Labor and Economic Development
Ward 9 has two vibrant cultural corridors, 38th Street and East Lake Street, that unite diverse communities and celebrate our shared humanity. This area serves as the heart of Minneapolis, rich with stories of resilience, love, and the struggles that have shaped our collective identity. In these times, we urgently need policies that empower our local economy, ensuring that resources remain within our neighborhoods and benefit those who call this place home.
We are confronted with significant challenges: attacks on workers' rights, the looming anxiety of deportation for many, the threat of violence that can devastate small businesses, and the fight for survival of entrepreneurs. It is the responsibility of the City of Minneapolis to create an environment where every community member feels secure, healthy, and supported. Together, we can cultivate a thriving atmosphere that empowers all individuals to contribute to a vibrant and flourishing economy for working people in Minneapolis.
What We Did:
Revitalizing the East Lake Street Corridor: Successfully secured over $4 million to support the reconstruction and revitalization of businesses on Lake Street in Ward 9. Together, these initiatives are fostering resilience and growth in Ward 9, demonstrating our commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing our community after challenging times.
COPAL’s Center for Community Engagement Development (2905 East Lake Street): Authored and passed a $300,000 Budget Amendment to support a 24,000 square foot building that was damaged during the 2020 civil unrest with capital costs for construction and development.
One Southside Clinic Project (1000 East Lake Street): Authored and passed a $250,000 Budget Amendment that will support the development of a health community clinic and wellness center located within the historically significant East Lake Street community of South Minneapolis.
Mercado Central Economic Development Project (1515 East Lake Street): Authored and passed a $250,000 Budget Amendment to help redevelop this marketplace of over 25 Latino/Hispanic businesses at the corner of Lake Street and Bloomington Ave.
Restoration of the Coliseum Building (2708 East Lake Street): In 2023, we allocated a significant $1.5 million to revitalize the historic Coliseum Building, located in the Longfellow Neighborhood. This investment helped restore the building to active and vibrant commercial use, enhancing the community’s cultural and economic fabric.
MIGIZI Rebuilding Project (1845 East Lake Street): In response to the destruction of MIGIZI’s building during the 2020 civil unrest, we approved a $1 million forgivable loan through the Great Streets Gap Financing program. This funding supports the construction costs for their new renovation and expansion project, empowering the organization to continue its vital work in the community in 2023.
Supreme Proserv (3101 Minnehaha Ave): After their property was devastated by fire during the 2020 civil unrest, we stepped in with a $325,000 loan from the Commercial Property Development Fund (CPDF). This funding will facilitate the acquisition of the commercial property, ensuring the company can rebuild and contribute to the local economy in 2023.
Monarcas LVC Recovery Efforts (513 East Lake Street): In 2023, we approved a $200,000 Commercial Property Development loan to aid the project, which suffered significant damage from a break-in during the civil unrest of 2020. This funding helped with the acquisition of their commercial building, a multi-tenant retail establishment, helping to restore a vital hub for local commerce.
Revitalizing the 38th Street Corridor and George Floyd Square:
George Floyd Square Job Training Initiative: Authored and passed a $300,000 budget amendment dedicated to enhancing job training programs for both youth and adults in the George Floyd Square area and the 38th Street Cultural District. This funding will focus on creating high-wage employment opportunities in the fields of Arts, Communications, and Theater Production, empowering community members with the skills they need to thrive.
Pillsbury House + Theatre and Pillsbury Creative Commons Development (3501 Chicago Ave): Authored and passed a critical $150,000 budget amendment to bolster response, recovery, and rebuilding initiatives in the vicinity of George Floyd Square and the 38th Street Cultural District. This development will provide resources and space for independent artists to expand their businesses, support trained workers, and facilitate community infrastructure projects aimed at stabilizing the neighborhood and enhancing the economic well-being of its residents.
Belfry Apartments Project (3901 Chicago Ave): Approved a $1.23 million Affordable Housing Trust Fund award to support the construction of the Belfry Apartments near George Floyd Square. This will provide 41 much-needed affordable rental units, addressing the housing crisis and creating opportunities for community members.
Peoples Way Gas Station Redevelopment: Approved an investment of $200,000 to acquire the Peoples Way Gas Station, paving the way for redevelopment that will serve the needs of the community.
Minneapolis Homes Down Payment Assistance Program: Approved a $850,000 federal grant approval aimed at supporting the Minneapolis Homes Down Payment Assistance Program and the Home Improvement Financing Program in several neighborhoods, including Central, Powderhorn Park, Bancroft, and Bryant. This initiative will help make homeownership more accessible and promote community revitalization.
Revitalizing the Phillips Community: Through these initiatives, we are dedicated to empowering the Phillips community and creating lasting positive change.
Minneapolis American Indian Center (1530 East Franklin Ave): Approved an investment of $1.5 million to support the expansion of this essential center, which caters to over 10,000 members of the American Indian community. This funding will enhance the center's comprehensive offerings, including educational programs, health services, employment assistance, and social support. The revitalized center will introduce exciting new initiatives in Indigenous food programs, artistic endeavors, youth activities, and economic development, promoting vibrant community engagement and overall well-being.
Mikwanedun Audisookon Project (2313 13th Ave): Approved a $1 million forgivable loan for the project, designed to strengthen existing youth employment and internship programs, alongside health education and services. This initiative will also address critical housing and environmental needs while launching innovative offerings such as an arts program, a food business incubator, and expanded employment initiatives, all aimed at fostering growth and opportunity for our youth.
Native American Community Clinic Project (1213 Franklin Ave E): To further our commitment to health and well-being, we approved a $750,000 Great Street Forgivable Loan for the construction of a new clinic space, which will feature affordable housing units above. This project aims to enhance access to essential health services in Phillips for the community while addressing the ongoing need for affordable living options.
Mni Sota Fund Indigenous Wealth Building Center Development Project: Authored and passed a $250,000 Budget Amendment that will provide funding to support the creation of the Mni Sota Fund Indigenous Wealth Building Center, a facility aimed at advancing economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation for Indigenous communities.
Labor Standards Board: Voted in favor of establishing this board to ensure the voices of low-wage workers are not being silenced when negotiating safe workplace conditions and better wages. Unfortunately, the Mayor vetoed this.
Rideshare Minimum Wage Ordinance: Authored and passed a landmark ordinance aimed at enhancing compensation for Uber and Lyft drivers. Collaborated with the State Legislature to establish a statewide minimum wage standard, ensuring fair pay and equitable treatment for all rideshare drivers across the region.
LIUNA Park Board Workers Resolution: Authored and passed a resolution in support of striking Park Board Workers and supporting their right to fair treatment and equitable working conditions
Latino Business Week: Authored and passed a Budget Amendment to establish the inaugural Latino Business Week in Minneapolis.
Small Business Payroll Provider and Compliance Subsidy: Voted in favor of a budget amendment that developed a pilot program aimed at subsidizing payroll and bookkeeping services for small businesses, enhancing financial stability and compliance.
Expansion of the Business and Technical Assistance Program: Successfully authored and secured passage of a $700,000 budget amendment dedicated to providing essential business and technical support for cultural districts affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Small Business Support Initiative: Approved a funding allocation of $400,000 to help bolster cultural market support for BIPOC and immigrant-owned businesses in malls significantly affected by the pandemic.
Intergovernmental Relations: Updated the City’s Legislative Agenda to prioritize comprehensive rebuilding and revitalization efforts for our cultural district and corridors.
Looking Ahead:
Local Emergency and Construction Relief Fund: Establish a dedicated fund to assist small businesses in promptly addressing damage and mitigating losses caused by construction activities.
Advocating for a Moratorium on Commercial Evictions: Champion a city ordinance that protects small business owners, ensuring they can keep their doors open and thrive in our community.
Implement a tax on the wealthiest corporations in Minneapolis to relieve the tax burden on local businesses and residents, while reinvesting those funds back into our community to foster growth and prosperity.
Combat Gentrification: Advocate for policies that prevent the sale of city-owned land for developments that threaten to gentrify our community. Additionally, support initiatives that require advance notice for the sale of commercial properties to ensure transparency and community involvement.
Building a Livable Future: Collaborating with the community to establish a fair minimum wage beyond the current $15 benchmark.
Disability Justice: It's essential that we include disability in our discussions on equity. I support the elimination of subminimum wage laws for individuals with disabilities, so we can foster greater employment and economic opportunities, empowering those within this community to thrive.
Advocate for Fair Scheduling: Inconsistent and unpredictable work hours create challenges for individuals trying to achieve a balanced life. These erratic schedules hinder their ability to care for loved ones, pursue higher education, and maintain additional employment when necessary.
Implement a Weekly Day Off Policy: Advocate for ordinances that empower employees to claim a guaranteed day off each week and to decline closing-open shifts without the fear of retaliation.