UROC Projects and Programs
These are projects and programs initiated and led by UROC staff in partnership with community members.
Black Family Business Success
An initiative focused on an annual panel discussion and focused group conversations for and about black-owned businesses creating multigenerational success.
UROC Research Area: Economic and Community Development
Learn more or contact Jon Keimig or Makeda Zulu.
Critical Conversation Series
UROC Critical Conversations is a series of public discussions that bring together scholars, activists, historians, artists, and community leaders who address urban issues and ideas. Building on UROC's many University-community collaborations, the series is intended as a "gathering place" for urban-focused research, dialogue, and cultural events.
UROC Research Areas: Economic & Community Development | Health & Wellness | Education & Lifelong Learning
Northside Job Creation Team
The Northside Job Creation Team (NJCT) is a collaboration representing some of the major stakeholders in North Minneapolis to build an active collaborative that will provide the leadership for the research and analyses of high potential job creation opportunities. The NJCT relies on research to engage stakeholders in the development of jobs based in North Minneapolis that offer livable wages, benefits, and are environmentally sound.
UROC Research Area: Economic & Community Development
Learn more. Contact Makeda Zulu.
Rural Urban Connections: Opioids
Composed of a collaboration of agencies and organizations from across Minnesota, the Rural Urban Connections: Opioids project team is currently developing ways that communities in Minnesota can work together to address the opioid epidemic. In December 2023, UROC hosted a Critical Conversation based on the work of the team and the idea that rural, suburban, and urban communities share many of the same assets and challenges, even though the context and geography might be different.
UROC Research Area: Health & Wellness
The rich conversations developed as a part of this project are continuing through the University of Minnesota Extension's Department of Community Development.
UROC Research Agenda
The UROC Research Agenda is a framework for addressing three themes that community members of North Minneapolis, practitioners, and University of Minnesota researchers identified as critical to a thriving Twin Cities urban core. Research Agenda priority areas are community healing and wholeness; systems and systemic racism; and individual, family, and community financial wellbeing.
UROC Research Areas: Economic & Community Development | Health & Wellness | Education & Lifelong Learning
MPCA Community Air Quality Pilot: Clean Air for All
Supported by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Clean Air for All pilot project brings together UROC, University researchers, high school students, and Minneapolis community partners to address air pollution. Through education and air monitoring, this project empowers students and residents with the knowledge and tools needed to improve air quality and protect public health.
UROC Research Area: Economic and Community Development | Education & Lifelong Learning