From residents and business owners to volunteers and community leaders, the strength of Uptown comes from individuals who show up, stay engaged, and invest in the neighborhood.

That’s the idea behind Uptown United — a community-driven effort focused on creating a more active, connected, and welcoming Uptown.

Working alongside organizations like the Uptown Association, Uptown United helps bring people together to support local businesses, build relationships, and strengthen the district.

What Is Uptown United?

Uptown United is a grassroots community initiative centered around one simple idea:

When more people are present, engaged, and connected, neighborhoods become stronger.

The organization encourages residents and supporters to take an active role in shaping Uptown through small, consistent actions that create a positive impact.

What They Do

Uptown United focuses on building energy and activity in the neighborhood through community-led efforts such as:

Community Walks

Organized weekly walks bring neighbors together to walk key corridors, support local businesses, and create a visible, positive presence.

Neighborhood Engagement

Encouraging residents to connect with each other, local businesses, and community initiatives.

Supporting Local Businesses

Driving foot traffic and visibility for Uptown businesses by simply showing up, visiting shops, and spending locally.

Creating Positive Momentum

Helping shift perception and energy in Uptown by increasing activity, connection, and community pride.

Why It Matters

Neighborhoods thrive when people participate.

Uptown United helps:

• Increase activity along business corridors
• Support small businesses through foot traffic
• Build stronger connections between neighbors
• Create a more welcoming and vibrant environment

It’s not about large-scale programs—it’s about consistent, visible engagement that adds up over time.

How Uptown Association Connects and Supports

The Uptown Association plays a key role in supporting efforts like Uptown United by helping connect businesses, residents, and resources across the district.

The Uptown Association helps:

• Promote community initiatives and events
• Support local businesses through marketing and advocacy
• Connect people to programs, resources, and opportunities
• Strengthen coordination across the Uptown corridor

By working together, Uptown United and the Uptown Association help create both community energy and structural support—two things needed for a thriving district.

The Big Idea

The concept is simple:

When more people are out, engaged, and present, it changes how a place feels.

Uptown United is about showing up—whether that means walking the neighborhood, supporting a local business, or connecting with others.

Get Involved

Anyone can be part of Uptown United.

You don’t need experience, registration, or a specific role—just a willingness to participate.

To learn more, visit:
https://uptownunitedmpls.org

Building Uptown Together

A stronger Uptown doesn’t happen all at once—it happens through consistent, shared effort.

Uptown United provides a simple way to be part of that momentum.

Together, we can continue building a more connected, welcoming, and vibrant Uptown.

The post Uptown United: Building a Stronger, More Connected Uptown appeared first on Uptown Association.

Uptown residents, neighbors, and supporters are coming together through Uptown Community Walks, a simple but powerful way to show up, support local businesses, and bring positive energy back to the neighborhood.

These walks are organized by the Uptown United and supported by the Uptown Association as part of a broader effort to strengthen the Uptown community.

What Are Uptown Community Walks?

Community walks are a way for neighbors to be present, visible, and engaged.

Participants break into small groups and walk key Uptown corridors including:

• Hennepin Avenue
• Lake Street
• Lagoon Avenue
• Lyndale Avenue

The goal is simple:

Show up. Say hello. Support local businesses. Help make Uptown feel like Uptown again.

When and Where to Join

Community walks take place:

Fridays and Saturdays
Meet at 6:00 PM
Location: Seven Points (Lake & Hennepin)

Walks typically last about 1.5 hours, wrapping up around 7:30 PM.

No sign-up is required—just show up and join a group.

What to Expect

When you arrive, you’ll be placed into a small group of about 5 to 10 people and given a general route.

From there, it’s simple:

• Walk together
• Connect with neighbors
• Support local businesses along the way

Many participants choose to stop for a drink, grab food, or continue socializing after the walk.

How to Participate

Community walks are intentionally simple and welcoming.

Do:

• Show up as you are—no experience needed
• Be friendly and welcoming
• Support local businesses
• Stay in small groups
• Help keep the area clean
• Be aware of your surroundings

Don’t:

• Engage in confrontation
• Attempt to intervene in illegal activity
• Take photos of individuals without consent
• Escalate situations
• Feel pressure to “do something” — your presence is enough
• Bring weapons of any kind

Safety and Approach

These walks are not enforcement or policing efforts.

They are about creating a positive, visible presence in Uptown.

If something requires attention:

• Call 911 for emergencies
• Text 311 for non-emergency city issues

Participants are encouraged to use good judgment and stay with their group.

Why It Matters

When more people are out, engaged, and present, it changes how a place feels.

These walks help:

• Increase positive activity in the neighborhood
• Support local businesses through foot traffic
• Build connections between neighbors
• Create a more welcoming environment

It’s a small action with a meaningful impact.

How Uptown Association Supports the Effort

The Uptown Association supports initiatives like community walks by helping promote activity, visibility, and engagement across the district.

By connecting businesses, residents, and programs, UA helps bring more energy and coordination into Uptown—supporting both economic activity and community connection.

Join the Walk

No sign-up required. Just show up, walk, and be part of something good.

For more information, visit:
UptownUnitedMPLS.org

Together, we can help build a stronger, more connected Uptown.

The post Uptown Community Walks: Showing Up, Supporting Local, and Building Momentum appeared first on Uptown Association.