strong local economy : Featured Stories

Artspace’s residential projects fill a critical niche in a city’s ecosystem of affordable housing, particularly for artists. But making the case for public policies and resources to realize these transformative projects is challenging.

McKnight Foundation president Kate Wolford and program officer Eric Muschler at Clare Midtown talk about the foundation's affordable housing initiatives and how well-designed affordable housing is a community asset with long-term benefits.

There’s a movement afoot to rebrand MSP as “IoT Alley” in recognition of its historical and current innovations in the field of Internet to cloud devices. MSP startups, in fact, are leading current growth in the field.

Birds are chirping, patios are open and soon food truck season begins in earnest. These new additions to our burgeoning mobile foodie scene show off MSP’s evolving restaurant culture, stimulate street life and generate community.

Tami Traeger, Nice Ride MN's director of outreach and sponsor relationships, explains how a car-free calling led her to align her lifestyle with her values and smaller-footprint living.

Twin Cities community developers aim to create more public spaces in lower-income neighborhoods as common assets for all to enjoy.

Downtown East could soon become the national face of MSP; quite a step up for a neighborhood that barely existed a decade ago.

We're experiencing the third industrial revolution in which MSP’s digital fabricators are innovatively building the future, one pixel at a time.  

In this essay, reprinted from MinnesotaPlaylist.com, Kevin Obsatz puts forward bold proposals for how filmmakers based in The North could create a body of signature, lasting work.

Searching for a book to get lost in? Ditch your computer and mobile devices, and plan a day trip exploring these distinct and community-minded local bookstores, many of which are celebrating decade birthdays in 2015.

Youth programs with a focus on urban agriculture cultivate good health, leadership skills, community development and economic independence.

A merry band of farmers market managers and vendors are braving the cold and dark to keep us supplied with locally grown food, locally made food products and locally sourced crafts. Here's where you can find them this winter!

Colette DeHarpporte is on a mission. The CEO of Laser Classroom designs, builds and markets educational light, laser and optics tools for schoolchildren.    

The 2014 Minnesota Healthy Communities Conference introduced participants to innovative community health projects that explore links between community development and the health of low-income people.

Enjoy this roundup of 10 exciting architectural and development additions to Minneapolis and St. Paul that promise to transform neighborhoods, enrich our quality of life and add to the roster of “must see” attractions for out-of-town guests.