A community-led effort to show up for Uptown and shape a new narrative.
Who We Are
Uptown United is a growing, community-led effort bringing residents, small business owners, and local organizations together to support Uptown's continued comeback.What started as a shared concern has turned into something more powerful: people showing up. Neighbors meeting neighbors. Businesses seeing support.
Why Uptown United Exists
Uptown United began with a letter written by Minneapolis resident Kevin Norman, grounded in a simple belief: Uptown is worth showing up for.That letter struck a chord. Neighbors responded. Conversations started. And what emerged wasn't just frustration, it was a community ready to do something about it.
Since then, we've seen real signs of progress. Just as important, something else has returned: community participation. Through initiatives like our community walks and the Show Uptown campaign, residents and businesses are actively shaping a more positive, welcoming environment. People aren't just talking about change, they're part of it.Uptown United exists to build on that momentum and turn it into something lasting.
The Show Uptown Movement
Show Uptown is a simple but powerful idea: show up for Uptown and show a new narrative, one that reflects the people, energy, and momentum that are still very much here.Show Uptown signs are showing up across the neighborhood, a visible signal that this community is engaged, proud, and moving forward. Each sign represents something bigger than itself: a business that believes in Uptown, a neighbor who chose to participate, a shared belief that this place is coming back.Looking for a Show Uptown sign? Come out to one of our community walks and grab one.
What we stand for.
Uptown is a place worth showing up for.
Community presence creates real impact.
Welcoming public spaces benefit everyone.
Supporting local businesses strengthens the entire neighborhood.
Progress happens when people participate.This is about pride, participation, and forward momentum.
What we're building.
Uptown United is helping build a neighborhood where businesses feel supported, residents feel connected, visitors feel welcomed, and the narrative reflects what's actually happening on the ground.
Not perfect. Not finished. But moving in the right direction, together.
Community Ambassador Program
Uptown United has launched a Community Ambassador Program, a volunteer initiative focused on strengthening the neighborhood through visible community presence and stewardship.Community Ambassadors are residents who care about Uptown and want to help create streets that feel welcoming, active, and well cared for.The program will support simple, practical actions that help improve the everyday experience of Uptown’s public spaces and business districts.This includes volunteer walking groups, neighborhood cleanup efforts, and connecting with local businesses and neighbors.The goal is simple: neighbors showing up, supporting one another, and helping create a safer and more welcoming Uptown.
Community Walks
We host volunteer community walks through Uptown's commercial corridors on Friday and Saturday evenings, 6pm to around 7:30. We meet at Seven Points (Lake & Hennepin) and walk in small groups to create a visible, positive presence in the neighborhood. This is Show Uptown in action.Along the way, we support local businesses. Grab a taco, pick up a coffee, stop in and say hello. The goal is to bring energy back to the streets. Volunteers are also encouraged to pick up litter as we go. Small actions add up.
Programs like this have worked in cities across the country. When people are out, engaged, and present, it helps discourage disruptive behavior and makes neighborhoods feel more welcoming. Every walk is a chance to show what Uptown really is.
Please help spread the word. Print and share this flyer in your favorite coffee shop or around your block.
Get Involved.
Join a walk, take part in our letter-writing campaign, or see what else is coming up. Every bit of involvement helps.
Uptown United In The News
Uptown United · A community-led effort in Minneapolis