Jacob Frey’s Final Term: 5 Shocking Decisions That Define The Minneapolis Mayor’s Legacy

As of December 2025, the political landscape of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is dominated by the decisive re-election of Mayor Jacob Frey, who secured a third—and what he has promised will be his final—term in office. This victory, achieved through the city's unique Ranked Choice Voting system, signals a mandate for the moderate Democrat to continue his controversial yet impactful agenda, focusing on police reform, affordable housing, and navigating complex federal relations.

Frey’s third term is already proving to be his most explosive, marked by a highly publicized executive order challenging federal authority and an accelerated push for police reform amidst ongoing scrutiny. His tenure is a case study in modern urban leadership, constantly balancing progressive city council demands with the need for stability following years of social and civil unrest. The following details the man, his journey, and the key policy battlegrounds that will define his legacy as the 48th Mayor of Minneapolis.

The Unconventional Journey of Jacob Frey: A Full Biography

Jacob Lawrence Frey, an attorney and former competitive long-distance runner, has served as the Mayor of Minneapolis since 2018. His political career is defined by an energetic approach and a commitment to urban development and social justice, though often met with strong opposition from both the far-left and conservative factions.

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• Full Name: Jacob Lawrence Frey
• Current Office: Mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota (48th Mayor)
• Term: Serving his third term (2018–Present)
• Political Party: Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL)
• Birthplace: Oakton, Virginia
• Education: College of William & Mary (B.A., Government); Villanova University School of Law (J.D.)
• Early Career: Attorney at Faegre & Benson (now Faegre Drinker); long-distance runner, competing in the 2007 US Olympic Trials Marathon.
• Political Start: Elected to the Minneapolis City Council, representing Ward 3, in 2013.
• Family: Married to Sarah Clarke.
• Key Opponent (2025 Election): Democratic Socialist State Senator Omar Fateh.
• Major Promise for Third Term: Stated this will be his final term in office.

Third Term Mandate: The 5 Major Policy Battlegrounds

Frey’s re-election in November 2025, fending off a significant challenge from Democratic Socialist Omar Fateh, was viewed as a victory for his centrist approach to governing. His final term is focused on delivering tangible results in five critical areas that have dominated the city's political discourse for years.

1. Accelerated Police Reform and Accountability

Police reform remains the single most contentious issue in Minneapolis. In June 2025, Mayor Frey issued a significant executive order designed to codify and accelerate the city's reform efforts, maintaining that the city would move forward despite a motion from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss a previously sought consent decree.

The Mayor, alongside Police Chief Brian O'Hara, has emphasized strengthening the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) through better training, enhanced officer wellness programs, and more effective recruitment strategies. This strategy aims to rebuild public trust while maintaining a functional police force, a delicate balance that defines his current term.

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2. The Affordable Housing Crisis and "Red Tape" Reduction

A central pillar of Frey's platform is tackling the severe affordable housing crisis. He claims his administration has already made "unprecedented investments" and is producing 8.5 times more deeply affordable housing than before he took office.

To further accelerate development, Mayor Frey signed a law cutting bureaucratic "red tape" to streamline the approval process for new housing projects. This move is intended to increase the housing supply and lower costs, a key strategy to combat both homelessness and the declining value of commercial properties.

3. The Controversial 2026 Budget Proposal

In the lead-up to his third term, Mayor Frey presented his 2026 budget address, which was carefully crafted to manage rising inflation and labor costs while minimizing the impact on taxpayers. The proposal prioritizes protecting core municipal services and supporting the city's workforce.

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A key focus of the budget is maintaining a low property tax increase, a move intended to provide financial relief to residents and businesses struggling with economic uncertainty.

4. Combating Homelessness and Mental Health Support

Despite previous pledges, the issue of homelessness remains a major challenge. Critics, including those from the democratic socialist camp, argue that the Mayor has failed to end homelessness.

Frey's current approach emphasizes providing condition-free housing combined with robust mental health support and food assistance, acknowledging that a comprehensive, compassionate strategy is required beyond simply building new units.

The December 2025 Executive Order That Challenged Federal Authority

One of the most defining and controversial actions of Mayor Frey’s early third term occurred in December 2025, when he signed an executive order that directly confronted the potential for federal overreach. This action instantly thrust Minneapolis into a national spotlight.

The order explicitly prohibits federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from using city-owned parking lots or other municipal property to stage operations.

Protecting the Somali Community

The executive order was signed in direct response to reports of a possible federal immigration crackdown targeting the Twin Cities' large and prominent Somali community.

This bold move was framed by the Mayor as a necessary measure to protect the city's immigrant and refugee populations, sending a clear message that the City of Minneapolis would not be an accomplice to operations that destabilize its communities. This decision has been widely praised by community advocates but has drawn sharp criticism from those who argue it obstructs federal law enforcement.

Frey's Final Legacy: A City Divided and Determined

Mayor Jacob Frey's third and final term promises to be a period of intense focus and high-stakes governance. From the delicate, long-term work of police reform to the immediate, high-profile defense of the Somali community against federal action, Frey is cementing his reputation as a pragmatic yet politically aggressive leader.

His success will ultimately be measured by his ability to navigate the deep ideological divisions within Minneapolis—between the progressive council members, the moderate electorate that re-elected him, and the powerful federal government. As he enters this final chapter, his priorities—affordable housing, public safety, and community protection—will determine whether he leaves a legacy of successful reform or one of continued political turmoil.