Mayor R.T. Rybak Hails 'City of Big Dreams'
Inaugural Address Lays Out Core Values Framing Ambitious Second Term
In his second Inaugural Address today, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak hailed Minneapolis as a city of big dreams and highlighted the core values that will define his next term in office.
“The values that led us through tough times should always be at the center of our work,” Mayor Rybak declared. “The values that laid the groundwork for an ambitious agenda will allow Minneapolis to rightfully claim its place as the Great American City of our time. And we should settle for nothing less.”
Mayor Rybak and the thirteen members of the Minneapolis City Council were sworn in today at a ceremony in the City Hall Rotunda surrounded by hundreds of family, friends and supporters.
As Mayor Rybak entered a second term, he used his Inaugural Address to lay out the values that will frame an ambitious agenda based on core principles and supported with solid basic services.
“We believe in government, and we will run this government well, but will run it for a reason. This government will deliver a good value to our citizens, and we will do that by being a government with values,” Rybak said.
Following a commitment to public safety and other basic city services, Mayor Rybak focused his Address around three key values that will shape his work in the weeks and months ahead:
Close the gaps between haves and have-nots:
“Closing the gaps is the first and most important of our values because the story of this period in Minneapolis cannot be a tale of two cities. Where there is disproportionate need, we will make disproportionate investment,” Rybak said.
Reweave the urban fabric for a New Minneapolis:
“The New Minneapolis will not be just about housing, jobs, or transportation in isolation. The New Minneapolis will be organic with an integrated collection of sustainable urban villages that have quality jobs and stores within walking distance of our homes. If we do it right, we can create a way of life unmatched by any other city in America,” Rybak said.
Lay the groundwork for the next generation:
“As Minnesota struggles to compete in an increasingly global economy, this state’s single greatest asset is the children of the next generation of Minneapolis, who already speak more than 80 languages, come from all over the world, and spend every day crossing cultural boundaries.”
“Imagine a city where we can walk safety down every single street and where prosperity reaches every corner. Imagine a city where world class schools, parks, libraries and cultural institutions are integral parts of our daily life. Where you can take a streetcar, or a bike or even walk to great jobs and stores nearby. Imagine a city where every kid grows up knowing they can succeed,” Rybak said. “It’s time to build the New Minneapolis.”
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