2025 Q1 Advocacy Recap
- Venus Darling
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 24
PPNA's collaborative approach to advancing community well-being in and around Powderhorn focuses on environmental justice, equitable development, housing justice, and holistic safety. Check out the progress we've made in the first quarter of 2025 (January-March) and ways you can get involved!
Renter Support Fund | Made possible through Grassroots Giving
In 2024, the Renter Support Fund supported 36 households with an average of 2.5 person/household for a total of 90 neighbors! We’re wrapping up our latest fundraiser and are thrilled to share that—thanks to your generosity—we raised over $1300 this month!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and helped spread the word. Your ongoing support fuels direct relief for renters and helps build a stronger, more connected city.
*Raffle winners will be notified by the last week of May
One South | OS Connect: Imagining Sustainable Futures
For over 40 years, neighborhood organizations have been the foundation to the strength of South Minneapolis. Celebrating the vibrancy of our community by curating cultural events, designing programs and passing along vital resources to our neighbors, and advocating for the betterment of our residents
Neighborhood organizations are essential—but not invincible so how can this work be sustained?
Join us for One South Connect, a free energizing gathering of residents, organizations, and business owners to:
Celebrate decades of grassroots work
Name the barriers to long-term impact
Imagine collaborative, sustainable futures
Featuring live music and movement from Bomba artist Tearra Osso and Soul Bowl will cater a delicious community meal.
We believe this work is better when done together. Register now to help shape what’s next for our neighborhoods.
Housing Matters | Pathways to Homeownership
Incorporating advocacy into our most iconic events PPNA kicked off the Housing Matters series on February 19th with a virtual session co-hosted by our incredible partners Regan Reneck and Mona Edwick. This session was tailored to renters dreaming of homeownership and tackled common roadblocks like credit repair, tenant rights, and preparing to purchase a home.
Whether you're a renter, homeowner, or neighbor working to make your block stronger—Housing Matters offers real tools to build housing stability and equity for all.
38th Street United Coalition | A Call to Collaborate
Since 2021, the 38th Street United Coalition (38SU) has worked to bring together neighbors, organizations, businesses, and city staff around a shared goal: a thriving, well-resourced 38th Street Cultural District. Rooted in South Minneapolis, 38SU is a community-based group committed to advancing development and wellbeing in ways that reflect the values, histories, and needs of those who live and work here.
As we continue this work, we see a growing opportunity—and a shared responsibility—to push for deeper, long-term investment in all of Minneapolis’ cultural districts.
Why Cultural Districts Matter
Cultural districts aren’t just lines on a map—they are hubs of memory, culture, creativity, and economic possibility. They’re spaces where history is preserved, small businesses grow, and communities gather. Yet, despite their significance, many cultural districts across Minneapolis still lack the sustained support and infrastructure they need to truly flourish.
That’s why 38SU believes in working together—not just for 38th Street, but for all of our cultural corridors citywide.
Recent Conversations and What’s Next
On Friday, April 18th, we hosted a virtual gathering with cultural leaders from across the city. Together, we will map out what deeper investments in cultural districts could look like: from equitable funding models and placekeeping strategies to accessible infrastructure and long-term economic development.
The conversation confirmed something we already knew: no single group can do this work alone.
We’ll be continuing to invite community partners, cultural advocates, and city stakeholders to join us in envisioning—and building—a future where cultural districts are not only acknowledged, but deeply invested in.
Email venus@ppna.org to learn how to get involved.
Editor: Ren Koo
