Why Is Minneapolis Growing Faster Than Chicago?

The data shows Minneapolis recovered from the recession more quickly than Chicago. And its growth rates continue to surpass those of its larger neighbor. Why did this happen, and which policies deserve credit?

1 minute read

April 22, 2015, 8:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Minneapolis Celebration

estudiante / Flickr

In a piece for the Chicago-based Metropolitan Planning Council, Chrissy Mancini Nichols examines the question: why has Minneapolis recovered from the recession quicker than Chicago? Despite their different sizes, the two Midwestern cities share a good deal in terms of geography and weather.

Mancini writes, "It's not just the coasts or warm weather areas that are growing faster than the Chicago region. Midwestern counterparts are outpacing us too. From 2010 to 2013, the Minneapolis region's population grew more than three times faster than the Chicago region, and the city of Minneapolis almost five times faster than the city of Chicago."

Comparing the cities points to several policy changes that could improve Chicago's economy. They include:

  • Reduce local competition via tax incentives meant to lure businesses to different locations within the Chicago metro area. These may have local benefits, but impede spending to enhance regional growth.
  • Invest instead in education to develop a skilled labor pool.
  • Focus on efficient transportation: "Travel time to work in the Minneapolis region is 11 minutes less per day than Chicago, adding up to an extra hour a week of free time for Minneapolis workers."

Monday, March 23, 2015 in Metropolitan Planning Council

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today