Jose Velez Wrote:
Dear North Minneapolis Residents and Friends:In January, 200 "Northsiders" came together to confront our city leadership and ask them about changes to zoning and housing policies.
Now, we need you again at a meeting to voice your anger and concerns about jobs and economic development in our community. I am inviting you to attend the JACC Forum on Thursday, June 19th at 6:30 PM at Unity House, 2507 Freemont Avenue (box lunches and childcare are available).
The topic will be "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & JOBS ON NORTH MINNEAPOLIS."
As of now, city official who will attend include:
- Council Member Don Samuels
- Council Member Natalie Johnson-Lee
- Council Member Barbara Johnson
- Senator Linda Higgins
- State Representative Keith Ellison
- Mayor R. T. Rybak
- A representative from Senator Mark Dayton's office
- Kim Havey -Executive Director of the Minneapolis Empowerment Zone.and
State Representative Joe Mullery have yet to confirm.Kelly PhillipsOrganizers for this forum include residents from Hawthorne, Jordan, McKinley, Folwell, Harrison, Near North, Cleveland and Willard-Hay neighborhoods.
This meeting is more than the "TARGET" issue. We need to show our elected officials that we want to be involved in creating an "Economic Development Vision" for North Minneapolis and the they need to make that vision a priority.
Issues that need to be discussed at the forum include, but are not limited to:
The time to step up is now. Many of you who attended the Housing Forum in January and who emailed, called and spoke with our city council members really had an impact on policy. The city leadership paid attention and responded.
- Target Corporation's abandonment of North Minneapolis
- Is development of housing along the river displacing jobs? and where are those jobs going?
- What resources are needed to attract business to North Minneapolis? How can we get these resources to our community?
- What can be done to improve the workforce skills of residents that will attract businesses?
- Our community is a priority. When will we see movement on OUR commercial corridors?
- Where is the comprehensive plan to lower poverty, build wealth and give us a economically healthy and livable community?
They will pay attention again if WE SPEAK WITH A LOUD AND UNIFIED VOICE.
Please attend this meeting and share the contents of this message with your friends and neighbors.
Call Jose Velez at 612-529-6033 for more information or if you are interested in being involved.
Peace and Solidarity in North Minneapolis.
Jordan
