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Notwithstanding its rich cultural heritage in areas such as the arts and athletics, North Minneapolis has one of the lowest median incomes, and some of the lowest property values in the city due to historic Redlining and racially restrictive deeds. The resulting segregation of the predominantly Black population beginning in the early 20th century was intensified in the 1960s-70s by the construction of roads around the neighborhood that isolate it from downtown and other adjacent areas, and the I-94 freeway that separates the residential area from the river. At least two forms of wealth-building can combat these effects: homeownership and business entrepreneurship.

The American Dream of homeownership is challenging for low-income people because they typically require developing savings, difficult when your income barely covers life’s necessities. Upfront costs can be provided by non-profit agencies in a variety of ways, including reducing land costs by building with land trusts, subsidizing the construction costs, and assisting with collectivizing to share land, construction, and maintenance costs among a larger number of people. In North Minneapolis, businesses are collaborating to create a commerce-friendly climate, so that potential entrepreneurs can get job training, find affordable rental space and raise the necessary capital to start an enterprise. Organizations like NEON and West Broadway Business and Area Coalition are developing incubator spaces for up-and-coming companies to plant roots in the neighborhood.

Education in not only the sciences but the arts is also key to building the communal wealth of Northside Minneapolis. More and better education programs will allow the predominantly young members of the Northside community to more effectively leverage their personal and community-based strengths to continue building Northside Minneapolis into a stronger, healthier, and wealthier community.

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Maps

The maps above highlight types of housing, housing prices, income levels, and land use in the neighborhood to synthesize the economic disparities between this neighborhood and wealthier neighborhoods in the metro area.

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Project Innovations

These innovations were rapidly developed by students based on the research they initially did. The idea was that by generating physical suggestions, we could spark helpful conversation and critique from community members.

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Related Projects