Alliance for Metropolitan Stability http://www.metrostability.org/ The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability is a coalition of grassroots organizations that advances racial, economic and environmental justice in growth and development patterns in the Twin Cities region. en Event: Organizer Roundtable: Connecting Climate Change to Equitable Regional Development https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/322/mtglist.asp?formid=event&timestamp=1369248063 Wed, 22 May 2013 13:41:03 -0500 Join us for our next Organizer Roundtable! Presenters will share how they are adapting climate justice strategies to build an equitable Twin Cities region. Be a part of the conversation to find out how organizers are cutting through the jargon to talk about climate change in a way that makes sense to communities, organizations and agencies.

Read More »

]]> News: Common Ground: Spring 2013 http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Common_Ground__Spring_2013 Thu, 16 May 2013 13:33:14 -0500 The winter 2012 of the Common Ground tells powerful stories about our current issues and campaigns. It lifts up the work of our partner groups and shows how, together, we are creating opportunities to advance regional equity in the Twin Cities.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Help Us Build an Equitable Transit System http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Help_Us_Build_an_Equitable_Transit_System Thu, 16 May 2013 13:12:12 -0500 Check out this week's edition of the Link!

Read More »

]]> News: Without Transit Plans, Twin Cities Can't Compete http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Without_Transit_Plans__Twin_Cities_Can_t_Compete Thu, 16 May 2013 13:06:11 -0500 In a recent Star Tribune commentary, Kate Wolford, president of the McKnight Foundation, called for increased investment in the Twin Cities' transit system. "To compete with other cities in business development, job creation and talent attraction and retention, we need to expand our transit," Wolford said.

Read More »

]]> News: Racial Disparities in Wealth Accumulation http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Racial_Disparities_in_Wealth_Accumulation Thu, 16 May 2013 13:02:17 -0500 Income inequality understates the size of the economic gap between whites and minorities in the United States. A recent report from the Urban Institute shows that in 2010, whites on average had two times the income of blacks and Hispanics, but six times the wealth. The report also illustrates that that the racial wealth gap grows sharply with age.

Read More »

]]> News: Meet Aisha Gomez http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Meet_Aisha_Gomez Thu, 16 May 2013 12:04:49 -0500 Meet one organizer whose work as a child care provider motivated her to pursue environmental justice.

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Dayton, Legislature Should Seize Transit Breakthrough http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Dayton__Legislature_Should_Seize_Transit_Breakthrough Sun, 12 May 2013 14:28:06 -0500 The 2013 legislative session may include some historic achievements, including legalization of same-sex marriage and new investment in early childhood education. And now, after Friday's surprise vote in the state Senate, the Legislature has a chance to add to its legacy by making strategic investments in transportation. The Senate voted to raise the gas tax by 2.5 cents in the 2014-15 biennium and another 2.5 cents in 2016-17 to fund long-overdue investments in roads and bridges.

Read More »

]]> News: Growth and Justice: The Difference Between Equity and Equality http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Difference_Between_Equity_and_Equality Thu, 02 May 2013 12:50:16 -0500 Reflecting on presentations from the recent Equity in Sight conference, Growth and Justice's Dane Smith makes a case for why equity is the best approach to solving the Twin Cities racial gap in employment, education and homeownership.

Read More »

]]> News: People of Color Pay More and Bear Disproportionate Consequences http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=People_of_Color_Pay_More_and_Bear_Disproportionate_Consequences_ Thu, 02 May 2013 12:49:33 -0500 One of the ironies of lending practices is that those who are least able to pay are likely to be charged the most. Banks try to protect themselves against losses by giving subprime loans to clients they perceive to be higher-risk, clients who are disproportionately people of color. However, according to an article in Minnpost that's not the whole story.

Read More »

]]> News: MPR News: Tight Rental Market Pushes People Out of the Twin Cities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MPR_News__Tight_Rental_Market_Pushes_People_Out_of_the_Twin_Cities Thu, 02 May 2013 12:48:10 -0500 The Twin Cities metro area is experiencing the lowest rental housing vacancy rate in about a decade. The tight market and rising rents are making it difficult for people to find cheap apartments. New numbers show the average market rent in the Twin Cities for the first three months of this year was $966 a month. That's about $30 more than it was a year ago, according to Marquette Advisors, a real estate consulting firm.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Leadership Development for Sustainable Organizing http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Alliance_for_Metropolitan_Stability_-_Leadership_Development_for_Sustainable_Organizing.pdf Thu, 02 May 2013 12:42:04 -0500 Developing the leadership capacity of organizers and community members helps organizations accomplish their goals, amplifies a community's shared voice, and ensures the longevity of the work. As we support new leaders, we catalyze a new generation of individuals and organizations to strengthen justice movements. In March, the Alliance hosted an Organizer Roundtable on...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: Minnesota Nice, Redefined http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Minnesota_Nice__Redefined Thu, 02 May 2013 12:24:36 -0500 Check out our latest edition of the Link! It includes the writeup of our March Organizer Roundtable on Leadership Development, an article by Vina Kay with the Organizing Apprenticeship Project, and an amazing list of job opportunities.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Coalition Organizing for Affordable Housing Wins http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Organizer_Roundtable_-_Coalition_Organizing_for_Affordable_Housing_Wins.pdf Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:56:19 -0500 The most transformative legislative victories aren't usually won by individual organizations. Successful legislative campaigns are often rooted in cross-organization and geographically disparate coalitions. The Homes for All campaign is an example of such a coalition; it procured $37.5 million to build, preserve and support affording housing in Minnesota in 2012. In February, organizers from ...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: Creating a Community We Want to Live In http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Creating_a_Community_We_Want_to_Live_In Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:41:26 -0500 Check out our latest edition of the Link!

Read More »

]]> News: How President Obama’s Budget Proposal Would Affect Cities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=How_President_Obama_s_Budget_Proposal_Would_Affect_Cities Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:39:04 -0500 President Obama's budget proposal for fiscal year 2014, released last week, focuses on economic growth and a strong middle class. Better urban development isn't the first item on that agenda, but it's an important part of the administration's priorities for the coming year. Three agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Transportation, are at the center of that work. The president's 2014 budget would change how each of these agencies invest in community development. A recent article in Atlantic Cities details these changes.

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Eric Hague http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Eric_Hague Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:32:38 -0500 Eric Hague's work organizing tenants is inspired by the joy of repeatedly watching people leap from individualized thinking to community thinking.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: How Community Groups Are Working to Transform Transitway Development http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__How_Community_Groups_Are_Working_to_Transform_Transitway_Development Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:27:23 -0500 Check out our latest edition of the Link!

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Hiring Equity: Can MnDOT End 20 Years of Failure to Meet Hiring Goals for People of Color http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/AMS_Report4_031913.pdf Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:30:45 -0500 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability is excited to release the most recent paper in our Race and Regionalism series - "Hiring Equity: Can MnDOT End 20 years of Failure to Meet Hiring Goals for People of Color?" This paper addresses the institutional and cultural changes that will be necessary to end employment disparities in the Twin Cities region.The Alliance's Race and Regionalism series expl...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Alliance Welcomes New Member Organizations and Board Members http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Alliance_Welcomes_New_Member_Organizations_and_Board_Members Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:33:31 -0500 At the Alliance's Annual Meeting last week Thursday, we elected new member organizations and board members.

Read More »

]]> News: Transit and Jobs at the Capitol http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Transit_and_Jobs_at_the_Capitol Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:32:21 -0500 Two weeks ago, Transit for a Stronger Economy gathered legislative leaders and advocates alike at the State Capitol for a press conference on a transit bill. The bill would fund the build-out of the regional transit system in fifteen years and create more than 30,000 construction jobs. Among those speaking in favor of the bill were Avi Viswanathan, HIRE Minnesota coalition organizer and Kenya McKnight, a Bush Fellow and facilitator with Northside Transportation Network.

Read More »

]]> News: Housing Out of Reach in Minnesota http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Housing_Out_of_Reach_in_Minnesota Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:58:39 -0500 Last week, the National Low Income Housing Coalition released its Out of Reach report for 2013. According to the report, a minimum wage earner in Minnesota would have to work 89 hours per week – 2.2 full time jobs -- to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. Of the twelve states in the Midwest, Minnesota has ranked the worst for affordability for minimum wage workers for three consecutive years.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Closing the Racial Employment Gap in the Twin Cities and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Closing_the_Racial_Employment_Gap_in_the_Twin_Cities_and_More Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:55:04 -0500 Check out the latest edition of the Link.

Read More »

]]> News: CET Highlight: ACER's Bottineau Community Engagement http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=CET_Highlight__ACER_s_Bottineau_Community_Engagement_ Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:53:32 -0500 African Career, Education & Resource, Inc. (ACER) is a community organization founded in 2008 to decrease the disparities in access to resources, health and information within Minnesota's communities of African descent. The organization is located in Brooklyn Park, a community situated along the proposed Bottineau Transitway. In late 2011, ACER received a Corridors of Opportunity Outreach and Engagement grant to implement "Making Transit Meaningful," a project aimed at engaging Brooklyn Park residents of color in public decision-making processes as they relate to the Bottineau Light Rail Transitway.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Sustainable Communities in the Twin Cities: How Community Groups Are Working with Government to Transform Transitway Development http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CET_story.pdf Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:10:13 -0500 In late 2010, Russ Adams, Margaret Kaplan and Repa Mekha each received a phone call at their offices. On the other end of the line was a staff member from the Metropolitan Council, the Twin Cities' metropolitan planning organization, asking their organizations to consider taking a leadership role in a new project. The council was working with other government, philanthropic and large no...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Explaining the Black-White Economic Divide http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Explaining_the_Black_White_Economic_Divide Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:07:23 -0600 A new study released by the Institute on Assets and Social Policy at Brandeis University illustrates how wealth is profoundly affected by race and racism. Over the last 25 years, the total wealth gap between white and African-American families has nearly tripled, increasing from $85,000 in 1984 to $236,500 in 2009. And disparities of this sort are present in other communities of color as well. In separate articles, PolicyLink's Angela Glover Blackwell and the Wall Street Journal's Neil Shaw, take a look at the economic drivers that have deepened this divide, and explore ways to overcome them.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: When Affordable Housing Isn't, Really http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Explaining_the_Economic_Black_White_Divide_ Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:29:28 -0600 Check out our latest edition of The Link. It includes the Organizer Profile of Whitney Lawrence with Transit for Livable Communities, a writeup of February's Community Forum and Discussion on the Bottineau Transitway with TruthToTell, and an article on community engagement from Andriana Abariotes with Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

Read More »

]]> News: Truth to Tell Forum: Elevating the Community’s Voice in Bottineau Transitway Decisions http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Truth_to_Tell_Forum__Elevating_the_Community_s_Voice_in_Bottineau_Transitway_Decisions_ Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:20:13 -0600 Residents along the Bottineau Transitway are anticipating the possible benefits this $900 million project could bring to their communities. Construction of the rail corridor has the potential to not only get people where they need to go, but also to bring revitalization to communities along the line that could use the economic development. But are community residents being engaged in decisions about how to make that happen?

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Whitney Lawrence http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Whitney_Lawrence Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:57:32 -0600

Meet one women's rights advocate turned transit organizer.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Pushing for More Jobs in Brooklyn Park and more http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Pushing_for_More_Jobs_in_Brooklyn_Park_and_more Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:54:39 -0600 Check out this week's edition of the Link!

Read More »

]]> News: Stadium Authority Commits to Hiring Goals http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Stadium_Authority_Commits_to_Hiring_Goals4255 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:51:57 -0600 Earlier this month the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, the governing body for the new Vikings Stadium, announced that it will follow state guidelines by committing to hire 32 percent people of color and 6 percent women for the stadium's construction. It has also chosen Mortenson Construction to build the Vikings Stadium and meet the requirements of the MSFA's Stadium Equity Plan.

Read More »

]]> News: Northwest Community Collaborative Pushing for More Jobs in Brooklyn Park http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Northwest_Community_Collaborative_Pushing_for_More_Jobs_in_Brooklyn_Park Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:46:54 -0600 In a recent news conference, members of the Northwest Community Collaborative said it wants Target to step up to the table when it comes to hiring low-income people and people of color in Brooklyn Park. The agreement between Target and the city stated that Target would provide a number of jobs for people in the community, but most of the positions the expansion will bring to the city will be filled by employees transferring from Minneapolis.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Securing Equitable Investments for Public Transit http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Organizer_Roundtable-_Securing_Equitable_Investments_for_Public_Transit_2.21.pdf Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:42:42 -0600 The Twin Cities is often known for the opportunities that it provides it residents. The region consistently makes its way to the top of national lists for having an educated workforce, green space, and a high quality of life. However, connecting our residents to public transportation options is one area where the region falls short. The Alliance recently gathered organizers from around the region ...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Nelima Sitati http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Nelima_Sitati Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:28:30 -0600 Learn how one organizer's passion for women's rights fueled her desire to work on community issues in North Minneapolis.

Read More »

]]> News: The Uneven Progress of Equal Opportunity http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Uneven_Progress_of_Equal_Opportunity Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:05:43 -0600 A recent New York Times article discusses the perplexities of race in America, stating that while overt discrimination based on race is no longer acceptable, both covert bias and institutional inertia perpetuate inequality. This discrimination overwhelming affects the workforce, where there is a high level of job segregation in which African Americans only rarely work in the same occupation in the same workplace as white men.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Advancing Racial Justice in the Twin Cities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Advancing_Racial_Justice_in_the_Twin_Cities Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:00:53 -0600 This week's edition of the Link includes Organizing Apprenticeship Project's Racial Justice Report Card, the organizer profile of Nelima Sitati, and an interview with environmental justice advocate, Vernice Miller-Travis.

Read More »

]]> News: Corridors of Opportunity Grants Engaging Communities Along Transitways http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Corridors_of_Opportunity_Grants_Engaging_Communities_Along_Transitways_ Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:00:38 -0600 This article from the Metropolitan Council shows how Corridors of Opportunity grantees are engaging residents in development efforts in their communities. It highlights the work of Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation, a member of the Alliance and a Corridors of Opportunity grantee. ASANDC is in the process of creating redevelopment plans for the Old Home Dairy factory site, and hosting visioning sessions with the community to inform the development's outcomes.

Read More »

]]> News: How the Economy Affects Housing and Transportation http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=How_the_Economy_Affects_Housing_and_Transportation Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:47:00 -0600 A recent article in This Big City takes a look at how the recession has shaped current trends in urban planning, housing and transportation.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Ensuring Equitable Outcomes for New Transit Projects and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Ensuring_Equitable_Outcomes_for_New_Transit_Projects_and_More Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:45:08 -0600 Check out our latest edition of the Link!

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Creative Placemaking and Equitable Development http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Creative_Placemaking_and_Equitable_Development Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:12:08 -0600 Check out the latest edition of the Link: Creative Placemaking and Equitable Development!

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Creative Placemaking and Equitable Development http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Alliance_for_Metropolitan_Stability_-_creative_placemaking_and_equitable_development_(final).pdf Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:42:37 -0600 In December, the Alliance gathered organizers from around the region for our final Organizer Roundtable of the year: Creative Placemaking and Equitable Development. Presenters Erik Takeshita, Jun-Li Wang, and Jill Mazullo shared how current placemaking efforts in the region are also spurring equitable development....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: Q&A with Joan Vanhala on Community Engagement http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Q_A__Joan_Vanhala_on_Community_Engagement_with_LRT_Development Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:56:11 -0600 Take a look at this article in the Twin Cities Daily Planet, which features the work of Joan Vanhala. Vanhala is a coalition organizer for the Alliance who works on equity and environmental issues surrounding light rail transit ways.

Read More »

]]> Common Ground: Winter 2012 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Common_Ground_WINTER_2012_WEB_complete.pdf Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:00:24 -0600 The winter 2012 of the Common Ground tells powerful stories about our current issues and campaigns. It lifts up the work of our partner groups and shows how, together, we are creating opportunities to advance regional equity in the Twin Cities.Download the online edition >...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: How to Talk to Someone about Privilege http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__How_to_Talk_to_Someone_about_Privilege Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:32:50 -0600 Check out the latest edition of the Link.

Read More »

]]> News: The Affordable Housing Crisis http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Affordable_Housing_Crisis Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:26:53 -0600 In an editorial, the New York Times emphasizes the need for more affordable housing, noting that federal affordable housing programs have not kept pace with the growing demand. More than 8.5 million very low-income families pay more than half of their incomes for housing. Yet, new affordable housing is scarce and older apartments have been removed from subsidy programs. The article calls on the Congress to do more to address this problem by passing the Affordable Housing and Self Sufficiency Improvement Act, a bill with bipartisan support.

Read More »

]]> News: Common Ground: Winter 2012 http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Common_Ground__Winter_2012 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:46:29 -0600 Welcome to our first online edition of the Common Ground, our semi-annual newsletter!

The winter 2012 of the Common Ground tells powerful stories about our current issues and campaigns. It lifts up the work of our partner groups and shows how, together, we are creating opportunities to advance regional equity in the Twin Cities.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: 2011 Annual Report http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Annual_Report_Final.pdf Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:35:58 -0600 Thank you for partnering with the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability in 2011. Together, we made big strides in bringing about our vision for an equitable, inclusive and sustainable region that benefits everyone. The victories you will read about in this report are transforming the way that people and organizations our region work together. We are showing that it is possible to intentionally build...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Avi Viswanathan http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Avi_Viswanathan Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:33:08 -0600 How many organizers do you know who started out as lawyers?

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Taking Care of Business http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Alliance_for_Metropolitan_Stability_-_Taking_Care_of_Business.pdf Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:56:29 -0600 The Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) project will complete heavy construction this fall, transition to electrical engineering and testing next year and open for service in 2014. Throughout the various construction seasons, however, many small businesses have either suffered deep economic loss or have gone out of business altogether. How are community leaders and&n...

Download the PDF »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Community Engagement - A Powerful Voice for Transitway Equity http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Alliance_for_Metropolitan_Stability_-_October_Organizer_Roundtable_(final).pdf Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:00:10 -0600 At the Alliance's Organizer Roundtable in October, more than 30 people joined us to hear how community engagement is an important factor in making sure that underrepresented communities benefit from public transportation investments. Currently, billions of dollars are being spent to develop transitways throughout the region, which have the potential to connect people to more opportunities. I...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: Community Engagement - A Powerful Voice for Transitway Equity and more http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Taking_Care_of_Business_along_the_Central_Corridor_and_more Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:18:02 -0600 Check out our latest edition of the Link!

Read More »

]]> News: Corridors of Opportunity: Federal Environmental Justice Experts Address Local Leaders http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Federal_Environmental_Justice_experts_address_local_leaders Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:57:09 -0600 This October, the Alliance, hosted a series of forums on federal environmental justice policy. Guests from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency came to the Twin Cities to illustrate the connections between environmental justice and the planning of our regional transitways.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: Taking Care of Business on the Central Corridor http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet__Taking_Care_of_Business_on_the_Central_Corridor Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:08:38 -0600 How can the long-term impacts of light rail construction be better anticipated? What level of outreach to community members and business leaders along the Central Corridor has worked? How can we best help local businesses survive and thrive throughout construction? More than 30 community leaders and organizers focused on these questions November 21 at the Alliance's Organizer Roundtable on Taking Care of Business along the Central Corridor.

Read More »

]]> News: Politics in Minnesota: Alliance for Metropolitan Stability Pushes for Transit and Equity http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Alliance_for_Metropolitan_Stability_Pushes_for_Transit_and_Equity Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:30:08 -0600 Russ Adams, executive director for the Alliance, was recently interviewed by Politics in Minnesota Capitol Report to discuss our organization's commitment to advancing racial equity in the way growth and development happens in the Twin Cities region.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: Knitting Together High-quality Transit in the Twin Cities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet__Knitting_Together_High_quality_Transit_in_the_Twin_Cities_ Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:01:56 -0600 This article explores a few ways to make our region's transportation system more competitive. In addition to building out our emerging transitways, the article suggests that the Metropolitan Council and other partners develop bus rapid transit and arterials throughout the metro area.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Eight Urban Policies for the 44th President http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Eight_Urban_Policies_for_the_44th_President Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:59:01 -0600 This week's edition of the Link includes a report from the Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness on race and housing stability, Sierra Club Northstar Chapter's latest legislative report card, great employment opportunities, and a chance to win great prizes.

Read More »

]]> News: You Can Win Prizes on Give to the Max Day http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=You_Can_Win_Prizes_on_Give_to_the_Max_Day Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:05:34 -0600 As you make a donation to the Alliance during this year's Give to the Max Day - Thursday, November 15 - you will also have an opportunity to win prizes. Thanks to the support of several Twin Cities businesses, the Alliance will be giving out great prizes to random donors each hour between 9 - 4 p.m. and again between 7 - 8 p.m.

Read More »

]]> News: Huffington Post: Minneapolis Acts on Employment Equity http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Huffington_Post__Minneapolis_Acts_on_Employment_Equity Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:59:29 -0500 Minneapolis recently became the first city in the nation to adopt a resolution promoting racial equity in employment. The resolution declares that institutional racism "is a primary reason for unemployment disparities" and requires the city to take action to make sure that people of color have a fair shot at government jobs, promotions and contracts. It targets the city's 3,600-strong workforce and the $500 million it spends on contracts every year.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: The Difference Between Diversity and Equity and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__The_Difference_Between_Diversity_and_Equity_and_More_ Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:49:12 -0500 Check out this week's edition of the Link.

Read More »

]]> News: Expanding the Environmental Movement http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Expanding_the_Environmental_Movement Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:34:08 -0500 "The Cost of Coal a project of the Sierra Club, tells the story of vulnerable communities around the United States that are being devastated by coal. Although each story is different, an underlying theme in each is that the true cost of coal is human lives. This article discusses how increased organizing capacity from communities most affected by these issues can solve the environmental injustices in our day.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Transit - More than a Ride http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Organizer_Roundtable_Transit_-_More_than_a_Ride_(final).pdf Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:12:30 -0500 In September, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability gathered organizers and planners from the Twin Cities region for our latest Organizer Roundtable: Transit – More than a Ride. Participants discussed the District Councils Collaborative of St. Paul and Minneapolis' Trusted Advocate Project. Adapting a model that was successful in Seattle and Oakland, the Trusted Advocates helped Metr...

Download the PDF »

]]> Our Work: Fair Housing and Equity Assessment http://www.metrostability.org/campaigns/article.php?sid=Fair_Housing_and_Equity_Assessment Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:15:20 -0500 The Fair Housing and Equity Assessment is a regional document that is intended to address the disparate burdens and benefits experienced by different groups across our region by increasing access to opportunities such as jobs, transit, quality affordable housing and good schools.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: If We Want Job Creation, We Need New Approaches http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__If_We_Want_Job_Creation__We_Need_New_Approaches Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:42:37 -0500 Check out this week's edition of the Link. It features a profile of an organizer with Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, a detailed look at the steps that Minneapolis is taking to make racial equity a priority in employment, and opportunities to connect with people across sectors and issues in the region.

Read More »

]]> Our Work: EquityNowTC http://www.metrostability.org/campaigns/article.php?sid=EquityNowTC Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:57:54 -0500 EquityNowTC is an emerging collaborative of nonprofit, public sector, philanthropic partners working together to ensure a fair and just region that works for everyone.

Read More »

]]> News: PolicyLink - Leading by Example: Minneapolis Acts on Employment Equity http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Leading_by_Example__Minneapolis_Acts_on_Employment_Equity Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:59:30 -0500 PolicyLink's latest e-newsletter, America's Tomorrow, takes a look at the steps that the city of Minneapolis is taking to make racial equity a priority in employment.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: New Housing Data Highlights Growing Racial Divide and more http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Obama_Administration_Expedites_Southwest_LRT Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:29:04 -0500 Check out our latest edition of the Link: Obama Administration Expedites Southwest LRT. It features an organizer profile of Maria Zavala with the Family Partnership, an Organizer Roundtable writeup, and opportunities to connect with social justice advocates and leaders from around the region!

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Maria Zavala http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Maria_Zavala Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:23:30 -0500 How many organizers do you know who served as an English translator with limited English competency?

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Facilitating Meetings that Work http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Organizer_Roundtable_-_Facilitating_Meetings_that_Work_(final).pdf Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:16:15 -0500 In August, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability gathered organizers and activists from around the region for our Organizer Roundtable on Facilitating Meetings that Work. Presenters Irna Landrum, Phil Sandro and Metric Giles shared strategies that they have used to facilitate meetings that stay on task and produce meaningful change. Roundtable participants also contributed their own insights on ...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Huffington Post: Infrastructure Investments Creates Jobs for Everyone http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Huffington_Post__Infrastructure_Investments_Creates_Jobs_for_Everyone Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:14:15 -0500 Avi Viswanathan, HIRE Minnesota coalition organizer, speaks to infrastructure investment as a surefire solution to America's job crisis in this Huffington Post article. The article points to Minnesota as an example of how infrastructure investment has significant potential to address both the important role government can play in creating new jobs and the critical need to connect workers of color to good jobs.

Read More »

]]> News: The White House: Obama Administration Expedites Southwest LRT http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Obama_Administration_Expedites_Southwest_LRT Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:00:24 -0500 On Monday, the Obama Administration announced that the Southwest light rail transit project will be expedited to create new jobs and provide more transportation choices. These projects will improve local and regional connectivity, as well as providing more transit choices for residents and commuters. For advocates and community members who live and work along the Southwest LRT, this decision is a pivotal step in building a better transportation system in the Twin Cities region.

Read More »

]]> News: Towards an Equitable East Side http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Towards_an_Equitable_East_Side Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:00:02 -0500 The East Side of St. Paul is a community rich with culture, resources and potential. Although it has experienced its share of disinvestment, the community is committed to developing it's economic capacity. Find out how one network of committed organizations and individuals are making sure that happens by engaging residents in development decisions that could enhance the economic stability of their neighborhood.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Twin Cities Affordable Housing Dilemma and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Twin_Cities_Affordable_Housing_Dilemma_and_More Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:33:41 -0500 Check out our latest edition of the Link! It includes an assessment for social change organizations that will help them be more strategic, a handbook of 31 recommendations for transportation officials and advocates, and the profile of a network of committed organizations and individuals engaging residents in development decisions in their neighborhood.

Read More »

]]> News: HIRE Minnesota: Minneapolis Passes Employment Equity Resolution http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=HIRE_Minnesota__Minneapolis_Passes_Employment_Equity_Resolution Fri, 24 Aug 2012 11:49:35 -0500 Yesterday, a committee of the Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed a resolution that acknowledges institutional racism and pushes Minneapolis to adopt tools to increase equity in employment.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: More Transit Options Needed for Riders with Disabilities and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__More_Transit_Options_Needed_for_Riders_with_Disabilities_and_More Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:34:25 -0500 This week's edition of the Link is out: More Transit Options Needed for Riders with Disabilities and More! It includes our latest Race and Regionalism paper, the July Organizer Roundtable Resource on social media, and thoughts on economic vitality and transit oriented development.

Read More »

]]> News: Smart Growth America - Economic Vitality and Transit Oriented Development: What Declining American Cities Need http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Economic_Vitality_and_Transit_Oriented_Development__What_Declining_American_Cities_Need Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:02:33 -0500 Reno, Detroit, and Oklahoma City have all at one time or another had strong, thriving local economies. But as the industries that brought them their success changed, each has experienced its share of economic instability. A recent Smart Growth America article looks at what these three cities are doing to regain their economic strength and suggests that in order to be profitable, cities around the nation need to look at making investments that have long-term dividends.

Read More »

]]> News: Transit for Livable Communities: More Transit Options Needed for Riders with Disabilities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=More_Transit_Options_Needed_for_Riders_with_Disabilities Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:01:44 -0500 A recent Transit for Livable Communities' blog post shares the challenges that Twin Cities residents with disabilities face when having to rely on public transit. As of right now, the limited transit options available in the Twin Cities sometimes keeps people with disabilities from getting to where they need to go in a timely manner.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Taking Action Beyond Facebook and Twitter http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/July_Organizer_Roundtable_-_final.pdf Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:59:26 -0500 Many grassroots organizations are building a large base of Facebook fans and Twitter followers. But how are "likes" and "retweets" translating into real action and moving the agenda for racial, economic and environmental equity forward in our region? At the Alliance's recent Organizer Roundtable, presenters Michael Dahl, Katina Mortenson, Jeff Achen and Dani...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Race and Regionalism papers http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Race_and_Regionalism_papers Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:19:29 -0500
The Alliance is releasing a series of Race and Regionalism papers that will shed light on how growth and development policy has contributed to racial disparities in the Twin Cities region

Read More »

]]> News: Still Time to Advance Equity in the Twin Cities Region http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Still_Time_to_Advance_Equity_in_the_Twin_Cities_Region Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:18:53 -0500 Imagine living in a place where all people, regardless of the color of their skin or socioeconomic background, have access to opportunity. Imagine a city, a region that connects all of its residents to employment, transportation, affordable housing and that leaves no one behind. The great news is that the Alliance, in partnership with our coalition members, is helping to create that region.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Corporate Subsidies: How Economic Development Policies Contribute to Racial Disparities http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/AMS_ReportCorporate_Subsidies.pdf Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:28:07 -0500 Over the next year, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability will release a series of Race and Regionalism papers that will explore a history of public policymaking that favored, either intentionally or as a byproduce of poor decision-making the needs of white people over those of people of color and indigenous people. This paper shows how corporate subsidies and economic policies, justified in the...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: Advancing an Equity Agenda for the Twin Cities Region and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Advancing_an_Equity_Agenda_for_the_Twin_Cities_Region_and_More Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:28:16 -0500 This week's edition of the Link includes an organizer profile of LaDonna Redmond, a recap of last week's demographic roundtable, stories of advancing equity in the region and a few great ideas in building people-friendly communities.

Read More »

]]> News: Building People-Friendly Communities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Building_People_Friendly_Communities Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:21:51 -0500 A key factor in any region's sustainability plan is to put people first: if our strategies don't work for people, they won't work for the planet. In an article in the Atlantic, Kaid Benfield shares 14 ways in which regions around the nation can build sustainable, people-friendly communities.

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet LaDonna Redmond http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_LaDonna_Redmond Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:32:49 -0500 How many organizers do you know whose social justice work was inspired by a food allergy?

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Twin Cities 2050: Advancing an Equity Agenda for the Twin Cities region http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/EquityRoundtable080112.pdf Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:14:23 -0500 Check out this recap of last week's Twin Cities 2050 roundtable, where community, government and business leaders from the Twin Cities region came together to discuss the largely untapped potential living within our region's communities of color and how it can be harnessed to fuel our region's economic growth....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Help Us Create More Equity Stories http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Help_Us_Create_More_Equity_Stories Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:16:51 -0500 Here at the Alliance, we envision a region that offers equitable opportunities to all people. We know that if we leave anyone behind, our entire region suffers.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: Transit Advocates Get Connected http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet__Transit_Advocates_Get_Connected Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:06:00 -0500 Advocating for better, more equitable transit calls for new media tools, but only alongside traditional modes of organizing. That was a main theme at a recent Daily Planet New Normal 2012: Get Connected! community meeting. Co-sponsored by the Alliance, the event featured the work of communities along the developing transitways including Districts Council Collaborative, Advocating Change Together and African Career, Education and Resource Inc.

Read More »

]]> News: Campaign Profile: Advocating Change Together http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Campaign_Profile__Advocating_Change_Together Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:03:28 -0500 See how one organization is empowering people with disabilities to have a say in the development of their communities.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Tracking American Poverty and Policy and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Tracking_American_Poverty_and_Policy_and_More Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:02:42 -0500 This week's edition of the Link includes the campaign profile of Advocating Change Together, the latest Organizer Roundtable resource, an interactive presentation of data on poverty in America and more!

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: The Metropolitan Council: Making Equity a Priority in Regional Planning http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Organizer_Roundtable_-_June_20_(final).pdf Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:44:51 -0500 Back in June, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability gathered organizers and community leaders from around the region for our latest Organizer Roundtable on the Metropolitan Council's efforts to make equity central to regional planning efforts. Council members Gary Cunningham, Roxanne Smith and Steven Chavez discussed the importance of having leaders from disinvested communities at dec...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: What Does Freedom Mean to You on Independence Day http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=What_Does_Freedom_Mean_to_You_on_Independence_Day Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:50:32 -0500 Last week, the U.S. celebrated the 236th anniversary of its independence. Amidst all of the festivities, have we considered the irony of the oppression and bondage of distinct communities and constituencies among us?

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Meet Ned Moore and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Meet_Ned_Moore_and_More Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:47:52 -0500 This week's edition of the Link includes an organizer profile of Ned Moore, the latest Common Ground Newsletter, the newest EPI data on the black unemployment rate and reflections on what freedom really is in light of our national disparities.

Read More »

]]> Common Ground: Summer 2012 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Common_Ground_Summer_2012_FOR_WEB_(3).pdf Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:56:23 -0500 The summer 2012 edition of the Common Ground details information about our current issues and campaigns and illustrates how the Alliance and our partner groups are creating opportunitieis to advance regional equity in the Twin Cities....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Ned Moore http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Ned_Moore Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:53:17 -0500 Learn how the late Archbishop Oscar Romero has inspired this organizer's commitment to eradicating systems of injustice and racism in the Twin Cities region.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities still worst in U.S. for black jobseekers http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Twin_Cities_still_worst_in_U_S__for_black_jobseekers Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:05:35 -0500 The newest Economic Policy Institute report illustrates that while the unemployment rate in the African American community in the Twin Cities fell in 2011, the disparity between black and white unemployment in the Twin Cities remains the worst in the nation. Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey and HIRE Minnesota Founder and President Louis King both weigh in on what this troubling problem means for our region and map a way forward to close this gap.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Lindsay Defends Higher Hiring Goals for People of Color and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Lindsay_Defends_Higher_Hiring_Goals_for_People_of_Color_and_More Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:03:30 -0500 Check out this week's edition of the Link. It features the campaign profile of Asian Economic Development Association, an article about MDHR's Commissioner Lindsey, and a Philanthropist's look at our nation's changing demographics.

Read More »

]]> News: The Deepening Wealth Divide http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Deepening_Wealth_Divide Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:48:13 -0500 In the last few decades, the incomes of the bottom 99 percent have gone down or stagnated, while the incomes of the top 1% have nearly quadrupled. As awful as these statistics are, wealth is even more highly concentrated than income, with 75 percent of wealth going to the top 10 percent of families. Even still, this wealth inequality is heavily divided along racial lines with the wealth of white Americans being more than 22 times that of African Americans.

Read More »

]]> News: Campaign Profile: Meet Asian Economic Development Association http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Campaign_Profile__Meet_Asian_Economic_Development_Association Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:56:08 -0500 See how this Community Engagement grantee is making a difference for Southeast Asian communities along the Central Corridor and Bottineau Transitway.

Read More »

]]> News: Lindsey Defends Higher Hiring Goals http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Lindsay_Defends_Higher_Hiring_Goals Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:01:10 -0500 Over the last several years, HIRE Minnesota has been working to ensure that everyone in the Twin Cities is working together to reduce our racial disparities in employment. To that end, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights recently raised the hiring goal for people of color on publicly funded projects from 11 percent to 32 percent in both Ramsey and Hennepin Counties, and to 22 percent throughout the rest of the region. Faced with criticism from state contractors, MDHR Commissioner Kevin Lindsey MDHR stood by this decision, saying that our state's changing demographics call for new hiring goals.

Read More »

]]> News: Affordable Housing Dilemma: The Preservation vs. Mobility Debate http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Affordable_Housing_Dilemma__The_Preservation_vs__Mobility_Debate Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:16:19 -0500 Currently, there is a debate waging across the nation, and locally as well, over where new housing investments should be made. After conducting extensive research and interviewing people who had a deep knowledge of, but varying perspectives on, this debate, the NLIHC concluded that policy should not determine where anyone lives, but should facilitate the ability of each household to maximize its own housing choices. Neeraj Mehta, director of the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, also shares his perspectives and outlines the roles that money, race, power and choice play in the debate.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Communities of Color and Immigrant Communities as Economic Assets to the Region http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/May_Organizer_Roundtable_(final).pdf Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:00:47 -0500 Back in May, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability gathered over 30 organizers from around the region for our Organizer Roundtable on Communities of Color and Immigrant Communities as Economic Assets to the Region. Speakers Hector Garcia, Lisa Tabor, Va-Megn Thoj and Terri Thao shared the strategies that they are using to harness the power of these communities and to make policymakers aware of t...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: Making Equity a Priority at the Metropolitan Council and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Meet_Lydia_Nobello_and_More Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:14:14 -0500 This week's edition of the Link features the latest Organizer Roundtable resource "Communities of Color and Immigrant Communities as Economic Assets to the Region," and a discussion on the preservation versus mobility dilemma in affordable housing.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: North Minneapolis revitalization plans slowed by the economy and Hennepin County http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet__North_Minneapolis_revitalization_plans_slowed_by_the_economy_and_Hennepin_County Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:52:25 -0500 Tuesday's official groundbreaking ceremony for the Van White Memorial Boulevard extension was just the first step in a north side revitalization effort that has been in the planning stages since the end of the last millennium and is expected to continue for more than two more decades. The nearly mile-long stretch of roadway includes a 600-foot bridge over rail lines and Cedar Lake Trail, and a smaller bridge over Bassett Creek. When completed at the end of 2013, the project should help connect some of the geographically isolated areas of north Minneapolis with the rest of the city.

Read More »

]]> News: Reflections from EquityNow Convening with Partnership for Southern Equity http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Reflections_from_EquityNow_Convening_with_Partnership_for_Southern_Equity Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:44:37 -0500 "Equity is not a tactic; it's a way of life."

Nathaniel Smith, founder of Partnership for Southern Equity expressed this sentiment throughout his recent presentation to EquityNow Twin Cities, a diverse group of individuals who together are committed to making racial equity a priority in our region. To this point, much of the conversation within EquityNow has focused on making the case for why promoting an equity agenda is necessary in the region. Moving forward, however, how might this network not only move an equity agenda most effectively in the region, but more importantly make equity a way of life? Owen Duckworth, the Alliance's newest coalition organizer, has the story.

Read More »

]]> News: The Southwest Corridor Immigrant Council http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Southwest_Corridor_Immigrant_Council Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:43:27 -0500 This story is the second installment in a series of profiles that highlight how different organizations around the region are using the Corridors of Opportunity Outreach and Engagement Grants to engage communities of color and low-income communities in the development of our region's transitways. This story shows how New American Academy is engaging Somali immigrants along the Southwest Light Rail Transit corridor.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Introducing New American Academy http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Introducing_New_American_Academy Thu, 31 May 2012 16:43:55 -0500 This week's edition of the Link includes the campaign profile of New American Academy, one of the Community Engagement grantees, a story about HIRE Minnesota's latest victory, and new research about our nation's changing demographics.

Read More »

]]> News: From Cleveland to the Twin Cities: Insights on Community Engagement http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=From_Cleveland_to_the_Twin_Cities__Insights_on_Community_Engagement Thu, 31 May 2012 16:43:40 -0500 Walter Wright, project director at The Cleveland Foundation, writes about the Twin Cities' Corridors of Opportunity Community Engagement initiative and how Cleveland is shaping its own efforts.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: How A Stadium Equity Plan Was Created: The Inside Story http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/HIRE_Vikings_Story.pdf Thu, 31 May 2012 11:37:25 -0500 When talk of a new Vikings stadium began in early 2012, HIRE Minnesota began listening with interest. Our coalition members had different opinions on whether the stadium should be built, but we all shared one core value: that major public investments that create jobs need to benefit everyone in our state. As the debate unfolded, HIRE Minnesota noticed that there was lots of talk about job creation...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Diverse Group of Nonprofit and Community Leaders Work to Achieve Equity in Minnesota http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Diverse_Group_of_Nonprofit_and_Community_Leaders_Work_to_Achieve_Equity_in_Minnesota Wed, 23 May 2012 12:24:48 -0500 The Central Corridor Funder's Collaborative features an article written by Tracy Babler, the Alliance's communications and development director, about the evolution and ongoing work of EquityNow Twin Cities.

Read More »

]]> News: Stadium Should Advance Employment Equity http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Stadium_Can_Advance_Employment_Equity Tue, 22 May 2012 10:25:30 -0500 Eight members of the city council have already endorsed HIRE Minnesota's equity principles for the Vikings stadium. This Thursday, we call on the rest of Minneapolis' city council members to do the same.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Reflections on 'No Love for the Heart of the City' http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Reflections_on__No_Love_for_the_Heart_of_the_City_ Thu, 17 May 2012 15:18:36 -0500 Check out the latest edition of the Link: Reflections on 'No Love for the Heart of the City."

Read More »

]]> News: Follow Chicago's Example: Invest in infrastructure http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Follow_Chicago_s_Example__Invest_in_infrastructure Thu, 17 May 2012 12:04:38 -0500 Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel shares the steps that the city is taking to create jobs by making investments in infrastructure and invites other cities to do the same.

Read More »

]]> News: Housing’s Future: Renting and Downsizing http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Housing_s_Future__Renting_and_Downsizing Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:45 -0500 An article in the Wall Street Journal discusses current trends in the housing market. More households are turning to rental properties and prefer apartments within walking distance to retail, school and work, or cities with good mass-transit systems. These trends highlight the need to make more places in the Twin Cities accessible by transit, biking and walking.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Bridging the Digital Divide http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Organizer_Roundtable_-_Bridging_the_Digital_Divide_(final).pdf Wed, 16 May 2012 22:03:42 -0500 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability gathered organizers and community leaders from around the region to discuss this topic at our most recent Organizer Roundtable: Bridging the Digital Divide. Presenters Corrine Bruning, James Robinson, Christopher Mitchell, and Abdi Ali, shared with roundtable participants their strategies for providing technology access to underserved communities in ou...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Reflections on 'No Love for the Heart of the City http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Reflections_to__No_Love_for_the_Heart_of_the_City Wed, 16 May 2012 16:40:35 -0500 In a recent opinion piece in the Star Tribune, 'No love for the heart of the city', Steve Berg argues for increased density in Minneapolis and St. Paul. In comparison to other metropolitan areas around the nation, these cities have struggled to grow their populations and, subsequently, their tax bases. Berg argues that more density is the answer to this problem, saying, "Only density can bring the efficiency and vitality that the central cities need." However, density is only one component of an effective regional growth model.

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Nancy Pomplun http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Nancy_Pomplun_ Wed, 02 May 2012 14:56:47 -0500 Meet Nancy Pomplun of the Asian Economic Development Association

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Meet Nancy Pomplun and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Meet_Nancy_Pomplun_and_More Wed, 02 May 2012 13:58:03 -0500 This week's edition of the Link includes an organizer profile of Nancy Pomplun and the second paper in our Race and Regionalism series on the Harrison Neighborhood.

Read More »

]]> News: Transportation, Evolving http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Transportation__Evolving Wed, 02 May 2012 12:24:53 -0500 This article by Fresh Energy argues that in order to be economically competitive, reduce oil consumption, and meet the demands of an ever changing market, America's metropolitan areas must reinvent themselves with renewed transportation options.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: The Harrison Neighborhood: How a Community Becomes Marginalized http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/AMS_Report_Harrison_042612_(3).pdf Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:26:46 -0500 Over the next year, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability will release a series of Race and Regionalism papersth at will explore a history of public policymaking that favored, either intentionally or as a byproduct of poor decision-making, the needs of white people over those of people of color and indigenous people. This paper shows how a series of policy decisions have created systemic barrier...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: Introducing African Career, Education and Resource Inc http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Introducing_African_Career__Education_and_Resource_Inc Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:51:54 -0500 This week's edition of the Link features the campaign profile of African Career, Education and Resource, Inc, a report on Asian Americans in the recession, and free technical assistance available through Envision Minnesota.

Read More »

]]> News: Making Transit Meaningful in Brooklyn Park http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Introducing_African_Career__Education_and_Resource__Inc_3947 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:19:10 -0500 This week the Alliance is launching a series of profiles that will highlight how different organizations around the region are using Corridors of Opportunity Outreach and Engagement Grants to engage communities of color and low-income communities in the development of our region's transitways. The first shows how African Career, Education and Resource Inc. is using innovative community engagement models to engage African immigrants and other people of color in planning for the Bottineau Transitway.

Read More »

]]> News: Getting More Americans Where They Need to Go http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Getting_More_Americans_Where_They_Need_to_Go Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:14:07 -0500 We live in a time where more Americans prefer to ride transit. Be it for economic reasons (the prices at the pump are ridiculously high), ill health or out of environmental considerations, one thing is clear – we need more options. In the Twin Cities, we have several upcoming opportunities to provide more transit options to the regions residents: street cars and light rail.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: Minneapolis Revises Minority Workforce Goals http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet__Minneapolis_Revises_Minority_Workforce_Goals Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:16 -0500 Private contractors looking to work on city projects will have to meet higher hiring standards if they want to win a bid. The Minneapolis City Council revised its minority workforce hiring goals March 30, raising its standard that 32 percent of contractors' employees be minorities - up from 11 percent.

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Karyssa Jackson http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Meet_Karyssa_Jackson Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:57:14 -0500 How many organizers do you know whose interest in social justice starting through the performing arts?

Read More »

]]> News: Taking Biking Beyond Its Usual Suspects http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Taking_Biking_Beyond_Its_Usual_Suspects Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:19:46 -0500 At a recent bike summit in Portland, speakers took an opportunity to emphasize a growing theme within the national bike movement - equity and access for low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Meet Karyssa Jackson and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Meet_Karyssa_Jackson_and_More Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:14:44 -0500 This week's edition of the Link features the organizer profile of Karyssa Jackson, the latest Organizer Roundtable resource and exciting details about new hiring goals for people of color.

Read More »

]]> News: Northside Transit: All Aboard http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Northside_Transit__All_Aboard_ Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:47:42 -0500 In a post on the Twin Cities Daily Planet, Jeff Skrenes reflects on a community meeting hosted by Northside Transportation Network in the hopes of getting more public transportation moving on the Northside of Minneapolis.

Read More »

]]> News: Sustainability as the World's Population Increases http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Sustainability_as_the_World_s_Population_Increases Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:44:52 -0500 As the world's urban population continues to climb, thoughtful urban planning is becoming even more paramount in order to make communities socially and environmentally sustainable

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Changing Suburbs, Changing Strategies http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/March_Organizer_Roundtable_-_Changing_Suburbs_Changing_Communities_(FINAL).pdf Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:18:15 -0500 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability's latest Organizer Roundtable: Changing Suburbs, Changing Strategies gathered organizers from around the region to discuss strategies that organizers and distinct cultural groups are using to bring change to suburban communities thoroughout the metro area. Presenters Asad Aliweyd of New American Academy (NAA), Monica Bravo- Carbajal of ISAIAH, and Wynf...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Race Talk: Moving Forward on Corridors of Opportunity: Equity Engagement and Systems Change http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Race_Talk__Moving_Forward_on_Corridors_of_Opportunity__Equity_Engagement_and_Systems_Change Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:36:00 -0500 Margaret Kaplan of the Minnesota Center for Neighborhood Organizing, discusses the ongoing commitment of the Community Engagement Team to not only involve people from marginalized communities in all aspects of planning and implementation along regional corridors but to also make equitable development a priority in the Twin Cities region.

Read More »

]]> News: Eight Minneapolis City Council Members Support HIRE Minnesota’s Racial Equity Platform for New Vikings Stadium http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Eight_Minneapolis_City_Council_Members_Support_HIRE_Minnesota_s_Racial_Equity_Platform_for_New_Vikings_Stadium Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:24:49 -0500 Neither HIRE Minnesota members nor the eight Minneapolis city council members agree on whether a new publicly funded stadium should be built. But we are all united in our conviction that all large-scale development, particularly development which receive public investment, must advance racial equity.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: Minorities Moving to the Suburbs http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet__Minorities_Moving_to_the_Suburbs Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:06:07 -0500 On Wednesday, March 21 the Alliance hosted an Organizer Roundtable: Changing Suburbs, Changing Strategies to discuss the strategies that communities of color are using to organize for equity in the suburbs. This article from the Twin City Daily Planet highlights some of those strategies and likewise points out the growing need for honest conversations around race in our changing Twin Cities region.

Read More »

]]> News: Good News from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Good_News_from_the_Minnesota_Department_of_Human_Rights Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:57:18 -0500 Huge Victory for HIRE Minnesota! The Minnesota Department of Human Rights just announced its new workforce goals for people of color on state construction projects: 32 percent in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties and 22 percent for the rest of the region.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: The Downfall of Freeways and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__The_Downfall_of_Freeways_and_More Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:08:32 -0500 Be sure to check out this week's edition of the Link: The Downfall of Freeways and More.

Read More »

]]> News: Little Mekong: A Successful Launch http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Little_Mekong__A_Successful_Launch Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:58:14 -0500 Va-Megn Thoj and Nancy Pomplun of the Asian Economic Development Association tell what the launch of Little Mekong means for University Avenue Asian businesses and their community in this article from the Central Funders Collaborative.

Read More »

]]> News: Living on Less than $2 a Day in America http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Living_on_Less_than__2_a_Day_in_America Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:45:46 -0500 Most Americans believe that extreme poverty is only experienced by people in remote countries and villages overseas. However, a series from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that since 1996, there has been a 130 percent increase in the number of families with children living on less than $2 a day.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: The G.I. Bill: America’s Largest Affirmative Action Program http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/AMS_Report1_GI_bill_Final2012.pdf Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:26:58 -0600 Over the next year, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability will share a series of stories that explores a history of public policymaking that favored, either intentionally or as a byproduct of poor decision making, the needs of white people over those of people of color and indigenous people. This first paper looks at the long-term effects of the post-WWII G.I. Bill and demonstrates how even race...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: Meet Rick Cardenas and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Meet_Rick_Cardenas_and_More Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:32:08 -0600 This week's edition of the Link which features an organizer profile of Rick Cardenas and a new paper from the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability - The G.I Bill: America's Largest Affirmative Action Program, and more.

Read More »

]]> News: Bringing New Communities to the Decision Making Table http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Bringing_New_Communities_to_the_Decision_Making_Table Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:23:51 -0600 The Metropolitan Council's February newsletter highlights the work of the Corridors of Opportunity Community Engagement Team and its efforts to bring marginalized communities to the decision making table. It also features the work of one of the CET grantees, African Career, Education and Resource, Inc.

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Council Group Urges Minority Hiring for Vikings Stadium http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Council_Group_Urges_Minority_Hiring_for_Vikings_Stadium Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:23:01 -0600 Eight Minneapolis city council members signed onto a letter sent last Wednesday to Mayor R.T. Rybak and Council President Barb Johnson urging the city to adopt HIRE Minnesota's proposals for equitable hiring goals if a stadium deal is reached. Although not all agreed on whether or not a stadium should be built, all agreed that if a Vikings Stadium is built, that it must address racial disparities in employment.

Read More »

]]> News: Meet Rick Cardenas http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Meet_Rick_Cardenas Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:23:42 -0600

How many organizers do you know who are strong advocates for disability rights?

Read More »

]]> News: Now Hiring! Coalition Organizer http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Now_Hiring__Coalition_Organizer Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:02:23 -0600

The Alliance is seeking candidates for a Coalition Organizing position. This position supports grassroots coalitions in issue campaigns that build long-term power and achieve short-term victories. The organizers also provide educational resources that support and advance organizing activities within the equitable development field more broadly.

Read More »

]]> News: Met Council Committed to Minority Hiring on LRT Project http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Met_Council_Committed_to_Minority_Hiring_on_LRT_Project Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:29:29 -0600 Recognizing existing racial gaps in unemployment, Metropolitan Council chair Susan Haigh makes the hiring of people of color and women a top priority in the construction of the Central Corridor light rail transit line.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Overcoming Historical Disinvestment and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Overcoming_Historical_Disinvestment_and_More Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:26:52 -0600 Check out the latest edition of the Link: Overcoming Historical Disinvestment and More!

Read More »

]]> News: Minneapolis Considers Ways to Get North Side Rolling http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Minneapolis_Considers_Ways_to_Get_North_Side_Rolling Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:16:24 -0600 As Minneapolis city officials are considering a route for the upcoming Bottineau Light Rail Transit line that would miss a large portion of the transit-dependent populations on the North Side, the community explores the possibility of developing a street car line to ensure that economic investments return to a vital commercial corridor.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Overcoming Historical Disinvestment http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/February_Organizer_Roundtable_-_Overcoming_Historical_Disinvestment_(final).pdf Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:15:41 -0600 Kevin Martineau, Theresa Gardella, Malik Holt-Shabazz and Elena Gaarder were featured presenters at the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability's Organizer Roundtable: Overcoming Historic Disinvestment on Wednesday, February 15. These presenters represented communities around the Twin Cities metro area who are working to surmount a history of disinvestment that has most often been brought about ...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Minnesota Public Radio: Minnesota's Black Middle Class is Shrinking http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Minnesota_Public_Radio__Minnesota_s_Black_Middle_Class_is_Shrinking Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:54:15 -0600 According to state demographer Tom Gillaspy, Minnesota has lost about a 25 percent of its moderate-income black households between 2006 and 2010. This is not attributed to blacks leaving the state but racial disparities in employment, which has kept blacks unemployed at a rate more than 3 times of their white counterparts.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Meet Hindia Ali and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Meet_Hindia_Ali_and_More Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:32:12 -0600 Our latest edition of the link features an organizer profile of Hindia Ali, a video from our latest Organizer Roundtable: Organizing for Equity and more.

Read More »

]]> News: Desegregation is Not the Main Issue http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Desegregation_is_Not_the_Issue Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:32:27 -0600 In a recent report from the conservative market-oriented think tank the Manhattan Institute, research fellows Edward Glaeser and Jacob Vigdor celebrate the progress we have made in desegregating our American society. Although this is partly true, desegregation is not the real issue of our time.

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Hindia Ali http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Roundtable__Hindia_Ali Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:10:38 -0600 Discover how this organizer is motivated by stories to build power in the Somali community.

Read More »

]]> News: Video: EquityNow TC http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Video__EquityNow_TC Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:46:28 -0600 Be sure to check out this new video that tells the story of EquityNow TC, which the Alliance is a part of, our work around PolicyLink's Equity Summit and our aspirations moving forward.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: How to Be a Racial Justice Hero and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__How_to_Be_a_Racial_Justice_Hero_and_More Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:35:32 -0600 Check out the latest edition of the Link, which includes simple ways we can all step up our game to see racial justice realized!

Read More »

]]> News: Metropolitan Council’s 2012 State of the Region address http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Metropolitan_Council_s_2012_State_of_the_Region_address Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:29:58 -0600 "Transit holds the key to a successful and prosperous region."

This was the overarching theme of Met Council Chair Sue Haigh's State of the Region address last Wednesday. Several hundred people attended this event where Commissioner Haigh laid out the Met Council's plans for the year, highlighting a strong commitment to developing a sustainable region where transit connects to economic development, job creation and affordable housing.

Read More »

]]> News: I want to ride my bicycle…in Minneapolis http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=I_want_to_ride_my_bicycle_in_Minneapolis Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:29:07 -0600 The City of Minneapolis recently released a report which highlights the progress the city has made in making it a better place for bicyclists. Much of the success comes as a result of organizing work done by organizations such as the Sierra Club's North Star Chapter, which has not only been the driver of the progress but has also advocated for bike infrastructure and accessibility in underserved communities.

Read More »

]]> News: Place and Race Matter http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Place_and_Race_Matter Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:28:27 -0600 Economic opportunity, the physical environment, social connections and health are all factors that make up the community in which people live. Neeraj Mehta of Nexus Community Partners writes about the significant role race plays in creating places that offer unequal opportunities to their residents.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Organizing for Equity - Sharing Lessons from PolicyLink's Equity Summit http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Jan2012_Organizer_Roundtable_-_Organizing_for_Equity.pdf Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:06:10 -0600 Last Wednesday the Alliance for Metropolitan gathered over 40 organizers from around the region for our first Organizer Roundtable of 2012: Organizing for Equity – Sharing Lesson's from PolicyLink's Equity Summit. Members of the Minnesota Delegation, Hashi Shafi, Nancy Pomplun, Joan Pasiuk and Neeraj Mehta, shared their experiences and what their learnings mean for their wo...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Downtown Journal: The People’s Stadium, but what’s in it for the people? http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Downtown_Journal__The_People_s_Stadium__but_what_s_in_it_for_the_people__ Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:39:03 -0600 With it looking more and more likely that the Vikings Stadium will stay in Minneapolis, it's time for City officials to recognize that this development cannot be separated from reducing disparities in Minneapolis. As recently mentioned in a commentary on the Downtown Council vision in the Star Tribune, we need an integrated approach to tackling disparities in our region! Check out HIRE Minnesota's commentary in the Downtown Journal on the Vikings Stadium proposals.

Read More »

]]> News: Funders Collaborative: Stops for Us coalition celebrates and shares EPA Award http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Funder_s_Collaborative__Stops_for_Us_coalition_celebrates_and_shares_EPA_Award Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:10:32 -0600 On December 11, 2011, Lisa Garcia, Senior Advisor on Environmental Justice to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Jackson, presented the Stops for Us coalition with a National Achievements in Environmental Justice award. This award highlighted the significance of the coalition's success in securing light rail stations at Western Avenue, Victoria Street, and Hamline Avenue to provide equitable transit service to those who needed it the most.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Job Equity in the Twin Cities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Job_Equity_in_the_Twin_Cities Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:10:09 -0600 Check out the latest edition of the Link: Job Equity in the Twin Cities and More!

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Melissa Rudnick http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Melissa_Rudnick_ Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:42:37 -0600 Discover how this organizer is using the history of her people to create social justice in the world.

Read More »

]]> News: Finance and Commerce: Does a bike route make sense for busy Snelling Avenue? http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Finance_and_Commerce__Does_a_bike_route_make_sense_for_busy_Snelling_Ave_ Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:26:58 -0600

As MnDOT prepares to resurface Snelling Avenue early this spring, it has an opportunity to put transit equity at the center of its work. Will MnDOT add bike lanes to the road, making it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians alike? Or will it maintain the status quo and cut off alternative transportation options for the people who desperately need them?

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Downtown 2025 plan must include job equity http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Downtown_2025_plan_must_include_job_equity Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:09:08 -0600 Check out HIRE's commentary in the Star Tribune about the Minneapolis Downtown Council's plan. Development in our region must include job equity in order to reduce disparities!

Read More »

]]> News: Stops for Us Coalition Celebrates National Achievements in Environmental Justice http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Stops_for_Us_Coalition_Celebrates_National_Achievements_in_Environmental_Justice_ Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:48:31 -0600 More than 100 people gathered at Gordon Parks High School on Sunday to celebrate the proclamation, and the Stops for Us coalition's 2010 National Achievement in Environmental Justice Award. This award, presented by Environmental Protection Agency Senior Advisor Lisa Garcia, recognizes the coalition's work to secure three missing Central Corridor LRT stops at Western Avenue, Victoria Street and Hamline Avenue to serve the environmental justice communities of east University Avenue.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Taking Care of Business http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Organizer_Roundtable_Taking_Care_of_Business.pdf Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:42:26 -0600 As the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (CCLRT) is being developed on University Ave, many businesses, organizations, and community groups have had their worlds disrupted. Although project staff communicated beforehand the effect that the construction would have on these entities, the reality of the construction season turned out to be more than any of them anticipated. What is clear is that bu...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: Would Newt Gingrich's Idea about Poor Kids Work? http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet__Would_Newt_Gingrich_s_Idea_about_Poor_Kids_Work_ Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:04:18 -0600 Founder of HIRE Minnesota Louis King has a different approach to learning work ethic than presidential candidate Newt Gingrich. Whereas Gingrich suggests that child labor laws need to be weakened so that poor, inner-city children can be put to work in schools, King says that it is not the kids who need access to jobs, but their parents.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Stops for Us: Organizing for Equity Along the Central Corridor http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/stopsforus_final.pdf Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:59:48 -0600 When the Central Corridor light rail begins its service connecting St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2014, it will carry more than the thousands of riders who will use it daily. The line will also carry with it a powerful story about how engaged residents and community-based organizations can, and must play a central role in the planning and development of major infrastructure investments....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Transit for Livable Communities: PolicyLink's Equity Summit 2011 http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Transit_for_Livable_Communities__PolicyLink_s_Equity_Summit_2011 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:24:06 -0600 It's been a month since PolicyLink's Equity Summit 2011, and conversations about the event are still going strong! Owen Duckworth, a member of the Minnesota Equity Summit Delegation and board chair for the Alliance, shares his reflections on the summit and what equity means for our region going forward.

Read More »

]]> News: Taking Care of Business http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Taking_Care_of_Business Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:11:11 -0600 Over 30 people gathered last week for the Alliance's Organizer Roundtable: Taking Care of Business to discuss how business and community leaders along University Ave have organized to survive during the Central Corridor LRT construction.

Read More »

]]> News: Reflections on Equity as the Superior Growth Model http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Reflections_on_Equity_as_the_Superior_Growth_Model Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:10:09 -0600 PolicyLink recently released a report that challenges the nation to invest in our collective futures. America's Tomorrow: Equity is the Superior Growth Model suggests that for our nation's economy to grow, we must rebuild our public infrastructure, grow new businesses and jobs, and prepare the workers of tomorrow for the jobs of tomorrow. But what are the nation's top leaders in equity saying? Can such suggestions truly spark the economic stimulation that the country so desperately needs?

Read More »

]]> News: Meet Malik Holt-Shabazz http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Meet_Malik_Holt_Shabazz Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:09:10 -0600 Discover how the Undoing Racism framework is enhancing this organizer's capacity to change his community!

Read More »

]]> News: St. Paul Unearths Surprise $3 Million http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=St__Paul_Unearths_Surprise__3_Million Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:30:05 -0600 In economic times like these, where we are pinching every penny we have, it seems next to impossible to believe that anyone could overlook an extra hundred dollars. Yet, in an attempt to keep from cutting services, the city of St. Paul recently found a surprise $3.1 million dollars. How to spend this money, which at one time been allocated to community development projects in the city, has become a hot topic.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Telling a New Story about Disparities http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Telling_a_New_Story_about_Disparities.pdf Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:22:08 -0600 "How do we widen the messaging frame so that we are inclusive, without making it so wide that there is no focus?"Traditionally, we have started the conversation about racial disparities by talking about the disparities themselves. During one of the breakout sessions at PolicyLink's Equity Summit, a panel of communications specialists illustrated that this is not the most effe...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Minnesota takes on Equity Summit 2011 http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Minnesota_takes_on_Equity_Summit_2011 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:44:48 -0600 Last week, nearly 2,500 people gathered in Detroit for PolicyLink's Equity Summit 2011. The energy at the summit was invigorating as people from around the United States came together to discuss how we can make equity central to everything that we do. The Twin Cities delegation consisted of more than 175 people, representing community groups, foundations and the public sector.

Read More »

]]> News: Congress Does Not Include Funding for HUD’s Sustainable Communities Initiative (Smart Growth America) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Congress_Does_Not_Include_Funding_for_HUD_s_Sustainable_Communities_Initiative Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:29:53 -0600 Thanks to the many of you who called Congress last week with messages about the importance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Sustainable Communities Initiative. Unfortunately, the final conference report, released Tuesday evening, does not include funding for this work.

Read More »

]]> News: Human rights commissioner promises quicker investigation, resolution (MPR) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Human_rights_commissioner_promises_quicker_investigation__resolution Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:29:35 -0600 After a lengthy fight at the state legislature, HIRE Minnesota was able to help preserve about 95 percent of the Minnesota Department of Human Right's budget for the next two years. MDHR is the only state agency charged with the responsibility of handling discrimination cases. Yet even with its budget preserved, resources at the agency are stretched. As of January, it took nearly 400 days for cases that were not dismissed to be resolved. The good news is, MDHR has taken steps to decrease this waiting time.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: October Organizer Roundtable: The Importance of Community Voice at the Legislature http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/October_Organizer_Roundtable_-_The_Importance_of_Community_Voice_at_the_Legislature_(final).pdf Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:04:26 -0600 "Power concedes nothing without a demand." – Frederick DouglassThis point was made expressly clear at the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability's October 2011 Organizer Roundtable on The Importance of Community Voice at the Legislature. Rep. Frank Hornstein of Minneapolis' District 60B shared with those who attended that power in the state legislature only comes as a re...

Download the PDF »

]]> Common Ground: Fall 2011 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Common_Ground_Fall_2011_LOW_RES.pdf Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:29:50 -0600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes;...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: The Link: Putting All Minnesotans Back to Work and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Putting_All_Minnesotans_Back_to_Work_and_More Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:21:49 -0500 Check out this week's edition of the Link: Putting All Minnesotans Back to Work and More

Read More »

]]> News: Poverty Rate Climbs in America’s Suburbs http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Poverty_Rate_Climbs_in_America_s_Suburbs Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:46:30 -0500 Although the suburbs have long been a symbol of a strong, prosperous middle class, new reports are proving the contrary. Nationwide, the poor population in America's suburbs rose by more than half after 2000, two-thirds of which were added between 2007 and 2010.

Read More »

]]> News: Putting All Minnesotans Back to Work http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Putting_All_Minnesotans_Back_to_Work Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:45:31 -0500 At a time when the unemployment rate in communities of color is at its highest, it is important that our state's workforce investments put all Minnesotans back to work. Several state agencies, including MnDOT, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, have pledged to make sure that people of color and women are hired as infrastructure projects are built. However, when reports on hiring goals are confusing or inaccurate, it is difficult to know whether or not these agencies are holding true to their word.

Read More »

]]> News: Meet Mel Reeves http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Meet_Mel_Reeves Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:29:33 -0500 How many organizers do you know who have this title – community political activist/ organizer/ journalist?

Read More »

]]> News: Do they or don't they? Dispute over Central Corridor hiring goals for minorities and women (TCDP) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Do_they_or_don_t_they__Dispute_over_Central_Corridor_hiring_goals_for_minorities_and_women__TCDP_ Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:30:38 -0500 The Twin Cities Daily Planet offers this great analysis of HIRE Minnesota's efforts to ensure people of color get their fair share of Central Corridor LRT jobs.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Regional Transitway Resources and More http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Regional_Transitway_Resources_and_More Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:39:04 -0500 Check out this week's edition of the Link: Regional Transitway Resources and More!

Read More »

]]> News: Cute Kid Alert! http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Cute_Kid_Alert_ Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:52:09 -0500

Everybody loves a cute kid! That is what makes PolicyLink's new public service announcement America's Tomorrow so effective. It is hard to say no to a cute kid; it is difficult to deny such an innocent life the opportunities and privileges that many enjoy. People of color will be the majority in our nation by the year 2042. These kids, representing a myriad of cultures and races, are the future of our nation.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Bridging Culture to Organize Community http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Sept_28_Bridging_Culture_(Final).pdf Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:01:49 -0500 At the Alliance's last Organizer Roundtable on Bridging Culture to Organize Community, the Native American Somali Friendship Committee and Unify University Parade discussed the strategies that they have employed to organize with one another, and the obstacles that they have had to overcome in order to make their cross-cultural relationships a success....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Twin Cities Regional Transitway Decision-Making Overview http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/101111Transitwaydecisionmakingoverview.pdf Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:28:32 -0500 Who has authority over transitway planning in the Twin Cities? This flow chart depicts the complex and often interrelated authorities who play a role in transitway planning in our region....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Status of Corridors of Opportunity Transitways http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/101111CoOMapCorridorcurrentstatus.pdf Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:27:07 -0500 The Corridors of Opportunity project is creating sustainable, vibrant and healthy communities in the Twin Cities, using seven existing and planned transitways as a development focus. This map shows the seven Corridors of Opportunity, with a high-level summary of what planning stage each transitway is currently in....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Community Engagement Opportunities for Transitway Development http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/101111CEopportunitiestransitway_planningprocess.pdf Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:23:25 -0500 How does a new transitway get planned? The complex steps of planning, design and public input can be overwhelming. This simple chart shows the major planning steps each new transitway must go through, and which government agencies have authority over those processes....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: 2010 Annual Report http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Annual_Report_2010_FINAL_1.pdf Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:33:50 -0500 Thank you for being a partner with the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability this year. Together, we made big strides in transforming our region toward our vision for an equitable, inclusive and sustainable region that benefits everyone. The victories you will read about in this report are transforming the way that our region functions.We are showing that it is possible to intentionally build a regi...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Karen Monahan http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Karen_Monahan_ Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:33:36 -0500 What's the one piece of advice this organizer would give you? Fuel your organizing with love, not anger.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Met Council Data does not match public contractor reports http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/9-28-11_Met_Council_July_workforce_claims.pdf Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:18:50 -0500 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Disparities in Minnesota http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Disparities_in_Minnesota_ Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:14:16 -0500 In terms of overall poverty and unemployment, rates Minnesota does much better in comparison to other states around the country. However, when we break these numbers down according to our demographics, we will find that people of color, women and children, experience disproportionate hardships more in our region than anywhere else in the country.

Read More »

]]> News: $33.3 million aimed at Twin Cities transit projects (Finance & Commerce) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=_33_3_million_aimed_at_Twin_Cities_transit_projects_ Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:26:46 -0500 More than $33 million should soon be available for transit-oriented development throughout the Twin Cities region. These additional monies come as the result of projects planned for years past that were not realized as a result of the economy. The Corridors of Opportunity Policy Board will be coordinating the funds, making them available to local cities, counties, rail authorities, development authorities, private or nonprofit developers, and nonprofit organizations that support transit-oriented development, entrepreneurship and small business development.

Read More »

]]> News: Strategic Investing in TOD: Balancing riches, realities and risk (Central Corridor Funders Collaborative) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Strategic_Investing_in_TOD__Balancing_riches__realities_and_risk Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:26:25 -0500 The Central Corridor Funder's Collaborative brought together a work group to share what they've learned as they explore how transit-oriented development (TOD) along rail corridors can advance access to affordable housing, jobs and other elements of a high quality of life for all residents. The resources provided by the workgroup also consider the challenges and opportunities involved in considering a new TOD funding structure for the Twin Cities region.

Read More »

]]> News: Equity Summit 2011… here we come! (Nexus Community Partners blog) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Equity_Summit_2011__here_we_come___Nexus_Community_Partners_blog_ Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:01:09 -0500 The Alliance is organizing a delegation of more than 150 Minnesotans to attend Equity Summit 2011, along with our Community Engagement Team partners Nexus Community Partners and the Minnesota Center for Neighborhood Organizing. Read about what we've done so far from Nexus's blog.

Read More »

]]> News: Progress on reaching Central Corridor's diversity hiring goals in dispute (Pioneer Press) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Progress_on_reaching_Central_Corridor_s_diversity_hiring_goals_in_dispute__Pioneer_Press_ Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:35:03 -0500 HIRE Minnesota has been closely following the progress on hiring women and people of color to build the Central Corridor LRT. At the September Central Corridor affirmative action meeting, the contractors reported that their hiring of people of color slipped in August. That's why we were surprised to see a September 27 report on mpr.org that declared contractors were meeting goals.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: Accused Construction Company Gets Central Corridor Contract http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet__Accused_Construction_Company_Gets_Central_Corridor_Contract Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:23:48 -0500 C.S. McCrossan, the construction company charged with lying about hiring people of color and women in building the Hiawatha LRT, is also the prime contractor on the St. Paul portion of the Central Corridor line. At a time when the unemployment rate for African Americans in the Twin Cities is three times higher than that of whites, HIRE Minnesota is not only committed to making sure that McCrossan's mistake does not happen a second time around but that they exceed their hiring goals every month.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Challenging CCLRT Contractors for Accountability http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Challenging_CCLRT_Contractors_for_Accountability Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:46:06 -0500 Check out this week's edition of our e-newsletter - The Link: Challenging CCLRT Contractors for Accountability.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: Storytelling as an Organizing Strategy http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Storytelling_as_an_Organizing_Strategy_(final).pdf Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:10:52 -0500 On August 24, more than 50 people gathered for the Alliance's Organizer Roundtable: Storytelling as an Organizing Strategy at the Merriam Park Library. Organizers from around the region shared how they use storytelling in their work to motivate people to take action and create social change....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Placemaking and Cultural Corridors http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Placemaking_and_Cultural_Corridors Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:03:52 -0500 In July, the Hennepin Theatre Trust received $200,000 in support of a one-year planning process to transform Hennepin Avenue into an arts-inspired cultural corridor. This creative placemaking not only will strengthen the arts, but will shape the social, physical and economic character of the Twin Cities metro region. But Hennepin Avenue is not the only cultural corridor that the Twin Cities enjoys. The African American Heritage Corridor in St. Paul, American Indian Cultural Corridor on East Franklin, and those embedded in the Latino community on Lake Street in Minneapolis and District del Sol in St. Paul also revitalize the economy of our neighborhoods and region.

Read More »

]]> News: Local and National Poverty Rates http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Local_and_National_Poverty_Rates Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:01:04 -0500 According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau last week, one in every six Americans lives at or below the poverty line. In Minnesota, there are 544,000 people living in poverty and one million – one in four Minnesotans – who are considered near poor. However, when you consider the picture of poverty in communities of color, these figures are even more disturbing as a result of racial disparities in terms of employment opportunities.

Read More »

]]> News: Challenging CCLRT Contractors for Accountability http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Challenging_CCLRT_Contractors_for_Accountability Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:58:59 -0500 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Over a dozen HIRE Minnesota members attended the Central Corridor Affirmative Action meeting last week to hear from the contractors about who is building the Central Corridor Light Rail line. Unfortunately, we learned that there is still a downward trend in the hiring of people of color on the project. Both the Minneapolis and Saint Paul portions of the project are below the hiring goal for people of color.

Read More »

]]> News: The Link: Connecting People, Places and Issues for Regional Equity http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_Link__Connecting_People__Places_and_Issues_for_Regional_Equity Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:18:18 -0500 Today, the Alliance launched our new e-newsletter, The Link! Check it out and let us know what you think!

Read More »

]]> News: Firms Cited by Feds Hired by Central Corridor http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Firms_Cited_by_Feds_Hired_by_Central_Corridor Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:52:43 -0500 C.S. McCrossan, a construction firm that built portions of the Hiawatha LRT, recently agreed to pay $4.6 million to settle claims by the federal government that they had misrepresented the number of women- and minority-owned businesses they hired to complete the project. This news is especially troubling, because McCrossan has a major contract to build the Minneapolis portion of the Central Corridor LRT. Current statistics for the construction of the CCLRT shows that McCrossan is one of the few contractors failing to meet hiring goals. But you can do something about it. Join HIRE Minnesota at the next Central Corridor Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Affirmative Action meeting to tell McCrossan that we expect all contractors who receive public funds to meet their goals for hiring and contracting.

Read More »

]]> News: Light rail on the Northside: Q&A with Raymond Dehn http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Light_rail_on_the_Northside__Q_A_with_Raymond_Dehn Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:49:52 -0500 In an interview with the Twin Cities Daily Planet, Raymond Dehn of the Northside Transportation Network, describes what he considers to be some of the most pressing transportation concerns on the Northside. Dehn says the Northside has been disproportionately affected by cuts in public transportation, which cuts off many residents from jobs and other opportunities outside of their community.

Read More »

]]> News: Federal Agencies Sign Environmental Justice Memorandum http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Federal_Agencies_Sign_Environmental_Justice_Memorandum Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:48:22 -0500 Last month, the Obama administration announced that federal agencies have agreed to develop environmental justice strategies to protect the health of people living in communities overburdened by pollution. In doing so, many departments, including both likely and unlikely suspects, are making a commitment to advance environmental justice as it relates to their policies and practices. The announcement could be important for the Twin Cities region because it could allow communities along planned transitways to leverage environmental justice as a means to increase their power in influencing transitway development.

Read More »

]]> News: Maps of Census Data by Race and Age http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Maps_of_Census_Data_by_Race_and_Age Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:43:38 -0500 If we want to have a nation that we are really proud of, a nation with more than just espoused democratic values and a nation with a strong middle class, we have to take into account the shift in our racial demographics and begin investing in communities that have been historically left behind. These graphs from PolicyLink show how over the next 30 years, our nation will increasingly be inhabited by people of color. Yet many communities of color have troubling economic disparities. How can our nation be economically competitive if a small fraction of our citizens hold all the wealth? Equity must be at the core of all our public policymaking to ensure a vibrant American future.

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Daniel Yang http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Daniel_Yang Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:23:02 -0500

How many organizers do you know who have worked directly for the president of a major foreign nation?

Read More »

]]> News: Videos! Anchoring Equity to Achieve Sustainable Regional Development http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Videos__Anchoring_Equity_to_Achieve_Sustainable_Regional_Development Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:30:18 -0500 "What does an inclusive and sustainable path to economic growth look like?" Find out what local and national leaders said about the prospects for regional equity in the Twin Cities at Anchoring Equity to Achieve Sustainable Regional Development.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Organizer Roundtable: New Legislative Dynamics http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/July_27_OR_New_Legislative_Dynamics.pdf Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:25:44 -0500 On Wednesday, July 27, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability gathered organizers, advocates and other nonprofit leaders for an Organizer Roundtable to highlight the strategies Twin Cities organizers used to build power at the Minnesota State Legislature this year. This year presented new challenges for progressive organizations at the legislature. An extremely large freshman class of legislators...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet: High Cost of Getting to Work http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=The_High_Cost_of_Getting_to_Work Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:50:58 -0500 Although it is not typically considered as a means to boost the economy, public transportation is an essential component in getting all Minnesotans back to work. Yet, those who rely solely on public transit options, have significantly less job opportunities than those who have access to a car. As this article by Twin Cities Daily Planet points out, "the main problem is not bringing (transit) coverage to where people live, but overhauling the system to connect more jobs to workers."

Read More »

]]> News: Finance and Commerce: Community, officials clash over development plans for struggling Minneapolis neighborhood http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Finance_and_Commerce__Community__officials_clash_over_development_plans_for_struggling_Minneapolis_neighborhood Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:32:27 -0500 In this article written by Finance and Commerce, Harrison Neighborhood Association speaks out against the desires of city officials to put a commuter train storage facility in Linden Yards, a decision that would continue to sentence the community to generations of poverty and disinvestment.

Read More »

]]> News: Building the Power of Minnesota’s Communities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Building_the_power_of_Minnesota_s_communities_ Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:15:23 -0500 On Wednesday, July 27 the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability hosted an Organizer Roundtable on New Legislative Dynamics. Avi Viswanathan, HIRE Minnesota organizer, opened the conversation by asking how the new leaders in the state legislature are effecting the capacity of organizers to build power in the Twin Cities historically disenfranchised communities.

Read More »

]]> News: Shelterforce: Making Light Rail Stop for Us http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Shelterforce__Making_Light_Rail_Stop_for_Us Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:38:37 -0500 Alliance staffer Tracy Babler wrote this article for Shelterforce, a national affordable housing magazine, on the incredible work of the Stops for Us coalition to secure three missing stations for communities of color along the Central Corridor LRT.

Read More »

]]> News: Is Convening More Than a Buzz Word? How Funders and Nonprofits Attack Workforce Disparities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Is_Convening_More_Than_a_Buzz_Word__How_Funders_and_Nonprofits_Attack_Workforce_Disparities Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:01:48 -0500 As grantmakers seek avenues to achieve greater impact, the role of "convener" has become prevalent. Undoubtedly, convenings generate initial energy boosts for an issue, but is this sustained? Can convenings launch change?

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: The 2011 Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Guide: How to Incorporate Equity into your Grant Application http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/PolicyLinkHUDEquityReport-2.pdf Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:03:37 -0500 Last year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), launched an unprecedented new program to help regions plan for sustainability.This guide provided by PolicyLink offers information on how regions can incorporate social equity into their applications for the second rou...

Download the PDF »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Lessons from Faith-Based Organizers http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/June_29th_OR_write_up-3.pdf Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:54:07 -0500 On Wednesday, June 29, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability organized a roundtable for a discussion on Lessons from Faith-Based Organizers at the Franklin Library. Alison Kileen of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) opened up our time speaking of the work that she and colleagues do, organizing for social justice across faith lines....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: HIRE Minnesota Shutdown Action Makes News http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=HIRE_Minnesota_Shutdown_Action_Makes_News Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:16:46 -0500 The Alliance joined our partners in the HIRE Minnesota coalition today for a public action to call on our leaders to end the shutdown and put Minnesotans back to work.

Read More »

]]> News: Policy Link Responds to Rep. John Mica's Transportation Reauthorization Proposal http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Policy_Link_Responds_to_Rep__John_Mica_s_Transportation_Reauthorization_Proposal_ Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:49:01 -0500 Angela Glover Blackwell, one of the speakers and panelists at the Anchoring Equity to Achieve Sustainable Regional Development event last week, responds to the proposal made by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair John Mica to cut spending on transportation programs by 35 percent.

Read More »

]]> News: Transit Woes Loom http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Transit_Woes_Loom Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:48:36 -0500 Vaughn Larry, of Alliance member group Aurora/ St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation, was one of 100 people who gathered at a legislative hearing Wednesday night to warn about the impact of cuts to transit service and increase in fares.

Read More »

]]> Our Work: HIRE Minnesota http://www.metrostability.org/campaigns/article.php?sid=HIRE_Minnesota Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:04:58 -0500 HIRE Minnesota is working to ensure that public investments lift people out of poverty, reduce racial disparities and contribute to healthier communities for all of us.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Local and national leaders envision equitable transitway development in the Twin Cities region http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/6-28-11_Anchoring_Equity_writeup.pdf Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:07:06 -0500 "What does an inclusive and sustainable path to economic growth look like?"That was the framing question posed by Nexus Community Partners Executive Director Repa Mekha to more than 250 people who attended a public forum on Anchoring Equity to Achieve Sustainable Regional Development Outcomes last week....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Growing together: using equity to spur growth (Growth & Justice blog) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Growing_together__using_equity_to_spur_growth__Growth___Justice_blog_ Sat, 02 Jul 2011 12:47:38 -0500 Growth & Justice adds its two cents about Minnesota's growing inequities, after attending the Community Engagement Team's Anchoring Equity event last week, presented in partnership with the Northwest Area Foundation and the Metropolitan Council.

Read More »

]]> Our Work: Corridors of Opportunity Community Engagement Team http://www.metrostability.org/campaigns/article.php?sid=Corridors_of_Opportunity_Community_Engagement_Team Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:09:01 -0500 In October 2010, the Twin Cities was awarded two competitive grants to support planning along the region's growing network of transit corridors. Over the next three years, Nexus Community Partners, the Minnesota Center for Neighborhood Organizing and the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability will serve as members of the Corridors of Opportunity initiative's Community Engagement Team.

Read More »

]]> News: Call for Corridors of Opportunity Outreach and Engagement Grant Applications! http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Call_for_Corridors_of_Opportunity_Outreach_and_Engagement_Grant_Applications_ Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:28:07 -0500 The Alliance and our Corridors of Opportunity Community Engagement Team partners have issued a call for applications for Outreach and Engagement grants!

Read More »

]]> News: Shutdown would be serious; bad budget would be catastrophic, groups say (Workday Minnesota) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Shutdown_would_be_serious__bad_budget_would_be_catastrophic__groups_say__Workday_Minnesota_ Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:20:01 -0500 The Alliance joined the HIRE Minnesota coalition and other groups involved in the Invest in Minnesota coalition on Thursday to tell state government leaders that a shutdown would be bad, but an all-cuts budget would be worse.

Read More »

]]> News: Transit planners say north Minneapolis concerns a factor in Bottineau decisions (Finance & Commerce) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Transit_planners_say_north_Minneapolis_concerns_a_factor_in_Bottineau_decisions__Finance___Commerce_ Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:03:42 -0500 Determined to avoid the mistakes made in the early stages of the Central Corridor, transit planners have spent June inviting communities from north Minneapolis to Maple Grove to share their concerns about a potential billion-dollar system in the Bottineau Corridor.

Read More »

]]> News: Trying to bridge Minnesota's racial opportunity gap (Finance & Commerce) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Trying_to_bridge_Minnesota_s_racial_opportunity_gap__Finance___Commerce_ Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:28:36 -0500 Twin Cities Finance & Commerce covered the Anchoring Equity to Achieve Sustainable Regional Development Outcomes event the Alliance hosted last week, in partnership with our Corridors of Opportunity Community Engagement Team members Nexus Community Partners and the Minnesota Center for Neighborhood Organizing. The event highlighted ways that the Twin Cities region can capitalize on the opportunity of new transitway development to increase racial and economic equity for our residents.

Read More »

]]> Common Ground: Spring 2011 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Common_Ground_Spring_2011_for_Web.pdf Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:43:46 -0500 The latest Common Ground is packed with information about the current political landscape, including the affect of the legislative session on equity issues and the possible impact of a new Metropolitan Council....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Keep State Agency for Human Rights (Star Tribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Keep_State_Agency_for_Human_Rights__Star_Tribune_ Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:10:57 -0500 The Star Tribune Editorial Board stands in defense of saving the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, acknowledging that the Legislature's proposal to slash the department's budget by 65 percent would make the agency ineffective, if not altogether obsolete. HIRE Minnesota has been working to raise public awareness on this issue, knowing that without this department cases of discrimination in regards to employment, housing, education, and health care would not be handled.

Read More »

]]> News: Helping Communities of Color Go Green (Twin Cities Daily Planet) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Helping_Communities_of_Color_Go_Green__Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet_ Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:01:22 -0500 On Wednesday, May 25 the Alliance hosted an Organizer Roundtable on Local Organizing for the Environment, Energy and the Earth. Representatives of environment advocacy groups across the Metro Area discussed how the green revolution can more prominently include communities of color.

Read More »

]]> News: North Minneapolis Community Forum (Twin Cities Daily Planet) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=North_Minneapolis_Community_Forum__Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet_ Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:58:35 -0500 On Monday, June 9, Congressman Keith Ellison, Rep. Bobby Joe Champion, Rep. Jeff Hayden, Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey and other leaders joined HIRE Minnesota in a call to action to save the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Local Organizing for the Environment, Energy and the Earth http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/May_25_2011_OR_write_up-1.pdf Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:03:06 -0500 On May 25, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability organized a roundtable for adiscussion on Local Organizing for the Environment, Energy and the Earth. ValerieMartinez, of the Women's Environmental Institute, opened up our time with apowerful testimonial and shared why environmental sustainability for communitiesof color matters to her....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Communities Mobilize to Preserve Human Rights Funding (Twin Cities Daily Planet) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Communities_Mobilize_to_Preserve_Human_Rights_Funding Fri, 13 May 2011 10:29:25 -0500 If the legislature has its way, the Minn. Dept. of Human Rights (MDHR) could have its budget slashed by as much as 65 percent.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Metro Clean Energy Resource Team http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Metro_CERT-_April_27_2011.pdf Tue, 03 May 2011 15:17:35 -0500 On Wednesday, April 27, the Alliance organized a roundtable of communityorganizers for a discussion on the Metro Clean Energy Resource Team. The CleanEnergy Resource Teams, or CERT, are a statewide program that fosters apartnership between community groups, congregations, schools, andmunicipalities to improve clean energy....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Partnership for Sustainable Communities Included in Federal Budget http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Partnership_for_Sustainable_Communities_Included_in_Federal_Budget Tue, 03 May 2011 13:45:11 -0500 In early April, the federal budget for 2011 was finalized and passed. The budget included complete funding for the Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Read More »

]]> News: Racial Disparities in Hiring? Just Slash Human Rights Budget (TCDP) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Racial_Disparities_in_Hiring__Just_Slash_Human_Rights_Budget Tue, 03 May 2011 09:21:03 -0500 Mary Turck, editor of the Twin Cities Daily Planet, reports on HIRE Minnesota's efforts to preserve funding for the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Read More »

]]> News: Lessons from the White Privilege Conference http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Lessons_from_the_White_Privilege_Conference Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:24:27 -0500 As part of our organizational commitment to undoing racism, the Alliance's staff and other leaders attended the White Privilege Conference, a annual national convening that was held in Minneapolis on April 13-16, 2011. They provided these insights and resources gathered at the conference so that people who could not attend the conference or these sessions could benefit from the lessons learned.

Read More »

]]> News: Will the New Met Council Benefit Communities of Color? (MN Spokesman Recorder) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Will_the_New_Met_Council_Benefit_Communities_of_Color___MN_Spokesman_Recorder_ Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:49:49 -0500 A change in the governor's office means a new Metropolitan Council, our regional government body that plans things like transportation and affordable housing. Will the new Met Council do more to eliminate our region's alarming racial disparities?

Read More »

]]> News: HIRE Minnesota: Racial Disparities, A Task for Us All (Star Tribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=HIRE_Minnesota_LTE__Racial_Disparities__A_Task_for_Us_All Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:42:07 -0500 Alliance Associate Director and Summit Academy OIC CEO Louis King write that with Minnesota's nation-leading racial economic disparities, now is not the time to dismantle policies and programs that protect women and people of color in the workplace.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Governor Dayton's Response to Black Economic Summit http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/daytonresponse.pdf Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:52:32 -0500 Governor Dayton has issued responses to the recommendations made by HIRE Minnesota and other organizations and community members at the Black Economic Summit in North Minneapolis. We appreciate the timeliness of the governor's response and that he is willing to partner with us in addressing these important issues. We look forward to continuing to work with the governor in achieving actual po...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Dayton offers initiatives to spur new jobs for blacks (Star Tribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Dayton_offers_initiatives_to_spur_new_jobs_for_blacks__Star_Tribune_ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:37:19 -0500

Last week, HIRE Minnesota, along with other community leaders, made recommendations to Governor Mark Dayton for improving the economic well-being of African Americans in Minnesota.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Jobless Gap Worst in Nation (Star Tribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Jobless_Gap_Worst_in_Nation__Star_Tribune_ Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:39:34 -0500 The Alliance and our partner organizations have helped raise awareness in the Twin Cities that we have the worst black-white employment disparities in the nation. A new article from the Star Tribune highlights the issue again.

Read More »

]]> News: Support the Partnership for Sustainable Communities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Support_the_Partnership_for_Sustainable_Communities Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:36:52 -0500 Currently. federal legislation is being considered that would cut funding to the Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Cuts to this innovative program could have a major impact on our nation's ability to plan healthy, safe and equitable communities that recognize the connections between people and our natural and built environments.

Read More »

]]> News: Back of the Bus: Mass Transit, Race and Inequality http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Back_of_the_Bus__Mass_Transit__Race_and_Inequality Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:37:40 -0600 This NPR documentary traces the history of inequities in our nation's mass transit decision-making, leaning heavily on the story of St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood as an example of the lasting effects of racist transportation policy.

Read More »

]]> News: In Solidarity with WI Public Workers: Why Environmentalists and (insert your field here) Should Care http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=In_Solidarity_with_WI_Workers Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:21:25 -0600 Mat Hollinshead, a Sierra Club Northstar Chapter leader and former Alliance board member, wrote this brilliant piece about why we all need to stand with Wisconsin's public workers as their collective bargaining rights are threatened. An interesting take on the connection between seemingly disparate people, places and issues.

Read More »

]]> News: Community Stabilization Project featured in Star Tribune! http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Community_Stabilization_Project_featured_in_Star_Tribune_ Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:04:00 -0600 Long-time Alliance member group Community Stabilization Project was featured in the Star Tribune this week. Congrats to Mari and Metric, and thanks for all you do!

Read More »

]]> News: HIRE Minnesota one of Ms. Foundation's grantees in the news http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=HIRE_Minnesota_one_of_Ms__Foundation_s_grantees_in_the_news Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:16:56 -0600 For the second time this year, the Ms. Foundation for Women has featured HIRE Minnesota in its blog about groups doing great work to make change to benefit women.

Read More »

]]> News: Organizing for Inclusive TOD (Shelterforce) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizing_for_Inclusive_TOD__Shelterforce_ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:57:34 -0600 Shelterforce, a national affordable housing journal, featured the Stops for Us campaign as an exmple of good community organizing for transit-oriented development.

Read More »

]]> News: MnDOT preps new plan to hire more women, people of color (MPR) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MnDOT_preps_new_plan_to_hire_more_women__people_of_color Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:30:44 -0600 HIRE Minnesota was one of the collaborating stakeholders that helped produce a Minnesota Department of Transportation report that could result in more women and people of color receiving jobs and contracts on road construction projects.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: MnDOT: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise & Workforce Collaborative Report to the Legislature http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/MnDOT_Collaborative_Legislative_Report_FINAL_E-version.pdf Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:35:30 -0600 Representing HIRE Minnesota, the Alliance participated in the collaborative process that resulted in this report to the state Legislature on how to improve MnDOT's hiring and contracting outcomes for women and people of color....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Transportation for America Equity Cacucus Statement on the State of the Union Address http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Transportation_for_America_Equity_Cacucus_Statement_on_the_State_of_the_Union_Address Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:52:07 -0600 The Alliance is a member of Transportation for America's Equity Caucus, which issued a statement today applauding President Obama's call for smart, targeted transportation investments that connect all Americans to opportunity.

Read More »

]]> News: Looking for a road to affordable Central Corridor housing (Twin Cities Daily Planet) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Looking_for_a_road_to_affordable_Central_Corridor_housing__Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet_ Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:11:45 -0600 The Alliance's January Organizer Roundtable features the Central Corridor Affordable Housing Partnership. Here's a primer from the TC Daily Planet.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: OAP: Racial Equity Policy Brief on Jobs and Economic Development http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/OAP_REPP.pdf Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:07:27 -0600 The Organizing Apprenticeship Project released this policy brief this week that details 14 recommendations for how to reduce Minnesota's racial disparities while creating jobs and boosting economic development. HIRE Minnesota was one of the contributors and co-releasers of the report....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: American Indian Cultural Corridor: New Art, New Enterprise on Franklin Avenue (The Line) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=American_Indian_Cultural_Corridor__New_Art__New_Enterprise_on_Franklin_Avenue__The_Line_ Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:07:58 -0600 Alliance member group NACDI is out ahead of the curve on creating cultural corridors in the Twin Cities.

Read More »

]]> News: Igniting Change: HIRE Minnesota recognized on Ms. Foundation for Women blog http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Igniting_Change__HIRE_Minnesota_recognized_on_Ms__Foundation_for_Women_blog Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:33:47 -0600 HIRE Minnesota was recognized as one of the Ms. Foundation for Women's "grantees making waves."

Read More »

]]> News: Let's revive solid regional planning (Star Tribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Let_s_revive_solid_regional_planning__Star_Tribune_ Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:57:54 -0600 Alliance member groups Transit for Livable Communities and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy published this commentary in the Star Tribune.

Read More »

]]> News: Apply for a Met Council Seat http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Apply_for_a_Met_Council_Seat Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:31:55 -0600 The Dayton administration today released information on how to apply to become a member of the Metropolitan Council.

Read More »

]]> News: Sue Haigh will be the new Met Council Chair http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Sue_Haigh_will_be_the_new_Met_Council_Chair Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:43:18 -0600 Signaling that affordable housing will become a higher priority, Gov.-elect Mark Dayton on Wednesday named Susan Haigh, the head of a nonprofit that builds homes for the poor, to lead the Metropolitan Council.

Read More »

]]> News: Preventing Foreclosure in North Minneapolis (TCDP) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Preventing_Foreclosure_in_North_Minneapolis__TCDP_ Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:39:59 -0600 The Twin Cities Daily Planet profiled the Northside Community Reinvestment Coalition after the Alliance's December roundtable featured this innovative coalition's efforts to prevent Northside foreclosures.

Read More »

]]> News: Weatherization spending primes economic pump, cuts family expenses http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Weatherization_spending_primes_economic_pump__cuts_family_expenses Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:39:48 -0600 Weatherization cuts utility expenses for low-income families and improves energy efficiency of older homes. HIRE Minnesota believes that low-income people and people of color can and should be trained to do that work!

Read More »

]]> News: Stops for Us Coalition Receives National Environmental Justice Award http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Stops_for_Us_Coalition_Receives_National_Environmental_Justice_Award Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:33:12 -0600 The Stops for Us Coalition was honored with a 2010 National Achievements in Environmental Justice awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Developing Cultural Corridors http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Developing_Cultural_Corridors_article.pdf Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:58:47 -0600 In late October, the Alliance organized a roundtable of community organizers for a discussion on the cultural corridors that promise to be vital contributors to our local economies in the Twin Cities area. The development of cultural corridors can establish a unique sense of place and strong community ownership in the economic revitalization of a neighborhood and our region.Photo of the American I...

Download the PDF »

]]> Common Ground: Winter 2010 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CG_Winter_2010_FINAL_low_res.pdf Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:13:55 -0600 This issue of the Common Ground is devoted to community engagement. Read about how local groups are transforming the way decisions are made in the Twin Cities region by focusing on meaningful engagement of the people who live and work here!...

Download the PDF »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Sustainable Communities and the Community Engagement Team http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CETarticle.pdf Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:42:01 -0600 On October 14, 2010, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that the Twin Cities region, led by the Metropolitan Council, was awarded a $5 million grant from the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program. This grant is through the HUD-DOT-EPA Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The goal of the grant is to support the Met Council and othe...

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Twin Cities Sustainable Communities Grant Community Engagement Team Presentation http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CETSustainableCommunitiesPresentation.pdf Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:16:21 -0600 The Twin Cities region was recently awarded a grant from the HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program.The Alliance, Nexus Community Partners and the Minnesota Center for Neighborhood Organizing were selected to lead a Community Engagement Team to to ensure communities along emerging transitways have a voice and a strong role in planning for the future of their neighborhoods.This...

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: 2009 Annual Report http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Annual_Report_FINAL.pdf Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:15:02 -0500 Read about the Alliance's 2009 victories for racial, economic and environmental justice in the 2009 annual report!...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Group wants more minorities, women building Central Corridor LRT (Pioneer Press) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Pioneer_Press__Group_wants_more_minorities__women_building_Central_Corridor_LRT Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:37:32 -0500 HIRE Minnesota is demanding hiring equity along the Central Corridor!

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Lessons Learned from the Central Corridor http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Sept_29_Lessons_Learned_CCLRT_write_up.pdf Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:26:22 -0500 What lessons have organizers learned from their work along the Central Corridor? Find out what was shared at our September 2010 Organizer Roundtable....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: We All Do Better When We All Do Better (Star Tribune Voices) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=We_All_Do_Better_When_We_All_Do_Better Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:19:40 -0500 Northwest Area Foundation's Gary Cunningham analyzes the connections between unemployment disparities and education, while affirming the mission of the Alliance in the process!

Read More »

]]> News: Working Twice as Hard to Get Half as Far (TCDP) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Working_Twice_as_Hard_to_Get_Half_as_Far__TCDP_ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:24:23 -0500 The Twin Cities Daily Planet summarizes the Alliance's Moving Minnesota from Worst to Best on Hiring Equity event, featuring Dr. Algernon Austin of the Economic Policy Institute.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Working Twice as Hard: African Americans and the American Labor Market http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Austin_MCF.pdf Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:10:13 -0500 Dr. Algernon Austin of the Economic Policy Institute made this presentation at the Alliance's Moving Minnesota from Worst to Best on Hiring Equity event. It provides a statistical picture of the hiring and unemployment disparities in the Twin Cities and nationally....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Planning Makes a Comeback (MinnPost) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Planning_Makes_a_Comeback__MinnPost_ Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:03:17 -0500 Thinking ahead isn't something Americans are good at. We'd rather spend money now than save for later. But since the onset of the Great Recession in 2008, when arguably the absence of sound planning sent the housing and financial markets into a tailspin, planning has made a comeback.

Read More »

]]> News: Franklin Avenue plan would create urban Indian cultural corridor (MPR) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Franklin_Avenue_plan_would_create_urban_Indian_cultural_corridor__MPR_ Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:41:18 -0500 Native American Community Development Institute, an Alliance member, talks about plans for the nation's first American Indian cultural corridor along Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis.

Read More »

]]> Our Work: Transportation Equity and Equitable Development http://www.metrostability.org/campaigns/article.php?sid=Transit_Equity Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:28:09 -0500 The Alliance believes our transportation policy can bring specific benefits to local communities through access to jobs, job creation and connection to affordable housing.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Uneven Pain - Unemployment by Metropolitan Area and Race http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/EPI_Uneven_Pain.pdf Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:39:43 -0500 The Economic Policy Institute recently released this study, which revealed that the Twin Cities has one of the worst racial gaps in unemployment in the nation. An excerpt:Looking at the unemployment ratios with whites for Hispanics and African Americans in Tables 3 and 4, the Minneapolismetropolitan area stands out as having the worst relative disparity. The Minneapolis metropolitan area has a bla...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Twin Cities' 'Shameful Little Secret' Exposed (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities___Shameful_Little_Secret__Exposed__Minnesota_Spokesman_Recorder_ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:07:47 -0500 The Spokesman-Recorder's take on Minnesota's unacceptable racial unemployment disparities, including a recap of HIRE Minnesota's work to close the racial gap in umemployment.

Read More »

]]> News: 430 Acres of Tarnished Opportunity in Arden Hills (Star Tribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=430_Acres_of_Tarnished_Opportunity_in_Arden_Hills__Star_Tribune_ Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:48:02 -0500 More uncertainty about what to do with the Twin Cities' largest developable tract of land. Meanwhile, nearby manufactured home park residents are still hoping to save their homes if the project goes forward.

Read More »

]]> News: HIRE Minnesota Leads Protest Against Ames Construction (Pioneer Press) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=HIRE_Minnesota_Leads_Protest_Against_Ames_Construction__Pioneer_Press_ Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:14:31 -0500 After the recent announcement that the Twin Cities lead the nation in employment disparities, HIRE Minnesota took action. We organized a protest against Ames Construction, one of the state's poorest performers when it comes to hiring people of color on construction projects.

Read More »

]]> News: King and Brown: To end racial disparity, take the first step (Star Tribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=King_and_Brown__To_end_racial_disparity__take_the_first_step__Star_Tribune_ Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:11:51 -0500 HIRE Minnesota leaders Maura Brown (Alliance associate director) and Louis King (Summit Academy OIC president) published this commentary in the Star Tribune on how to end Twin Cities nation-leading employment disparities.

Read More »

]]> News: King and Brown: To end racial disparity, take the first step (Star Tribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=King_and_Brown__To_end_racial_disparity__take_the_first_step__Star_Tribune_1800 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:11:37 -0500 Alliance Associate Director Maura Brown and Summit Academy OIC President Louis King on how to change Minnesota's nation-leading employment disparities.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Has Widest Jobless Gap By Race (StarTribune) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Has_Widest_Jobless_Gap_By_Race__Star_Tribune Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:49:25 -0500 "Blacks are more than three times as likely to be unemployed as whites in the Twin Cities, giving the area the worst racial disparity in unemployment among the country's largest cities, according to a new study released this week.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: The Ecology of Organizing http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Ecology_of_Organizing_4-10.pdf Fri, 28 May 2010 13:07:29 -0500 In April and May of 2010, organizers from throughout the Twin Cities came together for two Alliance for Metropolitan Stability Organizer Roundtables to learn about and discuss the Ecology of Organizing, a system of thinking that recognizes an ecosystem of social justice organizing happening right now in the Twin Cities....

Download the PDF »

]]> Common Ground: Common Ground Spring 2010 http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Common_Ground_Sp_2010_FINAL.pdf Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:04:21 -0500 The Alliance newsletter "Common Ground" features stories about the connections between people, places and issues in the Twin Cities Region. From securing the three missing light rail stations on Central Corridor, to the Harrison neighborhood's fight against disinvestment, to the benefits of public transportation and the importance of integrating land-use, housing, economic development in our...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Central Corridor Finds an Ally in Washington - MPR http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Central_Corridor_Finds_an_Ally_in_Washington___MPR Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:52:49 -0600 MPR reported today on the work of community groups to secure the Federal government's support for the missing three stations on Central Corridor. The head of the Federal Transportation Administration tells the story of being convinced of the injustice of the missing stations by Stops for Uc coalition members - while in line for coffee at a conference in DC!

Read More »

]]> News: $6 Billion Proposed for Home Energy Efficiency (Reuters) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=_6_Billion_Proposed_for_Home_Energy_Efficiency__Reuters_ Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:14:44 -0600 This morning President Obama proposed a $6 billion investment in increasing home energy efficiency and associated job creation.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Community Partnerships for Success http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/BSC_roundtable.pdf Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:02:52 -0600 Alliance member group Twin Cities LISC provided this excellent article summarizing the shared learning among organizers who attended our February Organizer Roundtable on Community Partnership for Success....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Insight News: Transit Options Energize Northside Civic Engagement http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Insight_News__Transit_Options_Energy_Northside_Civic_Engagement Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:47:24 -0600 Metric Giles, the St. Paul-based environmentalist and community organizer, beamed with pride. "This is awesome," he said, addressing a standing room only audience of North Minneapolis residents, business and agency leaders, and politicians who responded to State Rep. Bobby Joe Champion's (DFL-58B) call to consider Light Rail Transit options for North Minneapolis.

Over 250 people overflowed a first space, then a larger space at the University Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC) at 2100 Plymouth Avenue North. "I expected to see a lot of white people here, but to find, instead, a room full of Black people, Asian people and Latino people is awesome. That's what this is all about….all the people being on board," said Giles.

Read More »

]]> News: TCDP: Minnesota Stimulus Dollars Bypass Blacks, Other Communities of Color http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=TCDP__Minnesota_Stimulus_Dollars_Bypass_Blacks__Other_Communities_of_Color Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:14:29 -0600 The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (AARA) called for $50 billion to build and repair the nation's roads, bridges, railways and ports "to preserve and create jobs" and "to assist those most impacted by the recession." It explicitly states that investments should prioritize those hit hardest by the recession - those in distressed communities who have a high percentage of low-income households or high unemployment rates.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation records, nearly 2,000 contractors have been awarded stimulus money for highway and bridge projects. However, the Federal Procurement Data System reports that only one federal transportation contract has gone to a Black-owned business (in Nevada).

Read More »

]]> News: MPR: MnDOT Remains Short of Goal for Hiring Minority Contractors http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MPR__MnDOT_Remains_Short_of_Goal_for_Hiring_Minority_Contractors Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:47:26 -0600 There's more disappointing news both locally and nationally for minority and women-owned construction companies. Federal stimulus spending on transportation projects has not been as much of a payday as hoped for.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Developing Leadership for Sustainable Organizing http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Leadership_Development_Roundtable.pdf Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:06:34 -0600 At the heart of organizing is developing leadership that can guide and influence a community or organization toward accomplishing its goals. Enhancing current leadership capacity and ensuring a pipeline of future leaders is crucial to ensuring long-term organizational success. This resource summarizes the Alliance's Organizer Roundtable on Development Leadership for Sustainable Organizing, he...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: USDOT: Minnesota Hosts Reauthorization Listening Tour Stop http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=USDOT__Minnesota_Hosts_Reauthorization_Listening_Tour_Stop Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:23:03 -0600 U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood blogs about his recent trip to Minnesota, which featured the announcement that all three missing Central Corridor stops would be built.

Read More »

]]> News: MinnPost: 11 Gubernatorial Make Their Pitches to Large Activist Crowd http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MinnPost__11_Gubernatorial_Make_Their_Pitches_to_Large_Activist_Crowd Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:31:01 -0600 The Alliance was one of the sponsors of the Governor Candidate Forum on Transportation, Land Use and the Environment, covered by Doug Grow at MinnPost.

Read More »

]]> News: Pioneer Press: University Avenue Wins 3 More Train Stations http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Pioneer_Press__University_Avenue_Wins_3_More_Train_Stations Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:19:59 -0600

The neighborhood needs were always there. The political will was there, too, and growing rapidly over the past several weeks.

Now, the money's there, and it's official: The proposed Central Corridor light-rail line will stop three more times along its 11-mile route between St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Three More Train Stations Coming to St. Paul http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Three_More_Train_Stations_Coming_to_St__Paul Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:38:26 -0600 St. Paul will be getting all three of the additional light-rail stations it has long sought, the nation's top transportation official is expected to announce Monday afternoon.

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Odds Improve for 3 St. Paul LRT Stops http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Odds_Improve_for_3_St__Paul_LRT_Stops Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:27:42 -0600 Three additional stations along the Central Corridor light-rail line are a big step closer to being built, planners said Wednesday. But money remains uncertain, and the new stops may not be enough to resolve a lawsuit brought against the project this week.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Evaluating Our Transportation Future: How Federal Spending Influences Local Transportation Planning and What Communities Can Do About It http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Evaluation_Measures_report.pdf Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:12:46 -0600 Right now is a critical moment for local communities to understand how federal transit project evaluation criteria affect decisions that will happen right in our own backyards.A recent announcement from the Federal Transit Administration states that the agency will now take livability criteria into consideration when evaluating projects for federal funding. They will also "initiate a separat...

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Transportation Stimulus in Minnesota: Increasing Equity or Exacerbating Disparities? http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/InfrastructureReport.pdf Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:05:35 -0600 When it passed in February 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was a beacon of hope for many low-income communities and communities of color. An important guiding principle for ARRA states that funds should be used to assist those most impacted by the recession. Communities of color, which have historically borne the greatest unemployment burden, saw the stimulus bill as an opp...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Federal Shift Could Benefit Light Rail Here http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Federal_Shift_Could_Benefit_Light_Rail_Here Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:30:37 -0600 Alliance Executive Director Russ Adams on recent federal rule changes that could mean more equitable transit investment in the Twin Cities region and beyond.

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Central Corridor -- Next Stops St. Paul? http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Central_Corridor____Next_Stops_St__Paul_350 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:34:04 -0600 An abrupt change in federal rules offered some hope Wednesday that the problems snagging the Central Corridor light-rail line could soon be ironed out, bringing peace to the negotiators and maybe even three new rail stations to St. Paul.

Read More »

]]> News: MPR: New FTA Rule May Affect Central Corridor http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MPR__New_FTA_Rule_May_Affect_Central_Corridor Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:06:25 -0600 The Obama administration is changing a decision-making rule that has long rankled transit advocates. The rule change would allow the FTA to factor in livability as it awards federal money for a project and it could affect the Central Corridor light rail project.

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Hennepin County's plans to buy land in Harrison neighborhood draw fire http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Hennepin_County_s_plans_to_buy_land_in_Harrison_neighborhood_draw_fire Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:47:44 -0600 The Alliance is supporting the Harrison Neighborhood Association in the battle to redevelop the Bassett Creek Valley.

Read More »

]]> News: Smart Growth America: What We Learned from the Stimulus http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Smart_Growth_America__What_We_Learned_from_the_Stimulus Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:05:44 -0600 The latest data on stimulus spending show that funds spent on public transportation were a more effective job creator than stimulus funds spent on highways.

Read More »

]]> News: Twin Cities Daily Planet Profiles Stops for Us Leader Metric Giles http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Twin_Cities_Daily_Planet_Profiles_Stops_for_Us_Leader_Metric_Giles Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:38:55 -0600 Community Stabilization Project Organizer and Stops for Us Leader Metric Giles was profiled by the Twin Cities Daily Planet about the values that drive his work for racial justice.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Leveraging Community Benefits from Transitway Development http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Leveraging_Comm_Benefits_Transit_12-09.pdf Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:44:36 -0600 On December 16, 2009, Anne White of District Councils Collaborative, Diane Dube of William Mitchell College of Law Community Development Clinic and Hussein Samatar of the African Development Center spoke at an Alliance for Metropolitan Stability Organizer Roundtable about their efforts to convene community residents to identify solutions to long-standing community concerns about the LRT and c...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Star Tribune: 2010 Getting Down to the Wire on Central Corridor http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__2010_Getting_Down_to_the_Wire_on_Central_Corridor Sun, 03 Jan 2010 09:48:31 -0600 This is the year for everyone to get on board with the Central Corridor light-rail project, according to many involved with the nearly $1 billion plan to connect the downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

However, local disagreements -- which are expected in large projects such as the Central Corridor -- must be fixed before any final approval is given.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: 2008 Annual Report http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/AMS_Annual_Report_FINAL.pdf Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:52:53 -0600 The Alliance's 2008 annual report is now available!...

Download the PDF »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Tools from the Rail~Volution Conference http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Tools_from_Railvolution_Conference_notes_Nov_25_09__2_.pdf Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:43:20 -0600 A cohort of 36 people from nonprofits and government agencies attended the Rail~Volution Conference in Boston at the end of October. Rail~Volution is a conference for practitioners from all perspectives who believe strongly in the role of land use and transit as equal partners in the quest for greater livability and greater communities. The conference provided a unique opportunity for innovat...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Viable Futures Network: Equitable Allocation of Stimulus Funds -- Minnesota Leads the Way http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Viable_Futures_Network__Equitable_Allocation_of_Stimulus_Funds____Minnesota_Leads_the_Way Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:34 -0600 HIRE Minnesota was featured in the first-ever Viable Futures Network newsletter, including a quote from Alliance Coalition Organizer Jennifer Jimenez.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: 15 years Organizing Together for Justice http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/AllianceAnniversarylayout4web2.pdf Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:24:54 -0600 The Alliance is celebrating our 15th anniversary in 2009. Read about our accomplishments in our first 15 years and check out the winning photographs in our in/stability photo competition....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Measuring the Racial Impacts of Public Policy http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/ARC_Racial_Impacts_Revised_10_27_09.ppt Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:23 -0600 Terry Keleher of the Applied Research Center made this presentation at the Alliance's 2009 Regional Equity Series event on Measuring the Racial Impacts of Public Policies....

Download the PDF »

]]> Common Ground: Fall 2009 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CmmnGrndWntr09-10.web.pdf Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:11:50 -0600 The Fall 2009 Common Ground features a cover story on the Stops for Us Coalition's recent victory to secure one missing station along the Central Corridor LRT line. Also read about HIRE Minnesota's work to secure jobs for people of color at the Minnsota Department of Transportation, and more!...

Download the PDF »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Lobbying for Policy Decisions with Community Accountability http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Lobbying_for_Policy_Decisions_notes_Oct_21_09.pdf Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:48:05 -0600 On October 21, 2009, regional organizers came together at the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability to discuss their strategies and experiences in advocating for public policy change while remaining accountable to the communities they represent....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Session Daily: Problems Seen in Energy Stimulus Programs http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Session_Daily__Problems_Seen_in_Energy_Stimulus_Programs Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:53:39 -0500 State energy officials need to do a better job of ensuring that minority and low-income workers are included in weatherization and other stimulus projects, one lawmaker argued.

Read More »

]]> News: MPR: Groups Pushing for 3 Additional Light Rail Stations http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MPR__Groups_Pushing_for_3_Additional_Light_Rail_Stations Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:36:55 -0500 Community groups pushing for three additional stops along a proposed light-rail transit line are fired up about new federal concerns over when those stations could be built.

Read More »

]]> News: Daily Planet: Citizens lobby for more Central Corridor Stops http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Daily_Planet__Citizens_lobby_for_more_Central_Corridor_Stops Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:51:27 -0500 An impassioned group of St. Paul citizens, civic leaders and city officials on Tuesday urged state officials to help fund the construction of three additional light rail stops along University Avenue.

Read More »

]]> News: MPR: MnDOT hiring of minority contractors declines again http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MPR__MnDOT_hiring_of_minority_contractors_declines_again Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:31:52 -0500 The flow of stimulus dollars to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, MnDOT, has not resulted in more jobs for women and minority workers.

In fact, new MnDOT statistics show the number of minorities and women on state road and bridge construction projects has declined from last year.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Racial Equity Impact Policies http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Racial_Equity_roundtable_notes_Sept_23_09.pdf Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:57:21 -0500 On September 26, 2009. Twin Cities' activists and organizers joined in discussion on racial equity impact policies. This roundtable centered on the work of a coalition that includes the Alliance, Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation (ASANDC), Community Stabilization Project (CSP) and Jewish Community Action (JCA), which is working with the St. Paul Planning and Econom...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: MPR: MnDOT adjusts hiring goal for women and minority contractors http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MPR__MnDOT_adjusts_hiring_goal_for_women_and_minority_contractors Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:49:33 -0500 Again this year, construction companies awarded contracts for state road and bridge projects have fallen short of goals for hiring women and minority subcontractors.

Minnesota Department of Transportation officials say the hiring goal is too high and has been scaled back for next year. In addition, MnDOT is revamping its efforts to encourage contractors to hire individual women and minority construction workers.

Read More »

]]> News: in/stability on Display in Minneapolis and Online http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=in_stability_on_Display_in_Minneapolis_and_Online Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:16:19 -0500 The Twin Cities Daily Planet on our in/stability photo contest!

Read More »

]]> News: Stimulus Woes: How One Coalition is Working for More Equitable Spending http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Stimulus_Woes__How_One_Coalition_is_Working_for_More_Equitable_Spending Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:18:16 -0500 Smart Growth America recently covered the Alliance's role in HIRE Minnesota on its blog.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Community Organizing in the Suburbs http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Suburban_Organizing_notes_Aug_26_09.pdf Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:33:15 -0500 On August 26, 2009, Twin Cities organizers came together to discuss specific strategies for community organizing in the Twin Cities suburbs. This resource summarizes the discussion at the roundtable, including tips from our presenters and participants!...

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: The Benefits of Public Transportation http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/benefits_of_public_transportation.pdf Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:42:34 -0500 Transportation is the lifeblood of a nation's economy, moving and connecting people, goods and services. For many Americans, talk of our transportation system may bring to mind our expansive highway system, undoubtedly the largest in the world. But increasingly, studies are showing that Americans want alternatives to driving to their destinations. Public transportation can answer...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Stops for Us Secures One Missing Central Corridor Station http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Stops_for_Us_Secures_One_Missing_Central_Corridor_Station Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:05:37 -0500 On August 26, 2009, the city of St. Paul committed to funding the complete build-out of one of the three missing Central Corridor LRT stops!

Read More »

]]> News: KSTP: HIRE Minnesota Protests MnDOT Hiring Practices http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=KSTP__HIRE_Minnesota_Protests_MnDOT_Hiring_Practices Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:51:13 -0500 HIRE Minnesota visited a MnDOT construction site at 46th Street and 35W today to search for missing persons - women and people of color!

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Cracks Develop in Support for Central Corridor LRT Line http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Cracks_Develop_in_Support_for_Central_Corridor_LRT_Line Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:53:58 -0500 Is being a squeaky wheel the best way to get what you want when it comes to the Central Corridor light-rail line? St. Paul City Council Member Melvin Carter III is starting to think so.

This week he broke from his typical role of unequivocal supporter to write a letter to Metropolitan Council Chairman Peter Bell expressing frustration with how the project is playing out in part of his ward. He even mentioned that he could grow to oppose it if things don't change.

Read More »

]]> News: Star Tribune: Minority Hiring Report Shows Little Progress on MnDOT Projects http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Star_Tribune__Minority_Hiring_Report_Shows_Little_Progress_on_MnDOT_Projects Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:17:18 -0500 Despite years of diversity hiring goals and decades of growth in Minnesota's minority population, state construction projects remain largely the work of white males.

Advocates from HIRE Minnesota are increasingly pushing the Minnesota Department of Transportation to sanction contractors who don't meet hiring goals on tax-funded projects.

Read More »

]]> Roundtable Resources: Do-It-Yourself Media http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/DIY_Media_July_29_09_notesTN.pdf Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:04:00 -0500 On July 29, 2009, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability held an Organizer Roundtable that brought together Twin Cities' organizers to discuss current social media tools and how they can be used to elevate our organizing campaigns. Mary Turck, editor of the Twin Cities Daily Planet, and Bill Toth, Web 2.0 intern for the Headwaters Foundation for Justice, presented at the roundtable....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: HIRE Minnesota delivers Missing Persons Report to MnDOT http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=HIRE_Minnesota_delivers_Missing_Persons_Report_to_MnDOT Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:27:11 -0500 On July 23, HIRE Minnesota delivered a Missing Persons Report to the Minnesota Department of Transportation to highlight the agency's failure to meet its women and minority hiring goals.

Read More »

]]> News: Weatherization RFP not acceptable, legislators say RFP omits legislative language ensuring inclusiveness http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Weatherization_RFP_not_acceptable__legislators_say_RFP_omits_legislative_language_ensuring_inclusiveness_ Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:28:20 -0500 Minnesota's Legislative Black Caucus members say they will encourage Twin Cities area Community Action Programs to reject initial bids for the metro area's multi-million dollar weatherization initiative because the language in the requests for bids did not mirror language in the authorizing legislation.

Read More »

]]> News: Highways or Byways? http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Highways_or_Byways_ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:09:46 -0500 The Alliance and other Twin Cities groups believe Minnesota spent too much of its $600 million in federal stimulus money building new highways and too little fixing the roads it has and adding public transit.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: Transportation Stimulus in Minnesota http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/MN_Stimulus_report_June_29_FINAL.pdf Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:40:55 -0500 Did Minnesota use the federal stimulus to create jobs, catch up on needed repair, and expand transportation choices for everyone? This report produced by the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, Transit for Livable Communities and 1,000 Friends of Minnesota analyzes transportation stimulus spending in Minnesota....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Campaign Messaging http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Campaign_messaging_6-17-09.pdf Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:07:31 -0500 The Alliance's Organizer Roundtable on June 17, 2009, brought Twin Cities organizers together to discuss campaign messaging and its importance in organizing. This roundtable provided an opportunity for organizers to join in a discussion about messaging practices in organizing campaigns, and to ask questions of regional leaders in organizing communications....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Jump Starting Racial Justice http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Jump_Starting_Racial_Justice Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:50:15 -0500 The appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court has stirred up another round of debate about race in America. Some recent attempts to promote racial equity include our own work on a Racial Equity Impact Policy in Saint Paul.

Read More »

]]> Common Ground: Summer 2009 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CommonGroundSummer2009_web.pdf Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:42:23 -0500 Our latest Common Ground newsletter is all about the intersection between the environment, the economy and equity!...

Download the PDF »

]]> News: How an immigration raid changed a town http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=How_an_immigration_raid_changed_a_town Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:43:00 -0500 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability is lending technical support to a nationally unique effort to respond to a devastating immigration raid on a meat packing plant in the small town of Postville in northeastern Iowa.

Read More »

]]> News: HIRE Minnesota secures $2.5 million for Green Jobs Training http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=_2_5_million_for_Green_Jobs_Training Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:42:05 -0500 HIRE-MN succeeded in passing a bill that directs $2.5 million for training and outreach in green jobs and infrastructure stimulus spending.

Read More »

]]> Featured Resources: The Power of a Story http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Advocacystoryhandout09.pdf Thu, 28 May 2009 08:23:32 -0500 Earlier this month, the Alliance brought organizers together from around the metropolitan region to learn techniques to make storytelling a more effective part of their organizing strategy. This Organizer Roundtable featured Loren Niemi of the Public Policy Project presenting "The Power of a Story." Niemi says:With 40 years of organizing and 30 plus years of having identified myself as...

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Organizer Roundtable Resource: The Role of Research in Effective Campaign Strategy http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/The_Role_of_Research.pdf Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:25:54 -0500 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability held an Organizer Roundtable on April 22, 2009, that brought Twin Cities organizers together to discuss the Role of Research in Effective Campaign Strategy. This roundtable provided an opportunity for organizers to discuss the role research can play in community campaigns, and to ask questions of local research experts....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Organizer Roundtable Resource: Education for Liberation - The Paulo Freire Methodology http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/EDUCATION_FOR_LIBERATION.pdf Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:45:50 -0500 The Alliance's recent Organizer Roundtable featured Victor Cole of Twin Cities Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed, who presented on a variety of popular education methods. This document outlines the historical roots of popular education, derived from the teachings of Paulo Freire....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Organizer Roundtable Resource: The Importance of Organizing in Community Development http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CommunityDevelopmentOrganizerRoundtable.pdf Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:57:18 -0500 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability held an Organizer Roundtable on March 11, 2009, that brought together Twin Cities' organizers to discuss the Importance of Organizing in Community Development. This roundtable provided an opportunity to discuss the role organizing plays in community development efforts – and to share challenges faced and successful approaches to use when organizi...

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Organizer Roundtable Resource: The Intersection Between Electoral and Issue Organizing http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Intersection_of_Electoral_and_Issue_Organizing.pdf Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:08:44 -0600 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability held an Organizer Roundtable on February 11, 2009, that brought Twin Cities organizers together to discuss the Intersection of Electoral and Issue Organizing. This roundtable was an opportunity for organizers to share their recent successes in electoral organizing – and to discuss how to capture that energy in future issue-based campaigns....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: MPR: Economic Stimulus Could Lift Up People of Color http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=MPR__Economic_Stimulus_Could_Lift_Up_People_of_Color Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:13:58 -0600 There are very large numbers being tossed around to describe the size of the stimulus package under construction in Washington, D.C. They range from $600 to $850 billion. That amount of money could create millions of jobs. A new Minnesota coalition called H.I.R.E. Minnesota wants to make sure minorities and women are included in the hiring.

Read More »

]]> News: Insight News: H.I.R.E. Minnesota Seeks Green Jobs for Our Communities http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Insight_News__H_I_R_E__Minnesota_Seeks_Green_Jobs_for_Our_Communities Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:56:22 -0600 About 200 people turned out for H.I.R.E. Minnesota's first town hall meeting in north Minneapolis last week. The Alliance is participating in the H.I.R.E. Minnesota coalition, which is being led by Summit Academy OIC. We are seeking green jobs in the health care, infrastructure and renewable energy industries.

Read More »

]]> Common Ground: Winter 2008-09 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CommonGroundWntr08-09.pdf Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:40:56 -0600 This edition of the Common Ground is dedicated to the issue of regional equity. What does it mean? How do we achieve it? The newsletter features stories about local and national efforts in several different areas: community development, green jobs, resisting gentrification and displacement, and racial equity impact policies....

Download the PDF »

]]> Our Work: Community Benefit Agreements http://www.metrostability.org/campaigns/article.php?sid=Test Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:37:07 -0500 The Alliance has been a leader in Minnesota in promoting the use of community benefits agreements to link public investment directly to community needs.

Read More »

]]> Common Ground: Spring 2008 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Spring2008Common_Ground.pdf Wed, 21 May 2008 11:08:19 -0500 The latest issue of the Common Ground newsletter focuses on recent victories for the Alliance and our partner organizations, including the recent passage of the transportation bill over the governor's veto and the Twin Cities' first community-based CBA....

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Community Benefits Agreements: Growing a Movement in Minnesota http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CBAREPORT.pdf Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:48:35 -0600 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability recently released this report on community benefits agreements to further develop local understanding of the CBA's potential to yield significant, community-desired results from large-scale redevelopments and other projects. More and more organizations and coalitions are turning to the CBA model to produce meaningful - and, perhaps more importantl...

Download the PDF »

]]> Common Ground: Fall 2007 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/CommonGroundfall2007.pdf Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:10:08 -0500 The Fall 2007 issue of the Alliance' Common Ground Newsletter features stories about the opportunities and challenges presented by mega-developments being proposed in the Twin Cities. Download the newsletter to read about mega-developments in St. Paul, Arden Hills, Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis and to learn about equitable development efforts taking place throughout the region....

Download the PDF »

]]> Common Ground: Fall 2006 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Common-Ground-fall-2006.pdf Fri, 25 Aug 2006 11:17:14 -0500 We are pleased to be able to dedicate the latest issue of Common Ground to featuring stories that illustrate an exciting new phase in the Twin Cities' movement for smarter growth and more equitable development. For the past year, the Alliance has worked to help a broad range of groups - our member organizations and other community allies - to ensure that low income communit...

Download the PDF »

]]> Featured Resources: Recommendations for the Wireless Minneapolis Community Benefits Agreement http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/Wireless-CBA-Recommendations.pdf Mon, 06 Mar 2006 16:00:35 -0600 The Digital Inclusion Coalition was hosted by the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability and comprised of organizations and individuals concerned about creating opportunities for low-income people and people of color to gain access to and training on computers and the Internet. The group came together as the city of Minneapolis issued an RFP for a private company to run its citywide Wi...

Download the PDF »

]]> Common Ground: Fall 2005 Common Ground http://www.metrostability.org/efiles/2005_fall.pdf Mon, 24 Oct 2005 11:22:35 -0500 The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability's newsletter, Common Ground is now online. Topics included in this newsletter are the Lexington-University Campaign, transit funding at the state legislature, and Community Benefit Agreements....

Download the PDF »

]]> News: Addressing Climate Change in Minnesota http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Addressing_Climate_Change_in_Minnesota Tue, 30 Nov 1999 13:19:31 -0600 The city of Minneapolis recently developed a Climate Action Plan focusing on transportation, buildings, and waste as three key sectors where we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In a Minnesota 2020 article, Macalster college student Esther Schlotterbeck details aspects of the current plan, calling it a commendable start to mitigating the effects of climate change but arguing that it must go further in placing equitable solutions at the center of discussion.

Read More »

]]> News: Deep and Intransigent Employment Disparities Persist in Minnesota (Twin Cities Daily Planet) http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Facing_race_head_on__Deep_and_intransigent_employment_disparities_persist_in_Minnesota Tue, 30 Nov 1999 10:28:54 -0600 As racial disparities in the unemployment rate in Minnesota remain high, the Legislature threatens to make these disparities more prevalent by cutting funding to essential programs like the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Read More »

]]> News: Organizer Profile: Meet Kenza Hadj-Moussa http://www.metrostability.org/news/article.php?sid=Organizer_Profile__Meet_Kenza_Hadj_Moussa Tue, 30 Nov 1999 10:17:36 -0600 Meet one organizer who is intrinsically motivated by hope for a better future.

Read More »

]]>