Monday, August 27, 2018
POLICY NEWS
Minnesota needs thousands of new homes to address affordable housing crunch, report says
The fact that the MSP region is facing an affordable housing crisis is no surprise. Governor Dayton appointed a task for on this issue, and while their findings are concerning, we do have a variety of options to help address the crisis. The Governor’s report highlights how important affordable housing is in our region & around the state. Mayor Frey & Mayor Carter have also highlighted the need for more housing investment. We engage at every level trying to find solutions.
 
Learn more about the task force's findings in this Star Tribune article .
Election and policy update
We're a few weeks past the primary, and the dust has settled on what was a seismic summer in Minnesota politics.  We would like to congratulate all of the primary winners.  
Through the final days before the general election, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber will continue to elevate the voices of our members with candidates and elected officials. It is our responsibility to make sure that candidates understand the priorities of businesses as well as how to grow and sustain the MSP region. Be on the lookout for exciting partnerships that will allow us to help shape the dialogue in races around the state through the November elections.

Public policy and our elected officials will set the stage for MSP’s success, from needed investments in housing and transit to ensuring that Minnesota has the most highly qualified workforce possible. The chamber’s mission is to ensure that those policies and those elected officials work on behalf of businesses and the region. We look forward to continuing to work with you on this mission.
 
Please feel free to reach out to our public policy team at [email protected] for more information about our efforts.
Why 'fixing' Minneapolis' housing crisis is going to be lot harder than people think
On Wednesday the 22 nd the Minneapolis City Council received a report on inclusionary zoning in Minneapolis. Inclusionary zoning simply means that cities can mandate that new developments built in the city or in specific neighborhoods must have affordable housing units included. We need to support the development of new housing, and new affordable housing in the region, but inclusionary zoning policies can reduce development because of the costs borne by developers. The chamber will continue to engage with the Minneapolis City Council as this proposal moves forward.

MEMBER NEWS
Toro's Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program
As part of the Land. Water. Thrive. initiative, Toro is helping communities enrich the beauty of the land for the health, well-being and enjoyment of everyone. They will be providing grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to 501c3 nonprofit organizations – including state/city park and recreation divisions, conservation divisions, public educational entities and other organizations – located within 30 miles of Bloomington. The deadline to apply is September 1.

Kraus-Anderson Realty promotes Cindy MacDonald and Ken Vinje to Vice President of Properties
Kraus-Anderson Realty Company has promoted Cindy MacDonald and Ken Vinje to vice president of properties. Both have served as KA Realty’s director of properties and redevelopment. Each with 30 years of commercial real estate industry experience, MacDonald and Vinje will manage KA Realty’s planning, strategy, profitability, quality service and marketing of portfolios.

You can read the full press release here .
Summit Academy & Atomic Data partner to launch I.T. training program
The inaugural information technology (I.T.) training program is underway at Summit Academy OIC. The pilot program is the result of a yearlong collaborative process with Summit Academy and Atomic Data.

The goal of the program is to diversify the Twin Cities’ I.T. workforce and help address staffing shortage issues. 27 students are currently enrolled in the program’s first cohort.

Friday, September 28 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Loews Minneapolis Hotel

A qualified and diverse workforce is essential to the competitiveness of this region. Businesses face worker shortages and new businesses must be able to find the talent necessary to grow. What do current employment numbers and sector growth indicate? Our panelists and presenters will discuss the numbers, how to anticipate industry needs and how to recruit, train and retain a workforce to meet market demands.

  • Speakers:Laura Beeth | Fairview Health Services
  • Tawanna Black | Center for Economic Inclusion
  • Deb Broberg | RealTime Talent
  • Peter Frosch | GREATER MSP
  • Shawntera Hardy | Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Thank you to our presenting sponsors Mortenson , Thrivent Financial , and Xcel Energy ; to our series sponsors Sunrise Banks and Voya ; to our event sponsor Leo A Daly ; and to our Media Sponsor Finance & Commerce .
Friday, September 21 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. | The Local

MSP is facing some of the worst racial disparities in the nation. To remain competitive, the region needs to focus on closing the education and achievement gaps to alleviate the impact on our workforce and economy. At the next DRIVE Roundtable Joy Stephens, Equity & Inclusion Manager of the City of Minneapolis, will talk about the issues and challenges facing the city and our region.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Xcel Energy and series sponsors Be The Match , CenterPoint Energy , the Local , US Bank , and Wells Fargo .
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
Wednesday, September 12 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. | WeWork

Coworking spaces are the new trend in Minneapolis. At this Get Acquainted Breakfast, we will get to see one of the first in this market. Guests will get an inside look at WeWork’s shared office space and amenities, all while making new connections. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, introduce yourself and network with other members through “one-minute commercials.” This free event fills up fast - get your name on the guest list today!

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Xcel Energy and host WeWork.
MEMBER ADVANTAGE
The Minneapolis Regional Chamber and Sprint
The Sprint Works Program offers a discounts of 15% on select rate plans to members of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. If the customer is active on Unlimited Freedom, they will receive a $5 discount instead of the % discount associated with the company.

Any subscriber on the account qualifies for the Sprint Works Program discount . The name on the proof document must match a name listed as a subscriber. The subscriber does not need to be the Account Holder.

Visit www.sprint.com/save for details.