Contributing writer Clint Combs reports on a sweeping new report estimating that Operation Metro Surge inflicted nearly $700 million in economic damage on Minneapolis, including $445 million in lost business revenue and $152 million in lost worker wages, told through the story of Daniel Hernandez, who is closing his South Minneapolis Colonial Market after 18 months of devastating losses.
Daniel Hernandez arrived in the United States at 16 chasing the American Dream. Twenty-four years later, he opened a third Colonial Market in South Minneapolis with 25 workers, $3 million invested and a vision for serving the Latino community along the Lake Street corridor. Eighteen months after opening day, he is closing the doors.
His story is one of thousands detailed in a sweeping new report estimating that Operation Metro Surge inflicted nearly $700 million in economic damage on Minneapolis. A figure city officials say is likely an undercount, with the true toll closer to $1 billion.
The 50-page report, released Wednesday, found that businesses lost an estimated $445 million in revenue and workers lost more than $152 million in wages over four months. Nearly 40% of residents avoided urgent care or hospital visits out of fear. Minneapolis Public Schools served roughly 441,000 fewer meals over three months as student attendance collapsed…