Minneapolis Completes Sprinkler Installation in Public Housing

The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) has successfully installed fire sprinkler systems in all 42 of its high-rise buildings, a project accelerated following a tragic fire in 2019 that killed five residents of Cedar High Apartments. Initially, only 16 of these buildings had sprinklers, as many were built before federal regulations mandated such systems. The completion of this installation ahead of the 2025 deadline was made possible by over $20 million in funding from local and federal sources, including a significant contribution from MPHA itself. Local leaders, including MPHA CEO Abdi Warsame and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, emphasized the importance of these installations for resident safety and the lessons learned from past tragedies. The initiative reflects a collective commitment to enhancing fire safety and ensuring that all residents feel secure in their homes. Mayor Jacob Frey underscored that safety is integral to the dignity of affordable housing.