A Strategy to "Grow North"

The Northside Neighborhood Alliance (NNA) has been conducting community presentations about the North Minneapolis economic market scan to get feedback on implementation strategies. So far, NNA has presented the findings at Shingle Creek, Lind-Bohanon, Cleveland and Victory neighborhood association meetings.

Meetings are also scheduled for:

Tuesday, May 8
Near North and Willard Hay Neighborhoods
Northside Residents Redevelopment Council
612-335-5924 (office)

Saturday, May 12
Hawthorne Neighborhood
Hawthorne Community Council
612-529-6033 (office)

The presentations focus on community development opportunities that could stimulate economic growth and prosperity in North Minneapolis, especially for the key commercial nodes on West Broadway, Penn & 44th Ave. N., Lowry and Lyndale Ave. N., Lyndale Ave from 44th Ave to 49th Ave., and Penn Ave. and Lowry. NNA will develop a final implementation plan based on community partners and residents' input.

Everyone interested is invited to attend. For specific times and meeting locations, contact the neighborhood associations. For more information about NNA, or to have the market scan presentation emailed to you, contact Lance Knuckles at 612-521-4500, x102.

University of Minnesota seeks manager for new North Minneapolis center

The University of Minnesota is accepting applications for the Manager of its newly created Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED). As the driver of this collaborative initiative, the Manager is responsible for supporting economic growth and entrepreneurial expansion in North Minneapolis. Qualified candidates must have demonstrated entrepreneurial and business experience, leadership in undertaking new initiatives, excellent communication skills and the proven ability to work effectively with and across racially and ethnically diverse individuals and groups toward a common goal. Applications should be made electronically through the University of Minnesota's Online Employment System at https://employment.umn.edu, Requisition # 154441. Additional information is available at www.ced.umn.edu or call 612-624-0530.

Now approaching: Achievement Zone

Last December, NorthWay hosted a meeting to initiate a community conversation on replicating the Harlem Children's Zone concept, which has been successful in providing comprehensive resources to 3,500 families and youth within a 100-block area in New York City. Currently, NorthWay and the Peace Foundation are co-chairing the development and implementation of a Northside Achievement Zone. To move the initiative in a timely manner, we are approaching area foundations about collaborating and hiring staff or consultants to assist with this effort. For more background on the program, check out HCZ's website.

Wanted: Branding experts

The Northside Marketing Task Force (NMTF) seeks professional expertise to improve the image of North Minneapolis. The group issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an individual or firm to design a campaign that will target both neighborhood residents and the larger Twin Cities area. The proposed campaign will draw on four themes identified by local residents in a series of meetings last summer. These include the terrific and affordable housing stock, excellent location and access to many natural resources, a strong local business community and a wide variety of community organizations.

For more information about the RFP, contact info@northminneapolis.com or call Allan Malkis at 612-521-4500, x103.

Get financially fit

From Debt to Assets: Four Cornerstones of Financial Literacy is a FREE 4-class program held on Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm at NorthWay Community Trust. The program begins on May 7 with "Budgeting to Create Savings." All those interested are invited to participate. For more information or to sign up, call Shawna at WomenVenture, 651-646-3808.