Department Priorities for 2013
Blueprint For Equity
Neighborhoods Are Key Partners in Addressing Racial Disparities
The Blueprint for Equity is a multi-year strategic plan focused on engaging neighborhood organizations to see their decisions and allocations of resources through a lens of equity and inclusion. With access to millions of dollars annually, as well as political and social resources, the City’s 71 neighborhood organizations can be a significant partner in addressing racial disparities in our community.
Key Partners:
- Neighborhood organizations
- Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission
- Cultural organizations
- Nexus Community Partners
- City of Minneapolis’ Civil Rights Department
African American Engagement
African American Community Defines Engagement With City
The African American community is the largest community of color in the City. We currently have successful engagement structures in place for the Latino, American Indian, Somali and Hmong communities. The department will follow a similar approach working directly with the African American community to create effective community engagement.
Key Partners:
- African American Leadership Forum
- Minneapolis Urban League
- City of Minneapolis’ Civil Rights Department
ADA Compliance within Neighborhood Organizations
People With Disabilities Find A Welcoming Place In Community
The department will be focusing our work on increasing the awareness and the capacity of neighborhood organizations to achieve or maintain ADA compliance and increase participation on ADA issues. We have developed and are already implementing a multi-faceted support program.
Key Partners:
- Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People With Disabilities
- NRP Policy Board and the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission
- City of Minneapolis’ Civil Rights Department
Elections and Voter Engagement
Voter Turnaround: Communities of Color Turnout In Higher Numbers
Voter turn-out is a strong indicator of resident civic participation and engagement. Voter turnout trend for local elections in Minneapolis has seen a dramatic decrease since 2001 across all racial groups. Voter turnout for communities of color has historically been about 15 point below the overall numbers. The department’s work on voter engagement will be to: 1) increase the overall voter turnout; and 2) close the gap of low voter turnout in low-income communities and communities of color.
Key Partners:
- City of Minneapolis’ City Clerk’s Office/Elections
- Neighborhood Organizations
- Cultural and Community Groups
- Existing GOTV efforts
Neighborhood Priority Plans
Neighborhoods Actively Work with City and Partners To Implement Priorities
The new Community Participation Program supports neighborhood organizations to develop Neighborhood Priority Plans. These plans often require neighborhoods to partner with NRP participation jurisdictions, including the City, for their implementation. We will work with other City departments to improve coordination and collaboration on the implementation of these plans.
Key Partners:
- Neighborhood Organizations
- Minneapolis City Departments
Successful Existing Cultural Engagement Efforts
Policy and Program Changes Benefit Many
Key Partners:
- Latino Engagement Task Force
- American Indian MUID/MOU
- City of Minneapolis’ IGR Department
Resident Partners
Volunteers Busy Shoveling Snow after First 2013-14 Snow Storm
Key Partners:
- City of Minneapolis’ Communications, Public Works, Regulatory Services, IT, and 311 departments
- Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities
- Neighborhood Organizations and Block Clubs
Neighborhoods USA (NUSA)
Over 800 Learn About Engagement at Minneapolis Conference
Key Partners:
- Nexus Community Partners
- Citizens For A Loring Park Community
- Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board
- NUSA
Homelessness
Homeless Find Housing throughout the City
Key Partners:
- Heading Home Hennepin Executive Committee Members (CPED, Henn. County,others)
- Neighborhood Organizations
- Community and Cultural Organizations
Senior Strategic Plan
City Moves to Make Minneapolis Welcoming To Seniors
Key Partners:
- Minneapolis City Council
- Most of the City departments
- Senior Advisory Committee
- Many senior-based community groups
- Hennepin County
Last updated Feb. 13, 2013