Targets boosted in-office plans spark hope for downtown Minneapolis comeback

In a pivotal move, Target has mandated that employees return to the office three days a week starting in September, aligning with similar policies from Ameriprise and U. S. Bank. This decision occurs as downtown Minneapolis sees a notable increase in parking occupancy, currently at over 75% of levels from 2019. Local business leaders express optimism about the return of white-collar workers, viewing it as a catalyst for economic recovery in the area.

Brent Robertson from JLL highlighted the excitement among stakeholders, stating that many have awaited this announcement with "bated breath. " Despite challenges faced during the pandemic, the gradual increase in commuters signals a potential resurgence for the downtown economy. With the return of office workers, businesses like Cardigan Donuts are looking forward to increased customer traffic, particularly from Target employees who previously constituted a significant portion of their clientele. Duininck emphasized the importance of a robust office population for the economic vitality of downtown, which supports various services from schools to government functions. This shift reflects a broader trend of revitalization for urban centers post-pandemic.