Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

February 22, 2018

In this edition of Minneapolis Promise Zone Updates: Connecting to and Learning from Community Members Working Towards an Inclusive Economy in North Minneapolis  Request for Proposal for Annual Litter Be Gone  Give Feedback on How to Reduce Racial Disparities in City Procurement Governor's Housing Task Force - Call for Ideas Small Business Essentials 16 - Session Course Development of a Dream West Broadway Farmers Market 2018 Vendor Application  Spread the Love by Donating to North Point's Food Shelf   News, Events, Jobs Promise Zone Preference Points  About the Minneapolis Promise Zone

Connecting to and Learning from Community Members During the recent 2018 Community Connections Conference, the Minneapolis Promise Zone's current Equity and Inclusion Manger, Julianne Leerssen, conducted an “All About the Benjamins” presentation held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. She was joined by three panelists Jacob Akervik, (Minneapolis Promise Zone's Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Liason) Alysen Nesse, (Senior Resource Coordinator for Intergovernmental Relations) and Sadaf Rahmani (Community Representative for Congressman Keith Ellison). The purpose was to provide community members and organizations helpful information to increase their chances of being awarded federal grants. In total, there were 34 attendees and each expressed high interest to subscribe to the Minneapolis Promise Zone Newsletter which includes news, Promise Zone updates, and federal grant opportunities. Partner updates are also included in the newsletter; if you would like to have information included in our newsletter, please contact Communications Associate, Jenny Melin. Each of the Minneapolis Promise Zone Americorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) worked at the Community Connections Conference to inform community members about the ongoing projects happening in North Minneapolis. Mayor Jacob Frey stopped by to express his appreciation for the continued work of the Promise Zone in North Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Promise Zone has the unique advantage to be an initiative of the City, but located on the West Broadway Commercial Corridor, in the heart of North Minneapolis. Community members are able to access the City more easily to express what North Minneapolis needs from the City.  At the Community Connections Conference, attendees were asked this very question. As a result, people answered that the City needs to address the following in North Minneapolis: violent crime reduction leading to an increase in economic development, more homes in addition to jobs, as well as more adults to help the children.

Working Towards an Inclusive Economy in North Minneapolis  Shauen Pearce, Mayor Frey's Economic Development & Inclusion Policy Director, came to talk with the Minneapolis Promise Zone's (MPZ)  Economic Development Working Group (EDWG) on the 13th of February. Mayor Frey does not seek to reinvent the wheel, but rather grow the economy through inclusion by maximizing some of the current efforts underway. For example the City's Grow North Fund, a financial incentive package offered by the City of Minneapolis aimed at bringing jobs-intensive business investment to North Minneapolis, has been underutilized. According to Shauen and other members of the working group, many community members are simply unaware of these types of tools offered by the City. In order to improve these tools and create new ones, Shauen is assembling a council of small business owners to advisethe  Chamber of Commerce, the City, and other business organizations. If you are interested in becoming a part of the small business council, e-mail Shauen Pearce. Alysen Nesse, Senior Resource Coordinator for Intergovernmental Relations, also came to present about Opportunity Zones, a new community development program established by Congress. Opportunity Zones allow governors to designate 25% eligible low-income census tracts (491 eligible census tracts in MN). Banks, foundations and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) are incentivized by a temporary tax deferral to invest capital gains to fund specific projects in these zones through an "Opportunity Fund. However this is a private investment vehicle, so government wouldn't have control over who invests. Lack of restrictions for the Opportunity Fund could lead to investments that could potentially be harmful to the community instead of beneficial. One way to mitigate lack of control over investment is to ask the Governor to nominate census tracts with a large number of City-owned properties. To see what property the city owns overlaid by eligible census tracts in the Minneapolis Promise Zone, click on the image to the left. To learn more about Governor's timeline click here.  Economic Innovation Group is in the process of organizing a broad coalition of organizations working together to ensure successful implementation of the Opportunity Zones program. If you are interested in learning more or becoming a part of the coalition, please contact info@eig.org.  If you would like to become a part of the Minneapolis Promise Zone Economic Development Working Group e-mail Economic Development Coordinator, Sam Calahan.

Request for Proposal for the Annual Litter Be Gone 

The City of Minneapolis is currently accepting Requests for Proposal (RFP) for the Annual Litter Be Gone Event Management Services. The intent of the program is to assist communiteis and neighborhood-based organizations with community focused litter clean-up and measurement programs. 

Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2018. The Contractor shall submit ten copies of their proposals to the City of Minneapolis Procurement Office, labeled: 

City of Minneapolis - Procurement 
Request for Proposals for: 
Litter Be Gone Event Management Services 
330 2nd Avenue South, Suite 552
Minneapolis, MN 55401 

Submit one electronic copy of the Proposal to RFP.Responses@MinneapolisMN.gov 

• Link to RFP 

Give Feedback on How to Reduce Racial Disparities in City Procurement  The City of Minneapolis recently released the 2017 Joint Disparity Study to look at whether or not the Small and Underutilized Business Program encourages more contracts with minority- and women-owned small businesses. We encourage you to attend a listening session to give feedback about the report and the programs tonight at Sibley Recreation Center.  Date: Thursday, February 22, 2018 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Location: Sibley Recreation Center - Multipurpose Room

Governor's Housing Task Force - Call for Ideas 

The Governor's Housing Task Force and Working Groups have held meetings for the past two months. Community input is important for the task force to make the best recommendations to address the gaps in the system affecting housing stability and access to homeownernship and rental housing. 

The Governor's Task Force on Housing wants to hear from you as it identifies and considers recommendations for securing Minnesota's housing future.  There is a wealth of expertise and knowledge in communities across Minnesota.  Please share your best ideas on housing related to:

• Homeownership,
• Rental housing, or
• Housing stability and opportunity.

Click here for directions on how to submit your idea(s) for review by the Task Force.  Submissions will be accepted through March 15th and are encouraged sooner to provide ample time for Task Force consideration. 

Small Business Essentials 16 - Session Course

Women Venture is offering an in-depth course designed with serious entrepreneurs in mind. It is a multi-session series that covers all of the critical components of creating and fine-tuning a business plan that will take you from launch to expansion and beyond.

Course Benefits & Overview

1. Learn the key components to launching a successful business: creating an executive summary, legal compliance, marketing, finance, human resources, operations and sales. 

2. Receive one-on-one support from an expert business mentor throughout the duration of the class 

3. Attend bonus lab nights and get support from classmates and business experts 

4. A community of fellow women entrepreneurs in the class 

5. Opportunity to present your completed business plan at the graduation celebration at the end of the class

You must successfully complete Women Venture's Getting Ready course to be eligible to apply for Small Business Essentials enrollment. 

Start Date: Tue, March 13 
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. for 8 weeks
Registration Deadline: Mon, March 5 

More Information 

Development of a Dream 

Once a bustling commercial hub, the area around the intersection of Penn and Plymouth Avenues in North Minneapolis had long been sparsely populated and sorely in need of revitalization. Then, in 2016, a new public-private development partnership set change in motion.  

While some parts of the $100-million project are still under construction, the redevelopment has already transformed the four-corner intersection, setting the stage for more business to move into the area in the future. Several partners are involved in the project, including Hennepin County, which invested $67 million to build a much-needed larger campus on the intersection’s northeast corner for its NorthPoint Health and Wellness facility, which offers medical care and other services.

• For full story by University of Research and Outreach- Engagement Center, click here

West Broadway Farmers Market 2018 Vendor Application The West Broadway Farmers Market is excited to be entering our 8th market season, and celebrating the tremendous growth at the market welcoming 12,500 customers in the 2017 season! New Management: Appetite for Change will now manage the West Broadway Farmers Market. Contact: Office & Mailing Appetite for Change 1200 West Broadway Ave #180, Minneapolis Office Telephone (612) 588-7611 We are excited to continue our partnership with Freedom Square events in conjunction with the WBFM. We are also exploring ways to expand our Northside Fresh Bucks project, continue our "Big Dinner Party" community meals in partnership with YouthFarm and Cooking Matters nutrition and food skills courses at the market. None of this would be possible without YOU, our vendors! In addition to our traditional vendors offering prepared foods, we welcome local food trucks to join us this season. West Broadway Farmers Market Hours & Contact Information Location: 2034 West Broadway Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411 Hours: Fridays, 3:00pm to 7:00pm, June 15 –October 5, 2018 (17 weeks) Link to application here

Spread the Love by Donating to NorthPoint's Community Food Shelf

NorthPoint’s Community Food Shelf is participating in the state’s largest food drive, known as the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, and would love to have you participate with us. 
 
NorthPoint’s goal is to collect a combined total of 45,000 in pounds of food and cash during the Campaign. Please support our campaign and help us reach our goal by collecting and donating food and cash beginning February 26th through March 30th, 2018.
 
All food donations can be dropped off at our Food Shelf in the lower level of our Human Services building Monday through Thursday 9am-3pm. Your tax-deductible cash donation can be sent to NorthPoint Food Shelf, 1315 Penn Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN. 55411 or you can make a secure online donation at www.northpointhealth.org.  
 
Cash donations are particularly important because it allows us to purchase items that aren’t usually donated, plus with our ability to purchase food in bulk at reduced prices we can multiply your dollar’s buying power – making one dollar stretch up to $5.00!
 
Would you like to lead a food drive at your place of employment, at your place of worship or with your social group?  We have promotional flyers and attractive collection barrels that we can provide and when your drive is completed, we’ll pick everything up.  It’s that easy. 

Please contact Patrick Wilson for more information. 

Phone Number: 612 767-9180
Email: pwilson@northpointinc.org

News

• Minneapolis police say they can't track all officers' use of body cameras (2/21 - StarTribune)
• Cajun Twist will bring Bayou Burgers and Creole Cubanos to north Minneapolis (2/20 - CityPages)
• Years of identity bias on gun policy. But maybe now... (2/21 - StarTribune)
• Elder perseveres through creativity and crafts (2/19 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)
• What I did and what I learned as Minneapolis' chief resilience officer (2/19 - StarTribune)
• More rapid-bus lines planned for Twin Cities (2/19 - StarTribune) 
• One professor aims for the prize (2/19 - The Oracle) 
• More rapid-bus lines planned for Twin Cities (2/19 - StarTribune)
• Why First Avenue, Rhymesayers and Juxtaposition Arts put together a free screening of 'Black Panther' (2/16 - MinnPost)
• Theatrice Williams returns to restore confidence in Phyllis Wheatley Center (2/16 - StarTribune)
• These kids are earning while they learn. Should they get $15 an hour? (2/16 - TwinCities Pioneer Press)
• North Mpls. teacher raises money so kids can see Black Panther (2/15 - Kare11)
• Frey lays out affordable housing plan at UROC forum (2/15 - Minnesota Daily)
• Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Looks at Park Redesigns (2/14 - KSTP) 
• 'Jimmy Jam' Harris and Terry Lewis big hits at North High (2/14 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)
• Councilmember Cunningham gives Minnesota Nice a new meaning (2/14 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)
• Minneapolis educators rally for "fully-funded schools" (2/14 - NorthNews)
• MPS AD Resigns; Southwest High AD On Leave (2/10 - CBS Minnesota)
• Hawthorne EcoVillage Apartments took a village to build it (2/8 - Finance & Commerce)
• Two candidates running for open Hennepin County commissioner seat (2/8 - StarTribune)
• Telling the truth about tobacco is long overdue (2/8 - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)
• City Officials Celebrate Grand Opening of North Minneapolis Affordable Housing Complex (2/7 -KSTP)
• Minneapolis adds 75 units of affordable housing near transit (2/7 - MPRnews)

Events

Engaging Banks in Workforce Development: Part 1 
Thu, March 8, 2-3 p.m. 
Webinar

Getting Ready for Small Business Ownership 3 Part Series 
Wed, March 14, 6-8 p.m. 
Women Venture, 2021 E. Hennepin Ave., Suite 200 Minneapolis 

Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America Homeownership Workshop 
Sat, March 18, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
River of Life Lutheran Church, 2200 N. Freemont Ave., Minneapolis 

Small Business Ed: Legal Series - Choice of Entity 
Wed, March 21, 6-7 p.m. 
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), 1007 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis

Discussion with Jeremiah Ellison 
Mon, March 26, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Northside Achievement Zone, 2123 W. Broadway, Ave. #100, Minneapolis 

Early Stage Startup Funding 
Tue, April 10, 4-5:30 p.m. 
UMN Twin Cities-Carlson School of Management, 321 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis  

Small Business and Disadvantages Business Opportunity Council Procurement Fair 
Thur, April 26, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
6155 Earle Brown Dr. Brooklyn Center  

Jobs

Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center 
Extension Educator in Community Economics, focused on North Minneapolis
More Information (Job ID 321860)

City of Minneapolis 
Senior Advisor, Human Trafficking Prevention 
More Information

Cookie Cart 
Development and Marketing Director 
More Information 

Back to Top

Promise Zone Preference Points

If a discretionary funding opportunity indicates Promise Zone (PZ) preference points are available, please visit http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/promisezone/WCMSP-190631 for additional information on forms and contacts to request preference point certification from the City of Minneapolis Promise Zone. Please submit your preference point request at least two weeks prior to the application deadline for Promise Zone certification approval consideration. 

If a funding opportunity does not indicate PZ preference points, you are still encouraged to contact the Promise Zone Manager, Julianne Leerssen (612-225-7721), about potential partnership opportunities to strengthen your application.

About the Minneapolis Promise Zone

Promise Zones are federally designated, high poverty communities where the federal government partners with local leaders to increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, and leverage private investment. The Minneapolis Promise Zone (MPZ) plan is a comprehensive, community-driven revitalization strategy that builds on and aligns numerous initiatives to address the persistent unemployment, crime, housing blight, and poor educational outcomes that affect that area.

Contact information: Juli Leerssen, (612) 225-7721

For more information, please visit www.minneapolismn.gov/promisezone

Back to Top

For reasonable accommodations, alternative formats, or to add content please contact Jennifer Melin at Jennifer.Melin@minneapolismn.gov or by phone: 612-597-3406. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. 

TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

"Welcome to North Minneapolis" mural by youth artists from Juxtaposition Arts and TATS CRU