Mayor Gives Major City Address at PCYC’s Capri Theater 

It was standing room only at PCYC’s Capri Theater on April 18 when Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak gave his State of the City address.  Much of his speech focused on his vision for Minneapolis with particular attention to the revitalization of North Minneapolis neighborhoods. 

"This is a crucial moment in North Minneapolis ," said Rybak. "This entire city – from top to bottom – needs to be committed to success in North Minneapolis . "Our greatest challenges are clear: Crime and a lack of investment that continues to plague the area. 

His decision to give his speech in North Minneapolis at the Capri Theater underscored to the various government, business, and civic leaders who attended the event the importance of marshaling resources to support the revitalization of North Minneapolis . 

He pointed to PCYC and the Capri Theater, as an example of "the tremendous assets of North Minneapolis ."    

"We come together today in a beloved landmark of our community," Rybak said. "The Capri Theater, which opened in 1927, is the only remaining movie theater in North Minneapolis .  PCYC, whose school across the street has set a new course for so many of our city’s young people, is now setting a new course for the Capri," he said referring to PCYC's three- to five-year strategic planning process which is underway.

He talked about other assets in North Minneapolis that will contribute to the community's successful revitalization. 

"We have the passion and commitment of North Minneapolis residents that is unparalleled," he said. "We have churches, neighborhood groups and business associations collaborating and organizing like never before.  We have incredible institutional leadership from groups that bring stability to the area. We have corporate partners who share our concern for public safety and care about North Minneapolis ."

If this really is a common vision for one Minneapolis , then there is no other part of the city calling for our attention more than North Minneapolis . As city leaders, as entrepreneurs, as neighbors, as residents, I call on all of us. Now is the time and this is the place to make North Minneapolis the jewel we need it to be."

Editor’s Note:  PCYC High School journalism student, Ker Lee contributed to this story.