The Neighborhood Advocate Feb. 29, 2008

Discussion continues on neighborhood funding, sustainability

neighborhood meeting The Neighborhood Advocate recently reported on a Feb. 20 community meeting which examined the City's "Framework" proposal for future neighborhood funding, where an attendee asked, "Is there is anything positive about the Framework proposal?" The article (find archived news here) suggested that panelists were "seemingly without an answer." The Advocate regrets this error, because the question was in fact addressed by Robert Miller, director of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP).

One major positive in the Framework text, Miller explained, is the recognition that neighborhood organizations are a "basic City service" and an important element of Minneapolis' civic infrastructure. Miller also praised the Framework's recognition that neighborhoods need operating resources to perform their community engagement activities and that these resources should be provided by the City of Minneapolis. The amount of support identified in the Framework (i.e. "at least $2 million per year," to be shared by all Minneapolis neighborhood organizations) is a starting point and is preceded by "at least" in the text of the report.

Longfellow board member DeWayne Townsend added that the Framework's call for a "Neighborhood Investment Fund" is also a positive, but expressed concern that the report fails to identify either targeted amounts, potential sources being pursued, or a timeframe for capitalizing the fund. "The words are good," he said, "but the proposed actions are not."

Click here to read the "Framework for the Future" proposal. Click here to read the CNO board's response to the "Framework." Finally, help sustain your neighborhood organization by participating in a community response here.

click these links

Enjoy a wine tasting event and help support CNO

The CNO Events Committee and the Chatterbox Pub will sponsor a wine tasting fundraising event for CNO at the Highland Park Chatterbox (800 Cleveland Ave S, St. Paul) on Thursday, March 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Come sample an array of red and white wines from both national and international regions, and various Chatterbox appetizers. Tickets ($20 in advance or $25 at the door) can be purchased in advance from the CNO office in person or by phone (612-724-7457) or by e-mail.

If you'd like to help organize future neighborhood events, please attend the committee's next meeting (Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 pm at CNO), where we'll work on outdoor summer movies, the 3-neighborhood garage sale, and outreach at the Midtown Farmers’ Market.

South Minneapolis Housing Fair returns March 8

On Saturday, March 8th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the 14th Annual South Minneapolis Housing Fair will take place at South High School, 3131 19th Ave S. This event is free and open to the public. The Fair promotes home improvement, project financing, city living, and local neighborhood involvement. Over 100 reputable contractors, real estate agents, lenders, community organizations, and neighborhood representatives will be on hand. Local professionals will present seminars on home improvement, safety, home purchase, decorating, and financing. The Housing Fair is a family event and events include a free children’s woodcraft project and hourly drawings for over $2,000 in door prizes. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Learn more at www.housingfair.org

News Archive

Corcoran Neighborhood Organization | 3451 Cedar Ave S | Minneapolis MN 55407
Phone 612-724-7457 | Fax 612-721-7588