES
🐝 Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honeycombs.
☘️ Can February March? No, but April May.
🎣 I watched a program about beavers last night. Best dam show I've ever seen.
Let's fall in love with the Twin Cities together. ❤️
All my thanks, Jen Briggs Founder, The Minneapolis Edit
P.S. — If this newsletter hit different today, forward it to someone who cares about this city the way you do. That's how we grow this thing, together.
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