Minneapolis Will Select New Behavioral Crisis Provider

The city chose Community Bridges Inc. to lead its behavioral crisis response program beginning in January 2027.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Mental Health

Isometric editorial illustration of a clean, modern city pedestrian walkway in shades of teal, oxblood, and cream. — Minneapolis officials have selected Community Bridges Inc. to manage the city's behavioral crisis response program starting January 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Minneapolis city officials have selected Community Bridges Inc. to manage the city's behavioral crisis response program starting January 1, 2027. The selection follows a competitive bidding process that saw seven different entities submit proposals to replace current provider Canopy Roots.

Why it matters

The city intends to shift the program toward a mobile model capable of addressing livability issues and long-term stabilization. This change aims to expand the scope of support available for non-violent mental health crises managed through 911 dispatch.

Community Bridges Inc. currently manages over 30 programs with a staff of 1,700 employees. The proposed two-year contract for the Minneapolis program is valued at $5.9 million.

The players

Community Bridges Inc.

This organization is a behavioral health provider currently operating across Arizona, Oklahoma, and Idaho.

Canopy Roots

This is the incumbent provider that has managed the city's mental health crisis response since 2021.

Minneapolis City Council

This is the legislative body responsible for providing final approval on the proposed service contract.

The details

Under the new proposal, the incoming provider will oversee the program that dispatches specialized responders to non-violent mental health calls. The city's current provider, Canopy Roots, employs approximately 60 people to manage the 24/7 crisis response operations.

Minneapolis launched its behavioral crisis response program in 2021.
The proposed contract term for the new provider begins on Jan 1, 2027.
The proposed contract term for the new provider ends on Dec 31, 2028.

Health Landscape

The transition follows the framework established by the Minneapolis behavioral crisis response program launched in 2021. This move represents a strategic evolution intended to deepen the city's focus on mobile crisis stabilization and long-term support services.

Residents can expect the crisis response program to expand into a mobile model that addresses long-term stabilization and livability concerns. This change in service providers is intended to modify how non-violent mental health emergencies are handled on a 24/7 basis.

The takeaway

This provider change signifies a shift in how the city delivers critical mental health intervention to its residents. By focusing on mobile stabilization, the program aims to provide more comprehensive long-term care for individuals experiencing behavioral crises.