Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, University of Minnesota

The deadline for the Community Action Research Grant and Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs applications is March 7. Apply today!

Our pre-application webinar is one week away! Are you registered? ?? https://lnkd.in/gutDCgM9 Join us on Thursday, February 27 at 11 AM to learn about program eligibility, types of projects we typically accept, the application process, and Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities matching funds for metro area applicants. An opportunity for Q&A will follow the presentation.

?? Building Bridges Through Stories at Theodore Wirth Park ?? The Stories of Connection Project is transforming Theodore Wirth Park into a more inclusive space by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Led by the Loppet Foundation, with research by a CURA Kris Nelson Community-Based Research graduate assistant, this initiative bridges historical divides through storytelling and community engagement. The project celebrates the rich cultural connections to nature, fostering healing and community unity. ?? Discover more about this transformative journey: https://buff.ly/41miosI

Apply anytime for the Kris Nelson Community-Based Research Program! Next Deadline for Spring Projects: March 15 The Kris Nelson Community-Based Research Program builds the power and capacity of community-based organizations to create social change through partnerships with the University of Minnesota. We match the research and technical needs of organizations with student research assistants to carry out community-defined and community-guided projects. CURA works with organizations selected for the program to create shared understanding and action based on the results. Learn more and apply for the Kris Nelson Community-Based Research Program. https://buff.ly/4e5p8zr

We sincerely thank Dr. Brittany Lewis for her leadership and invaluable contributions to the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs research agenda. Her dedication to driving meaningful change has made a lasting impact, and while she will be greatly missed, we look forward to seeing her continued success at Research in Action. Her contributions include: The Diversity of Gentrification: Multiple Forms of Gentrification in Minneapolis and St. Paul; The Illusion of Choice: Evictions and Profit in North Minneapolis; The Brooklyn Park Housing Project; Searching for Stability: Futility, choice, and access in the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program; The Brooklyn Center Housing Report; and ‘Families for Finance,’ A Financial Empowerment Program for Shelter Guests. Links to these reports are available at: https://buff.ly/42L9l5G Also, here is a recent CURA Story highlighting Dr. Lewis' research: https://buff.ly/42jtTSH

?? Faculty Grant Opportunities for Community-Engaged Research Projects The Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) supports applied research projects by faculty that actively involve community partners in the research process. These programs provide grants, technical assistance, or other support for applied faculty research projects. The Community Action Research Grant supports interactive public policy research between UMN faculty and Minnesota community organizations or government agencies with funding up to $45,000. The Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs supports the work of a UMN faculty member on a project related to urban and regional affairs in Minnesota with $40,000 in funding. Proposals are due March 7, 2025. https://lnkd.in/dJkR4j8A

The 2025-2026 Hub Residency Call for Proposals are open! Hub Residencies, our signature programming, support community-based collaborative projects that engage a topic of important public interest and involve at least one community partner and one person affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Residencies include up to $15,000 in funding; priority access to the Hub space; and access to university resources, depending on the nature of the project. Applications are due by noon on March 7, 2025. If you have any inquiries or need assistance connecting with a CLA faculty or staff member, contact Amanda Steepleton, Hub Program Manager, at?[email protected]?or 612-624-1811. Learn more and apply at z.umn.edu/hub-residencies

?? We are celebrating the launch of CURA Stories! ?? First edition: From Pay-to-Stay to Financial Freedom: How Participatory Action Research Transformed Hennepin County Shelters: https://lnkd.in/dFBaNHeP CURA Stories bring our mission, vision, and values to life through powerful, human-centered narratives that celebrate the work of our community and government partners. These monthly stories highlight how deep partnerships, shared expertise, and organizing as a form of leadership drive racial equity, social justice, and transformative change in Minnesota’s diverse communities. Please share and subscribe to this newsletter: https://z.umn.edu/curanews

?? We are now accepting proposals from local government agencies?anywhere in Minnesota?for 2025-2026?partnerships to address community research and technical assistance needs! "There is?positive energy?that comes with working with students on projects. Having?multiple disciplines look at these topics was really invaluable."?- Previous RCP partner Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gutDCgM9

Help Build a Tool for Housing Justice in Minneapolis! The Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) at the University of Minnesota is looking for a skilled full-stack developer with a background in data science to create a web application that empowers communities, researchers, and advocates. This tool will make it easier to understand rental property ownership, eviction patterns, and housing code violations in Minneapolis. By combining interactive maps and visualizations of ownership networks, it will shine a light on the connections between property owners and provide actionable insights to support housing equity and transparency. Join us in creating a resource that will drive meaningful change for communities across our city. https://lnkd.in/dNzEk_93