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Minnesota CEOs Publicly Voice Alarm Over Rising Crime

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 15:49 GMT by News 8000
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Minneapolis, MN - February 5th, 2026 - After years of largely operating behind the scenes, Minnesota's leading CEOs are now publicly voicing their alarm over escalating crime rates in the Twin Cities, arguing it's actively damaging the state's economic health and future prospects. A recent surge in outspokenness, culminating in a strongly worded letter to state lawmakers, signals a growing frustration amongst the business community and a shift towards more assertive advocacy.

For decades, Minnesota has enjoyed a reputation as a stable and attractive state for business, boasting a highly educated workforce and a relatively strong economy. However, a confluence of factors - including a perceived rise in both violent and property crime, exacerbated by the social and economic fallout of the pandemic - has eroded that perception, prompting a crisis of confidence amongst key business leaders. While concerns have been simmering for some time, the recent escalation has seemingly reached a tipping point.

Dayton Duncan, CEO of U.S. Bancorp, articulated the growing sentiment, stating, "I think it's time for us as business leaders to be more vocal." This sentiment is echoed across the corporate landscape. Last month, Duncan joined a coalition of CEOs in penning a letter to state legislators, directly imploring them to address the issues with urgency. The letter doesn't offer a single solution, but rather emphasizes a two-pronged approach: bolstering law enforcement and investing in community-based programs aimed at tackling the root causes of crime.

Jamie Tellijohn, CEO of Allina Health, highlights a particularly worrying trend - the impact on the workforce. "We have employees who don't feel safe coming to work," she told News 8. "That's not sustainable for any business." This is a widespread concern, stretching beyond healthcare. Companies across all sectors report difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, as potential employees express anxieties about safety and quality of life. The cost of mitigating these safety concerns - increased security measures, employee assistance programs - is also adding significant financial burden.

Jeff Ettinger, former CEO of Hormel Foods, and a long-time observer of the Minnesota business climate, explains the shift in strategy. "We've been trying to work through these issues quietly for years, but we're not seeing the progress we need." This suggests that previous lobbying efforts, while ongoing, have failed to yield tangible results. The decision to go public is, therefore, a strategic recalibration, aimed at amplifying the message and applying greater pressure on lawmakers.

Beyond employee safety and retention, CEOs are warning that the rising crime rate is directly impacting the state's ability to attract new investment. "We're losing businesses to other states because people don't feel safe here," Ettinger warns. This represents a significant economic threat, potentially leading to job losses, decreased tax revenue, and a general decline in economic activity. Several reports from economic development agencies corroborate this claim, detailing instances where potential investors have reconsidered expansion plans due to safety concerns.

The CEOs' advocacy isn't simply a call for more police officers. While increased law enforcement presence is a key demand, the letter explicitly calls for investment in preventative measures, such as job training programs, affordable housing initiatives, and mental health services. This demonstrates an understanding that addressing crime requires a holistic approach, tackling both the symptoms and the underlying causes. The demand for a balanced solution could be a strategic move to preempt criticism and broaden public support.

However, the timing of this public push coincides with a heated political climate and ongoing debates about criminal justice reform. Some critics argue that the CEOs are prioritizing corporate interests over social justice, and that their calls for increased law enforcement risk exacerbating existing inequalities. The coming months will be crucial as lawmakers grapple with these competing demands and attempt to forge a path forward that addresses both public safety and systemic issues. The business community is determined to remain engaged, and signals that this is not a temporary outburst, but a new era of proactive advocacy.