Minneapolis (Jan. 27, 2026) – People are showing up for Minneapolis in incredible ways. Often, that starts with everyday choices – where to eat, shop, gather and spend time. That idea is at the heart of MPLS for MPLS, a new marketing initiative from Meet Minneapolis that encourages residents to intentionally engage with neighborhood businesses and workers during a challenging moment for the city. The effort also provides practical information about which businesses are open and what may look different right now, including modified hours and knock-for-entry policies.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of Minneapolis neighborhoods. They help shape the character of each block, create welcoming places for residents and visitors to gather, and provide livelihoods for thousands of workers and families. When those businesses struggle, the ripple effects are felt across the community and throughout the city’s economy.

“Supporting Minneapolis-based businesses is about more than commerce. It’s about the workers who are our neighbors, friends, and family,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “It’s also about protecting the places and experiences that make our city feel like home – and that visitors want to experience the way residents do.”

MPLS for MPLS in action:
This multi-channel marketing initiative includes paid media, social media, billboards and skyway billboard activations. Meet Minneapolis is also providing a digital toolkit to help local businesses participate in and amplify the campaign. Using those tools as a call to action, MPLS for MPLS highlights simple, accessible ways residents can keep local businesses part of their everyday routines, including:

• Spotlighting businesses across Minneapolis
• Sharing ideas that keep shops, restaurants and gathering places top of mind
• Encouraging patience, flexibility and understanding as businesses navigate changing conditions
• Promoting local events and opportunities to come together in community

“If you want your favorite spots to be here tomorrow, continuing to choose them today matters,” said Courtney S. Ries, senior vice president of destination branding and strategy for Meet Minneapolis. “MPLS for MPLS is about helping people see how small decisions – where you shop, eat and spend time – help sustain jobs, strengthen families and keep our neighborhoods vibrant.”

Meet Minneapolis invites the community to share how they are showing up for Minneapolis – from favorite neighborhood spots to everyday local choices – on social media using #MPLSforMPLS.

More information about MPLS for MPLS is available at www.minneapolis.org/mpls-for-mpls.

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ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS
Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to positively impact the economic and social prosperity of the Minneapolis community. Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Kathy McCarthy, Senior PR Director, (o) 612-767-8048, (c) 612-508-9720, kathym@minneapolis.org
Kevin Kurtt, PR Manager, (o) 612-767-8118, (c) 952-288-9319, kevink@minneapolis.org