Penn Avenue Community Works Project takes its next step!

The Hennepin County Board unanimously approved a contract with the Hoisington-Koegler Group, Inc. (HKgi) team. The expansive team has strong affiliations with North Minneapolis and will be working hand-in-hand with community and project staff to create a thoughtful community vision and implementation framework for the Penn Avenue Community Works project.

“Our community is really embracing this project. We are working together to make sure the Penn project is a success—that’s exciting and it means that this project is going to make real and positive change happen for North Minneapolis.” said Commissioner Higgins.

Metro Transit and the City of Minneapolis join Hennepin County in funding this effort and level of investment which is just shy of $1 million.

“I am very excited about the Penn Ave project and the opportunity to engage the community and other stakeholders in the process,” said Minneapolis City Council President Barb Johnson. “It’s a chance to bring everyone to the table to hear their ideas and incorporate them to make the project successful and give ownership of it to the very people it will serve. Thank you to all of our partners as we embark on this journey to invest such a major community-driven improvement to North Minneapolis.”

Metro Transit is planning bus rapid transit (BRT) along Penn Avenue that would provide frequent, high-quality transit along Penn Avenue.

“Metro Transit is very excited to be partnering with Hennepin County on the Penn Avenue Community Works project, and proud to be a contributing funder for this contract,” said Brian Lamb, Metro Transit general manager. “We know that improved transit options are critical to success in North Minneapolis, and we look forward to working side-by-side with our project partners and the community to maximize the benefits arterial BRT on Penn Avenue can bring.”

The Penn Avenue Community Works project is well on its way.

Thank you for your involvement and support,

Patricia, Kelsey, and Lisa