Tuesday, September 4, 2018
POLICY NEWS
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey puts money behind affordable housing plan
A city’s budget reflects its priorities. It’s clear Mayor Jacob Frey is committed to invest in and supporting the construction of new affordable housing in Minneapolis. His push to increase housing access in the city is gaining momentum, with a record $40 million in the next year’s proposed budget allocated toward expanding affordable housing.

Follow along with us as the budget season progresses.
 
Learn more about the proposal in this Star Tribune article .
SWLRT Update
The region recently received news of two more steps on the trail towards completing and riding the Southwest LRT (SWLRT).

First, Finance and Commerce reported that the MetCouncil has begun the process to accept claims from business owners about losses due to construction of the Southwest and Bottineau lines.

Second, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board has approved the purchase of freight rail right of way in critical areas along the SWLRT. This approval allowed the MetCouncil to resubmit a request for a Letter of No Prejudice from the Federal Transit Administration. The Letter of No Prejudice is a critically important step in the construction of any big project. With the receipt of the letter the MetCouncil can start finalizing construction contracts and get shovels in the ground.

 If you or your business would like to reach out to local elected officials about this critical piece of regional infrastructure reach out at publicpolicy@mplschamber.com .
MEMBER NEWS
Allianz Field on track for Feb. 2019 opening
Allianz Field, home to the Minnesota United FC team, is 75 percent complete as Mortenson Construction works towards the completion date of February 22, 2019. Natural turf grass will be installed and the stadium will be heated.

Hire and Recruit at the U of M: Diversify Your Workforce With International Candidates
The University of Minnesota is hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, September 12 from Noon to 1:00 PM CST to help educate employers on the talented and diverse international student population in Minnesota. It also will offer reasons for employers to consider hiring international candidates as a way to further strengthen and diversify their workforce.

You can login to the session here using the meeting code: 740 781 531 .
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 .
North Minneapolis corridor undergoes major revitalization
THOR Construction developed a four-story, 92,000-square-foot palace named the Regional Acceleration Center on a long vacant lot in the Near North neighborhood. The building will house the headquarters for THOR, and provide space for Target, the Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Hennepin County and other retail and restaurant owners. The project is considered one of the largest commercial investments in decades for Near North. THOR CEO Ravi Norman is the board chair-elect for the Minneapolis Regional Chamber.
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 , Associated Bank and Voya ; to our event sponsor Leo A Daly ; and to our Media Sponsor Finance & Commerce .
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
Candidate Forum: Bloomington Delegation
Tuesday, September 25 | 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Bloomington Civic Plaza

Many important decisions lie in the hands of our elected officials. With numerous critical issues on the table that could impact businesses, the elections this fall will be more important than ever. Please join the Bloomington Chamber and the candidates for District 49B, District 50A, and District 50B of the Minnesota House of Representatives for an informative meeting and the opportunity to hear from each of them!
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.