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Strong Local Economy

The Twin Cities didn't suffer as intense a roller-coaster ride from early-twentieth-century prosperity to mid-century decline and late-century struggle-to-recover as many former heavy-industrial cities, mostly thanks to the diversity of our economic base, the health of the major companies that make their homes here, and an entrepreneurial brio that has kept new companies coming. But there have been major ups and downs, including the Great Recession, and there are still areas in our towns that don't share in the general prosperity. Luckily, our governmental bodies, colleges, and think tanks teem with experts in keeping local economies strong, and our neighborhood consciousness emphasizes the local--all of which helps make sure that for every chain store that opens in a mall, a handful of small, promising hyperlocal businesses sprout as well.

Strong Local Economy Features

An "Art Block" project

Pillsbury House Theatre Breaks the Ice and Serves the Community

At the heart of Pillsbury House Theatre's work is commitment to its community; to foster connections and strengthen the relationships between neighbors and engage them directly in a multitude of meaningful ways.

Lion in Winter

December Arts & Culture: Last-minute maker markets and holiday antidotes

To rephrase a popular aphorism, it's all stars and snowflakes until someone gets hurt...meaning, amid last-minute maker markets and star gazing this holiday month there's a "House of Cards" style production at the Guthrie to clear the senses and a concert to ground our sensibilities.

No. Mpls. street closed to traffic

Seven Ways Automobility Undermines a City's Bottom Line, from Least to Most Direct

Having an auto-oriented city comes at a cost and leaves cities in precarious financial positions, with lots of commitments but with a reduced and devalued tax base.

Proposed ADU in St. Paul by Greta Vick

A Good Thing for St. Paul: A Pilot ADU Project Along the Green Line Invites Creative Possibilities

The St. Paul City Council has voted to allow ADUs from Emerald to Lexington avenues along University, a pilot project that will bring creative possibilities for density, affordable housing and multi-generational living to the Central Corridor.

Blayze Buseth

Microloans Help Artists Build Sustainable Careers

Microloans help artists bridge the gaps between other sources of funding. Springboard for the Arts is currently testing a microloan model and has partnered with Kiva, a microlending platform that funds small businesses around the world.  
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