Economic Inclusion and the Promise of Cultural Districts: A UROC Critical Conversation—5 p.m. Thursday, December 5

Thursday, December 5, 2019
5 p.m. Arrival; 5:30 p.m. Program
Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins, Council Members Alondra Cano and Jeremiah Ellison, and other members of the council have been working on the establishment of "cultural districts" within the city limits. Cultural districts are defined as contiguous areas with cultural and/or linguistic identity rooted in communities significantly populated by Black, Indigenous, and immigrant people of color (BIPOC).

The initiative aims to address the displacement of BIPOC residents and businesses by strengthening commercials corridors while advancing and ensuring racial equity in district communities through investments, tools, and the establishment of policies and practices that directly benefit and respond to the needs of BIPOC communities. In his budget recommendations, Mayor Frey has proposed that cultural districts receive new resources for improvements in street lighting, cleaning, marketing, interest-free business loans, and more.

Join community leaders and residents in a discussion of the possibilities and potential of cultural districts in North Minneapolis and beyond.

Presenters include:

    •    C. Terrence Anderson, Director of Community Based Research, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, University of Minnesota;
    •    Mayor Jacob Frey, City of Minneapolis;
    •    Shauen Pearce, Economic Development and Inclusion Policy Director, Mayor's Office, City of Minneapolis; and
    •    James Terrell, Principal Project Coordinator and Manager, Participation Loans Programs, City of Minneapolis.

The event is co-sponsored by the City of Minneapolis' Office of the Mayor, Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, and the University's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. 
 
The event is free and open to the public and will include a family-style dinner
prior to the conversation. Registration is required. 

THIS EVENT HAS REACHED CAPACITY: RESERVATIONS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.